From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Thinking ahead, beyond COVID-19
Despite the uncertainty around when we will finally be free from the impact of the virus, it is important that we look ahead and continue to plan for the future. This involves a process where we ask ourselves: “where are we now?”, “where do we want to be?” and “how do we get there?”. Since the start of 2021, the Board, Strategic Advisory Team (SAT), Executive and Staff have been involved in developing the case for change and revisiting our vision, mission, graduate attributes, operational and core values. This will enable us to articulate our commitments (focus areas for our efforts) and thus develop our strategic plan for 2022-2024.
I wanted to share with you a brief ‘taste’ of what we hope lies ahead for our School. The key challenges that we have identified include:
- Uncertainty due to accelerated pace and scale of change
- Rising mental health issues
- Environmental sustainability
- Ongoing financial viability
- Complacency; and
- Meeting increasingly personalised needs of students
Our key drivers include adaptability, perspective, courage to act, discernment, ethical, optimism, balance, research and grow, bounce back, collaboration and ongoing dialogue. I wanted to share with you our (draft) graduate attributes:
- Curious, resilient learners
- Open-minded thinkers
- Adaptable innovators
- Tenacious problem solvers
- Compassionate advocates
- Daring doers
I hope that you are as excited as I am, when you reflect on the values, knowledge, mindset, and skillset that we are seeking our graduates to possess. The SAT and Executive are currently working on refining our strategic intent document and, with this in place as our guide, we are poised to move on to our commitments and priorities over the next three years. The Board is regularly updated and will engage in the process in September, followed by input from our staff team.
Departure of our Primary School Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator
Colleen Elkins has been at the school for over 10 years. Over this time, she has been an outstanding classroom teacher, OC teacher and most recently, Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator in the Primary School. She has seen the introduction of many new opportunities for students at the school including the da Vinci Decathlon and Gateways programs. Colleen has also been instrumental in our chess success over the years. We wish her all the best for the future.
A wonderful achievement
Danielle Rutstein
Danielle Rutstein’s (Class of 2020) dream of playing soccer/football in the USA has come true. She has been awarded a 4-year scholarship at Clayton State University in Atlanta Georgia. Danielle is enrolled in a degree in Health and Fitness Management, which fits perfectly with the HSC subjects that she completed at Emanuel. Danielle will depart Sydney on 26 July with our sincere best wishes for both success and enjoyment, as she embarks on the next steps in her life journey. We will follow her career with interest and pride.
Dr Millie Phillips
We were sad to hear that Dr Millie Phillips passed away earlier this week. Dr Phillips has been a long-time friend and supporter of Emanuel School. Many of us have watched performances and attended meetings in the Millie Phillips Theatre. Our students and staff have benefitted in so many ways from her generosity and dedication to Jewish education and leadership. The ongoing and positive impact of her support will live on in the Emanuel and wider community for generations to come. May her memory be for a blessing.
Quote of the week
“The past is always tense, the future perfect.” –