For the second year, Heritage College hosted a Holocaust Memorial, with members of the Courage to Care Committee of Management and staff honoured to attend. The event was thoughtfully led by teacher Sarah Perry, a participant in the Gandel Teacher Program.
The memorial stood out for being shaped and delivered by students, whose leadership brought authenticity and deep meaning to the service. A highlight was the testimony of Holocaust survivor Peter Gaspar, who spoke powerfully about antisemitism in contemporary Australia and the responsibility of young people to challenge stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.
Attendees included David Southwick MP and Nicole Brittain from the Gandel Foundation. A Bialik College student also shared her great-grandfather’s story as a Holocaust survivor from Poland, adding a deeply personal dimension. Principal Sonny Aiono challenged students to recognise how small, everyday actions can create meaningful change and build a more just community.
A particularly moving element was a student-led project inspired by the Jewish tradition of placing a stone in remembrance. Students selected and decorated a stone from the campus, which was later taken to Auschwitz in late 2025 and placed at the Death Wall, symbolising their commitment to remembrance and standing against injustice.
This Holocaust memorial not only honoured the past but also reinforced a clear message: remembrance carries responsibility, and even the smallest actions can help shape a better future. Courage to Care is proud to be involved with Heritage College and to support its commitment to developing students as Upstanders.
