From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Our vision for enhancing student wellbeing
Research over recent decades consistently points to the impact of student wellbeing on academic outcomes, attendance rates, levels of risk taking and mental health. Conversely, academic outcomes impact student wellbeing. Strong wellbeing programs can significantly improve our student outcomes. Professor Donna Cross (University of Western Australia) defines wellbeing as comprising of the positive sense of self-worth, a strong sense of belonging and the ability to practise skills that will enhance student learning and health, in a safe and supportive school environment.
Our wellbeing program, containing both formal and informal elements, has been shaped to suit the strengths and needs of our students. It extends well beyond our student management policies and practices and our student support services. In the broadest sense, it has a focus on prevention and proactively supporting our students to maintain positive wellbeing, rather than simply dealing with student issues as they arise.
Research informs us that if we can improve our student’s pro-social skills; if we can enhance their emotional regulation, this will lead significant changes in their learning outcomes. Wellbeing is addressed not only through content (our curriculum and programs) but also through the climate we establish (the ways we interact with and support families, the extent to which we engage with partnerships in the community and the policies we have in place). Perhaps most importantly, wellbeing requires an authentic student voice, to allow our young people to engage fully. We have maintained a whole-school approach to wellbeing, seeking to educate, build skills, promote positive values and mindset and support both our students and parents throughout their school journey.
The AIS NSW has recently completed a literature review that seeks to identify what best-practice wellbeing looks like. The six key elements that emerged will serve as a useful measure for us to aspire to:
- Adopt a whole-school approach to wellbeing.
- Focus only on interventions with evidence of effectiveness.
- Establish a dedicated leadership team to drive implementation.
- Prepare the School and staff early.
- Provide meaningful engagement with families.
- Create meaningful opportunities for student voice and engagement.
Our K-12 wellbeing team will review these findings, to identify what we can do to strengthen our approach to wellbeing. We are currently exploring strategies to promote student voice and agency. For example, a series of student forums on respect and consent are planned, to provide an opportunity for staff to listen to what our students see as the current School culture, key issues and solutions. These forums will be launched next week.
A special ANZAC commemoration assembly
Christian Bell and his team of Year 10 Elective History students led a well-planned and respectful wreath-laying service on Tuesday. The service, commemorating the 106th anniversary of the ANZAC landing on Gallipoli, honoured the people who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces. War was not glorified, but rather acts of courage, sacrifice and service to our country were acknowledged with sadness and appreciation. In a moving address, Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins spoke about what ANZAC Day means to him – Lessons of ANZAC
A busy week
Congratulations to all Years 3-6 students who participated in the cross country carnival this week. Whilst the carnival was rained out last term, the sunshine and clear skies provided perfect conditions for our runners. Thank you to Stuart Taylor, Laura Scahill and Sharon Fairfax and the Sports Department for organising the event and for providing the students with an opportunity to compete in beautiful Queens Park.
On Thursday afternoon, Year 8 students shared their knowledge on various aspects of Israeli society and culture at the annual Israel Expo. The Kornmehl Pre-school children and Primary students enjoyed visiting the interactive booths and learning about Israel. Thank you to Daphna Levin-Kahn, Rebeca Goldberg, Rebecca Gaida and the Year 8 teachers for a very enjoyable and informative afternoon.
Share your career highs and lows
We are on the look out for Alumni who left Emanuel School between 2000 and 2018 to take part in a student careers morning in May. If you fit the bill and are willing to share your career path with our senior students, please contact Claire Pech – cpech@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au or Sonia Newell – snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au
Mazal tov
It was a fantastic day for our students at the CDSSA Football Championships on Wednesday. Emanuel had teams playing in all four of the divisions and won two of them:
- 15 Years girls team defeated Pittwater in the grand final 1-0
- 16 Years boys defeated Moriah College in the grand final in a penalty shoot-out
- Our opens boys and girls teams also played really well, and progressed to the semi-finals.
Quote of the week
“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.”
By Hans Christian Anderson, Danish author