Sonia Newell – Development Officer

Trip of a lifetime

There are so many opportunities for the younger members of our community to spend time in Israel on one program or another, many of which have been running for years. Our own Year 10 students left on Wednesday for Chavyah 2017/18, whilst some members of the Class of 2017 will spend a year in Israel as part of Shnat, the leadership program with their respective youth movement. 

There is however, another group of 16 young adults with special needs in Israel right now for Birthright, a program for young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 to 27. This is the first time that Australia has been able to run a Birthright Trip for young adults with disabilities because of advocacy and support from Friendship Circle and other organisations.

Chad Pashut and sister Jaime Lee

Dena Metz and Mica Haneman

Members of the Emanuel School community have been strong supporters of Friendship Circle for a long time and on the current program are two Emanuel alumni – Mica Haneman (Class of 2009) is one of the nurses and Dena Metz (Class of 2012) is a companion. Jaime Lee Pashut, sister of alumnus, Chad Pashut (Class of 2008) is one of the participants. Daily reports from the group indicate that everyone is having a wonderful time – so many sights to see and activities to do – all so very special.  What an amazing opportunity for everyone on this program.

MAZAL TOV to past parent Professor Judy Kay, Professor of Computer Science who was recently honoured with a Payne-Scott Professorial Distinction for her contribution to Sydney University across all areas of leadership, teaching and research. Professor Kay is Chair of the human-centred technology cluster in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies at USYD. Judy and husband Professor Bob Kummerfeld have been part of our community since their three children were students here – Sarah (Class of 1997), Rebecca (Class of 2003) and Jonathan (Class of 2005).

Judy Kay and family at Jonathan and Nelle’s wedding earlier this year

Don’t forget ARTHOP on 25 and 26 November, 10am to 5pm.  Past parent, Lia Klugman is one of five artists featuring in this amazing weekend, where you will have the opportunity to see diverse art and engage directly with each artist: www.arthop.com.au

If you have news you would like to share, please send to: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au