Double Act

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Flashback Friday

Some years ago, during one of the many pack-up and moves of the Primary Library on campus to different spaces, the Head Librarian was doing a big clear-out and asked if I wanted some old student storybooks, as she was about to do a big throw-out. I collected these for our archives – two most delightful books with hand drawn pictures and typed stories by the Year 2 students of 1985. Here is the front cover of both books, plus the index and just one story from Our Big Holiday Book by Year 2 student Nikki (Ross) Michel about her and her twin sister Lisa Strous and their friend Tamara.

Nikki and Lisa are now current parents at the School. If you have memorabilia you would like to donate or lend us, please get in touch.

Double Act

Lauren Faul and her father Jeremy Faul

A past parent, Jeremy Faul, recently had a most wonderful opportunity where, as he says: “I shared with my kids the notion that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I completed dual master’s studies and obtained my degree. I was also able to experience one of those rare life moments. The special and completely unanticipated aspect was that my daughter Lauren and I were able to jointly commemorate our separate graduations”.

Jeremy’s daughter Lauren Faul (Class of 2018) completed her Medical Science degree with 1st class honours and is seen here with her father, both in their academic robes on Graduation Day.

Lauren is now working for Westmead Institute of Medical Research (WIMR) as a research assistant in the field of skin cancer dermatology.

Mazal tov

Alumnus Sam Weiss (Class of 2012) has been nominated as a finalist in the APRA AMCOS* 2023 Professional Development Awards for Screen Composition. Sam says: “A lot of hard work has gone into this tile! Writing music for movies is such a cool gig. On an artistic level, we composers collaborate to elevate; we can transport you to faraway worlds and galaxies, make you laugh or cry, anoint heroes and villains, illuminate the unseen, and spark childlike wonder in audiences the world over. Experiencing this childlike wonder through film music was what made me want to be a screen composer in the first place – and something I still hold onto as part of my practice today.

“But on a professional level, it’s not an easy road. It’s a long game. So, a huge thanks to APRA AMCOS for all their work supporting emerging artists like each of us nominees, championing us and providing us with truly life changing opportunities to grow, learn and develop. It’s a testament to their support that so many other PDA nominees and winners have gone on to have wonderful careers.”

* Australasian Performing Right Association Limited (APRA) and Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS).

Putting the Pieces Together

Don’t forget to book your tickets for the 2023 Communal Event on Sunday 28 May 2023, where you will hear our principal, Andrew Watt, speak as part of a panel discussing Special Needs Education and alumna Dr Rebecca Kummerfeld showcase the work of the Museum alongside all 25 member organisations of the JCA.

Limmud in your Lounge
Saturday 10 June 2023 – Monday 12 June 2023

This is a series of thought-provoking and inspiring conversations about Jewish ideas and culture in homes across Sydney. Read the full program and buy your tickets now.

Presenters at this year’s event include several members of our School community – our Head of Jewish Life, Adina Roth, plus current parents, Jayme Akstein and Alla Melman.

We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.