Primary News
Natanya Milner – Head of Primary School
Leadership
This week, I was lucky enough to be involved with the Year 6 Leadership Training program. Some years ago, we subscribed to Roland Barth’s definition of leadership, which is: “Leadership is making happen what you believe in”. With this definition, we want all our students to develop the skills to be able to effect change. Whether this be through large initiatives being led from the front, quiet impacts in small areas or even personal goals, we want our students to have the skills to know what they would like to achieve and be supported to work towards it. ‘
The Leader in Me’ program, based on Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, provides a framework for students to plan for leadership. The first 3 habits: Be proactive, Begin with the end in mind and Put first things first, teach students to set goals and make logical plans to work towards them. The second 3 habits: Think win-win, Seek first to understand and then to be understood and Synergise, provide a framework for students to collaborate and work effectively in teams. With both intrapersonal and interpersonal skills, our students are most likely to thrive. The 7th habit, Sharpen the saw, reminds us to rejuvenate and take care of ourselves in order to be as successful as possible in our endeavours.
At Emanuel, we begin The Leader in Me in Kindergarten and continue to build upon the skills throughout the Primary years. It is a joy to see the students develop an understanding of themselves and each other through this process, with the wonderful culmination that we see in Year 6. Our Year 6 students have shown commitment and energy throughout the training program and I look forward to seeing what they achieve this year.
I would like to thank all the teachers who were involved in the success of Year 6 Leadership Training. The program was led by Eamon Lukins and supported by Leanne Cresswell and Jessica Neutze as well as a huge team of the school staff – a truly collaborative effort!
BBQ Day
Thank you to all the parent volunteers who supported this week’s BBQ Day by helping to prepare and distribute the sausages. We are very grateful! I would also like to thank Stevie Levenston, Nicolle Rubin and Felicity Cox for organising the day for us. The funds raised are being donated to OzHarvest.
Eamon Lukins – Primary Teacher | 3-6 Coordinator
Empowering Year 6 Leaders
A transformative journey
Day 1: Building the Foundation
The crisp morning air buzzed with anticipation as students gathered for the inaugural day of our three-day leadership development event. The theme? “Leadership Values and Skills.” Our mission: to ignite the flames of leadership within each Year 6 student.
Establishing core values
The day commenced with thought-provoking discussions on leadership values ran by Ms Milner and Ms Thomas. Students explored the bedrock of effective leadership within themselves identifying themes of compassion, integrity and responsibility among many other influences. Through the lens of the 7 Habits, Mrs Milner and Ms Thomas helped the students unpack the idea that leadership isn’t just about titles; it’s about character and influence.
Skills for success
Next, students delved into practical skills. Working with a number of teachers as facilitators, students participated in activities that tested their prioritisation, communication, collaboration, teamwork, planning and listening skills. Reflecting on their performances in each activity gave the students a key perspective on the importance of these skills and pathways to develop these within themselves.
Day 2: The Amazing Race
The sun climbed high, casting shadows on the bustling school courtyard. Teams huddled, adrenaline pumping. The “Amazing Race” awaited—a thrilling test of their newfound skills.
Teamwork in action
Students collaborated, strategised, and raced against each other. They worked together, solved puzzles, and cheered each other on. The finish line wasn’t just about winning; it was about collective achievement.
Perseverance and adaptability
Challenges arose – a broken egg, a teetering tower of bamboo, catapults! but students pressed on. Perseverance fuelled their steps. Adaptability – switching roles, adjusting plans – became their secret weapon.
Thematic leadership
Students capped off the day with Remember the Titans to cool off in the theatre. A brilliant portrayal of leadership coming from within, drawing parallels to their own experiences in the heat of the day.
Day 3: Reflection and badges
As dawn painted the sky, students gathered one last time. The air hummed with introspection.
Leaders in Jewish Life
Guided by Mr Carpenter, Olyvea and Noah our informal Jewish Life Leaders lead the students in a special Year 6 Shabbat. Students were introduced to prominent leaders in the Jewish community examining their qualities and life events that distinguished them above others. Presenting back to the cohort they highlighted and made links between the leaders and what made them successful.
Planning ahead
Students were then brought together to meet their staff mentors for the year. Mentors shared wisdom, guidance and ideas helping students map their leadership journey. Goals were set: organising initiatives, mentoring younger students and fostering inclusivity. The year ahead sparkles with promise.
Badge of Honour
The Grand Finale: badge distribution. Each student received a gleaming emblem – a tangible reminder of their commitment. As they pinned it to their chests, they stood taller, ready to lead with the Emanuel School values at heart.
And so, our three-day odyssey concluded – a tapestry woven with values, skills, and camaraderie. These young leaders now stride forth, ready to lead the Primary School from within with mind, spirit and being.
Stevie Levenston – Director of Primary Operations
Parent Teacher Night
Years K to 6
This semester we are pleased to provide you with the choice of attending Parent Teacher Night:
- Tuesday 2 April 2024: Online via Zoom.
- Monday 8 April 2024: In person for face-to-face meetings.
Please keep a look out for the Parent Teacher Night booking email, which should hit your inboxes early next week.