From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Reconciliation Action Plan
I am delighted to report that, after a long journey of exploration and preparation, Emanuel School has taken the significant step of submitting a Reconciliation Action Plan to Reconciliation Australia, as part of the Narragunnawali network. Our working group (Adam Majsay, Tany Milner, Eytan Messiah and Gabi Wynhausen) have worked tirelessly on this project, along with valuable contributions from Daphna Levin-Kahn and other staff.
Our vision is to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives and to recognise these as valuable and rich sources of learning. We are committed to building genuine, long-lasting relationships with local and wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and to fostering a deep connection to the Land on which our school stands. Our vision is to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and languages meaningfully and authentically within our practice. To achieve this, we seek to equip our staff, students and wider school community with the confidence and understanding to do so, and nurture positive partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We aim to prepare our students to actively pursue reconciliation, thinking and acting with knowledge, understanding and respect. We have committed to a range of actions, to build respect, relationships and opportunities in the classroom, around the school and within the community.
We are proud of our achievements over recent years, including our strong links to the Jilkminggan community, the strengthening of recognition through our Year 9 Jewish Studies ‘Be the Change’ elective and our Year 11 Speaker series. ‘Putuwa’ was introduced on Instagram, which focused on learning and using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander words, in order to deepen understanding of the culture. With the RAP in place, we look forward to our next steps.
House Music Extravaganza
Our annual High School Battle of the Bands/Dancers/Singers did not fail to delight and impress. Parent joined with students from Years 7 to 12 to enjoy a showcase of colour, creativity….and fun! Every student was involved in their respective Whole-House Dance performance, with outstanding performances in both Small-House groups, and X-Factor categories. The depth of singing and dancing talent within each house was celebrated with raucous support. I can announce that Szenes House enjoyed an historic win – against the odds, with Head of House, Ms Greenhill cheering from a distance, as she recovers from illness. This student-led event is one of the highlights of our School calendar and showcases the leadership of Year 12 students and specifically, our House Madrichim.
We also owe a debt of thanks to our Heads of House and our Director of Students, Adam Ezekiel. Most importantly, Mazal Tov to each student, who dressed up, learned complex dance moves and had a thoroughly good time.
The Bridge Building Challenge
Our Year 2 students wrestled with the challenge of constructing a bridge capable of handling a significant weight without collapsing. Working in groups, with limited materials, theories on the best ways of constructing a sturdy bridge were shared and tested. There was much tension in the air, as weights were progressively added to each bridge, to determine their ability to withstand collapse. This was a wonderful learning exercise, highlighting the importance of teamwork, careful planning and construction. Add to this – dealing with disappointment for some! Thank for inviting me, Year 2!
Quote of the Week
‘Reconciliation is what you make it – and, as Australians in a lucky country, you have the ability to make it meaningful.’
By NSW Young Australian of the Year, Merindah Donnelly