From the Principal – Andrew Watt

MMG review – results

Thank you to the Year 6, 9 and 12 parents and students who completed the 2020 MMG Review last term. Your feedback is valued highly. This regular source of information forms an important part of the data we collect, to inform our decisions in relation to our strategic direction and to allow us to recalibrate operational decisions when required. In addition to the set questions, many parents availed themselves of the opportunity offered to add confidential commentary. I have reviewed and summarised this feedback, which has proved to be both useful and insightful. A summary of the findings are outlined below:

Areas covered                                                             Parent Review       Student Review

Satisfaction with experience of the school                     Very High               Very High

Satisfaction with remote learning                                   Very High               High

Satisfaction with COVID-19 control measures               Very High                –

Satisfaction with communication re: remote learning     Very High                 –      

Areas covered cont.                                                    Parent Review            Student Review

Transition back to school-based learning                      Very High                     High

Effectiveness of initiatives, policies and processes       High-Very High            –

Satisfaction with academic program                             Very High                     High

Emphasis placed on academic achievement                High                             Very High

Satisfaction with quality of Jewish Life Program           High                             Moderate

Satisfaction with student wellbeing program.                Very High                     High

Providing a caring and safe environment.                     Very High                     Very High

Leadership and management of the School                 Very High                    –

Satisfaction with communication from the School         Very High                   –

Engagement with the school community                       Very High                  –

Over the remainder of Term 4, our Strategic Advisory Team (SAT) and our Executive will be reviewing the findings of the surveys and seeking to drive further improvements within our academic, wellbeing, extra-curricular and Jewish Life programs. 

Lexi’s tree

Lexi Bader

It has been a year since we lost Alexi Bader in a tragic accident. Lexi’s Yahrzeit was commemorated on Thursday, both in the Principal’s Office and by the memorial olive tree. Prayers were led by Rabbi Danny Siegel, in the presence of the Principal, Deputy Principal, counselling team and Teoh/Lexi’s tutors. The Yizkor candle was lit by Teoh and taken to our Reception. On Monday week, we will organise a commemoration that will involve a group of students and staff. At this time, we reflect fondly on Lexi’s life and his memory, and wish his family continued strength as they navigate what must be inconsolable grief.

Lifting our expectations

In light of the stress and strain brought on by restrictions related to COVID-19, we have maintained a more relaxed approach across a number of areas, over the past three terms. However, as we gradually return to our normal operations, we are encouraging our students to return to a more rigorous and consistent standard of dress, punctuality and support of our school rules. Our student wellbeing team has adopted an acronym (inspired by Margaret Lowe) – ‘PLUG,’ that will serve to remind our students of our key focus areas:

P – Phones

As per our mobile phone policy, students in High School should not be on their phones at all in class and only for a brief moment, if absolutely necessary, at lunchtime. Primary School students should not be on their phones at all during school hours. 

L – Lateness

Our students need to ensure that they arrive at school by 8.15 am and to class by 8.20 am. Any students who arrive after 8.20 am must go back to reception to sign in for High School and to Nicolle Rubin in the Primary office for Primary School. They also need to move to their classroom promptly after recess and lunch.

U – Uniform 

In High School, parents should continue to email uniform@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au when a student is out of uniform for a good reason. Students breaching uniform rules will be required to attend lunch detention. In Primary School, parents should email the class teacher and Meghan Carroll. Examples include wearing sport uniform on the wrong day, incorrect footwear or apparel, excessively short skirts, wearing nail polish and excess jewellery. 

G – Gum

In High School, chewing gum is becoming an increasing issue and is often found under desks and other surfaces. Chewing gum must not be brought to school.

We request that parents support our drive towards a more orderly and ‘back-to-normal’ approach to school life.

Mazal tov

• Aidan Sheps (Year 9) and Mirabelle Mirvis (Year 10) won the 2020 Book Week Challenge and Book Review prizes.
  

Quote of the week

“Be a reflection of what you’d like to receive. If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. What you give out will always return.”
By Kristen Butle