This issue’s highlights gallery captures the meaningful learning that took place during the Holocaust Symposium and International Holocaust Remembrance Day events. It also celebrates the friendly competition of the Senior School Badminton Lunch League, leadership moments at the Grade 11 Ivy Camp, Grade 2 students discovering museum artifacts, the CHS All-Bands concert, and more! Check it out here 

In partnership with the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, Senior School students have been engaging in purposeful dialogue to deepen their understanding not only of Holocaust history, but of the powerful themes of resilience, action and resistance.

On Friday, January 23, Grade 10 students from Crofton House and York House School took part in a Holocaust Symposium, hearing from survivor Lillian Boraks-Nemetz and Professor Kristin Semmens, one of British Columbia’s leading voices on Holocaust history. The learning continued on Monday, January 26, when the Senior School assembly welcomed survivor Amalia Boe-Fishman, who shared her powerful story with students and staff.

Holocaust Symposium

At the Holocaust Symposium, Lillian began by reading one of her poems, Child Survivors of the Holocaust. Alongside Ellie Lawson, Education Manager, Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, she shared with students where she was born and what life was like in Warsaw, and her childhood experience when Germany invaded Poland. At just six years old, Lillian experienced her first air raid. She hid in a ditch as bombs fell around her.

She went on to describe living in one room with her family in the Warsaw ghetto, going into hiding to avoid being taken to the Treblinka death camp, and being smuggled out of Warsaw—letting go of her father’s hands at the Warsaw checkpoint, and becoming an adult at just 9 years old. She spoke of her living conditions in hiding in Zalesie, Poland, before her family’s liberation by the Russians. Finally, she shared the fate of her own family, who had all been separated through the Holocaust—her sister did not survive. 

She concluded with a reading of her poem Hope: “Every day is a gift, no matter how small, no matter how sad, complicated or dark.”

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Lillian Boraks-Nemetz 

Lillian Boraks-Nemetz, 93, was born in Warsaw, Poland, and survived the Holocaust as a child. After spending 18 months in the Warsaw Ghetto, she hid in various Polish villages under a false identity for the rest of the war. In 1947, she immigrated to Canada, living in Montreal, Vancouver, and finally Victoria, where she attended St. Margaret's School for girls.

In 1965, Lillian started her studies at the University of British Columbia, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in comparative literature. She taught Creative Writing at UBC from 1980 until her retirement. Lillian is an accomplished author, known for her award-winning young adult trilogy: The Old Brown Suitcase, The Sunflower Diary, and The Lenski File, as well as her poetry volumes, including Hidden Vision, Out of the Dark, and Mouth of Truth. “I became a scholar of my past. I studied, figured out, and tried to heal. Not to give in,” she said in Friday’s Symposium.

In 1989, she co-founded and chaired the Holocaust Child Survivor Group of Vancouver, supporting fellow survivors for many years.

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Dr Semmens presented on Jewish female resistance to Nazi persecution, though she highlighted that Nazis committed crimes against many groups, who also resisted, including Roma people, people with disabilities, homosexual and trans people, political opponents, Black people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and more. “We must never lose sight of what Nazis and their collaborators did. But what is often lost in some of this teaching is how the victims themselves responded, how they reacted, to this type of persecution—and indeed how they resisted,” Dr Semmens said. 

Grounding Dr Semmens' discussion was a shared definition of resistance, where the actions and undertakings of resistance (which did not need to be successful to be defined as resistance) during the Holocaust intended to: 

• frustrate the Germans’ aim of harming or killing the Jewish people, 
• limit/end oppressors’ power, and
• oppose Nazi acts, policies and intentions 

Dr Semmens highlighted various forms of women’s resistance during the Holocaust that demonstrated courage, resilience, and humanity in the face of oppression. Acts of defiance included holding private weddings, using humour to cope with escalating persecution, and showing kindness through small gestures of care in ghettos and camps. Women also resisted by smuggling food, maintaining spiritual practices, creating artwork that preserved identity and hope, secretly documenting evidence of Nazi atrocities, and, in some cases, attempting to “pass” as non-Jewish to survive or help others.

