Andrew Watt planting a tree with Nadja Avshalom

One of the highlights of the week was the Tu BiShevat tree planting ceremonies that took place across the campus on Wednesday. Our House leaders organised a special presentation that explained how the Jewish leader that each House is named after relates, in personal characteristics and legacy, to trees and education. This was followed by a tree planting ceremony. Tu BiShevat in the Primary School was held in each classroom and Kornmehl planted a tree in their garden. This annual event in the Jewish calendar reminds us about the need to be active in valuing and protecting our environment.

We are delighted to welcome a number of new students and their families to the School this year. As you will discover, the Emanuel community is warm and inclusive and there will be a number of events during this term that will bring our parents together, in addition to the upcoming series of parent and student information evenings. There are also opportunities for our parents to serve within the community, such as through our Parent Security Group (PSG). This community safety group provides additional eyes and ears around the School’s perimeter during drop-off and pick-up. All our families benefit from the vigilance of this volunteer parent group, as the presence of adults patrolling the perimeter during these busy times acts as a deterrent against a potential threat. The PSG commitment is only 2 shifts per term. No specific skills are required and training will be provided. Please email esadmin@sydpsg.com for more information.

Our Year 7 students enjoyed having the School to themselves for their Orientation Day on Tuesday. The program, involving a number of key information sessions and bonding activities, a House assembly and a lunch, was led by their Tutors, Year 11 Peer Support leaders and of course, our Year 7 Co-ordinator, Miranda Minton. By Wednesday, when Years 1 to 12 joined them, they were already feeling comfortable finding their way around the School, as well as navigating their laptops and the School’s systems. We wish them a successful and rewarding year.

We also welcome our small group of new staff members, who have also enjoyed an induction program, followed by two professional development days. Information about our new staff, with photos, is located in the New Staff Introduction section.

Congratulations

In the 2018 Australia Day Honours List, Mr Aron Kleinlehrer was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), in recognition of his service to the community through a range of organisations, particularly his long-serving and generous contribution to our School. Mr Kleinlehrer, who was born in Poland before immigrating to Australia from Germany in 1949, said he was “overwhelmed” to receive the honour. More information and images can be located in this edition under the heading of ‘Letters after your name’.

Two other members of the Emanuel community also received recognition on the Honours list.

Professor Anthony Weiss was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia, (AM) for his significant service to Science, in the field of biotechnology. Tony’s 3 children are all Emanuel alumni – Michael (2004), Jessica (2006) and Robbie, who is married to an alumna from his year Charlotte (2009). See the Gesher article for more information.

Alex Abulafia, School Board Member from 1999 and President from 2003 – 2006 received an OAM for his service to the Jewish Community and to Business.

Ma Nishma

A link to our informative weekly online newsletter will continue to be sent to all parents, students and staff on Friday afternoons. Ma Nishma is packed with information and commentary on the varied activities our students and teachers undertake, and provides a wonderful snapshot of life at Emanuel School. It also showcases students who have achieved special things both within and out of School.

P & F staff luncheon

Members of our very active P & F hosted a beautiful luncheon for all staff members on the first Staff Day on Friday of last week. A wonderful group of parents produced a lovely occasion that all staff members enjoyed. On behalf of all staff I give my sincere thanks to Jen Opit, Ruby Berkovic, Nikki Michel, Michelle Stockley, Jo Rose, Lena Fridgant, Rahel Wise and the canteen ladies, Gayle Beinart and Miriam Belnick for their efforts in preparing this lunch and helping welcome back our staff for the year.

After-school care

Emanuel OOSH has had a successful beginning this week with us, looking after Emanuel children from P – 6 after school from 3.30 to 6 pm Mondays to Thursdays and 3.30 to 5.00 pm on Fridays. They are set up in the ground floor of the X block. More information and a link to their website and registration form can be found at www.emanueloosh.net.au/

Communication

We welcome you to contact members of staff if you have questions or concerns to raise. Often people are unsure of which person is most connected with the relevant issue. In the page ‘Who to contact?’ in this newsletter you will find a helpful guide to the specific member of staff you would contact for various queries.

Student absences

Please email absence@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au for any absence notification including illness on the day, early leave or late arrival and longer leave requests. Please DO NOT use individual staff members’ email addresses in case the staff member you email is not present on the day you make a request for early leave or notification of late arrival. For leave requests for absences of over 5 school days, please email my PA, Darryl Bourke at dbourke@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Parents can also call:

High School and Primary School Absentee and Late Line – 8383 7311

Mazal tov to

• Brianna Gadeley Year 12, 2017, for her inclusion in ARTEXPRESS in 2018 for her artwork The Beholder’s Eye

We love to recognise special and notable achievements of our students, both within and beyond our School. Parents are welcome to email me with the details, at principal@emmanuelschool.nsw.edu.au, for inclusion in Ma Nishma.

Reminder

• Monday 5 February 
  • Year 11 Parent Information night and presentation of Year 10 (2017) Speech Night prizes – MPH 6.30 pm
  • ACER Scholarship registrations close 
  • Year 5 and Years 7-11 late enrolments Allwell test 8.45 am – 12.30pm
• Tuesday 6 February – P&F Committee meeting in the Boardroom 7 pm
• Wednesday 7 February – School photo day
• Thursday 8 February
  • Year 12 students and parents breakfast with Principal in Angles Leadership and Learning Centre 7.30 am – 8.30 am
  • Sunday 11 February – JNF Green Sunday volunteer telethon – offsite
• Monday 12 February 
  • High School Swimming Carnival 
  • Meet the Teacher in MPH 6.00 pm
• Thursday 15 February
  • ACER Scholarship testing in MPH 8.20 am and parent information session in the Angles Leadership and Learning Centre 9.00 – 10.00 am
  • Year 11 Paul Dillon parent information night in the Millie Phillips Theatre 7.00 – 8.00 pm
• Friday 16 February –
  • Absentee photo day 

Quote of the week

 “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.”

Plutarch