Courage to Care

On Wednesday last week, the 5/6s participated in a program called ‘Courage to Care’. Courage to Care is an organisation of volunteers that aims to educate young students to be upstanders. During the incursion, we learnt about the effects of discrimination, racism, stereotyping and prejudice and how they affect many today. We learnt about the importance of being an upstander (someone who doesn’t just watch and do nothing when something is wrong, someone who takes action for what they believe), and how even the smallest actions can change someone’s life.

Reflections of our students on Courage to Care

We had visitors that spoke to us, one of them being a survivor of the Holocaust named Peter. Hearing his story was so inspiring, and was one of the highlights of the entire experience. He was only five years old when the Holocaust began, and listening to his experiences of hiding and living in a concentration camp was truly eye-opening to how fortunate we are in our modern day lives. One thing that stuck with us was when he told us that later in life he visited those who helped him and his family and asked “Why did you help me?” and they responded that they did it because it was what they thought was right. Peter’s story melted many of our hearts, and gave us a real life example of how helping those in need can save many lives.

This was a memorable experience that will stick with us for a very long time. Thank you Courage to Care!

Claryz, Queenie & Hillary

The session was about caring for others by being an upstander, and Peter’s story was about his experience during the Holocaust. 

(Pulindu) Being an upstander means to me defending a friend from harm and trying to not get them in big trouble.

(Maha) Being an upstander means to me, that you stand up for what's right and help others when they are in trouble. 

(Pulindu) what I heard is that Peter said when he was sick his parents gave themselves up for him instead of trying to continue on hiding. 

(Maha) What was shared with me about Peter’s story about the Holocaust was that people smuggled in food for Peter and his family even though they could suffer a great penalty.

(Maha) One thing I could take into action after the incursion was to be helpful to others.

(Pulindu)The one thing I would put into action is to be more understanding to other people if they are sad.

On the 2nd of August, volunteers who are part of the Courage to Care organisation came to visit the Year 5/6’s. The Courage to Care session taught us about being an upstander and prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and racism. They deepened our knowledge and understanding and one of the volunteers shared her experiences during the Holocaust. We learnt that being an upstander was to stand up for those who are going through rough times. They help defend the victim from the perpetrator. During the stories of the Holocaust  we understood that those who had been upstanders were the people who supported the Jews. We can all be upstanders by helping people when they are being judged and discriminated against. We learnt a lot from the incursion we had and can now share our knowledge of doing the right thing when others aren’t. Now we can all be upstanders!

By Alanna and Janelle from 5/6B

The session was about showing courage to care about people and proving that everyone should care even if you are a different race to them or different religion. Being an upstander means not to stand by while someone is getting bullied or hurt. An upstander is helping them, not letting them get bullied. My group thought it was sad because of how Peter was only 5 years old and he had to hide because people don’t like Jews. At a young age he had to hide in a cupboard for 2 years. With hiding he had to sneak and get food from others.

We think our group will take away that being an upstander is always the right thing to do in ways when people need someone to help them. 

Joshua, Shevon & Ojulu