 

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Dr Kristin Semmens

Dr Kristin Semmens is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Victoria. She earned her BA (Honours) and MA from the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria, and completed her PhD in History at the University of Cambridge, UK. Her research focuses on twentieth-century German history, with particular expertise in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. Dr Semmens is the author of several acclaimed works, including Under the Swastika in Nazi Germany and Seeing Hitler’s Germany: Tourism in the Third Reich.

A dedicated educator and recipient of multiple Teaching Excellence Awards, Dr Semmens is widely recognized for her engaging and insightful approach. She has been honoured as the Department of History’s “MVP” for seven consecutive years. We were deeply grateful to welcome Dr Semmens from Victoria to share her expertise and perspective with our community.

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Students also viewed two short videos from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to learn more about Young Women Smuggling to Save Lives and the Ghettos.

To conclude the Holocaust Symposium, Lillian and Dr Semmens responded to thoughtful questions from Grade 10 students from both Crofton House School and York House School. Students asked about experiences of antisemitism in Canada, the challenges of sharing one’s story, and the sources of hope that sustained survivors after the war.

Senior School Assembly

Students led the shaping of the program for Monday’s assembly, and began with a thoughtful group presentation on “the helpers” during the Holocaust—individuals whose courageous acts of resistance and compassion made survival possible.

WATCH THE ASSEMBLY RECORDING HERE 

Their reflections set the stage for Holocaust survivor Amalia Boe-Fishman, creating a connection between history and lived experience.

In conversation with Lise Kirchner, Director of Education, Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, Amalia reflected on her experiences before, during and after the war. For example, she shared how her father, a scientist, was called to the camps and escaped because his assistant helped him go into hiding.

Amalia also spoke of the bravery of the Dutch resistance and the individuals who helped keep her family members hidden. At great personal risk, the Spiekhout family sheltered Amalia from 1942 to 1945, becoming her second family. Amalia expressed deep gratitude to the family and their ongoing connection. Amalia encouraged each of us to choose to stand up for what is right, especially when it is difficult, and explained that sharing the impact of such actions is why she and other survivors continue to tell their stories.

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Amalia Boe-Fishman

Amalia Boe-Fishman, 87, was born in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, in 1939. When the Nazis invaded, Amalia was hidden at the home of her father’s coworker, who was a member of the resistance. She was separated from the rest of her family and was not allowed to go outside. Amalia was liberated in 1944 and moved to Canada in the 1960s. She made a career as an educator and Montessori teacher. (Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre)

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A Commitment to Classroom Learning 

Holocaust education at CHS extends beyond this year’s symposium and International Holocaust Remembrance Day events. In Social Studies, students are taught to be historical thinkers, focusing on the process of learning. With this in mind, and as part of the Grade 10 Social Studies curriculum, students undertake an in-depth study of the Holocaust that encourages critical reflection on prejudice and resilience. 

For example, Grade 10 classes recently examined the historical context of Kristallnacht and other pogroms, and their impacts on the Jewish community. The lesson set students up for an analysis of primary and secondary accounts of victims, perpetrators, bystanders, and upstanders' experiences, and culminated in asking students to respond to the essential question: "How do people respond in times of fear and crisis?”

Through the powerful stories of survivors and the insights of Dr  Semmens, students were reminded of the importance of resilience, resistance and action. These lessons continue to be amplified through thoughtful discussions and the encouragement of historical thinking in classrooms, ensuring that the past is remembered and its lessons never forgotten.

Junior School

The busy basketball schedule continues! 7A won their league game against West Point Grey Academy on Monday, January 26, and defeated Mulgrave School on Wednesday, January 28. The Grade 6 team faced Collingwood School on Tuesday, January 27, and the Grade 5s hosted Southridge School on Thursday, January 29.

This week, with no games on the calendar, teams focused on their practices and building their skills for upcoming games and tournaments, including away games on Monday, February 9, for both the 7A team at Vancouver Talmud Torah and the 7B team at Southridge School.  On Tuesday, February 10, the Grade 5 team heads to Mulgrave School for their ISEA Basketball Playday, followed by the Grade 6s on Wednesday, February 11, at the Richmond Olympic Oval. 

