From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Our ongoing support for Israel
The past 21 days have been deeply unsettling for our School community, as we watch events unfold in Israel from a distance. We have sought to bridge the gap through messages of encouragement and support from our students to both Israeli children and soldiers, which have been delivered to Israel by Danny Hochberg, Emanuel Synagogue Board Member.
Video Thank you message
Video Thank you message
Each daily news/information update is also followed with both interest and trepidation. We continue to provide financial support (Tzedakah), primarily through United Israel Appeal, and we remain poised to support other key initiatives as needs emerge.
We are aware that our community includes staff members, alumni and families with children who are currently serving in the IDF, and that many of our families have relatives in Israel. We know that everyone feels connected to Israel and is carrying grief and concern. Our thoughts and prayers will remain with everyone for the duration of this conflict.
Thank you to our parents who helped prepare 1 000 packages of Shabbat candles, which went out to our entire school, from Kornmehl to Year 12, to spread light on shabbat and pray for Israel. This week, we are holding a Challah bake for our staff, encouraging them to connect with each other at this difficult time.
In relation to our school operations, we have sought to maintain a safe and calm learning environment for our students. Please refer to our We Stand With Israel tile on the parent Portal, where we will lodge our communications and include any useful links.
We are continuing to review all school events that occur outside our campus and we communicate with CSG NSW on a daily basis, to determine whether additional security guards are required. We will inform you in a timely fashion if our security measures change.
A visit from the CEO of the Association of Independent Schools (AIS) NSW
This week, Margery Evans, CEO of AIS NSW spent the morning at our school, speaking to our SAT team and touring the campus. Relatively new to the role, Margery is visiting a number of schools, to gain an understanding of how Independent Schools in NSW operate. Apparently, we are the first Jewish School that she has visited, and she was keen to hear about what makes us distinctive and what challenges that we face, specifically as a Jewish School. Margery was impressed with our beautiful campus (especially our B’Yachad Building!), our focus on innovation and the breadth and quality of our programs. She has offered the support of the AIS NSW team in the light of the current challenges that we face.
An Entertaining Drama Showcase
The Year 10 Drama Showcase provided a much-needed respite for the audience of parents and students, who thoroughly enjoyed the show. The 9 individual performances and 4 group performances were very well received and highlighted the depth of dramatic talent within this Year Group. As always, this group of Drama students have thrived under the tuition and care of Samantha Bauer, who developed the program and ran the sound and lighting on the night. Mazal tov to all involved.
Year 10 Drama students group performance
An Outstanding Visual Arts Showcase
Not to be outdone by their counterparts in Drama, the ‘Future Artefact’ Exhibition, created by our Year 12 (2024) students, was outstanding. The exhibition comprises of a broad variety of artmaking, including hand printed fabrics, dynamic clay vessels and politically charged self-portraits. Our students curated and installed the entire exhibition. Mazal tov to our creative and talented Visual Arts students.
Year 6 Jilkminggan Trip
A group of Year 6 students and their parents spent an educational week in the Northern Territory last week – with a highlight being three days at the Jilkminggan School. Emanuel School and Jilkminggan have a long and very special relationship, enriched by a common goal of sharing and honouring each others cultures and life experiences.
Thank you to Carrie-Anne Thomas, Eamon Lukins, Hayley Chester and Michelle Favero who accompanied our students and their parents, supporting them in so many ways, to make the most out of this life-changing experience. I am also grateful to Gena Yeomans for her exceptional pre-trip organisation and Tany Milner for her guidance and ongoing development of our close relationship with Jilkminggan. Look out for an article from the students and photos in next week’s Ma Nishma.
Quote of the week
“Israel was not created in order to disappear – Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralised by success.” ~ John F. Kennedy