Adam Majsay – Head of High School

Cultivating student voice at Emanuel

One of the characteristics of our approach to learning and wellbeing at Emanuel is the cultivation of student voice. We believe that empowering our students to express themselves and the things that matter to them fosters their individual growth and strengthens the fabric of our community.

A prime example of this commitment to student voice is our ‘What I Feel Like Expressing’ (WIFLEs) segments during High School Assemblies. These segments provide students with a platform to share their thoughts, ideas and passions with their peers and teachers. It’s heartening to see our students embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm, sharing perspectives that inspire and challenge us all, or sometimes just make us giggle! We’re keen to see even more students take up the opportunity to take to the microphone at assembly, with Amelie Trope and Kian Hamburger, our Head Madrichim, inviting students to reach out to them with their WIFLE ideas.

Just this week, Kian and Amelie utilised their ‘Spotlight On…’ segment at High School Assembly to speak to the students about today’s International Women’s Day. They shed light on the remarkable achievements of two women, Christina Koch and Claudia Golbin, pioneers in the fields of aviation and economics, respectively. Their presentation celebrated these unsung heroes and set the scene for an assembly filled with meaningful conversations about gender equality and the importance of recognising women’s contributions across various domains. At Emanuel, our commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality extends beyond special occasions like International Women’s Day. By engaging with such topics year-round, we hope to emphasise the enduring importance of equality in our community.

As we continue to nurture a culture of respect, understanding, and dialogue, it is my hope that the important issues expressed through the student voice at Emanuel enrich the conversations our students engage in at School, in the classroom and in the playground, as well as the conversations that our families have over their dinner and Shabbat tables. By amplifying student voices and embracing diversity, we not only enrich our wider school community but also empower our students to become compassionate, informed leaders of tomorrow.