Adam Majsay, Head of High School

Reflections on the New School Year

As we move along with the rhythm of a new school year, I find myself reflecting on the energy and enthusiasm that has characterised the High School experience during these initial weeks. The first fortnight has been a whirlwind of activity, marked by significant opportunity for students to consider their personal and academic growth.

Our recent Student Leadership Day stands out as a day of inspiration for our High School Madrichim. Led by our Head Madrichim, Kian Hamburger and Amelie Trope, it was a testament to the power of peer leadership. Our student leaders embarked on a journey of self-discovery, guided in part by anecdotes and pearls of wisdom gleaned from the experience of Mr Watt, Ms Lowe, and myself. 

Equally significant were the sessions with our Years 11 and 12 students, led by the High School Executive, Mr Abelson. Mr Ezekiel and I underscored the importance of setting oneself up for success in the final years of High School. With added responsibilities and expectations, our senior students are primed to embrace the challenges ahead, equipped with the tools to excel – if they put their mind and their energy to it! We sealed the ‘senior student status’ of our Year 12 cohort this week, with the awarding of the senior ties at Tuesday’s High School Assembly.

As part of our commitment to parent engagement, our annual series of Parent Information Nights took place this week. Covering myriad of topics pertinent to each High School cohort (Years 7-11), these sessions served as windows into our educational and wellbeing programs. Parents were offered insights into our curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and avenues for support.

For those who couldn’t attend, fear not! We will be sharing slides, resources, and video recordings of the Parent Information Nights via the Parent Portal in the coming week. It’s our aim to ensure that every member of our community feels informed and empowered to support our students on their educational journey.

As we navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the school year, I look forward to working with our families in our commitment to the nurturing, supporting and challenging of each of our Emanuel students – encouraging them to be the best that they can be.