David attends Holocaust Day Assembly at ‘Outstanding’ Westborough Primary School

30 January 2006

On Friday 27th January 2006, David Amess MP attended a moving and inspiring assembly to mark Holocaust Day for year 6 pupils at The Westborough Primary School and Nursery in Westcliff on Sea.

This assembly is conducted each year by Deputy Head, Jerry Bennett for pupils aged 10 and 11, an event in the school that was particularly singled out for praise by Ofsted inspectors during their visit in January 2005 commenting on the ‘outstanding’ personal development of the pupils at this school adding that,

‘Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is excellent.’

The assembly not only discussed the main causes and events of the Holocaust with the aid of photo slides and music but care was taken to emphasise the effect it had on ordinary people in Germany and other European countries that were singled out for no other reason than their religion. The main message of the day was inclusion and the importance of respect for people of different faiths, cultures and nationalities. The assembly ended with prayers given by four children of different religions for peace and harmony in the world, reflecting the multi-faith make up of the school.

On attending this moving event David said,

‘I was honoured to be invited to this special Holocaust Day assembly. The presentation was as moving as it was informative and insightful and this was clearly a view reflected by the children that sat with silent respect throughout. I would like to thank Jerry Bennett and Head teacher Jenny Davies for inviting me and congratulate them for the excellent way that they tackled such a difficult subject. It is very important that the Holocaust is not forgotten by modern society but the historic lessons need to be communicated to our children in a sensitive and relevant way. This event reflects the strong emphasis that Westborough Primary puts on social inclusion throughout the school for which they ought to be commended.’