Michelle Favero – Marketing and Communications Manager

Todah rabah, thank you very much

Tuesday’s assembly was a special one as we celebrated the time and energy that our wonderful volunteers give to our School.

High School Head Madrich, Max Woolf and Primary School Head Madricha, Lily Berger, spoke about our volunteers’ selflessness. Max commented: “Volunteers affirm the basic moral principles that Emanuel School holds dear. The idea that when we contribute to something that is larger than ourselves we all benefit”.

Lily commented about how much the students value what our volunteers do for them. “Imagine an Emanuel without volunteers. Some of the gardens would be overgrown, we would be empty-handed on Mothers and Fathers days, there would be no graduation dinners and the School would not be secured every morning and afternoon. But now imagine a school where the vegetable gardens are clean and tidy, the Mothers and Fathers Day stalls are overflowing with gifts, and a friendly parent safety team gets up early and comes by in the afternoon to ensure the safety of the people around them. This is the Emanuel that I see every single day. Volunteers may work behind the scenes but what they do is truly selfless and amazing.”

Thanks to the Copland Band who entertained us under the expect conductorship of Diana Springford and to Matthew Doust who played Fugue in G Minor by J.S. Bach as the Official Party entered the hall.

Ethan Cohen, Year 12, filmed a wonderful tribute to our volunteers, starring our students and staff:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3VjrNqisuy0SVhwOTB3bWR6WHM

Anne Hastings honoured Sharon Schulz and Susie Rosen, co-Presidents of the School P&F who have so expertly led our P&F volunteers for five years. We all appreciate their contribution.

Max ended with a very touching and fitting accolade:

“When it is visible and when it is not visible – you make a difference.

When it is with the students and when it isn’t – you make a difference.

When we have had the opportunity to thank you and we haven’t – you make a difference.”

Lily concluded: “On behalf of all the students we say a massive thank you to all the volunteers. We are so grateful for the time and effort that you dedicate to make our School the best possible place it can be.”