Andrew Watt – Principal

When People Step Up 
A powerful story of humanity

The impact of the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 has been far-reaching, with 200 000 Israelis displaced due to the evacuation of communities near the Gaza border. Some 360 000 army reservists (each someone’s friend, colleague or family member) have been called up to defend Israel. The resulting toll of this ongoing conflict has been injuries and death. Israel has been traumatised by the brutality of the murders and kidnaps and remains a country in mourning.

In the light of this distress and loss, it has been inspiring to see so many within and outside Israel spring into action to rescue and support their fellow citizens. A large number of businesses have volunteered to evacuate families, provide accommodation for the displaced families and to distribute food and medical supplies. Volunteers from the hi-tech sector have assisted in the forensic identification of missing and kidnapped individuals. There are many reports of staff taking on larger workloads, to cover for the reservists and volunteers. 

Inspirational examples include:

• A cooking school in Tel Aviv has been transformed into a humanitarian hub for the displaced, preparing and delivering over 1 500 healthy meals each day.
• At a massive underground parking lot, hundreds of volunteers were unloading donated equipment, unpacking and sorting it, and repacking it into boxes for transport all over the land.
• Almost every truck and bus company in Tel Aviv had volunteered vehicles to transport civilian equipment around the country, with teams of 18 at any one time matching transport solutions to needs. 
• Without governmental direction or resources, teams of psychologists and social workers voluntarily established emergency trauma centres nationwide, bringing hope to a population where it was desperately required.
• Initially working from their homes, a group of friends quickly established a situation room at Kama Junction in southern Israel, which is still operating, and by 11 a.m. they were dispatching volunteers, not all of them armed, to rescue people under terrorist siege.
• Well known musicians, David Broza and Hanan Ben Ari have been visiting the army bases and hospitals, to sing and provide comfort for the IDF and for those injured and their families.

There has also been significant support from the Diaspora. As one very small piece of the jigsaw, our Emanuel School community has sent videos and cards to the IDF, with messages of encouragement, gratitude and comfort. Our many fundraising efforts have all been directed to the United Israel Appeal’s (UIA) Victim of Terror Fund. We donated a number of laptops to Israeli schools following a call out by Operation Golda; 20 Mitzvah Meals made by Emanuel parents were delivered by them to parents of Lone Soldiers along with beautiful cards written by the students; P&F volunteers are making a meal for the CSG every Monday and delivering them along with students cards of support; CSG staff who are stationed at the School are receiving free meals and coffee from the School canteen, along with a challah every Friday and cards from the students. We will also be preparing care packages for families in the South of Israel. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Israel.

Security

At a meeting yesterday it was comforting to hear Assistant Police Commissioner Whyte emphasise our community’s safety as a top priority, reassuring us that there are no known threats or incidents of physical assault. He addressed the incident involving 10 motorcycles in Coogee last weekend, clarifying that the situation was handled appropriately, despite media reports that may have exaggerated the events, drawing parallels to the Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Melbourne last Shabbat. Assistant Commissioner Whyte noted that only a small minority of Pro-Palestinian supporters have been particularly disruptive, while community leaders are seeking calm. A clear and repeated message from the police was the desire to be even handed and allow freedom of speech, as expected in a democracy, which does not include flying terrorist organisations’ flags. The CSG echoed the police’s stance and stated that students should continue with their daily routines, including wearing school uniforms.

A Showcase of Outstanding Literary Works 

Each year, the student works on display at the High School Writer’s Award evening are both interesting and impressive. Genuine literary talent is on display, growing in depth and sophistication each year. In addition to the presentation of Writer’s Awards, students from each Year Group described their journey within the English Program across each term, followed by a reading of a sample of their work. The highlight of the evening was each of the four selected extracts from our English Extension 2 submitted works, read to a very appreciative (and proud!) audience. Many thanks to David Camp and his dedicated English staff, for teaching and inspiring our students, and for a great evening.

English Extension 2 students Arielle Melamed, Scott Reuveny, Jack Simon and Leah Wolf

The Year 7 (2024) Ma’avar Program

Year 7 Ma’avar Program

The first step in our induction program for our Year 7 (2024) students took place last Friday morning. Both Emanuel students and new students participated in High School Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by a range of engaging transition activities with their new Year 7 Tutors.

This was followed by a welcome session run by their Peer Support Leaders. The purpose of the Ma’avar Program is to ensure a smooth and anxiety-free transition to our High School, through meeting the key staff and student leaders in the support process. The students enjoyed the morning and departed secure in knowledge that they will be well looked after.

It is hoped that the Year 7 camp, held early in Term 1, will enable our students to get to know each other and to consolidate friendships.

Many thanks to Year 7 Co-ordinator, Alice Bowman and Director of Students, Adam Ezekiel, for creating and conducting the program.

Cast of High School Production 2024 – Wendy and Peter Pan

Mazal tov to the students who have been selected to perform in the 2024 High School Production of Wendy and Peter Pan. We look forward to the performance with great anticipation.

Mazal Tov

• Ben Fram, Year 10, won the prize for “Most Promising Drummer” in the St Joseph’s College Battle of the Bands competition. Ben was the drummer for the Years 9-12 Rock Band performance of Kilby Girl last Sunday morning. Kol Hakavod to Ben and the other Rock Band members.

• The following students participated in the Kids Giving Back community program, in the last holiday break: Oscar and Zachary Bernstein, Jesse and Mika Churnin, Sapphira Davis, Leo Fisher, Dan Garfinkel, Adam and Juliette Gavshon, Aaron Eisenberg, Jory and Savannah Jochelson, Ivy Kery, Mai Oken, Nadav Pollak, Katya Rose Sandy, Juliette and Oliver Mendoza-Roth, Abbie Schnapp and Nava Weiss. Close to 700 young people were involved, producing over 5 000 hot meals, salads, fruit kebabs, breakfast boxes and care packs. 

Quote of the Week

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt