3 minute read
The Costello School
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT…
A selection of our students participated in the Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January which was hosted by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane 2021/22, Cllr Onnalee Cubitt.
The students shared their own work in the form of a poem, a reflection, as well as artwork for the event banner. Our Year 9 drama students shared a very moving piece entitled ‘Arbeit Mach Frei’ with stage direction by themselves. We are incredibly proud of these students who represented themselves and the school perfectly. Artwork [right] by Stanley, Year 11 as part of his GCSE portfolio
“One day, One day, We were found to be okay. As I thought, the light from my eyes, Soon went away. We lay there tired, watching the sky. How we cry, with tears. One day, One day.” Saara, Year 9
“One day. One day at a time was what the countless victims of brutal genocide victims thought. Stripped of their individuality, stereotyped to one thing, Jewish, Muslim Bosnian, Rohingya Muslims and so many more, all taking their life one day at a time. I want you to picture what a victim of a genocide would thing. Picture you hiding, knowing that you may not live to see one more day. Turn to the left, you see your friend, family or significant other slowly losing themselves to the trauma genocide causes. Wanting to step outside your house knowing that you are safe, saying goodbye to your family and knowing they will return. This was not the case. One day was what they thought one day I can be free, one day I will be happy, one day I will run and be free. One day we will all be free.” – Emily, Year 9
Poem by Paige, LGBTQ Club writing Hiding Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Hiding in the basement, hiding in the stairs, hiding in the closet and in your nightmares. Why are you scared of me? For I am the truth, I am the truth. You cannot shun me away forever. You cannot hide the truth.
You want to hide me.
I am not that scary once you see me in true light. Yet, you shun me away. Let me be free. Why would you hide yourself? Why are you scared of you? Let me out and you’ll find a world full of light and acceptance. Some people will want you to hide, but be proud of me. So don’t follow the crowd. Stand up. Be different. Be a rainbow in a world without sunshine.
You don’t need to hide anymore.
SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT…
HOW UKRAINE IS BEING DISCUSSED IN BET SCHOOLS
EDUCATION TRUST
The conflict in Ukraine and its humanitarian effects has affected the whole UK community and schools across BET have been addressing this by including discussions of the issues within lessons, assemblies, and tutor time as well as fundraising and donations Bohunt Horsham had a history lesson on the evolution of Russia/Ukraine/Crimea as well an assembly on understanding the current conflict and the impact of being displaced and besieged looking also at Syrians and Afghans. It also coincided with the school’s non-uniform day for Comic Relief with raising funds supporting Ukrainian people. The school raised £1,000. Priory School also held a fundraising day, where students made blue and yellow ribbons to sell alongside sunflower kits. It ran lessons in the Food tech department making traditional Ukrainian food and it also held a Day for Ukraine and Year 7 and Year 8 English students wrote letters of support and compassion for Ukrainian refugees. Steyning Grammar School collected items including sanitary products for local relief funds as well as raising funds for NSPCC and the British Red Cross. The Petersfield School used BBC Newsround videos to explain the situation to the students during tutor time. TPS also split its fundraising efforts between medical supplies for Ukraine and Sports Relief. Students also made homemade cakes to sell to raise money for Medics to Medics, providing essential paediatric and maternity supplies. Wokingham focussed their support on Bohunt Stands for Peace and Victims of War. It put up posters including the white peace dove as a symbol. Worthing managed the subject by discussing factual information surrounding the conflict, raising the issue of fake news and the importance of evaluating where information comes from and the humanitarian angle and an explanation for the refugee situation.
