Social Studies -- Holocaust Letter

In the last activity for the topic of Social Studies, we look at creating a letter in which we imagine a scenario where we are a principal. In this scenario, as a principal we receive a complaint from a parent in regards to what their child has learnt, that being the 'Holocaust'. They are seemingly upset that their child was to learn of this event. 

The task presented is to write a letter detailing our perspective and opinion about the subject. The letter should include the reasons as well as the decision to include this topic in the programme. Emphasis on human rights and Anti-Semitism.

The Letter:

Dear Mr/Mrs---------

I have received and reviewed your concern about what we have included in our education programme. The disquietude you've felt upon hearing your child being taught this topic. We understand why you may feel such a way.

Knowledge is of utmost importance as a school and as an individual. Our ambition for the students that attend our facility is that we are able to give them such knowledge. This knowledge comes into the form of subjects, which includes Social Studies. Primarily Social Studies focuses on people, their relation to each other and the world. The subject is broken into fragments of topics that included the Holocaust and the history and WWII.

Although the intent to give knowledge is fundamental, forget we not, that conduct and morals are as cardinal as knowledge itself. We emphasize kindness in this school. This is why learning about 'Human Rights' and 'Discrimination' --especially 'Anti-Semitisim'--became a topic that we found to be not only crucial but also, necessary. 

Kindness, humanity now, has it an important value. However, history has not been truthful and has done many acts in which contradicts so. The tragedy of the 'Holocaust' has provided us with how 'unkind', to say the very least, we were. Atrocities of war have equipped us with experience of the scale of devastation morally unjust decisions that we can make. 

 

Our thoughts and morals have made it an obligation to help not repeat unjust decisions that have been made in the past. Educating students, the individuals of the future, to critically think about morality and rights as a human. The school equips its pupils with not only morality in teaching this topic but as well as the significance of values, knowledge and ethics. 

We acknowledge your concerns. We take worries and regard each of them with importance. If the concern that you have is unequivocally serious; you do not desire for your child to learn of this topic anymore, contact once more. However, even so, we take your regards into consideration.

Kind Regards,

---

Axle S.

Principal of Pierce Academy