The Next Generation…..
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
Camp Sababa 2023
Whilst most of us were getting ready to relax for the summer holidays, four members of the Class of 2023 – Sophie Freedman, Lucy Menczel, Gahya Cesana and Phoebe Narunsky – were preparing to volunteer at Junior Camp Sababa last December. This camp was started in 2007, to facilitate a range of programs, including an overnight holiday camp for young people with disabilities aged 7 – 24, to encourage social inclusion for all abilities and provide support to families who provide year-round disability care for their children. Run under the auspices of JewishCare, it is funded by JCA, with support from The Sony Foundation and Wolper Jewish Hospital Foundation.
Renee Levenson, a Specialist Learning Centre (SLC) teacher here attends the camp year in year out as the Emanuel School staff representative. She says: “We had another successful camp in 2023. We are extremely grateful to the four Emanuel Year 12 students who attended, and we also had a number of past students returning to join the Lagamba Group, which is for older children and young adults with disabilities”. Renee is pictured here in a photo from the 2022 Camp with Wendy Milston, an Emanuel grandparent, who was Head of Volunteers at the camp from 2008 until she retired in 2022, and teacher-representatives from Masada College and Moriah College.
The Next Generation of Emanuel students
This week I feature four families who returned to School last week as their own children began their Emanuel journey. It was such a privilege to chat with them.
I have also included the very first School photo taken towards the end of 1983, along with names of the students and their teachers. We are still missing five names from the list – perhaps some of our new readers can help us fill in these gaps?
Jenny Spinak came to the School when it first opened in 1983. She says: “As a founding student of Emanuel School, it was extra special walking in with my son, Remy, on his first day of Kindergarten last week. The unique Emanuel School spirit, which gave me and my brothers so many wonderful memories, has endured the decades. I’m thrilled another generation of our family will be continuing the connection and legacy we have with the school.”
Jenny’s mother Margaret Spinak says: “Sending my children to Emanuel School when it first opened was indeed an act of faith at the time. It certainly paid off and it warms my heart to see how the School has become so successful and, even more so, to see my grandchildren following in the footsteps of their parents and being so happy to be part of the Emanuel School life.”
The Streimer family has also been part of the School from the very start. Jeanette Streimer was one of the original teachers here and her eldest daughter, Jasmin, was a student in the first intake, whilst Jeanette’s father, the late George Fried, drove the School bus for many years. Jacqui Perl, the middle of the three Streimer girls now returns to school, this time as a parent, with her daughter in Year 5. Jacqui says: “It has been such an emotional experience to see Stephanie join the Emanuel community, where I received so much wonderful support throughout my school years. My husband, Adam, was also a student here from 1985 -1988. We were in the same Year 2 class – our teacher was Ed Manson. He was an eccentric, unconventional teacher. He taught us how to meditate, we had many class pets and he taught us how to look after newborn animals and how to grieve when a beloved pet died. We even flooded the bottom of the School, where Kornmehl is now, and played in the mud for several weeks! Adam and I both have the most wonderful memories of that magical year. It is a joy to be back and we know Stephanie will flourish here. My mum wanted to share this: I am bursting with pride that my granddaughter Stephanie is part of the Emanuel School family.”
The Faludi family also has a very long history with Emanuel School, with siblings and cousins on both sides of the family here as students over the years. Many are back now as new parents, including Daniel Faludi (Class of 2002) and his wife Lana (nee Krongold, Class of 2006). Lana writes: “It felt like a full 360 moment returning to Emanuel School with our son Eden last Thursday for his first day of Year K. Daniel and I bumped into at least five teachers we remembered teaching us when we were here as students, and they are still here today. They remembered us the moment we locked eyes. It feels amazing to be able to bring our children back to the environment we were in and where we created such happy memories for all those years. When Daniel and I were thinking about schools for our two boys, it wasn’t a hard decision for Emanuel to be the only one. As students here, we both felt part of a beautiful community and wanted the same for our children. Knowing Eden is happy while at school and in the best care puts us at ease. He not only woke up at 6.00 am wanting to put his school uniform on ASAP on his first day, he left his first day so happy, content, no tears and excited to come back for more. This is a testament to the School and has signified why it was such an important decision to have our kids here. If only he is this excited to put his uniform on in seven years’ time too!” Daniel’s Mum Ruth Faludi says: “I have fond memories of when both my boys were here – Daniel’s brother David finished Year 12 in 1999. I loved the School back then as a parent. I was part of the P&F, worked in the tuckshop – I think it’s now called the School Canteen and I was a host for the School through the JCA Woman’s Campaign for many years. My husband Robert and I can’t wait to be involved now in our new role as Emanuel grandparents.”
Oleg Feldman another past student who has returned there this year says: “Thank you for the warm welcome! Victoria and I are thrilled to have all three boys starting at Emanuel School this year. It is just over 27 years since I finished Year 12 here in 1996. Returning to my old school, this time as a parent, feels like coming full circle. It’s a nostalgic journey filled with fond memories, and I’m excited to watch Allen, Samuel, and Joshua create their own experiences here.”
Watch this space next week for more new parent insights and photos.
Maccabi Life Walk
This Sunday 11 February 2024
In conjunction with Save a Child’s Heart, participants can walk or run 5km or 10 Km to look after your own heart and help those who are struggling with theirs.
This fabulous event is planned in a central Sydney location.
Date: Sunday 11 February 2024
Time: 8.30 am – 10.30 am (8.15 am registration)
There will be stalls and great prizes and participation ribbons for the kids. The event will be kicked off by the renowned and tremendous Heather Hawkins who is a marathon runner, cancer survivor, author and mother! Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your running journey, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun. There are many event options for you, your family and friends.
Register here.
Jewish Swimming Championships
Sunday 3 March 2024
Come and challenge yourself at the 74th Annual Jewish Swimming Championships. A great day of racing, prizes and socialising. For young and old. Maccabi Swimming Club president and organiser of this event, Emanuel parent Elan Miller says “From as young as 7 to over 70’s we have a race for you. We hope our Emanuel students, parents and grandparents will come along and support this community event brought to you by Maccabi Swimming”.
You can email entries and enquiries here.
We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.
Shabbat shalom, stay safe and have a great weekend, as we hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza and for peace to be restored in Israel soon.