Trinity Catholic School students help ‘Bridge Generations’ through powerful Holocaust Memorial at Westminster

As a Beacon School for Holocaust Education and one of only twenty six schools in the country to hold the prestigious Quality Mark Status Trinity Catholic School was invited by the charity Learning From the Righteous to take part in the In Their Footsteps Project. The initiative is inspired by the work of artist Jenny Stolzenberg, whose deeply personal response to her father’s lifelong silence about his experiences during the Second World War has become a powerful symbol of remembrance.

Jenny’s father, Wilhelm Pollak, survived imprisonment in both Dachau and Buchenwald concentration camps but rarely spoke about what he endured. In response, Jenny created a striking display of ceramic shoes, ‘each honouring the uniqueness of each victim of the Holocaust’ who had an individual story that deserves to be remembered.

In October, due to the generosity of the Friends of Trinity, every student at the school was able to take part in the project, creating their own commemorative shoe in memory of those who are no longer able to leave their own footprint in the world. The project extended beyond the classroom, with Trinity also hosting an evening workshop for members of the local community, including second generation Holocaust survivors, allowing them to reflect and create alongside students.

The shoes made by Trinity students and local residents now stand alongside Jenny Stolzenberg’s original work in an exhibition currently being held at Westminster. The exhibition forms a central part of the government’s Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 commemorations and reflects this year’s theme, “Bridging Generations” which is reflected poignantly in the collaboration between students, survivors’ families, and the wider community.

Last week, members of Trinity’s History Research Group were invited to Westminster for the prestigious launch of the exhibition. Students helped host the event, confidently explaining the project to MPs and other distinguished guests. Attendees praised the students’ depth of knowledge, understanding, and genuine passion, describing the display as both educational and profoundly affecting. Many commented on how powerfully the exhibition conveyed the importance of remembrance, particularly when led by young people.

The exhibition will remain on display at Westminster until the end of the month, continuing to draw visitors into quiet reflection. Trinity is now looking for a local venue to host a community exhibition, ensuring that the impact of the project can be shared more widely.

For Trinity students, In Their Footsteps project is an act of remembrance, responsibility and hope which demonstrates how education can connect generations to ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten.