Andrew Watt – Principal

An increasingly impressive Sport program

As the profile of sport continues to rise, our team performances, representative honours and participation rates have impressed. This week, our Senior Girls Touch Football team won the Easts Schools Touch competition. A team of 45 sports staff now work across K-12 (permanent staff and casual coaches). We now have Head Coaches in netball, basketball, football, tennis, athletics and cross country

In Primary School, our Years 3 and 4 students have started after-school skills training program this term (futsal) and our Years 5 and 6 students have had the opportunity to engage in a weekly after-school basketball competition. Our swimming, cross country and tennis programs have been successful and additional specialised sport lessons are in place for Year 3. We have extended our specialised sport uniforms to include Years 5 and 6.

In High School, our Year 7 students have been amazing, jumping on board our compulsory sport program with great attitude and commitment. The sport options will change each term, as will our teams, providing students with a great opportunity to develop a flexible mindset and enjoy playing sport with different students/peer groups. We currently have nine High School basketball teams playing in weekly competitions, with a new weekly CDSSA Basketball competition starting this term, for our Emanuel Firsts team. Six teams competed recently in the Easts Schools Touch Football, with four teams progressing to the semi-finals. We also competed in the CDSSA Basketball gala day, SSC Weekly Basketball and Futsal competitions. Our Emanuel Swim Team placed 3^rd in overall points, in the CDSSA Championships – a great result. The Elite Tennis training program also commenced this term. Our Emanuel Football Firsts team are currently competing in CIS Football Cup.

In Term 2, we will be introducing a CDSSA Weekly Football Firsts Competition for boys and girls. We are also preparing for netball, football and futsal seasons. A huge mazal tov to our hard-working K-12 Sport Department, led by Kristy Genc.

Bringing parents back on campus

The COVID-19 restrictions around visitors on campus have yet to be relaxed. At the moment, ‘non-essential adults’ are not permitted on school grounds. We are, however, permitted to bring parents on campus for essential parent and carer meetings or when volunteering for educational support roles. Visits are preferred after school hours and for no more than one hour. Currently, the maximum number for an adult visitor group (indoors) is 30. For all visits, we are required to comply with a comprehensive set of sign-in and infection control requirements. We are seeking to be a little more flexible in allowing parents access, in extenuating circumstances. I am aware that some schools have adopted a more relaxed approach, whilst we are adhering to the set guidelines. We seek to remain true to the NSW Health expectations set for us, as it is important that we keep everyone safe and set an important example of respecting rules to our students.

New parents especially have missed out on the opportunity to see their child in the classroom or playground. We have conducted parent information sessions by Zoom and have recently released a welcome package, which includes a special video, a card embedded with seeds (in the post!) that can be planted, and a message from the Principal, with links to a range of important documents. We have worked hard to ensure that your children have transitioned smoothly into our School.

We miss our face-to-face interactions with parents and are seeking ways to connect. Our hope is that, in the ongoing absence of community transmission in NSW, the restrictions for visitors on campus will be gradually relaxed. We look forward to welcoming you in the near future!

Purim

Purim is one of my favourite festivals. We put together this short video showcasing highlights of the day, so you too can enjoy watching the many fun activities and admiring the many incredible costumes. 

Mazal tov

• 

  Jesse Koslowski at the Lions Youth of the Year Award

  Jesse Koslowski, Year 12, represented the School at the Lions Youth of the Year against students from four other schools. He gave a five minute planned speech on Privilege in Society as well as two, 2 minute impromptu speeches. Jesse did the School proud. 
• Jonathan Levy and Jade Berson were recognised as CDSSA Swimming Age Champions – what fantastic achievements.
• David Winter was awarded Best and Fairest in the Easts Touch Football Competition – a coveted award and one which carries great weight.

Quote of the week

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”
By Shannon L. Alder, author