Professional Development
Primary School Staff led by Debbi Benn & Michele Galanti
21 July 2025
The Pockets
Michele Galanti’s Introduction
Ben Leveson’s Photos
A huge thank you to Jill Reitstein Rabinowitz and Eli Rabinowitz for leading yesterday’s ‘In My Pocket’ professional development session, which gave the Primary School staff the opportunity to learn deeply about the Kindertransport, and the rescue mission that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety before World War II.
Through powerful storytelling and historical insight with Michele Galanti, staff explored the lives of children, specifically Dorrith Sim who were forced to leave everything behind, often carrying just a small bag or item in their pocket.
Inspired by the session, staff crafted their own creative symbolic “pockets”, each one telling a story and collectively reinforcing a strong sense of unity and collegiality within the Kindergarten to Year 6 team.
Thank you again to Jill and Eli for for guiding us through this moving and significant story with such thoughtfulness.
Jill’s Presentation – some photos
The art workshop for the teachers:
A teacher’s feedback
Dear Jill and Eli,
Words feel too small to capture the enormity of what you’ve accomplished.
Your professional development presentation around the Kindertransport during the Shoah was nothing short of extraordinary. Taking ‘In My Pocket’ and breathing life into its pages, transforming it from a story into a deeply immersive historical experience for children in 2025, is a profound act of both courage and compassion.
The depth of your research and the intentionality in your delivery created a space where heartbreak met understanding. You took a topic steeped in unimaginable pain and made it tangible in the gentlest, most respectful way. The accompanying activity was not just thoughtful, it was transformative. It no doubt allows young minds to connect, question, and feel. You’ve planted seeds of empathy and awareness that will blossom for years to come.
You’ve left an enormous imprint on my heart, and I know I’m not alone in that.
With deep admiration and gratitude
Link to the photos on MyDrive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vlQ_EQGdbCceJ4VzQr5Q3dD-SEMXIu-d?usp=sharing
Our volunteers:
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Carmel Primary School Year 6
20 June 2025
Funded by The City Of Stirling, The German Embassy & The WA Hon German Consul
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Earlier today, our Year 6s participated in a deeply meaningful ‘In My Pocket’ incursion as part of their Jewish Life and Learning program. Led by Jill Rabinowitz, the session offered an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the Kindertransport through storytelling and discussion.
In the lead-up to this incursion, the students took part in preparatory lessons focused on the Kindertransport, gaining important historical context and insight into the experiences of Jewish children who were rescued from Nazi Europe.
The ‘In My Pocket’ session invited students to step into the shoes of children from that time, considering the difficult choices they faced, the items they might have taken with them and the memories they held on to. Using fabric paints and markers, each student then decorated their own calico pocket, transforming it into a personal expression of memory, identity, and resilience. The creativity on display was incredible and we are proud of each and every student’s work of art.
We are grateful to Jill and Eli from the ‘WE ARE HERE’ Foundation, for bringing this incredible program to our school.
Shabbat starts at 5.02pm tonight and ends at 6.00pm tomorrow.
The Torah reading is Shlach.
Shabbat Shalom from Carmel School!
Debbi Benn
#studentengagement#jewisheducation#shabbatshalom#carmelschoolperth
With Frank Paolino MLA, Principal Julie Harris, staff & volunteers
