Andrew Watt – Principal

Reflections on Term 3

We have arrived at the end of a term of remote learning in lockdown a little wiser and more resilient. We will be slower to take the good things for granted and quicker to appreciate our families and friends. Along the way, many of our students have experienced bouts of fatigue, boredom, frustration, and loneliness, and some have struggled at different times, with their physical fitness and mental health.

Unsurprisingly, this term has not been without its highlights. In the High School, who can forget the amazing production of Grease; the election and induction of our new madrichim; the announcement and distribution of Principal’s Awards, complete with a Freddo gift; winning the HICES Debating; the inter-house rivalry with the Online Olympics; the launch of our Capital Appeal; the online HSC trials; the Year 12 HSC Drama and Music performances; the Graduation Assembly and Graduation Dinner; and our Wellbeing Wednesdays and Refresh Fridays?

In the Primary School, equally unforgettable were the Project Heritage interviews; the Knowing Me Changes You Program; the Olympics, Skiptember and Dance Days; the 100 Days of Kindergarten event; the Science Show; Book Week; Science Week; Little Scribes Festival; and lastly, our Rosh Hashana Event.

It was not all bad – it never is.

One highlight of the term was the commitment of our High School student body to farewelling our Year 12 students. Amazingly, every single student (with only one exception) participated in our online farewell assembly, a tribute to our departing Year 12 and an indication of the kindness of our Years 7 to 11 students. This augers well for the development of our future leaders and mensches.

Wishing you a restful, enjoyable, and reinvigorating break with family and friends. We look forward to the day that we can welcome you back on campus and come together as a community.

‘The Making of’ series

By now you will have received your invitation to Emanuel B’yachad and read articles, received emails and watched videos about the upcoming Capital Appeal. Whilst our Endgame is to raise $10 million for the redevelopment of the Adler Building, the campaign that you have seen unfold has highlighted so much of what is special about our School, through the deep thoughts and stunning photographs of our students. We have developed a series of ‘The Making of’ videos to mark the development of the Capital Appeal campaign. Please enjoy this, the first in the series, sharing The Making of the ‘Creating our Bright Future’ campaign. 

Emanuel B’yachad

There is no time like the present to RSVP for Emanuel B’yachad, the biggest and brightest event of the year. This will be the first time that we all have the opportunity to be together, albeit online. So far over 400 Emanuel School parents, grandparents, staff and alumni have confirmed their attendance. It’s going to be a fantastic night and I look forward to welcoming the whole Emanuel community to the event of the year.

Mazal tov

Four High School students have qualified for the National Finals for a variety of Future Problem Solving Program competitions. Mazal tov to Ashley Cohn (Year 8); Willow Gelin (Year 9); Eden Levit, Maayan Granot and Ruby Brody (Year 10). To find out more please click on the article entitled Solving the Future.

Quote of the week

“The things that make me happiest in the whole world are going to the occasional picnic, either with my children or my partner; big family gatherings; and being able to go to the grocery store – if I can get those things in, I’m doing good.” ~ Kate Winslet