Sonia Newell – Development Office

A celebration

Today we held a very special celebration, when our Years K to 6 students spent the morning with their grandparents and special friends, sharing songs and activities for both young and old!  Here now are just a few photos…

Holocaust survivors within our community

A recent article by Sophie Deutsch in the Australian Jewish News opens: “Whilst there are many thought-provoking portrayals of the Shoah, ‘Last Witnesses’ sets itself apart from other Holocaust films with its moving message that bears strong relevance to youth today”.  Past Emanuel parent, Judy Menczel, is the producer and director of this powerful documentary which, if you missed it on Compass, ABC TV, you can see on: www.iview.abc.net.au

There are also other Emanuel community connections in this film. One of the survivors interviewed is Emanuel School grandparent, Litzi Lemberg, who only discovered at the age of 46 that she had been a child survivor. She is now the chairperson of the Child Survivors of the Holocaust group in Sydney. The documentary features tracks by well-known pianist and performer Leonie Cohen who is one of our music tutors here at School and also compositions by alumnus Sam Weiss (Class of 2012), whilst Judy’s daughter, alumna Zoe Menczel Schrire (Class of 2012) was Production Assistant.

More Screen Talent

Alumnus Jamie Hilton (Class of 1997) is one of the producers of the film ‘Breath’, with Simon Baker directing this film adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel ‘Breath’, set in mid-70s coastal Australia. Jamie heads See Pictures, which is one Australia’s busiest production companies. His theatrical debut was Claire McCarthy’s ‘The Waiting City’, shot in India in 2009 and starring Joel Edgerton and Radha Mitchell. Jamie was the executive producer for Julie Leigh’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’, selected in Official Competition Cannes 2011, selling in all major territories. He produced the supernatural thriller ‘Backtrack’ starring Adrien Brody and Sam Neill, released in 2015 and has also produced over 100 shorts, music videos and commercials. His films have screened and won awards at Cannes, Toronto, Sydney, New York, Rome, Paris and London. 

Judy Menczel

Jamie Hailton – Class of 1997

Zoe Menczel Schrire

Leonie Cohen – Pianist

Friendship Circle

Members of our Emanuel community supported the Friendship Circle walk last Sunday morning in a variety of ways – some by doing the walk and others by helping with some of the entertainment stations for the children, whilst Year 7 students Joshua Moses and Casey Flior provided some of the musical entertainment. More than 1300 people attended this event, raising over $100,000.00 that will go towards providing assistance and support for families of children and young adults with disabilities.  It is not too late to donate: www.sydneyfriendshipcircle.org.au/walk

Wishing you and your family, Shanah Tovah Umetukah (a good and sweet year) and well over the Fast.

If you have news you would like to share, please send it to: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au