Year 11 History Excursion
On Wednesday 2nd May, the Year 11 History class journeyed to the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick, accompanied by pre-service teacher, Reese Joyce and myself. Prior to our visit, students had extensively studied the ideology of the Nazis, their rise to power in 1930s Germany, what life was like under Nazi rule and the experiences of those who were persecuted in this most terrible period of world history.
We spent time looking at the main exhibition and had sessions where we met actual survivors. Our students were lucky to meet three amazing people who had lived through it all: John, Max and Pearl. John told us of his experiences, and that he first hoped (as a child) to fight in the war, but later realised that just surviving was enough of a challenge.
Max had an even more horrific story. He had been placed on a train heading to Auschwitz, but somehow found a way to convince a guard that he was not Jewish. He also told us about how grateful he was to come to live in Melbourne after the war. He talked about finding freedom and no longer being in a life and death struggle every day. He described how the sun now seemed to shine so brightly and beautifully, after the terrifying experiences, which he lived through as a young man, all those years ago. I didn’t get to hear Pearl, but our students who spoke to her said she had an equally extraordinary story.
There were other secondary schools at the centre when we visited. However, it was Mooroolbark College students who particularly excelled, asking many relevant questions and making great contributions in a large discussion in the main theatre.
Nothing makes history as alive as when you get to meet those who were actually there and can share their own individual experiences from the time. It was a special honour to meet these remarkable people and hear their stories. I was also greatly impressed by the sensitive, mature and knowledgeable manner and approach of our MC students. A day we will all remember for many years to come!
Chris Hanneberry
Year 11 History Teacher
