Helenhyde

HELEN Hyde, made a dame for her contribution to education, is one of the country’s longest serving state school headteachers and also one of the most successful. Hyde took over as headteacher of Watford Grammar School for Girls nearly a quarter of a century ago and has achieved outstanding results. Although a grammar school in name, the school has not operated as such since 1975. In 2007 it was named as the top comprehensive in the country for GCSE results and has been rated as outstanding in all categories by Ofsted. Hyde puts down the school’s achievements to consistency of approach: “Having the same head in place brings a security to the school. Pupils, parents and staff all feel safe. They know me well, they know I’m here, they know they can come to me. They know my standards and values.”

However, this is only part of Hyde’s story. A fellow of Holocaust education at the Imperial War Museum, Hyde had several family members who were murdered at the Sobibor death camp in Poland.

Her family were originally from Germany. Her father Henry managed to flee to South Africa where Hyde was born and educated, moving to Britain in 1970 to become a language teacher. However her aunt, after whom Hyde was named, was not so fortunate. She, her husband and son Peter were picked up in 1943 in Amsterdam, where they were in hiding, and transported to Sobibor, where they were killed in the gas chambers.

Hyde, who is 64, helped bring to trial Nazi war criminal John Demjanjuk, who was convicted last year of aiding and abetting the murder of more than 28,000 Jews during the Second World War. She acted as a secondary plaintiff in the case of the Ukrainian-born guard and said at the time of his conviction: “I have spent my life looking through my family history, giving these people who died a name and making them part of my life.”

She attended the final three days of the 18-month trial and sat in the court room as the verdict was read out. “There was a stunned silence and all I could do was cry. There was such a huge relief — we were hugging each other,” she said.

Hyde is passionate about Holocaust education and ensures that Watford Grammar girls are educated about the crimes perpetrated at Sobibor and camps like it. “As an educator it was important to me to be able to see justice being done.”

She added: “I want to be able to say to my girls that if you do something wrong you will be punished and I was glad the German courts could do that.” She feels that this is a vital time for Holocaust education, given that soon there will be no-one left living to bear witness to the war crimes. “I will continue to speak out for them even when they are no longer with us.”

Despite having been so long in her post, Hyde sees no reason to retire. She said: “Becoming a dame hasn’t changed anything. I love working as hard as I can and I don’t intend on stopping.” This will no doubt bring much joy to Hertfordshire parents, whose daughters continue to benefit from Hyde’s talents as an educator.

My first conference as executive director of Limmud began with a beautiful, crosscommunal Shabbat, which eased me gently into the full-on excitement of the week. Limmud, which means “learning”, holds its annual flagship conference every December in the UK, attracting artists, leaders and presenters from around the world.

Having checked the programme online, I know I am in for a week of intense learning, engaging with Israel, interfaith interaction, live performances and so much more. The choices are almost unbelievable and cater for a huge range of interests. On Motzei Shabbat I put aside my professional role and sit with my eight-year-old daughter, Eden, discussing the meaning of the Jewish stories we have just read, in a Jewish Philosophy for Families session. I feel grateful for the opportunity to learn with my daughter in such a creative environment.

I love a good boogie and, after a late Saturday night at the retro disco, I briefly see Jordan, my 17-year-old daughter on Sunday morning. Limmud offers independence and choices for young people. Its leaders volunteer their time and energy into making Young and Teen Limmud a meaningful part of more than 250 young people’s lives. We plan to accommodate even more families this time next year.

On Monday I am inspired to hear the thoughts of volunteers from more than 40 countries. This year, I am looking forward to visiting Limmud International events. Limmud is influencing and shaping Jewish communities worldwide. On Tuesday, through my conversations, I gain the widest possible perspective on volunteering at the various Limmud events.

Limmud mealtimes are ideal for meeting up with old friends and making new ones, and on Wednesday I meet wonderful people over dinner. Our Jewish backgrounds and experiences could not be more diverse. Two friends self-describe as “unaffiliated” and don’t have synagogue memberships. One covers her hair and another wears a tallit when she leins. The big debates of the day are had there, along with the classic jacket potato filling discussions. I am so appreciative that someone else is cooking and then washes up, allowing me to enjoy such fantastic learning opportunities.

Still time to pack in another few sessions before the end of conference on Thursday. I explore the soul from a kabbalistic viewpoint and am moved by a photographic study through the lens of Jewish women. The conference has been both intense and exhilarating. I am inspired by a community that cares passionately about Jewish education and creates spaces for initiatives to spark, all facilitated by dedicated volunteers.

Shelley Marsh is executive director of Limmud