From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Appreciating our teachers
Teachers are our most precious resource for our students. Today, we celebrated the work of our teachers in style, in recognition of World Teacher’s Day, with personalised thank-you cards, coffee, muffins and Kit-Kats. Our administration staff, who provide wonderful, behind-the-scenes support for both our teachers and students, were invited to join with us, as we are one team. Our teachers consistently go above and beyond in their preparation and delivery of engaging lessons and in their care of each child. The life of a teacher is never boring! Many hours are also spent in marking, assessing work and communicating with parents, in addition to their involvement in special events and co-curricular activities. Please enjoy these wonderful messages of gratitude from our students.
You are all superstars for teaching, nurturing and growing our children. This year, more than any other, has tested all of us and you have risen to the challenge spectacularly, quickly pivoting to online learning. We know this was a mammoth task and we truly appreciate the way you embraced this.
Our kids smiling faces at the end of each day is testament to your unwavering dedication, commitment and expertise. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do. We salute you!
Lisa Goldberg, parent
The poem below captures many aspects of a teacher’s role:
I heard you say the other day
“Oh, you’re just a teacher anyway
You laugh and play your day away
You’re free at 3, have your summers off.”
I’m sad to say, that you just don’t see,
What being a teacher means to me;
Sure, I laugh and play my day away…
Because learning is fun and that’s just my way.
If I were free at 3 and had my summers off,
I’d too snicker softly and even scoff…
Unfortunately, my pay cheque does, but I do not.
But you see Good Sir, Madam or Miss,
Being ‘just’ a teacher is much more than this.
I ‘just’ teach your child to read and write
To ‘just’ explore and question,
To ‘just’ think and be bright.
I ‘just’ dry their tears when they are having a bad day.
I’m ‘just’ there for them in any and every way.
Your most precious asset ‘just’ deserves a lot.
And being ‘just’ a teacher, I am not.
I dare you to ‘just’ take a closer look.
For being ‘just’ a teacher doesn’t come in a book.
It comes from the heart and it’s a passion, you see.
So, being JUST a teacher is fine by me!
2020 NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering
Our very own Head of Innovation and Digital Technologies (K-6), Sophie Poisel, was recently awarded the Premier’s Prize for Innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics Teaching in NSW. This is a wonderful achievement! Premier’s Prizes recognise research excellence and reward our best scientists, engineers and educators for cutting-edge work that has generated significant economic, environmental, health, social and technological benefits for New South Wales. The event was live-streamed on the 27 October 2020, in the presence of Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales and the Honourable Rob Stokes MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces. Mazal Tov, Sophie!
Appointment of Director of Students (7-12)
This newly created position will provide leadership across our wellbeing and student management programs. The Director of Students will lead the Heads of House team and will support the Deputy Principal with leadership and management of all aspects of wellbeing in the High School.
I am delighted to announce that Adam Ezekiel will return to Emanuel after a year of leave, to take up this important role. Adam was selected from a group of high-quality candidates, after a rigorous recruitment process. We very much look forward to his contribution to our wellbeing program.
Morning of Science and Wonder
Our Year 10 students showcased a range of interesting and well-researched experiments, complete with aims, hypotheses, methodology and a compelling list of references. Our students were able to discuss the validity and reliability of their test instruments and to talk about the limitations of their research study. For an observer, it was an impressive experience, one which will establish a strong foundation for Year 11 and 12 Science studies. Congratulations to both our students and Science staff team.
COVID-19 Public Health Alert
As you may be aware, there has been a COVID-19 Public Health Alert for anyone who was at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday 24 October 2020 from 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm. If you or your family experience any symptoms please be tested immediately and isolate until you receive a clear test result. Further information can be found on the NSW Health website.
Mazal tov
The Year 12 History Debating team (Jesse Koslowski, Romi Lapidge, Maximilian Kidman and Tara Linker) defeated St Patricks College and have progressed to the Grand Final of the J.A Thompson History Debating competition.
Quote of the week
“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”
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