From the Principal
Andrew Watt
Chavayah: the trip of a lifetime
On Wednesday afternoon our excited Year 10 adventurers farewelled their principal and parents at Sydney airport, to embark upon a 6-week cultural immersion program in Israel. Chavayah aims for each participant to develop strong links with Israel, through a better understanding of its history, geography, education, key landmarks, religion, culture and food. Additionally, Chavayah serves to strengthen the bonds within the year group, through shared experiences and memories. Highlights of the Chavayah experience include:
- Visiting the Kotel and mixing with Israelis and Jews from all over the world;
- Shopping and enjoying Machaneh Yehudah market – its stalls, the food and the hustle and bustle;
- Hiking up Masada followed by floating in the Dead Sea;
- Visiting Yad VaShem and reflecting upon our people’s commitment to remembering (Zachor) and to working for a world free of genocide and intolerance; and
- Hiking in the beautiful Makhtesh Ramon, often cited as one of the highlights by our students
We look forward to hearing all about the challenges and triumphs of the 2018 Chavayah in Term 1 next year.
Promoting a lifelong love of learning
Our teachers as well as our students are on a learning journey. Emanuel Teacher Scholarships are allocated each year and provide our staff with an opportunity to engage in further study, exploring areas of interest related to education. Our teachers return to Emanuel School energised and keen to share and apply their insights and experiences. The 2019 Emanuel Teacher Scholarships have been awarded to Ruth Harvey, Head of High School Hebrew and Meghan Caroll, Deputy Head of Primary School. Ms Harvey will be attending the AFMLA International Languages Conference in Tasmania, looking at raising levels of proficiency in literacy, critical thinking and metalanguages, applied to the study of Hebrew. Ms Carroll will be learning more about mindfulness and positive psychology, seeking to promote wellbeing and resilience, through the Paws.b training program. We congratulate our scholarship recipients and look forward to their presentations at our staff meetings.
Our new Year 7 Coordinator
Christian Bell has been appointed to this acting position and will serve for two years, until the return of Ms Minton from her maternity leave. Mr Bell has enjoyed a lengthy handover and is looking forward to supporting our students with the transition from Primary School to High School. Preparations for the memorable and enjoyable Year 7 camp are well underway and tutor group teachers and peer support leaders are preparing for the start of 2019.
The beauty of the written word
An appreciative audience were treated to a wonderful showcase of student writing across a range of genres. The outstanding work of our aspiring poets and authors across Years 7 to 12 was recognised, through awards for Most Dedicated Writer and Writer of the Year. Professional writer, Brittany Belisle, describes writing as “something magical, enabling you to express yourself without having to physically speak the words. It helps release emotion and reflect on life. Writing is a way of escaping reality and using your imagination. Writing is a method of self-exploration as well as a means of observing the universe. Gliding a pen tip across a piece of paper is freedom, freedom to write whatever your heart and mind desire”. Many thanks to David Camp and the English Department.
Senior winners, Beau Glass, Isabella Rosenberg, Aaron Ellis-Bloor, Isabella Brockwell
Arielle Melamed
SBS Child Genius Program
SBS has just screened Child Genius, a 6 part series which featured Arielle Melamed from Year 7.
Several hundred students between the ages of 7 and 12 applied to be on the reality TV show with 100 making it through to the Skype interview, after which 40 would-be contestants were called in to undergo a battery of tests. From this group 19 contestants were drawn who then appeared on the show.
A confident and reflective student, Arielle was not eliminated from the competition until the semi-finals. Much of the material broadcast focussed on Arielle’s positive outlook, compassion for others, hardworking ethos and close family ties. Arielle exemplifies our best hope for all Emanuel students, that each one excels in their chosen individual pursuit.
Mazal Tov
- To our Madrichim, who served with poise and dignity as the Guard of Honour, at Jeremy Spinak’s funeral.
- Scott Reuveny and Jamie Schneider, the Emanuel representatives for the Cook for Good Mitzvah Day at Our Big Kitchen on Sunday 18 November. They had to cook meals, pack them and deliver them to those in need.
- Chelsea Rutstein (Year 12, 2019) Fishing Achievements – Australian National Sportfishing Association NSW Presentation Night – Out of the whole of NSW, Chelsea came 3rd in Longest European Carp fishing against men, women and juniors. Among other awards, Chelsea also won Ladies Champion, Junior Champion and Overall Club Champion as well as Most Meritorious capture for a Marlin that took her 5hrs 10mins!
ALUMNI PILOT PROGRAM – can you help?
Are you a current employer who may have vacancies to offer?
Would you be interested in helping out our Year 12s when they leave and/or other Emanuel alumni?
We are currently reviewing and gauging interest in a potential program.
-
- Paid/Unpaid?
- Industry
- Length of time
- Job Name
- Duties and descriptions
- Contact details
If this is of interest to you, please get in touch: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au
Quote of the week
With an education you all have everything you need to rise above all of the noise and fulfil every last one of your dreams
Michelle Obama