Andrew Watt

Investing in our Teaching and Learning

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Adam Majsay to the new position of Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), commencing in Term 4. This K-12 role will sit alongside our current Deputy Principal, Ms Margaret Lowe and provide strategic leadership of our teaching and learning programs and practices.

I am confident that Mr Majsay will provide visionary leadership and an exemplary understanding of best practice curriculum and pedagogy, to enhance the engagement and achievement of all learners. His significant experience and skill set will enable him to lead our strong academic team towards the development of effective, innovative, evidence-based and contemporary approaches to teaching and learning at Emanuel.

Our Directors of Studies, who will report to the Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning), play an important role in completing the administrative ‘nuts and bolts’ of our academic programs, ensuring that we remain compliant in terms of NESA curriculum requirements (programs, registration, assessment and reporting). Additionally, they provide valuable pedagogical guidance, support and advice to our teachers and oversee our staff professional development program. We will advertise shortly for these two positions.

Science Week

A great deal of enjoyment was evident outside K20 as Science Week activities took Science to the playground. Bubble Science, a Science Show (including liquid nitrogen ice-cream, of course), craft and illusions and a secret STEM challenge provided many experiences, while the Annual Science/Maths House Trivia Competition gave students a chance to use their knowledge and skills to compete for their house.

 A sneak peek into our new Food Lab

Not only has the quality of coffee produced by our apprentice student baristas improved greatly, but the smells of good cuisine emanating from the Food Lab are enticing many to peer in, in the hope of a sample! Our Year 10 students are currently undertaking a unit on International Cuisine and are required to research their chosen country and submit and demonstrate recipes from that country for the entire class to follow. Last week, the cuisine was Thai and the students made vegetarian Pad Thai.

Emma Clemens, Deputy Head of Primary School

Ms Clemens visited us last week, to inform me of her intention to resign from her position and seek part-time work whilst she raises her young daughter. In her time at Emanuel, Ms Clemens made a significant contribution to the calm and efficient administration of our Primary School, coupled with her outstanding work in our academic and wellbeing programs. Her ongoing commitment to ensuring that our staff were well supported through clear and consistent procedures and communication, is also sincerely appreciated, and her contribution within the P-12 Executive and the Primary School Executive is also highly valued.

Success in Debating

Our debating teams have done us proud in recent weeks, performing admirably in the HICES Debating Championships. Five of our teams have progressed to the quarter-finals, with two progressing to semi-finals and one competition still to be decided. It is no small feat to reach the quarter-finals and we are delighted with the strength of our debating program. The results are as follows:

• Opens (Years 11-12) were narrowly defeated by Inaburra School
• Seniors (Year 10) defeated Scots Bathurst
• Seniors (Year 9) were defeated by Broughton College
• Middles (Year 7-8) defeated Kinross Wollaroi
• Juniors (Years 5-6) are hosting William Carey today (stay tuned!)

We are very grateful for our debating coordinators, Ms Plume, Ms Elkins, Ms Lopis, Ms Butler and staff debating coach, Mr Moses

Mazal Tov

Ben Torban in Year 9 recently competed in a national ballroom dancing competition and was placed third in Australia in his age group. 

Quote of the Week

Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death

Albert Einstein