Ruby Berkovic and Jennifer Opit

Hello All, 

It’s time to say thank you and goodbye!

After five years, we are stepping down as Co-Presidents of the P&F. 

We took over the role in 2017 when our children were all in Primary School and now we are preparing our eldest kids for the HSC! 

Over the last five years we’ve seen a change in Principal, organised many annual events (the Purim Disco is always a highlight), published the P&F Cookbook and, most recently, participated in the Capital Appeal. We have watched the school grow and change – and we have loved being on that journey with you all. The community at Emanuel is unlike any other and it has been a pleasure and an honour to be part of it. We would like to thank you all for your involvement and support over this time. 

We are excited to hand over to Justine Hofman, who we know will do a fantastic job. 

We hope that 2022 brings wonderful things, and will see you around campus!

Jen Opit and Ruby Berkovic

Welcome

Welcome to 2022 and a big warm Emanuel welcome to the new families joining our community.

Firstly, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Justine Hofman and I am mum to the Olian clan – Kirra (Year 1), Jude (Year 4) and Mahli (Year 6). This year I am going to be stepping into a bigger role within the P&F as the incredible Ruby Berkovic and Jen Opit transition out of their roles as Co-Presidents.

Justine Hofman – P&F President

About Me

Our family moved from Melbourne four years ago (my husband Guy is originally from Sydney) and I’ve always been involved in Jewish community life through schools, youth movements and volunteering for Jewish organisations which most recently includes the Jewish Climate Network. My day job is in marketing, working with businesses that have a positive impact on society and the planet.

I am a big believer in the importance of community and especially the sense of connection and support a school community like Emanuel can provide. It’s the main reason I have put my hand up to help build the Emanuel P&F into a committee-based structure.

In coming weeks you will hear more from me on this – I extend an invitation to you to participate in whatever way you are able.

Thank you Ruby and Jen

Ruby and Jen – you are a dynamic duo who have been unbelievable leaders for our school community for the past five years. The countless hours you have dedicated to building and connecting our community is beyond incredible.

Your hard work, professionalism and genuine contribution is so valued by the Emanuel parent body. You always roll your sleeves up to get a job done and to the highest of standards. For this we thank you.

A more formal thank you will take place very soon. In the meantime, if you do see Ruby and Jen, please feel free to give your personal thanks.

Staff Welcome Lunch

There’s no better way to start the year by acknowledging Emanuel’s incredible team of teachers and staff with the P&F’s Welcome Lunch. The lunch was held last week and was catered by our wonderful canteen team.  A very special thank you to Ruby and Jen who coordinated the lunch this year.

P&F Meetings

P&F Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00 pm starting from March. They are usually held in the Boardroom at the school, but will be held on Zoom until further notice. Everyone is welcome so please join us as your support and input is valued.

Email Justine Hofman if you would like to attend the next meeting.

Events to diarise

• Sunday 20 March 2022 (pending COVID restrictions): Purim Disco 
• Friday 6 May 2022: Mother’s Day (Breakfast and stalls)  
• Friday 26 August 2022: Father’s Day (Breakfast and Stalls) 
• Friday 11 March 2022 – Sunday 13 March 2022 and Friday 4 November  2022 – Sunday 6 November 2022: Camping weekends 

We will confirm whether the Friday Afternoon Chillout with Icypoles can occur later this term. We will also confirm when we can start selling Challah again.

Have a lovely weekend,

Justine (with Ruby and Jen)