From the Principal
Andrew Watt, Principal
Our emerging leaders
It is never too early to identify and nurture leadership qualities. Opportunities exist across Kindergarten to Year 12. As a community of learners, working independently, working collaboratively and leading teams are all encouraged. These opportunities include leading sport, problem-solving or debating teams, leading student initiatives, or simply leading by example and reinforcing our culture. Formal leadership positions exist, within our student committees; the Student Representative Council (SRC), House system and as Madrichim. Leadership qualities that align strongly with Emanuel School values are ‘lived’ and reinforced by our teaching staff and leadership teams. That said, there are few things more powerful than an entire Year Group of leaders!
Each Year 6 student has taken on a ‘leadership portfolio’ over which they will be accountable. Over the past two days, Year 6 have participated with enthusiasm in our Leadership Training Program. The first day was held at Homebush, where the concept of Jewish Leadership was explored, as was the Essential Qualities of a Leader. The second day involved detailed preparation for each leadership portfolio. I am confident that our Primary School students will benefit from the contributions and commitment of their Year 6 student leaders.
Year 6 leaders in training
High School Swimming Carnival
After a two-year hiatus, our High School Swimming Carnival took place under sunny conditions last Friday. Whilst we missed the presence of our group of parent supporters, the students enjoyed a day where our top swimmers battled it out with impressive performances, whilst the remaining students enjoyed the more relaxed pace of competition. It was pleasing to note the high participation rate and the level of interest in our top competitors. Thank you to Ray Francis and his team of officials, House leaders and student supervisors. Mazal tov to our record breakers in 2021:
Jonathan Levy: 14-year Boys Freestyle, Breaststroke and Butterfly
Jacob Rose: 18-year Boys Breaststroke; and
Rashi: 4x50m Freestyle team
Visit the High School Swimming Carnival page in this edition of Ma Nishma for photos of the day.
Maintaining a high level of safety
We appreciate that the congestion around drop off and pick up times can be frustrating – and we will continue to do our best to ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic. A small group of our parents are parking illegally in the ‘no parking’ locations on Stanley Street and walking their children to the campus. This has a huge impact on both safety (as cars seek to move around the cars) and on traffic flow. New parents may be unaware of the importance of following the prescribed process. Council Parking Rangers will be invited to deal with this issue from the start of next week. I would be happy if this reminder was shared in your WhatsApp groups. The drop off and collection sites can be located below.
JNF Green Sunday
JNF Green Sunday was a huge success, with over 250 youth volunteers from across the Jewish Schools and Youth Movements. The funds raised will support the Nitzana Ecological Park in the Negev. Thirty-eight of our Year 11 students participated, a reflection of the value we place on giving back to the community through volunteering our time to worthy causes. JNF Australia’s Education Shaliach, Yigal Nisell passed on this message to our School: JNF feels privileged to be able to contribute to your Jewish life programs and it is wonderful to see the fruits, with your students giving up their time to raise money for projects in Israel. Many thanks to Rabbi Siegel, Kobi Bloom, Stacey Rosenfeld and Daniel Samowitz – and most importantly, our Year 11 volunteers!
Reminder: Drop off and pick up from Kornmehl
As per last year, we ask that only Primary School families with children at Kornmehl use the drop off and pick up arrangement through the Kornmehl garden in the morning and afternoons. It is important that we keep to these limits, as this is a high-volume traffic area and can easily become congested.
Kindy drop off and pick up arrangements
Morning drop off: Kindy students will be dropped off in the morning using the Avoca St drop off option between 8.00 am – 8.20 am. Staff will be available to assist any students needing support. Kindy families are asked to use the designated Kindy Drop Zone (if assistance is needed). Please look for the staff in ‘fluro’ vests and cones marking this area. If no assistance is required, we ask that Kindy families use the regular drop off area.
Afternoon pick up: Kindy students will GWTF on Avoca St to depart at 3.20 pm. Regular GWTF procedures apply.
These arrangements will be in place for Week 4-5 (15-26 February). From Week 6 (1 March) we will have regular drop off and pick up arrangements in place. Please refer to the Parent Handbook for more detailed information.
Mazal tov
Mazal tov to the following students where were selected for various Representative Teams:
Jonah Trope (Year 11): 16 Years CIS Cricket Team
Luca Calderon-Havas (Year 11): AICES Opens Boys Tennis Team
Ariel Odes (Year 12): CDSSA Opens Boys Basketball Team
Quote of the week
“While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.”