Natanya Milner – Head of Primary

Meet the Teacher

Thank you to all the parents who attended our Meet the Teacher event on Monday night. It was a wonderful opportunity to begin the year by looking at the goals and focus areas for the Primary School and to welcome parents into our classrooms. There has been so much exciting change in the Primary School over recent years and we begin 2017 with different classroom spaces for each grade compared to just a few years ago. Since I began at Emanuel 10 years ago, this is the first year that there are no demountable classrooms for Primary!

As discussed at Meet the Teacher, our main focus areas for Primary this year include:

Innovation: We will be looking for opportunities to improve our current programs and systems as well as innovating and introducing new opportunities for our children. We are excited to be investigating the possibility of a MakerSpace on campus for students to tinker and explore creatively and technologically.

Reading and Spelling: Our Years K-2 teachers are incorporating a more synthetic phonics approach into their literacy programs. This includes an explicit and systematic way to develop sound-to-symbol recognition for reading and writing. We are excited to be building this further approach into our K-2 classrooms.

Mathematics: This year we have added a period of Mathematics to our timetables each week. With the additional time, we will be focusing upon the automatic acquisition of basic skills so students are able to then apply these quickly to assist in solving more complex problems.

Assessment: We are currently investigating the introduction of digital portfolios into some grades. This would allow us to share your children’s learning in more varied and environmentally friendly ways and in a more timely manner.

Hebrew and Jewish Studies: We are trialling new Hebrew resources in Year 3 that incorporate more technology applications into our Tal Am program. We are also looking forward to conducting an in-depth analysis of the integration between Hebrew and Jewish Studies programs in order to create even greater alignment and opportunities. 

Wellbeing: We look forward to continuing with recent innovations in the Wellbeing arena. The Leader in Me, Make a Difference (MAD) projects and Mindfulness programs will all continue. The teachers look forward to working on a framework to maintain the careful balance between creating articulate and empowered students whilst still developing listening skills and respectful relationships.

Swimming Carnival

This week’s Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival was a wonderful success with many students participating eagerly in a number of events. The House spirit was impressive and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing both the sportsmanship and healthy, competitive spirit. Thank you to those of you who joined us for the day. A special thank you goes to all the staff who assisted and especially to Stuart Taylor, Adam Ezekiel and Sharon Fairfax for their huge efforts to co-ordinate and run the day. Thank you also to the wonderful Ofer Levy for taking such amazing photos which will be available to you at no cost. Look out for the email with information on how to access these from Ofer.

Primary EActive and Extra-Curricular Activities

There are many before, during and after school activities that have now begun for the term. The huge range of activities – from Sports to Drama and Languages, from Art to Touch Typing – is really a tribute to the Emanuel teachers who have committed themselves to the development of these wonderful offerings. I would like to take the opportunity to thank Adam Ezekiel and Emma Hill for co-ordinating these activities for our children. I would also like to remind you all that Emanuel Out of School Hours (EOOSH) is also available in the afternoons. I have heard fantastic reports from the children who have been participating. Feel free to sign up via the website: www.emanueloosh.net.au/

Upcoming Dates

• 22 February: Years 6/7 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parent Information Night, High School Library 7:00-8:30 pm
• 23-24 February: Year 6 Leadership Camp, Allsorts Fitness Centre and Emanuel School
• 24 February: Crazy Hat Day
• 24 February: P&F Camping Trip commences, early leave for students at 1:10 pm
• 1 March: Year K Pathways Parent Information Night, Angles Leadership & Learning Centre 7:00-8:30 pm
• 2 March: Year 2 excursion Vaucluse House, 9:30 am-1:30 pm
• 2 March: Year 3 Swimming, Allsorts Fitness Centre 1:15-2:45 pm
• 2 March: Year 4 excursion Central Park, 8:50-11:50 am
• 6 March: New Parent Welcome Evening, 7:00-8:30 pm
• 7 March: Year 3 excursion Taronga Zoo, 9:00-3:00 pm
• 9 March: Ta’anit Ester, canteen closed
• 9 March: Year 3 Swimming, Allsorts Fitness Centre 1:15-2:45 pm
• 10 March: Years K-6 Purim celebrations