Senior School

Bantam Basketball

Bantam basketball took part in the first-ever 3-on-3 Extravaganza on Friday, January 23, competing against each other in some friendly in-house competition. Last week, the bantam team faced both Saint Patrick’s School and Notre Dame; though a win was elusive in both games, the team correctly ran a new play three times against Notre Dame! The team has secured their spot in the Bantam Playoffs, which will take place on Wednesday, February 11, at St. Patrick’s School.

Junior Basketball

Meanwhile, the Junior team was out representing Crofton House at the Vancouver Girls Basketball Association (VGBA) Tournament from Friday, January 23, through Saturday, January 24. Madison, Grade 9, and Annie, Grade 10, were named players of the game in separate matchups throughout the tournament. After three tough-fought, close losses, the team was given a day off for their efforts,but opted to keep their practice time, showing great resilience and determination! Big shout-out to Fiona, Grade 10, who also competed in the VGBA 3-point shooting contest at Langara College on Saturday.

In league play, the Juniors faced Saint Patrick's and Notre Dame last week, coming away with two wins and securing both third place in the league and a spot in the playoffs at CHS this week. Their work continued at the ISA Championships over the weekend at York House School–finishing fourth! The team is hosting Junior League Playoffs this week, both on Wednesday, February 4 (a hard-fought win against Notre Dame!), and this afternoon. Tip-off is at 5:00 pm against York House School, here in the Senior School Athletics Centre. 

Varsity Basketball

The varsity team has also been enjoying a flurry of league games and tournaments over the last two weeks. 

First up, the team headed to Delta for the Seaquam Tournament on January 23 and 24, facing provincially first-ranked AA team Argyle Secondary School in their first match-up; the game was full of great moments and strong battles, though the team wasn’t able to secure a win (Ella, Grade 12, was named Player of the Game). They faced another tough match-up and loss against the AAAA team, GW Graham (Audrey, Grade 10, was named Player of the Game), and finally clinched a victory against Sullivan Heights to close out their tournament (Sami, Grade 12, was named Player of the Game). Ella, Grade 12, was named the Tournament All-Star.

The team then hosted St. Patrick’s on Tuesday, January 27, securing a win on Seniors Night! Following the game, the Grade 11 players paid tribute to the seniors with flowers, a team video, cupcakes, and, of course, photos.

This week, the varsity roster played its first AAA playoff games against Little Flower Academy on Wednesday, February 4, facing a tough loss in a game that determined the final AAA standings. The team continues to the Sea to Sky Zones next week, as the #2 seed. 

Athletics Clubs

With the lack of snowfall, the Ski/Snowboard Club enjoyed some initial runs two weeks ago before taking a break last week and crossing their fingers for more snow soon. Meanwhile, the Strength and Conditioning Club has continued to increase their strength, flexibility and endurance in the Fitness Centre.

The Climbing Club has been practicing both in the Fitness Centre and at the Hive Heights, and participated in the ISABC Top Rope Climbing Competition on Tuesday, February 3, at Brentwood College—our School's first-ever top-rope climbing competition! Aurea, Grade 12, tied for the sixth top climber at the event, while Taryn, Grade 12, finished tenth, and Emily, Grade 8, finished just outside the top 10. Our climbers competed in a field of over 45 climbers, which included both male and female students. Thank you to all who represented CHS!

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Falcons of the Month

A 2025–2026 Senior School Athletics Captains’ Council initiative, Falcons of the Month celebrates members of the Senior School Falcons community who embody team spirit and dedication. Each month, teacher sponsors and team coaches nominate individuals from the current term’s teams—whether athletes, team managers, courtside crew members, or passionate Falcon fans. The Captains’ Council and Senior School Athletics staff leadership then review the nominations and select the final recipients.

December Falcons of the Month

• Audrey, Grade 11 (Varsity Basketball): Audrey continues to show up to each game ready to play with intensity, and she doesn’t stop until the final buzzer.
• Heidi, Grade 9 (Junior Basketball): Heidi is an incredibly committed player and showed consistent energy on the court, particularly in her standout performance at the Victoria Christmas Tournament.
• Aleeza, Grade 11 (Scorekeeping): Aleeza not only shows up to her scorekeeping duties but has also taken the initiative to help those around her.

