Andrew Watt – Principal

Academic Assembly

A number of our top-performing Year 12 students in the 2017 Higher School Certificate returned to the School to take part in our annual Academic Assembly. In addition to acknowledging their achievements through the presentation of special medallions, Amy Altman and Sophie Lew addressed the assembly, describing their academic journey and providing valuable practical advice. Our students were reminded that it is never too early to commence preparations for the senior years! They were encouraged to start developing the skills they need now; to be well organised, to take good notes, to research and to analyse. The importance of learning how to deal with set-backs, to bounce back from failure and to deal with anxiety, was also reinforced. There is great value in developing a growth mindset, where students know not to label themselves as ‘bad’ at a subject, but know that with hard work they will improve. It is all about taking small steps, gaining momentum and developing good habits.

A large contingent of parents attended our Primary School Meet the Teacher evening, where they heard from our academic and wellbeing leaders about our Years K-6 priorities and goals for the year ahead, all carefully framed within the Lion King theme! Parents also enjoyed time with their teachers in the classroom, hearing about our teaching and learning plans. Thank you to all who attended and continue to invest their time in their child’s education.

Update on the introduction of the new House

This week, students and staff were presented with the opportunity to nominate a name and the colours for the new House. This is an exciting time, with the opportunity for a member of our Emanuel community to leave their mark on the School for a very long time. All nominations will be reviewed and a shortlist will be created by the New House Committee before being presented to the Emanuel School Board. All students in Years 7 to 11 have recently completed a survey, to express their potential interest in becoming a member of our New House, or their desire to remain in their current House. Each student survey will be reviewed and will assist in the formation of the new Tutor Groups. The Year 11 Tutor Groups will be announced in Week 7 of Term 1, so that students can start thinking about leadership opportunities. All other Tutor Groups will be announced in Term 2.

All things musical

This week, the Primary School staff announced that the 2018 musical will be The Lion King Jr! Staff dressed in theme and played African/Lion King music as the bell throughout the day, to provide hints for the children prior to the ‘big reveal’ at the end of lunchtime. We are thrilled that we have such a strong team planning for the musical including Emma Buzo (Director), Diana Springford (Musical Director) and Stacey Rosenfeld (Producer). Auditions for the main roles will take place in Week 6 for Years 5 and 6 students. Forms are to be returned to Stacey Rosenfeld by next Friday in order for audition times to be set. The concert is an opportunity for all K-6 students to be involved and to refine something so that it is performance quality. Please keep aside these dates and ensure all the K-6 children are available to be a part of all the performances:

Sunday 25 November at 4.00 pm

Monday 26 November at 6.00 pm

Tuesday 27 November at 6.00 pm

Our High School Musical for 2018 will be Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Performances will be held in the Millie Phillips Theatre in June. We have a cast of 30 students, including a team of specialist dancers. Rehearsals are underway, with students enjoying the musical’s demanding melodies and tongue-twisting lyrics. Our dancers have already amazed the rest of the cast with the beautiful choreography that has already been learnt for one of Act 1’s highlights. We are excited to welcome Abi McPherson as our Choreographer for Into the Woods. Abi has made a great impression on our cast already with her professionalism, high expectations and positive approach. 

School Drop Off and Collection Zone

Just a reminder that, due to our building works and traffic congestion in Stanley Street, the morning drop-off and afternoon collection zone in Stanley Street has moved around the corner to Avoca Street. This will be in operation until further notice. Your support in this will reduce congestion and enhance safety.

Mazal tov

• Congratulations to Jesse Gothelf in Year 7 who made it to the AICES tennis quarter finals at last week’s championships and has now been selected in the AICES Open Boys tennis team to compete at CIS. Given his age it is quite an achievement. Jesse is also receiving a Red award from CIS this week for his achievements in tennis in 2017.
• To the large number of our High School students that participated in JNF NSW Green Sunday Campaign.
• On Friday, the 683 bus driver spoke to a parent on security duty. The driver, who had been driving for a long time had to say this, “… this is the most polite group of students I have come across for a very long time… the School should be very proud of them”. Well done to our students!

 Coming up 

• Monday 19 February: Year 10 parent information night in the Millie Phillips Theatre at 7.00 pm
• Tuesday 20 February: Years 5-7 Bar/Bat Mitzvah parent information night in the Angles Leadership & Learning Centre at 7.00 pm
  • Years 7 and 7 Camp Somerset depart at 7.15 am and return on Friday 23 February
  • Year 9 Parent information night in the Millie Phillips Theatre at 7.00 pm

• Thursday 22 February: Kornmehl parent information night 7.00 pm
  • Year 6 movie event in The Aron Kleinlehrer Performing Arts Centre at 4.30 pm
  • Year 6 leadership experience with High School Madrichim
• Friday 23 February: Crazy Hat Day
• Tuesday 27 February: Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival, Des Renford Aquatic Centre and Year K Parent Pathways Information Evening, 7.00-8.00 pm
• Wednesday 28 February: Ta’anit Ester (canteen closed) and Years K-2 parent reading volunteer session, Primary Library 8.15-8.50 am
• Thursday 1 March: Purim celebrations
• Monday 5 March – New Parent welcome event 7pm

Quote of the week