Anne Hastings – Principal

New Principal, Andrew Watt, to start in January 2018

I was delighted with the announcement of Emanuel’s new Principal from 2018 earlier this week and suspect that the grapevine of communication has been buzzing with people trying to find out as much about Andrew as possible!

The process of selection was rigorous as the committee underwent a wide search for the School’s new leader. They did me the honour of keeping me apprised of their progress as they underwent this important task. The field was very strong, with a number of excellent candidates who would undoubtedly do fine job of leading the School into the next phase. While not knowing Andrew personally before his selection, I know that his colleagues hold him in very high regard and believe that his attributes, values and philosophy match closely with that of our School. He also comes with extensive experience in a number of leadership roles.

Leaving the beautiful community of Emanuel School at the end of this year will be a difficult and emotional experience for me, as the past eight years have been very rewarding and inspiring, and I’ve connected with so many people. However, retirement from this intensive role beckons, and moving into the next phase of life is something I’m also looking forward to with anticipation and excitement.

I have great confidence that, through Andrew’s leadership, he will ensure the continued success and high standing of Emanuel School. I will be pleased to introduce him to the community in coming months and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition of leadership for our School.

Staff Development Day

All of our staff were involved in Child Protection training on Monday, our Staff Development Day. This 4-hour course, Obligations in Identifying and Responding to Children and Young People at Risk, was presented by the AIS (Association of Independent Schools). School staff members are Mandatory Reporters of any situation where a child might be at risk of significant harm and it is essential that we ensure our staff’s awareness and vigilance in relation to the behavioural and physical indicators for children who may be at risk. Our community, supportive and protective of our children as it is, is not immune to being in situations that put children at risk of harm and we must be continually ensuring our students are in a safe and supportive environment and without risk of significant harm. This is our moral, as well as legislated, responsibility which we take very seriously.

Reports

Parents and carers should have received a report for each child at the end of last term. If you did not, please ring the School and speak to Reception on 8383 7333. Please take the time to read carefully and discuss these reports with your children, helping them to identify areas of focus for their action plan for this semester. Teachers put a great deal of time and energy into writing these reports so that they are helpful to both you and your child in continuing to improve their learning.

Online ordering for the Canteen

A reminder to parents, including those of High School students, to use the online ordering system for the Canteen through Flexischools, a link to which is on the parent and staff portal. Many Primary students are using this system but only a few High School students, who can avoid having to queue for their food at lunchtimes by pre-ordering.

Mazal Tov to

• Each of the successful Emanuel students in the Maccabiah games in Israel (see the page on
  

  Students raising money for the Gildapil village in East Timor

  Connecting our Community for details)
• The students who will be travelling to East Timor and who ran a very successful fund-raising day yesterday for the school of Gildapil village.

Coming up

• Year 9 Ski Camp, 23 – 28 July
• Leo Baeck students arrive, Sunday 23 July
• High School Madrichim Induction, Tuesday 25 July, 8:15 am in the MPH
• East Timor Trip, 30 July – 9 August
• HSC Trial Examinations 31 July – 11 August
• Year 8 Subject Selections meeting for Year 9 2018, Tuesday 1 August, 7 pm
• Breakfast with Emanuel, The Little Space Bondi Junction, Wednesday 2 August, 7:30 – 9:00 am

Quote of the week

‘Diligence is the mother of good luck’. [Benjamin Franklin]

Best wishes for an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Shabbat Shalom