From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
A reminder of our core purpose
In addition to shaping and encouraging our students to graduate as mensches (ethical and caring global citizens) with a strong connection to their Judaism, our academic program, undergirded by our wellbeing program, will always take centre stage. Our annual High School Academic Recognition Assembly was held on Tuesday, with some of the top performers in the Class of 2020 returning, to receive acknowledgement of their achievements and to share aspects of their HSC journey with our students. Led by Adam Majsay and Julian Abelson, this assembly seeks to reinforce the value of working consistently towards set goals and to giving your personal best at every step along the way. Our returning graduates provide a variety of insights into the hurdles they had to overcome at different stages of their journey and the strategies that they found most effective. Those students who achieved a Principal’s Award for both academic achievement and effort in Semester 2, 2020, were also recognised. As always, our focus is divided between our top academic performers and acknowledging the achievements of those students who achieved their personal best through consistent application to their studies. Our celebrations are not limited to our impressive ‘league table’ results.
Year 7 and 8 Camp
Our Year 7 and 8 students enjoyed their outdoor experiences under the beautiful bushland and river backdrop of the Lower Colo valley. The program of hiking, canoeing, high and low ropes,
archery, cooking and a range of other group activities, is designed to promote collaboration, problem-solving and, of course, enjoyment. I visited the campsites on Thursday; spending time with happy, engaged students, well supported by their Camp leaders, Tutors and Peer Support leaders, was the highlight of my week! This camp experience is always challenging to a number of students, who experience homesickness or are simply not familiar with an extended outdoor education experience. For those who struggled yet made it to the end of the program – kol hakavod for your courage and perseverance. A huge thank you to Adam Ezekiel, Lauren Korotkov and their outstanding team of Year 7 and 8 Tutors (and our Year 11 Peer Support leaders) for supporting our students through the challenges and joys of a camping program.
Tikkun Olam in action
It was lovely to receive a message from the CEO of Kids Giving Back, acknowledging the volunteer work of a group of Emanuel students over the holiday break. Kids Giving Back is a charity whose mission it is to create the next Generation of Generosity. Programs are delivered for children 6-18 years old and their families, and to offer opportunities to assist vulnerable people in the community. The CEO, Robyn Miller, informed me that:
The contribution of your students has resulted in over 3700 meals and resources being prepared and distributed during the December /January school holiday period. Your students have undertaken these opportunities in their leisure time and program facilitators have been unanimous in their praise for the enthusiasm and engagement of all our young volunteers. Eleven charities were assisted as a result of their work, which supports the homeless and vulnerable in the community.
Kol hakavod to the following students: Gem Roffe-Nassi, Alessia Frankham, Arielle Kaplan, Goldie Israelstam, Juliette Gavshon, Ariella Weinberger, Miranda Marshall, Mahli Olian, Ally Rockman, Remi Moses and Zac Churnin. The Kids Giving Back April school holiday programs will be launched on 1 March 2021.
Lottie Weiss (1923 – 2021)
In 2015, Lotte was interviewed by the following students who are now in Year 12 – Elia Gil-Munoz, Joey Fonteyn Teoh Bader, Jared Robinson, Noam Meretz, Jade Berson and Zach Nabarro (missing) – from the Emanuel School archives
We received the sad news that Lotte Weiss passed away recently. Lotte, a survivor of the Holocaust, spent many hours with Emanuel students as a Project Heritage Historian. Paying witness to Lotte’s harrowing yet inspirational story will have made an indelible mark on many Emanuel students over the years. We wish the Weiss family long life.
You may wish to take a few moments to watch this video about Lotte’s life which was shared by her granddaughter and Emanuel parent, Allison Weiss. May Lotte’s memory be for a blessing.
Canteen
The canteen will be closed on Thursday for the the Fast of Esther.
Quote of the week
“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedom – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”