Primary News
Natanya (Tany) Milner – Head of Primary
Welcome to Term 2. I hope everyone had a lovely break and a meaningful Pesach. Over the holidays, I spent time listening to some wonderful podcasts. I thought I would share two of these with you. Interestingly, the one about boys is from a woman’s perspective (Maggie Dent) and the one about girl’s is from a man’s perspective (Steve Biddulph). Perhaps this highlights that not only are there some key differences in raising boys and girls but that there are also some interesting insights when analysed from parents/adults of the opposite gender. I found these perspectives helpful to remember common behaviours for boys and girls and some of the suggested ways to approach these. Feel free to take a listen as you head off on a walk or a drive sometime…
Raising Boys With Love with Maggie Dent
www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/conversations/maggie-dent-2018/10340232
Raising Girls with Steve Biddulph
https://player.fm/series/the-parents-show-on-radio-verulam/the-steve-biddulph-on-raising-girls
Google Grant
We are excited to announce that we are a recipient of a 2019 Google Computer Science Educator Grant. Our school will develop and host a professional learning opportunity for primary teachers in June. International experts in the field will guide teachers in a deep dive into the concepts that drive the Digital Technologies curriculum. There will also be a chance for our teachers to share best practice and network with colleagues from other NSW schools. This is a particularly exciting opportunity, as in past years universities and professional associations have been awarded this grant. There have only been a few schools selected across Australia and New Zealand. Thank you to Sophie Poisel for her outstanding submission that led to us being awarded this substantial grant.
ANZAC Day
We returned this week to a Years 3 -12 ANZAC Commemoration. It was a meaningful way to begin the term with some reflection on the importance of life and the contributions and sacrifices people have made for our freedom.
Northern Territory Trip
We currently have a group of 42 Emanuel students and parents in the Northern Territory visiting the Jilkminggan community. I believe they have had a wonderful experience filled with adventure, connection and learning. Thank you to Hugo Adrian, Lara Kepitis and Genna Radnan for leading this trip and thank you to Holly Dillon for the countless hours of organisation that she puts into making these trips such a success.
Jo-Anne Dooner Visit – Get Reading Right
This week’s parent information session by Jo-Anne Dooner was both informative and entertaining. Jo-Anne created the Years K – 2 phonics program used at Emanuel School and shared her insights about the best ways to support reading and writing development in the early years. Thank you to Katie Brody and Carrie Grieve for organising this presentation.
Yom Ha’atzmaut
On Thursday 9 May 2019, we will be celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut. Students are invited to come to school dressed in blue and white, with a gold coin contribution to the UIA to celebrate the State of Israel’s 71st year. During the day there will be activities for students to celebrate Israel and to learn and experience aspects of Israeli society and culture. To mark the day, falafel can be ordered from the canteen for lunch.
There will be no before school sport training or interschool sport that day. Students in Years 3 – 6 will have the opportunity to participate in a sporting activity based on popular sport and activities in Israel.
Mother’s Day
Next Friday, we look forward to the Mother’s Day breakfast and the stall. Thank you to the P&F in advance, for their efforts to create these beautiful events. The gifts will sold for $10 each so please send your child to school on Friday with the correct amount of money for the number of gifts desired. Thank you all for your support.