Andrew Watt

Nominations for 2019 HSC Showcase

We were delighted to receive notification from NSW Education Standards Authority that the Visual Arts Major Works of Saachi Owen and Sarah Sharwood have been nominated for consideration for inclusion in ARTEXPRESS 2020. Additionally, Saachi Owen’s Design and Technology Major Works has been nominated for possible inclusion in Shape 2019. These significant achievements follow on from Joel Ehrlich’s nomination for possible inclusion in ENCORE, a selection of performances and compositions from Higher School Certificate Music students. Mazal tov to Sacchi, Sarah and Joel, along with their teachers, Danny Burley and Eytan Messiah. We will notify the Emanuel School community of the details of the exhibitions, should the Major Works be selected.

In memory of Alexi Bader ^z”l

When a person passes away, we say “May their memory be for a blessing”. Lexi will live on through our many memories of him as well as through a number of commemorations:

• Lexi loved playing Futsal and was an accomplished player. The Alexi Bader Perpetual trophy will be awarded annually at the Emanuel School Inter-House Futsal Competition.
• The P & F Committee has donated the Alexi Bader Year 8 Mensch Award, in perpetuity, to be presented at each High School Speech Night.
• Our Year 8 parents have donated funds for an Olive Tree, with commemorative plaque from Lexi’s peers, to be planted in our school garden.

Zichron livracha – may his memory be for a blessing.

Farewell to our departing staff

Towards the end of each year, I announce in assembly those staff who will be departing Emanuel when Term 4 concludes. Our students were reminded that, whilst we are always sad to see members of our community depart, we must bear in mind that their decision is the best decision for them and their families. Some have been promoted; some have moved to a school closer to home; some have moved interstate; and some have retired, to enjoy a more restful existence with trips overseas, long breaks in coffee shops and no marking!

• Adam Ezekiel (PDHPE) is taking a year off, to enjoy a tree change in the country… we hope that he does not enjoy it too much!
• Hannah Chedzey (English) is returning with her husband to England, her home country;
• Murat Korkut (Mathematics) departs after completing a one-year contract;
• Michele Frank (English) is retiring to enjoy a slower pace of life, but will return as a relief English teacher when we need classes covered;
• Chris Maker (Computing) is moving interstate with his family to start an exciting new adventure;
• Alex Hone (Music) went to school at Barker and is returning to a very familiar setting;
• Leisha Strub (Primary) will be enjoying 12-months of maternity leave;
• Emma Clemens (Primary) will also be enjoying maternity leave, returning in Term 4 2020;
• Diane Clennar and Karon Rom (Primary) are looking forward to a peaceful, enjoyable retirement;
• Melanie Horin (Primary) departs after completing a one-year contract;
• Anna Economou (Primary) has resigned, to focus on her family for the time being; and
• Darryl Bourke (my PA) will be retiring to enjoy a quieter life, after serving three Emanuel Principals.

We will miss each of these staff members, and we recognise their valuable contributions. And most of all, we wish them every success and happiness in their new adventures. They will always welcome at Emanuel.

Emanuel School Writers Awards

It was wonderful to see so many of our students engaging in their writing and presenting with confidence at our Writers Awards. Parents and students alike enjoyed reading and hearing about a wide range of works, from different genres. The quality of the writing on display was outstanding, and we are very proud of each and every one of the creative works. It is common amongst aspiring writers to feel that they are never fully satisfied with their work. Many feel that they can do better and that their best piece is yet to be written; and that is the motivation that keeps them going. Recognising our students who are producing quality writing has become increasingly important, in a world where it is increasingly devalued. The award winners have consistently displayed a talent for expressing themselves through the written word – and I hope that they never lose their love of writing!

Twilight Concerts

Our two annual Twilight Concerts were held in the Millie Philips Theatre yesterday afternoon. These enjoyable performances showcased the instrumental playing and singing of many of our students across the Primary School and the High School, from ages 7-18. Mazal tov to the students who bravely shared their work. Thank you to the team of tutors who prepared their students so beautifully, and to Danny Burley who not only accompanied many of the students but also organised the concerts.

Emanuel makes The Educator’s 2019 List of Innovative Schools

Emanuel School is one of only 11 schools in NSW to be selected for The Educator Magazine’s prestigious List of Innovative Schools making “the most profound and exciting impact in K-12 education” in 2019.

Being independently recognised by a leading education publication confirms what we already know – that learning at Emanuel is different. Our School’s learning program is focused on creating authentic opportunities that future-proof our students for an ever-changing, unpredictable and complex world.

Innovation at Emanuel encompasses a wide range of technologies and disciplines: Our K-12 framework is developed to help realise ICT capabilities and skills with digital learning technologies. Students in Years K-9 create and showcase creative sustainable solutions to real-world problems at the Annual Innovation Festival. We foster the interest, confidence and aspirations of Year 4-5 students in STEAM learning in the Imaginarium After Hours Program. Our Years 9-10 Business Creators students engage with brand development projects that build entrepreneurialism, critical, creative and innovative thinking.

Our culture of innovation doesn’t stop at our students. Teacher professional learning at Emanuel is hands-on, collaborative, exploratory and designed to shape the role of our teachers as ‘architects of learning. It’s built on the principle that in order for our students to grow into life-long learners, the School must also create this same environment for teachers.

We are thrilled that our School has been recognised as one of the most innovative in the country. Our vision is to be a place ‘where the individual excels’ and a future-focused teaching approach does just this, equipping students with the capabilities to thrive for life.

View The Educator’s full Innovative Schools List here

Quote of the week

“What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the human soul.”

Joseph Addison

Mazal tov

The Year 8 girls Oztag team was undefeated in the Jewish Day Schools Oztag Gala Day on Monday, beating Moriah in the grand final 3-2.