Andrew Watt – School Principal

Emanuel School recognised as a NESA Registered Professional Development Provider

I am delighted to share that that our application to become an Endorsed Provider of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Registered Professional Development for teachers has been approved.

This formal recognition of the School’s capacity to provide opportunities for teacher professional learning cements our place as a centre of excellence in equipping teachers with the tools needed for their professional growth.

Over time, we look forward to establishing an Emanuel School Professional Learning Centre through which we will be able offer high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers from Emanuel and beyond.

I am grateful to our Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning K-12, Adam Majsay, in facilitating this significant recognition of Emanuel as a lighthouse school for teacher professional learning.

Student leave policy

Whilst parents are encouraged to organise special events and trips in the non-term break, we appreciate that this is not always possible. The School can approve leave under ‘exceptional circumstances’ and we have an online application process. Once a leave request is received, it is assessed in terms of the impact on the student’s academic progress and a range of other factors, such as assessment task missed, history of previous leave, context of leave request etc. It would be helpful if parents seek extended (more than four days) leave only if urgently required and for the shortest possible duration. Please apply for leave as early as possible, with the underlying assumption that leave may not be approved. It would be wise not to book flights and accommodation until the leave request is processed. The Association of Independent Schools NSW provide an excellent information sheet for parents related to compulsory school attendance which can be accessed here.

Additional learning and study opportunities for students

In addition to conducting study skills seminars each year, we remain committed to providing a range of avenues for additional academic support outside the classroom.

The Cely Malki Program is an after-school learning intervention and academic program, open to students in Years 5-12. The program is supported by Emanuel student alumni, who offer assistance across a range of subjects.

Library Study Program/Homework Club provides specialist support to students in Years 7-12 in organisation and research from our Teacher Librarian, Karen McAndrew

The MakerSpace, Food Lab and Computer Clubs meet at lunchtimes for High School students who wish to tinker, craft, 3D print or work on software design.

Maths for Lunch provides High School students with help for Mathematics, at any level.

For information on dates, times and venues, please click here. 

Staff wellness 

On Tuesday, staff gathered in the Innovation Centre’s Food Lab to experiment with ingredients to concoct ‘Super Salad Dressings’. This lunch-time activity forms part of our ongoing staff wellness program. It provides opportunities for staff to take a breather during their busy schedule and connect with their peers over an enjoyable activity. As one staff member commented: “It’s lovely to get together, and what better way than through food.”

The month of Adar 

Today the whole school welcomed the month of Adar during Kabbalat Sabbat. Practising for my third Purim, I joined the staff and students, dressed up in an outlandish hat and mismatched loud socks. I looked a treat!

Mazal tov

• Jake Lewitton (Year 12) represented Emanuel School in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest, competing admirably in the intensive interview and public speaking stages.
• Jonah Trope (Year 10) is currently competing in the Cricket Australia U15s National Cricket Championships. He recently hit 200 not out vrs ACT on Friday.
• Our Junior Boys, Senior Boys and Senior Girls Football teams have progressed to the finals of the Easts School Touch Football Competition.

Quote of the week

“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.”
Solomon Ortiz