St. Peter’s School, San Francisco, CA – February 2, 2024

by George J Elbaum

St. Peter’s Catholic School, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1878, is an elementary and middle school with approximately 220 students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade. The school is one of the Archdiocese of San Francisco Catholic Schools and a vital part of the parish, a predominantly Latino community in San Francisco’s Mission District. Responding to these demographics, the school has launched a dual language immersion program starting with the incoming kindergarten class in 2024. Since its foundation, St. Peter’s has served all economic levels of the community by providing a well-rounded academic and Catholic education in a partnership with parents, who are recognized as the primary educators of their children. The school recognizes its important role in the growth and development of students and their families, and it thus promotes Gospel values and fosters peace, justice, integrity, honesty and love for learning.

As part of that effort, St. Peter’s has a month-long study of the Holocaust for its 7^th and 8^th grade students taught by Nina Martinez Fuaau, Language Arts Teacher, who organized today’s event as she had my previous 4 visit to St. Peter’s. The students prepared for today’s presentation by reading Elie Weisel’s Night and viewing Schindler’s List. The Q&A is always my favorite part of any talk as it reflects the students’ interests and natural curiosity, and the students were again very responsive in their questions and, at the same time, very enthusiastic and friendly. Upon my arrival I was greeted at the school’s parking lot by two helpful and enthusiastic students, Julissa and Thiago, who escorted me to the classroom and afterwards back to my car. My presentation was arranged by Sadie Simon of the JFCS Holocaust Center.

Notes from Students

Several weeks after my talk to St. Peter’s students I received 20 Thank You notes, and as is our custom, my wife Mimi and I read these together after dinner, excerpted statements that most resonated with us, and these excerpts are shown below (and some of the hand-decorated envelopes for these notes).

Something that stood out to me was when you made it to college even when others doubted you. As someone who doubts themselves a lot, hearing you believe in yourself made me think that I should start to believe in myself as well.
I have learned to always try and look on the positive side of things.
Your story of having to leave your family and grow up without your own family has truly touched my heart and impacted me. I am very blessed that I grew up with a family that loves me.
I admire you for all the speeches you make educating others about the Holocaust.
Thank you for answering all our questions.
One story that really stood out for me was when strangers moved into your house. You always kept a positive mindset and I really like that about you.
You are so lucky to be here and I’m glad you are.
I liked when you told us how much you and your mom loved each other. It made me appreciate and be more thankful towards my mom.
Through your story I learned if you stay positive and keep your head up, you can survive anything.
Your story has inspired me to always be positive and be thankful for all the luck I have.
We love how you spread positivity to people who are struggling silently.