THE children and families of Hayward’s Primary School took part in marking Holocaust Memorial Day on Wednesday, January 27.

During the week children took part in a wide range of activities to develop their understanding of the events leading up to, and during, the Holocaust.

They studied key "heroes of the Holocaust" such as Sir Nicholas Winton and learnt about the Kindertransport.

They also explored their response to these lessons through art, poetry and discussion.

In the evening, families lit candles in their window as part of a national vigil. 

Excerpt of poetry by Sophia, in Year Six:

“Like you, like us but born a Jew.

Locked away in camps of horror and death

Never forget the sinister plan 

To destroy each child, woman and man.

Like you, like us but born a Jew.

The Nazi’s tried to massacre them all. 

Never forget the destruction and pain.

It must not happen ever again.”

Andy Smith, Head Teacher, said: "Thank you to everybody who took part in the memorial event and lit a candle to bring a ‘light into darkness’.

"Over the course of the week, we have helped the children recognise the persecution felt by the Jewish people in World War Two.

"We have reminded the children of the importance of standing up for what we believe in and not allowing things that are wrong to go unchallenged."