Chaplain

Our Yr 9 students engaged in an incursion from the Sydney Jewish Museum on Tuesday which gave them a rich learning opportunity. The day helped students to understand the practice of Jewish faith which consolidated their learning in Christian Studies. It also provided a good basis to begin to explore the causes and impact of the Holocaust.

The presenter of the second webinar enabled students to have a deeper understanding that the genocide was not a single man’s responsibility but was enabled by many of the general population. The exploration into the use of language and imagery to marginalise, blame, dehumanise and eventually kill a minority group rang caution bells for life today.

The final webinar provided insight as a number of survivors shared their stories.

The webinars were interspersed with workshops where students worked collaboratively to process and reflect on the images, concepts and stories. Parents and carers are encouraged to ask their students about this day. Encourage them to share what they discovered and what surprised them or even what issues they are thinking about.

I had a remarkable discussion with one group of students who were reflecting on the horror of genocide which they sincerely hoped would never be repeated and yet across our world it continues to happen. They reflected on the way that societies are manipulated. They considered the nature of humanity, that hate and violence can become acceptable. They wondered about the tumult of the riots and violence at present around the world and what lessons the past have for that situation.

Some of the students connected the issues they were discussing to their current learning about Aboriginal Spirituality in Christian Studies. They were considering the genocide of the Aboriginal people and how that has an ongoing effect. They were wanting to consider what might be a constructive way forward for our nation.

This day is not an easy day for the students but it does provide them with information and a supported environment to explore these crucial issues in our world. As leaders in their generation it is important that they have an appreciation of the lessons of the past and the ongoing impact of our past on life today.

May the Lord Bless you.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022