From the Principal
Recognising the outstanding work of our volunteers
During our assembly this week we recognised and celebrated the work of our many volunteers. Albert Einstein observed that “only a life lived for others, is a life worth living”.Our volunteers consistently perform acts of selfless service; work completed for no personal gain other than the satisfaction of helping others. Two thousand three hundred years ago, Aristotle questioned: “What is the essence of life? His answer? To serve others and to do good.” This is equally true today! Our volunteers were invited to attend the assembly and represent those serving through reading groups, P&F events, PSG, Board and Committee members, and others who have dedicated their time to help make Emanuel School such a wonderful community. Joshua New (High School Head Madrich) and Alison Milner (Primary School Head Madricha) highlighted the impact of our volunteers on the type and quality of services and support that we offer. The theme of this assembly was light. In keeping with Hanukkah, each volunteer was presented with a lantern. The words on the lantern were taken from Margaret Fuller: “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
Our guest of Honour was Shira Sebban. Shira has been a parent at Emanuel School for the past 17 years when her eldest son, Raphael, was a three year-old at Kornmehl. Shira has been involved in many areas of the School, serving on the School Board from 2004 to this year, with the role of Vice-President from 2012-2016, serving three terms. Shira has been a member of the Foundation Board and was Chair of the Jewish Life Committee for 10 years. She also chaired the Marketing Committee for 10 years. Shira could be found at Emanuel School almost every day, meeting with staff and other volunteers about topics that are close to her heart. More recently, she has taken a Year 12 elective class in tefillah. The plight of refugees is high on her agenda and she has arranged for many refugees to speak to the students, helping them to understand a refugee’s plight first hand. She regularly takes a small group of students to Villawood Detention Centre. In recognition of her significant service, Shira received an Emanuel School Mind-Spirit-Being Mezuzah.
Have you ever wondered what a visiting Principal would think of our school?
Dr Peter Miller, Headmaster of The Geelong College, shadowed me for the day as part of an ongoing informal experience (A day in the life of a Principal) that we set up many years ago. During his day with us, he enjoyed morning prayers and lighting of a Hanukkah candle, a tour of the School, a Year 9 Geography Class, lunchtime games in the MPH, a Madrichim meeting, our Years 7-12 staff meeting, an interview for an article in JCA Source publication, and several staff interviews. Dr Miller commented specifically on our warm, inclusive culture, our strong and caring connections with our students, the high level of engagement of our staff and our wonderful facilities, especially for a school of our age. It is sometimes helpful to look at Emanuel with a fresh perspective and be thankful.
Farewell to much-loved staff
It is that time of year that we farewell our departing staff and thank them for their outstanding service to Emanuel School. Whilst we are allowed to feel a sense of loss, all our departing staff are leaving on good terms, and for good reason. We are grateful for the legacy of Ryan Chadwick, Michal Eilon, Helen Maynard, Jenny McClean, Helen Philp and Carmen Yunis. Maxine Chopard will retire, and we thank her for her dedication and commitment to her Mathematics teaching, life coaching and her ADP (Assistant to Deputy Principal) duties. She will be missed. Several members of staff will be taking leave in 2019, including Sarah Clark, Anna Economou, Alice Henry, Miranda Minton and Emma Hill.
To the wonderful Emanuel School community
Quote of the week
Any fool can know. The point is to understand.”
Albert Einstein
Mazal Tov
- To our Years 7 and 8 chess teams who participated in the National Chess Inter-Schools Championships in Melbourne this week.
- Natasha Gering (Year 11 Szenes) who achieved 3rd place in the Lionel Bowen Young Writers’ Award held on Wednesday night.