Andrew Watt

OnSTAGE HSC Drama Showcase, 2018 

Congratulations to Tomer Belkin, Genevieve Goldman, Hannah Shteinman and Zev Shteinman for their OnSTAGE nomination! As a core component of the HSC Drama Examination, students are required to devise, script and direct a group performance. This year Genevieve, Hannah and Zev were nominated for their Group Devised Performance titled Funerals to Die For. Tomer received a nomination for his Monologue Performance; Divine Intervention, while Genevieve received a second nomination for her Monologue Performance: Vitameatavegemin.

Markers from NESA arrived at Emanuel School last month to assess the students Group Performances as well as their Monologues. Performances from around the state are then selected by NESA as examples of excellence and nominated for consideration at OnSTAGE, a showcase of HSC exemplar performances held at the Seymour Centre. Many more works are nominated than can be presented and a further selection process now takes place. The annual Drama excursion to ONStage is a highlight for Drama students and we are so proud that this group of actors are being considered as part of the program. I am very proud of the students and their hard work in preparing for their performances, and I am also grateful for the dedication of their teacher, Samantha Bauer. This nomination is a testament to their wonderful dramatic talent and love of Drama.

Genevieve Goldman, Hannah Shteinman and Zev Shteinmann

New artwork unveiled in Innovation Centre 

This week saw the unveiling of a digital artwork of the New Innovation Centre by Toby Evans (Alumnus 2006), which is now located in the foyer. In a small ceremony, Toby unveiled and spoke about his work of art, which will now match his earlier painting of Aston Lodge (our Administration Building), completed and donated to the School in 2006, located in the my office.

Staying relevant in your child’s digital world

As many parents struggle to remain abreast of the advances in technology, I wanted to share an excerpt from an online publication, Parenting Ideas, that presented balanced advice:

1. Our role as parents is not to shut down the internet accounts and take away the screens, but rather to ensure we are giving them the skills, the support, the understanding and the critical thinking skills to make the very best decisions every time they go online.
2. We hear so much about the pitfalls and dangers of the connected world, we often overlook the vast possibilities digital technology can offer. Through digital devices, we now have countless amazing ways to connect and collaborate, raise awareness, create, learn and share. For young minds, this is a tremendous opportunity, and making full use of these tools can give them a big lead in today’s competitive world.
3. Measures to ensure that our children can reap the very best of what technology has to offer, while at the same time protecting them from those negative elements include:

• Taking an interest in current technological trends;
• Talking to your children, making them feel secure enough to discuss difficult topics with you;
• Putting yourself in the best position to remain relevant to your child’s world;
• Being the one they come to should things go wrong; and
• Being the one they come to share the positive experiences they have online.

The article can be located by following the link below:

www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/staying-relevant-in-your-childs-digital-world/

RUOK Day

On Thursday, Emanuel staff enjoyed a coffee and cake event to mark RUOK? Day. Research has shown that 7.3 million (45 per cent) of Australians aged 16 to 85 will experience a common mental health disorder (such as depression, anxiety or a substance use disorder) in their lifetime.¹With these statistics in mind, starting conversations by asking “RUOK?” help create connections and destigmatise mental illness.  A special thank you goes to the Year 9 Hospitality students who helped cater the event and to the School Canteen, Amaze-in-Taste and Grandma Moses who donated delicious treats.

¹ Mental Health Services in Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/summary

Mazal tov

Mazal tov to our Years 3-6 students who achieved outstanding results in the Australian Mathematics Competition (see report in today’s Ma Nishma). Our Year 3s were entered for the first time and all participants achieved a Distinction or Credit. Daniel Newfield (Year 5) received the ‘Best in School’ award.

Quote of the week

“Your best teacher is your last mistake.”

Ralph Nader