From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Supporting our students with additional needs
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) has reported a significant increase in the prevalence of Autism, now affecting 1 in 70 people. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) data shows high rates of Autism diagnosis among boys and girls aged 5 to 7. Alongside this, there is a rise in mental health challenges among young Australians, with almost one in four experiencing psychological distress. The figures for students with some form of learning disability range between 5-10% of the population. At Emanuel, the rates are closer to 10-15% at a minimum, at any one time.
Schools across Australia are actively working to support students with diverse needs, including cognitive, physical, social-emotional, and sensory challenges. The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) helps schools ensure that they are accommodating these needs and utilise the funding allocated appropriately. Emanuel School’s Wolanski Family Specialist Learning Centre (SLC) plays a vital role in assessing the level of adjustment required for students and providing intervention, through a dedicated team of teachers and administrators.
The SLC currently supports over 230 students, offering targeted programs that enhance their access to quality education and improve their attendance rates. The School aims to recognise and build upon each student’s abilities while addressing their specific needs. The Cely Malki After-School Study Program, led by the SLC Director, Dr Lynn Joffe, provides valuable additional tutoring and homework support for students after-school, twice a week.
The School’s Wellbeing Team, led by Directors of Students, Adam Ezekiel and Carrie Thomas, ensures that students with additional social and emotional needs receive comprehensive support. This Team includes nurses, counsellors, and a life coach. In the High School, Heads of House and House Tutors also play significant roles in supporting student health and wellbeing, while Primary School teachers take on these responsibilities with younger students.
A group of our SLC Alumni have reflected on their educational journeys and what they have achieved since departing Emanuel School. I urge you take a moment to read this and celebrate our students’ successes.
Our involvement in Reconciliation Week 2023
This annual event commemorates two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision. The theme of this year is “Be a Voice for Generations.” Reconciliation Australian CEO, Karen Mundine says the theme calls on Australians to honour the work of generations past, who fought for justice, and to work together today to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the generations to come.
Year 5 students read stories about Reconciliation to younger Year Groups
Our week commenced with a non-uniform day and barbeque, with funds collected going to Children’s Grounds, a First Nations support organisation that focuses on prevention, early intervention and empowerment, rather than crisis and deficit. On Monday, our Year 11 students were privileged to attend a Reconciliation Panel, with Professor Lisa Jackson-Pulver, Justice Rothman and Dr Lisa Sarzin. The lively debate was well mediated by Eytan Messiah. In the Primary School, our students enjoyed lessons on the Reconciliation Week theme and our Year 5 students also visited classrooms, as part of their Make a Difference project.
Our High School Assembly commenced with a welcome to Country from Aunty Lola Ryan, who is part of the La Perouse aboriginal community. Both the D’var Torah from Rabbi Ninio and the address from Alix Cane (Year 12) explored the theme of reconciliation. Eytan Messiah then highlighted our milestones in developing our Reconciliation Action Plan. On Wednesday, at lunch time, High School students were invited to watch the Incarceration Nation documentary, which tells the story of injustice and oppression at the hands of the Australian Justice system.
“You are the reason why”
On Sunday, JCA’s major community fundraising event took place at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, marking the culmination of several months of planning. As one of JCA’s 25 member organisations, Emanuel School was invited to participate as an exhibitor. I had the privilege of being one of four panel participants, discussing Education, specifically focusing on Special Needs Education.
Many Emanuel staff members and students were actively involved in the preparations leading up to the event and during the evening. Our talented musicians, Leah Doust and Daniel Zipster, greeted the crowd of 500 people upon their arrival, while Maya Hersch and Ella Bortz provided entertainment in the exhibition hall. Ruby Grynberg graciously served as an usher, assisting guests throughout the evening.
I may be biased, but our exhibition stand was both inviting and professional, especially with the addition of 500 Emanuel branded cookies, baked and decorated by our Year 10 Food Tech class. I am grateful to Dr Lynn Joffe and Adina Roth for their time at our stand, answering questions about Special Needs Education and Jewish Life at the School. A heartfelt thank you goes to the individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the evening, including Michelle Favero, Belinda Levin, Isabelle Anne, Diana Springford, Lisa Starkey, Adam Majsay, Adam Ezekiel, Claudia Bloom, Stacey Rosenfeld, Shelley Ezekiel, and Gavin Dennis.
For those who were unable to attend the event, JCA has released a short video featuring the highlights of the evening. There is still time to donate to the campaign here.
Mazal Tov
Congratulations to Ethan Garfinkel, Leah Joshua (Year 8), Mirabella Marshall and Olivia Byrne (Year 7) who auditioned for and were accepted into HICES Music Festival 2023, which will bring together over 400 musicians from across HICES schools in NSW in August.
A huge congratulations to Victoria Miller, Year 12 2022, for being chosen as one of the best young writers from last year’s English Extension 2 course. Her major work for English Extension 2 has been selected for publication in the Young Writers Showcase. Like the Encore and Onstage exhibitions of the best work from Music and Drama respectively, the Young Writers Showcase is a display of the best English Extension 2 Major Works from across the State. Students who have their work chosen are published in an anthology of works and become published authors for the first time.
Victoria wrote a metafictive screenplay for a fictional sitcom. Her script is an entertaining and ground-breaking exploration of the nature of scriptwriting that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. She utilised a number of non-conventional stylistic choices such as striking out words and highlighting words to show the developing nature of the script. Her piece, entitled ‘The Pultzman Show: 250th Episode Special’ is designed to be read rather than filmed and watched.
Victoria Miller (centre) with other English Extension 2 students at last year’s Emanuel School Writers’ Awards Evening