Andrew Watt – Principal 

Promoting student voice and agency

It is important for our parents and students to know who to approach if they have any concerns. Our Complaints Handling Policy and Procedures document has been revised recently, to provide greater clarity for our families. We value student voice and agency and take time at the beginning of each year to reinforce that students should speak up if they are being hurt or if they are unhappy with the way that they are being treated. Each student (Years 3-12) will receive a leaflet that outlines how to make a complaint:

1. To find support: by asking someone they trust
2. To tell their support person: trying to be clear about their problem
3. To make their complaint: even if they feel worried or upset.

We seek to be a child-safe school; encouraging student voice around sensitive child protection matters will play a pivotal role in helping us to identify and respond to issues or concerns. This message will be covered at both Primary School (Years 3-6) and High School assemblies this term.

Laying the foundation for our 2022-2024 strategic roadmap

Our Executive and Strategic Advisory Team (SAT) participated in a two-day program towards the end of the non-term break. Facilitated by the Dean of the AIS Leadership Centre, a large portion of the program was allocated to reflecting on the desired qualities of an Emanuel graduate, through a review of our vision, mission and core values. Our Executive and SAT enjoyed the rare opportunity to work together over a sustained period, to develop a strong foundation upon which to develop our strategic intent. Our preliminary work will be shared with both our staff team and our Board, as we continue together to refine our strategic intent, prior to working on our strategic roadmap for the following three years. We hope to have something to share with parents in Term 2, as we seek input into our strategy.

Reducing the traffic congestion

We are committed to making life easier for both our neighbours and our families! We all have a part to play in reducing congestion in the morning drop off and afternoon collection times. The School provides the staffing, the signage, the process, directions and the follow up when things go awry. For their part, parents and grandparents are encouraged to be familiar with and follow the prescribed protocols and, on occasions, to be patient when the congestion slow things down. Our parents and grandparents can also assist us by:

• Organising shared rides;
• Parking a short distance from the campus and walking to our campus;
• Reporting any traffic/collection/drop off issues;
• Following directions from staff respectfully;
• Maintaining composure in heavy traffic;
• Using public transport wherever possible; and
• Following traffic regulations.

Please join with the School in our commitment to improve the relationship with our neighbours and to maintain a safe and efficient traffic flow around our campus.

Lego image of Lexi

Lexi Bader Legacy artwork

Last year, a number of our Year 9 and Year 12 students created a magnificent Lego image of Lexi, which is now hanging in our Innovation Centre. The Bader family have also created a range of products for sale, with the profits directed to Randwick and Westmead Hospitals for children with cancer. Families are invited to visit Lexi’s page: https://superlexlex.com

Mazal tov

Elise Kitchener, Year 9, was the female runner-up for Maccabi’s coveted David Sellinger Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship. We particularly value being a ‘good sport’ and so this is an extra special acknowledgement for Elise. 

Quote of the week

“Sportsmanship for me is when a guy walks off the court and you really can’t tell whether he won or lost, when he carries himself with pride either way.” Jim Courier, American former World No.1 professional tennis player.