Cranbourne School hosts Holocaust memorial
The solemn ceremony, now in its 12th year, was led by the school’s Year 9-12 student leaders.
Courage to Care Victoria was honoured to again support Alkira Secondary College’s annual Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony, held this year on the significant date of May 8 – marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the end of World War II in Europe.
Located in Cranbourne, Alkira Secondary College is a diverse and inclusive school community with more than 2000 students from about 50 cultural backgrounds.
The solemn ceremony, now in its 12th year, was led by the school’s Year 9-12 student leaders, with the audience comprising Year 9-10 students. The event continues to grow in prominence, serving as a powerful educational opportunity and reminder of the importance of remembering the atrocities of the Holocaust.
This year’s ceremony also welcomed guests from McKinnon Secondary College, Mount Scopus Memorial College, and Heritage College – the latter of which is set to hold its own Holocaust Remembrance event, inspired by Alkira’s longstanding tradition.
The initiative began more than a decade ago thanks to the dedication of two teachers, Kristine Wolfe and Nicole Scott, who were inspired to start the ceremony after participating in the Gandel Holocaust Studies Program for Australian Educators at Yad Vashem in Israel. Their vision has evolved into a respected and moving annual event.
A highlight of this year’s ceremony was a heartfelt speech delivered by former Courage to Care Vice-Chair, Les Kausman, who reflected on the enduring legacy of Holocaust education and the profound effect it has had on students over the years.
Students were deeply moved by a personal testimony from Holocaust survivor Peter Gaspar. His story of survival and resilience held the audience spellbound, offering a firsthand account of the horrors of the Holocaust and the strength of the human spirit. Peter’s presence provided a rare and powerful connection to history that many students will remember for a lifetime.
B’nai B’rith Courage to Care Victoria CEO Mike Zervos told The AJN, “Courage to Care commends Alkira Secondary College for its commitment to Holocaust education and the preservation of memory through student engagement, reflection, and leadership. As antisemitism and racism continue to pose local and global challenges, initiatives like these serve as a vital reminder of the lessons of history and the courage it takes to care.”