Woohoo! It is the end of the term. Now we are halfway through the school year.

With the Semester 1 Academic Reports coming out now, it is important to find ways to improve and extend ourselves during the second half of the year. Make sure to use your holiday time productively, but also, make sure to HAVE FUN and relax! Most importantly, please remember to stay safe.

Interview with our new Kol Szenes editor

Kol Szenes is so lucky to be getting a brand new editor! 

Here is a quick interview to get to know Ashley Cohn:

• What made you want to be the Kol Szenes editor?

I have a passion for writing, and I am overjoyed to have an opportunity to report back on the rest of the week, and that everyone gets to see what I write.

• What are three interesting facts about you?

I used to have a blue yabby and a lot of fish.

My favourite food is rice.

My favourite after-school activity is dancing.

• Aside from writing, what are your biggest passions?

Dancing, art and learning/trying new things.

• What do you hope to bring to Kol Szenes?

I would like to add a weekly riddle, where the students can participate, and make Kol Szenes more interactive.

• What are your future goals?

I want to be able to teach things to other students and spark a passion for learning, as I have now.

• What are your favourite High School subjects so far?

Hebrew, Visual Arts and Music

Peer Support farewell

This morning, the Year 7 Szenes students held a farewell party for their Peer Support Leaders. The students shared a compilation of video messages that they had made for the Leaders, and then they played games afterwards. 

Below is an interview with fellow Szenesian and Peer Support Leader, Liat Granot:

• Describe how you felt when you saw the students’ messages.

It was a very bittersweet moment. The messages made me feel really happy and grateful that I had made a positive impact on the students. It also was quite sad because I’m going to miss my kids and the sessions! 

• What has been your favourite part of being a Peer Support Leader this year?

Going on camp was really fun – I loved getting to form closer bonds with the students and we made so many happy memories. I also loved the program we recently did on racism. The students worked so well together and really understood the point we were aiming to teach. 

• What made you want to become a Peer Support Leader?

I really love kids and I also love helping people. Thus, I thought being a Peer Support Leader would be the perfect combination of the two.

• How has being a Peer Support Leader been enjoyable?

It has been exceptionally enjoyable. I loved spending time with my kids and teaching them important lessons. 

• What advice would you give to younger students who are thinking about becoming a Peer Support Leader?

You should absolutely do it! It is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.

Hannah Szenes mural

A huge thank you to Mr Carpenter for sending this lovely photo of a mural of our namesake, Hannah Szenes!

Apparently, the artist who painted this mural paints images of many significant figures in Jewish and Israeli history – including Hannah Szenes – a fierce Hungarian Jew, who made aliyah right before the Holocaust started. Hannah was a paratrooper for the British forces. Unfortunately she was murdered after defending information and being convicted of treason. Her strength is admirable, and we are proud to be ‘Szenesians’.

This mural is in a marketplace named Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem. Totally worth checking out next time you’re there!

Term 3 and beyond

Next term, we will be returning to school at the usual start time of 8.20 am, except for seniors, and we will be wearing the formal winter uniform. At the moment, a lot of usual events are up in the air, but we are hopeful that we will be able to enjoy our annual events and return to our extra-curricular activities. Remember to come back to school with a sense of refreshment and determination for improvement in Semester 2.

Announcements

• Formal uniform is to be worn during Term 3, including blazer and tie. If you are not wearing the correct uniform, please ask your parent to email the School
• COVID-19 current information – Department of Health
• Follow @szeneshouse on Instagram for some wellbeing and study tips, memes and just general Szenesian spirit.
• Follow your madrichim on @es.madstagram for some updates, challenges, wellbeing and overall fun times.
• Follow Mr Watt on Instagram @watt.s_up_at_emanuel. Your account must be set on private to do so.

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to this Szenesian who recently celebrated her birthday:

• Sasha Baskin – Year 12

Quote of the week 

“Our knowledge is a small island in the great ocean of knowledge.”
Isaac Bashevis Singer

 

Shabbat Shalom, have a fantastic weekend and an incredible holiday break!

Szenes House