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National Girls & Women in Sports Day

Happy National Girls & Women in Sports Day, CHS! This week, Crofton House joined communities across Canada in celebrating this day (officially Wednesday, February 4) that honours the resilience and leadership of female athletes and coaches who inspire others. Look for a blog sharing highlights of activities in the next edition of ECalls.

It’s been an exciting year for Crofton House Senior School’s debaters and public speakers! Members of the Debate Club have been sharpening their skills and making their voices heard at competitions across the local, provincial, and national levels. Learn more about their recent results and upcoming events!

Debate

UBC Fall Debate Tournament

Teams Junior semifinalists: Aileen and Emma, Grade 9 students Senior finalists (top-breaking): Elliana, Karissa and Emily, Grade 10 students

Speakers Junior: 3rd Place: Aileen, Grade 9 8th Place: Emma, Grade 9 Senior: 1st: Karrisa, Grade 10 2nd: Elliana, Grade 10 3rd: Emily, Grade 10

BP Parliamentary Debate Provincials (Junior)

Teams Champions: Aileen and Emma. Grade 9 students Finalists (Top-Breaking): Fiona, Grade 9, and Elizabeth, Grade 10 Finalists: Emma. Grade 9, and Olivia, Grade 10

Speakers 2nd Place:  Emma, Grade 9 3rd Place: Fiona, Grade 9 6th Place: Olivia, Grade 10 8th Place: Elizabeth, Grade 10 10th Place: Ellaeyn, Grade 9 12th Place: Emma. Grade 9 15th Place: Aileen, Grade 9

British Parliamentary Debate Nationals

Junior Teams Finalists: Aileen and Emma, Grade 9 students Semi-Finalists: Fiona, Grade 9, and Elizabeth, Grade 10 Semi-Finalists: Emma. Grade 9, and Olivia, Grade 10 Speakers: 4th Place (Top in BC): Fiona, Grade 9 6th Place: Aileen, Grade 9

Senior Teams Finalists (2nd Place): Olivia, Grade 11, and Flora, Grade 12 Speakers: 7th Place (Top in BC): Maggie, Grade 12

Flora and Olivia have qualified for Cambridge University’s BP Finals Day Debate Championships in London. Aileen and Emma have qualified to the International Competition for Young Debaters in London!

Speech

Speech Provincials

Junior Debating: 2nd: Emma, Grade 9 3rd: Olivia, Grade 10 Persuasive Speaking: 3rd: Olivia, Grade 10 Interpretive Reading: 2nd: Ellaeyn, Grade 10 Impromptu Speaking: 2nd: Olivia, Grade 10 3rd: Emma, Grade 9 Overall: 2nd: Olivia, Grade 10 4th: Emma, Grade 9 8th: Ellaeyn, Grade 10 10th: Jocelyn, Grade 9

Senior Debating: 1st: Vanessa, Grade 12 2nd: Flora, Grade 12 3rd: Emily, Grade 10 Persuasive Speaking: 1st: Olivia, Grade 11 2nd: Flora, Grade 12 Interpretive Reading: 2nd: Vanessa. Grade 12 3rd: Flora, Grade 12 Impromptu Speaking: 1st: Flora, Grade 12 Overall: 1st: Vanessa, Grade 12 2nd: Emily, Grade 10 4th: Flora, Grade 12 5th: Olivia, Grade 11 10th: Kaiya, Grade 11 13th: Rechelle, Grade 10 15th: Alice, Grade 10

Vanessa, Emily, Flora and Olivia have qualified for Nationals this February.

International Independent Schools Public Speaking Competition

Rankings

Canada: 1st: Flora, Grade 12

Overall: 2nd: Flora, Grade 12

School: 1st: Crofton House!

Flora, who has been a member of the CHS Debate Club his Grade 9, has made Team Canada Speech and qualified for the World Debating & Public Speaking Championships in the UK in April!

Good luck to all the club members heading to the next events, whether they are right here at home or overseas! Other upcoming events for the club include the CNDF Regionals and Western BPs this month, Senior Speech Nationals in February, and the CNDF Provincials hosted at Crofton House in February.