From the Principal
Andrew Watt – Principal
Our first week of school was marked by a bustle of activity, as our students settled quickly into the daily rhythms of school life. Lockers were allocated, lunch orders submitted, teachers for 2024 were greeted, expectations set – and, for some, the first homework tasks were distributed. We are, however, still struggling to change the post-COVID, more relaxed attitude towards punctuality, appearance and uniform. We would appreciate support from home, in sending your child(ren) to school on time, in the correct uniform, neatly presented and without the array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, hoop earrings and make up. We would prefer that our energies be directed towards driving both wellbeing and academic outcomes, rather than the follow up of uniform infractions! Our hope is that this will be a positive and productive year of engagement, growth and learning for our student community.
Keeping up with the Emanuel School News
With a High School, Primary School and Pre-school sharing the same campus, there is almost always something special happening each day. We seek to capture and share our special moments (including embarrassing clips of the Principal dancing at assembly) with parents, grandparents and alumni, through our social media pages.
My watts.up_at_emanuel Instagram account currently has 1 050 followers who access my (almost) daily offering, receiving news hot off the press, so to speak. Parents, grandparents and High School students are invited to sign up and enjoy a close connection to our special community. For security and privacy reasons, your account must be set to ‘private’.
Please also join our three Facebook pages – Emanuel School Community (news and photos of daily events at school – different to watts.up_at_emanuel), The Uniform Shuk (pre-loved uniforms for sale) and Emanuel Shuk (the place to swap, sell, buy and advertise pre-loved and new items, services, text books, holiday homes and cars… in fact anything that has value – actual or perceived! – can be advertised here).
We now have many alumni who are also Emanuel School parents! Please join our Facebook page dedicated to graduate news – Emanuel Alumni.
Communicating with the School
We value our relationships with parents and thus we have established clear lines of communication, should a parent have a query or concern. Our Complaint Handling Policy includes a Parent-Guide which outlines who the initial point of contact should be, across a range of areas. The guide also provides the steps parents can follow if the matter is unresolved and requires escalation. Our aim is to provide an initial response within 24 hours and to keep the lines of communication open and constructive.
High School Swimming Carnival
Our High School Swimming Carnival is always a highlight of the start of Term 1 and this year was no exception. I was impressed by the level of student participation and House spirit. Kol ha’kavod to all those who swam to the best of their ability, those who placed in a race and those who broke long-standing records. I am particularly grateful to Heath Morley, Director of Sport K-12, and his team, for their seamless organisation and to all staff who helped ensure a successful day.
Safe and Efficient Traffic Management
Please remember to stick to our published traffic plans, including the use of Go With The Flow (GWTF). This week we have noticed parents using Market Street to drop off and pick up or to do U turns, and learner drivers in the GWTF, which can significantly hold things up. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Mazal Tov
Mazal tov to Willow Gellin, Year 12, who will appear in an independent short film called In the Before. Read more about the film on Ms Bauer’s Drama page.
Quote of the Week
“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” ~ Simone Biles, Gymnast