Holocaust Education Week recognized through programming

Greenwood recognized Holocaust Education Week in November with programming held throughout the month to expand upon the students’ learning.

On November 4, we welcomed Pinchas Gutter, a Holocaust survivor, who spoke about his experiences during the Holocaust in Poland. 

The Jewish Culture Club (JCC) held debrief discussions, which included exploring modern implications during their club sessions on November 7 and 14. 

On November 15, students participated in grade-specific workshops during Community Time. These consolidated workshop presentations include examples of modern antisemitism (e.g., news headlines, images, social media) and had “call-ins” for all students, Jewish and not. Each grade delved into a different topic:

A key part of our Holocaust Education Week Consolidation workshops is to prompt the students to consider these ideas beyond the week.

Then on November 27, all Grade 7s and specific classes attended the Tour for Humanity bus where they learned about the Holocaust and global connections. The Grade 8s also had additional programming.

On December 4, seven Greenwood students signed up to attend the Toronto Holocaust Museum’s 2024 Student Leader Symposium, where students, Jewish and non-Jewish, meet to discuss the challenges and opportunities to combat antisemitism. 

We will continue this work next year with the International Day of Holocaust Remembrance as students will be asked to reflect on the commitments they made to counter antisemitism. 

You can read several student reflections about Holocaust Education Week here.