From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Thank you to our departing Madrichim
As a new student leadership team was inducted this week, we acknowledge with gratitude the outstanding contribution from our departing Madrichim, who proved to be creative and agile, as they adapted to different and uncertain circumstances:
- They learned to pivot, when the activity had to suddenly be adjusted;
- They learned to bounce back when encountering cancelations, adjustments and a protracted time at home, under remote learning;
- They learned to persevere, putting disappointments aside, as many of their initiatives and end of year plans were put on indefinite hold;
- They have been gracious, kind and caring leaders; and
- Perhaps most importantly, they have never lost their sense of humour!
On behalf of the Emanuel School community – parents, students and staff, we thank them for the significant impact they have had, in maintaining our culture of care, respect and ‘community.’
Induction assembly
Max Kidman and Chloe Miller, Head Madrichim 2020-2021
We enjoyed a very different occasion to previous years, with parents, staff and students in Years 7-9 connecting online. The audience of Heads of House and students in Years 10 and 11 were present to support our 2020-2021 Madrichim team as they made their pledge to lead and serve our students. Following the induction, the address from our Head Madrich, Max Kidman and Head Madricha, Chloe Miller, focused briefly on the character and strengths of each team member. I have shared a brief excerpt from my welcome speech below:
In 1966, Robert F Kennedy stated that, “Like it or not, we live in interesting times. These are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind”. In 2020, these words resonate deeply and bear an uncanny resemblance to what we face today, with the advent of COVID-19. Our Madrichim will face a range of challenges, around how best to communicate and how to best run safe and engaging events. The key challenge, however, will be how to influence the student culture under the COVID-19 restrictions, as opportunities to meet, to leave State boundaries…or even to hug… are decreased.
Kennedy believed that in difficult times, there is always an upside; having to explore new ways of doing things, as a result of new challenges…. often results in amazing acts of innovation and creativity.
We wish our new Madrichim every success and joy, as they take over the reins of student leadership.
Playground project approved
I am delighted to confirm that the planned playground project, to be located in the Triguboff Family Forecourt, will proceed in the December/January break. The playground will provide a wonderful environment for our Primary School students to explore and enjoy. The cost of the playground project is significant, and the contribution of last year’s P&F fundraising and two years of ‘a-thon’ fundraising are greatly appreciated.
Wearing of masks
The State Government is now strongly encouraging greater use of masks in indoor settings, where physical distancing is hard to maintain. Dr Chant has made it clear that masks should not be considered a substitute for physical distancing, but rather as a “fourth line of defence”, after staying home if unwell and getting tested; maintaining 1.5 m social distancing and good hand hygiene. It has also been pointed out that masks are not suitable for young children. Please consider whether you should wear a mask, if you are in the group of parents who collect their child from outside the school gates each afternoon.
Afternoon pick-up arrangements at Kornmehl gate
Our neighbours have complained that parents are again double parking in Stephens Street between 3.30 pm and 3.50 pm and queueing in the road as they wait for their child to come out of Avoca gate, walk down through Peace Park and exit to their waiting parent. This is causing havoc and a backup of Kornmehl parents who cannot get past and into our car park to pick up their pre-school children. I also understand that some parents are parking in Peace Park, to avoid doing go with the flow. The Council Rangers have been made aware of this congestion issue. We will do all that we can to tweak our GWTF arrangements, to maximise safety and to minimise congestion. It would be appreciated if parents could pass this information to grandparents who collect their children, to avoid the risk of infringement fines.
Mazal tov
Kenya Martin, Year 8, placed 2nd in the National UIA My Israel Video Competition, winning $1500 towards an Israel Program.
Quote of the week
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
Oprah Winfrey