Volume 32 Issue 22 04 Aug 2023 17 Av 5783

From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Delivering on our strategic plan

We have reached the halfway point in our 2022-2024 Strategic Plan – a milestone that will be celebrated with the release of our progress report on our 2023 action plan. Much of our focus, funds and planning has been around delivering outcomes (P-12) embedded within our 5 Key Commitments:

Whilst there and a wide range of ongoing action plans, some key achievements are listed below:

  1. Our new Checkpoints (feedback and reporting) was introduced in Year 7, replacing the traditional semester reporting, which largely provides summative feedback, to in-time feedback, provided in a timely manner that can support the cycle of teaching and learning.
  2. The review and restructuring of the Opportunity Class (OC) program in Years 5 and 6 has resulted in the expansion of the newly-named Advanced Learning Program to include pathways in both literacy and numeracy.
  3. A Primary School Speaker Series has been organised for Semester 2. This will include experts covering the topics of emotional regulation, understanding problematic behaviour, happy and safe students online and helping children/ teens to be confident and capable in their schooling. 
  4. Our High School wellbeing team has engaged new external presenters; Consent Labs, Minus18 and ManCave, to address specific needs. These workshops will be evaluated after completion.
  5. A revised program of Tefilah for High School has commenced, that includes a new format, (musical instruments, guitar, piano and percussion); a moment of learning, connection and meaning-making in the service, and interactive singing. Concurrent to this, a space has been created for Informal Jewish Life and Jewish Educators to learn more about their own Tefillah content and process.
  6. A Batmitzvah Program at Emanuel has been launched, to deepen the Jewish journey for girls from girlhood to womanhood, with a boy’s program to follow.
  7. The recently formed Public Speaking and Debating Committee has introduced a Public Speaking and Debating Competition across the Primary School and significantly enhanced our debating coaching program and participation on debating and public speaking.
  8. A vacation training program has been introduced for both Football and Basketball, with an interstate Basketball tour planned, to participate in the National Basketball Championships.
  9. New Inter-School activities include Emanuel’s Sustainability Symposium, participation in Zero Emissions Cohort through Shalom/Jewish Climate Network, and ongoing meetings and collaboration with Sustainability Co-ordinators from Jewish and non-Jewish schools.
  10. An external review of energy usage and introduction of regular review of equipment and facilities (solar panels/air conditioning units etc.) was conducted, to ensure maximum energy efficiency, along with consideration to access external sustainable energy.

Our leadership team and staff remain committed to our mission; that as a pluralist Jewish Day School, we aspire to:

  • Develop mensches
  • Inspire each student to excel
  • Practise Tikkun Olam
  • Know and address the needs of all learners
  • Produce innovative thinkers; and
  • Enable each student to achieve their academic personal best

Parents are encouraged to read these updates and should feel free to send feedback to the Principal’s Office.

A special assembly 

Past CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, current Director on the SBS Board and proud Emanuel Grandparent, Vic Alhadeff addressed our High School assembly. Vic connected strongly with our staff and student audience, sharing a number of stories connecting leadership to courage and integrity. Our students were encouraged to intervene when they encounter discrimination or bullying, whether it be big or small; to be upstanders, rather than passive bystanders. Vic’s message resonated strongly and is very much aligned with our values and the culture we aspire to at Emanuel.

HSC Trials

Our HSC Trial examinations began on Monday. This can be a stressful time for students and I advise them to use their results as an opportunity to determine the areas that require further understanding and to celebrate knowledge gained. These exams give students a taste of what’s to come. My advice? Use this time wisely and know that the work that you put in now will help towards your final goal. A reminder – your Trial results are not the only indicator of success. Your attitude, effort and perseverance are as important and I encourage you to take this time to reflect, reassess and regroup. Your teachers have prepared you well and I know you join me in thanking them for their time, dedication and ongoing support. 

Mazal tov

Fantastic results from our Netball program:

  • U15s Netball Team came 3rd at the AICES Schools Netball Cup winning their 3rd v 4th playoff match.
  • Opens Netball Team came 2nd and were runners up to SEDA in the final.

Quote of the week

“Goodness is a bright flame within you. Use it to light up the world.” ~ Frank Sonnenberg, author