West Coast Steiner School
Book Week literacy incursion: We are Here!
Class 5 at West Coast Steiner School was extremely fortunate to enjoy a Book Week literacy incursion from the We are Here! Foundation. We studied an autobiographical story written by the late Dorrith Sim, one of ten thousand Jewish children rescued from Germany by the Kindertransport charity before World War Two broke out. Dorrith’s inspiring story, “In my Pocket,” described her experience as a seven year old travelling to her adoptive family in Scotland, the inclusivity and belonging extended to her by strangers, and the strategies she used to learn the English language where she would store each new word in a “pocket” in her memory.
After discussing the story and illustrations, the children designed and painted their own pockets containing those things most precious to each of them. They then wrote reflective thank you cards for the organisers, Jill and Eli Rabinowitz. Please enjoy a glimpse into the children’s insights from their thank you reflections:
“I learned that you can find light even in the darkest of places.” – Liam
“I think what people can learn is simple but beautiful: people who haven’t been through it can learn to support others, while people who have been through it can let it out and relate to others.” – Nalina
“One of the ways you can learn is that you have to be respectful of people because of their history and backgrounds, they might be carrying sadness about it.” – Matilda
“I think that Dorrith felt like children should know what is happening in the world, and I agree.” – Harriet
“The story tells people that kindness from strangers can really save a life…Dorrith used her “pocket” to store precious memories while focusing on the present.” – Norah
“I think it’s important for people to learn about how refugees might be feeling and how they can help.” – Austin
“Nothing is impossible if I try! I think the story started out sad, but had a happy ending. I love happy endings!” – Eduarda
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jill, Eli, and the We are Here! Foundation for providing such an engaging, thought-provoking and heart-warming incursion for the children. Yishar Koach!
Elaine Meyer
Maar/Class 5 Teacher
