Andrew Watt – Principal

Being ethical and responsible global citizens

In the past two weeks, mass protests against violence and racism have been held across the world, sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police. Protests have been held across Australia, denouncing these actions, and closer to home, rallying against Indigenous disadvantage and deaths in custody. In the light of this ongoing struggle for equality and justice, it is important that our Emanuel School community reinforces our values of respect, integrity, compassion, generosity and justice towards all.

Instagram message by Meir House students

I have missed my weekly opportunity to reflect with our students in assembly about how we, as ethical and responsible global citizens, can use our strong voice to support those without a voice. Remaining silent makes us complicit and we have a moral obligation to take a stand. As Ellie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” There is never a good time to make light of racial or gender issues. Parents are encouraged to take time to discuss the current issues impacting our society with their children and to remind them of the need to be upstanders and champions for those less fortunate than themselves. For if we do not take the time to speak into their lives, be sure that they will be filled with messages from elsewhere.

A key ingredient in our response to contemporary social issues is respect. An article by Samuel Rodenhizer talks about the great importance of respect in life:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Its goal was to grant status worthy of respect to all human beings everywhere. Showing respect for human life and human beings is fundamental to a civil society and civil world. When we respect others, it affirms their right to respect and their worthiness of respect. On the other hand, when we withhold respect from others, we imply they are unworthy of it. This can trigger a decline that is exceedingly difficult to arrest and end. Once it is generally believed that a certain race or ethnic group or nationality or skin colour or gender or age is unworthy of respect, the flood gates open for abuse. We have seen this many times in the past two centuries in particular. The natural and logical outcome of the removal of respect from particular classes is first rejection, then discrimination, then abuse, and ultimately genocide. It starts with a lack of respect. It’s another reason why respect should be common among all peoples everywhere, and why respect is so important.    

Quote of the Week

“No.” Rosa Parks 

Mazal tov 

Leo Masnick, Year 6, received a Highly Commended award in the Junior category of the Waverley Youth Art Competition for his artwork, Me and My World. 

Ashley Cohn and Sarah Maoy, both Year 7, recently cut their hair to raise money for charity. They donated their over 30cm ponytails to organisations who use the hair to make wigs for those who have lost their hair due to the effects of treatment for cancer.

Presenters at Night of Dangerous Debate, accompanied by Ms Lowe

Year 12 students Talia Blackman, Elijah Grynberg, Miriam Itzkowitz, Isabella Reichel and Jonathan Sebban organised the very first online Night of Dangerous Debate on Thursday evening. The event was a resounding success, with an exceptional line up of speakers and a plethora of interesting ideas. 

Daphna Levin-Kahn (Head of High School Jewish Studies), Kobi Bloom (Jewish Life Teacher) and Oren Thaler (Hebrew Teacher), along with many Emanuel School parents, shared their expertise and insights at this year’s Limmud Oz, which continues this weekend.

Leo receiving a prize for his artwork from Mr Watt