BBCET children add their prayers to memorial event
Children from a BBCET primary joined others from across the region for a special remembrance gathering to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 on Friday 24 January.
Organised by North Tyneside Council in association with the Holocaust Memorial Foundation, the event was subtitled ‘For A Better Future’ and brought together pupils from three primary schools and six secondary schools, along with dignitaries and members of the Jewish community.
The four Year 5 children from Star of the Sea Catholic Primary in Whitley Bay performed readings and prayers at North Tyneside Council Chambers, and showed artwork that had been created during class to commemorate the occasion.
“The children watched the event, watched drama performances, listened to experiences of visitors’ to Auschwitz, listened to poems, reading, first-hand accounts of Holocaust survivors, and then read prayers of their own,” said Ruth Hodgkins, who is Year 5 Teacher at Star of the Sea.
The school is a regular participant in the annual event, which was also attended by fellow BBCET member St Thomas More Catholic High School.
“We have taken part four times previously, and each year has a different theme,” continued Mrs Hodgkins, whose role as Holocaust Memorial Event Co-ordinator sees her organise the school’s involvement.
“At Star of the Sea, we believe that participating in Holocaust memorial events is deeply important for our pupils, as it helps foster understanding, empathy, and awareness about the significance of human rights and tolerance,” she added.
“By learning about the Holocaust, they gain an understanding of the impact of hatred, prejudice and discrimination. They understand the true importance of kindness, tolerance, and understanding, all while remembering the importance of preventing such events in the future.”
