Anne Hastings – Principal

This week we said farewell our Class of 2016 who have had their last lessons before the HSC Examinations that begin on 13 October. Students had Tutor Group and House farewells, a Day of Celebration on Monday, a Graduation Assembly and Graduation Dinner on Tuesday. Now they have three weeks do their final preparation for their Examinations. Here is an excerpt from my speech to them on Tuesday morning.

“Today we are here to celebrate the years of school education for our class of 2016, and the last day of their time together as a year group at Emanuel School. Our Year 12s join the over 69 000 students across NSW who are also finishing up this week and expect to receive their HSC credential this year. 62% of these are in the Sydney area. This year we only contribute a small amount to the most popular first names of the 2016 cohort around NSW – Joshua and Emily (we have one Joshua but no Emilys) – not at all to the most popular surnames – Smith and Nguyen – and just a little to the number of sets of twins – we have one set of the 864 sets across NSW.

We wish you well for this set of examinations – the remaining major challenge of your school education. You know that you will not be defined by your ATAR. More importantly your onward journey will be defined by your determination to try new things, to persist, to work with others and to give everything you try your best shot.

What’s really important is who you are as a person and the difference you make to others throughout your life journey. It is our hope that, using what you have learnt over the years, your choices will be well considered and not self-focused, that they will keep you and others safe, you will see your mistakes as learning opportunities, the lessons you learn will help you continue to grow, and that you will meet and work through the challenges along your way with determination, persistence and resilience. Each of you has amazing potential within yourself to meet and conquer the challenges thrown in your way. As Oz said to the lion: ‘You have plenty of courage, I am sure, all you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid.’

An Emanuel graduate stands out. So many people have told me this. As you join this elite group of people, you have a responsibility to carry on the values of our School and follow the Emanuel way, which means; standing up for what is right, respecting each person, stepping in rather than out, getting involved and giving things a go, looking out for the underdog, not giving up, being optimistic and open, welcoming diversity, being of value to others, valuing your identity, heritage and community, and making a real difference in the world. And if that doesn’t work, you can always talk your way out of things!

Along your life journey, don’t forget Emanuel School and what you’ve learnt here. Each of you has the power to make a very positive difference in our world. You have had a wonderful start – go and make the best of the next phase of your life.”

Year 12 Graduation Dinner

Year 12 on Tuesday evening were treated to a wonderful night with their families. The MPH was transformed into a beautiful venue with lights and flower decorations and we heard some outstanding speeches from students Jacob Riesel, Shanee Israeli and Ricky Studencki, as well as teachers Miranda McMahon, Caroline Laumberg and parent, David Green. The parents also performed an amazing medley of songs to the students. We are very grateful to the Graduation Dinner Parent Committee for their long-term planning of the evening and ensuring its great success: Kim Alster, Julie Bowman, Shirley Brockwell, Antoinette Doctor, Emma Fredman, Michelle Goldman, Elana Jacobs, Dani Klein, David Knoll AM, Erika Ktalav, Lynn Langman, Heidi Lapidge, Lara Levin, Renee Ferster Levy, Asnat Meretz, Karen Michael, Margaret Moses, Michelle Rosengarten, Carla Rozowsky, Debbie Rutstein, Martine Springer, Deanna Stern, Louise Stone and Linda Traub.

Farewell to Or Mordo

Or has been our shalliach for the past 10 months and leaves us today to return to Israel to continue his studies (see his letter to all in this edition). We thank him for his great contribution to our School and Jewish Life, and wish him well for his future.

Year 11 reports

Parents will be sent the Semester 2 Year 11 reports as a pdf today and will also be able to access them via the History tab on Edumate, where past reports can also be accessed. Year 11 begin their HSC studies and officially become Year 12 at the beginning of next term. Their first day back will be a HSC preparation day.

Mazal tov to:

• Jordin Sank, who has won the Australian Jewish News Rosh Hashanah card competition. Her design will be used by the AJN as their official Shanah Tovah card.
• Yael Grunseit and Max Woolf (Year 11) and the Madrichim for their organisation of the fund-raising Trivia event last week.

Coming up

• Year 6 Jilkminggan trip returns on Monday 26 September
• School closed 3 and 4 October for Rosh Hashanah and Labour Day
• School closed from 1:10pm Tuesday 11 October and on Wednesday 12 October for Yom Kippur
• Students return to School for Term 4, Thursday 13 October in summer uniform
• Class of 2017 HSC Preparation Day, 13 October
• HSC Examinations start Thursday 13 October – Good luck class of 2016!
• HSC Explained, 19 October 10:30 am, LLC.

Quote of the week

‘Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.’ [Bernice Johnson Reagon]

Best wishes for a relaxing and reinvigorating holiday. Shanah Tovah for Rosh Hashanah and I wish you well over the fast.