From the Principal

Andrew Watt

David Gonski AC visit 

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to host David Gonski AC, Chancellor of UNSW, President of the Art Gallery of NSW and architect of two significant reports into Education in Australia. The first Gonski Report reviewed funding for schools, and the Gonski 2.0 Report reviewed how to best direct funding to achieve excellence in Australian Schools. During his tour of Emanuel, Mr Gonski commented on how much the facilities had improved since his previous visit many years ago, under Dr Carter. He was impressed with the level of engagement of students that he observed as he visited both the Primary School and High School. Our Year 12 Economics students welcomed Mr Gonski into their class and made good use of the opportunity to ask questions. In the course of the conversation, Mr Gonski offered some great advice that can be useful for every student:

1. Always seize opportunities, no matter how obscure or unattainable they may be.
2. As you learn, whatever you do, it’s all cumulative. Life is a continuing learning process and your judgement is what’s  terribly important.
3. Always follow your dreams.
4. (Don’t be afraid to) put your neck on the line.

Finding connections between STEAM and Jewish life 

Our Year 7 Tutor Groups enjoyed a STEAM Day, led by Emanuel staff and STEAMPop (http://steampop.zone/lumifold-project/), to construct lanterns to be used in the Kristallnacht commemoration. Our students began the day with a program to learn about the power of light in Judaism and the role we have in spreading good throughout the world. They then worked to create Binary Bugs using probability concepts and binary ‘on/off’, to colour in unique patterns. Using specific folding, students made a 3D bug from a 2D piece of paper. This knowledge was then transferred over to fold larger pieces of paper into lanterns that were placed on display in the MPH. These lamps and lanterns formed a significant part of the Kristallnacht Ceremony on Thursday.

The events around the Night of the Broken Glass (9-10 November, 1938) were commemorated as an Emanuel community, with the light display symbolising the power of our choices, for good; to be upstanders, not bystanders, to ensure that history never repeats. This was a special time for staff and students, as we reflected on a number of student readings and songs, followed by a moment’s silence.

The best night of the year, every year! 

A big call? A parent declared this, prior to the commencement of the Night of Instrumental Music – and it was indeed an impressive display of our depth of musical talent. For over two hours, the audience was enthralled by a variety of performances from over a third of our students. The progression from beginners in our IP program, to our more sophisticated bands and ensembles (and five-member saxophone ‘quartets’!) was evident, as was the joy of performing before an appreciative audience. Our thanks to the Music teachers, tutors and conductors, who trained, shaped and guided the performances. We are very proud. Thanks also to our Head of Music, and architect of the evening, Diana Springford.

Safety first and foremost

We have recently received a number of complaints of poor driving behaviour by our parents. It is important that we all obey the rules of the road in order to ensure that we do not put the students and other drivers in danger. I understand that drop off in the morning can be hectic, particularly if you are rushing to get somewhere. However, lives are more precious than getting to your destination on time. We appreciate your support in this matter.

Mazal tov

• Ben Torban (Year 9) came first place in both Junior Latin Open and Junior Latin B and C Level, at the ADS East Coast Classic National Championships recently
• Coby New (Year 9) has been collecting second-hand soccer boots for the past four years and recently donated footballs to the Jilkminggan School students
• Be the Change students: Reinforced Reading at Chifley told us that their students really love working with our students and are benefiting from the 1:1 literacy assistance
• Rachel Turtledove (Head Madricha) and Joshua New (Head Madrich) (pictured below) represented our School at the NAJEX Remembrance Day Commemoration and laid a tribute in memory of Danny Goldberg.

Quote of the week

“Never mistake a single mistake with a final mistake.”

Scott Fitzgerald

From the Primary School

Staffing news

I am so pleased that we have finalised most of the roles in the Primary School for 2019. We have an outstanding team of teachers and I feel confident that our children are receiving the absolute best care and guidance. Next year, Roslynn Pardy and Leisha Strub will become permanent teaching staff at Emanuel. As previously announced, we have appointed Meghan Carroll as the permanent Deputy Head of Primary and Mrs Brody is joining our team as Director of Studies.

I am thrilled to announce that Emma Clemens will return to Emanuel next year as a two-day per week teacher in Technology. This year, we employed Code Camp to deliver coding lessons to our students. Next year, we will continue to offer coding and further develop and IT skills scope and sequence that will be taught by Emma Clemens. We are excited to welcome Melanie Horin to Emanuel next year. She will be taking the maternity leave position for Emma Hill. Melanie is an experienced and highly regarded educator who will begin with us from the beginning of 2019.

We are also introducing two new middle management roles into the Primary School next year. These Stage Co-ordinators will assist with the leadership of the Years K-2 and 3-6 teams. We are grateful to the Board for approving these positions and look forward to announcing them in the coming months.

Night of Instrumental Music

Tuesday evening’s Night of Instrumental Music was a wonderful showcase of the children’s instrumental learning through a variety of programs including Primary IP, Bands and Ensembles. There are so many people who work together to contribute to this success including all our music teachers, support staff and our music tutors. I would like to thank them all for their on-going commitment and many contributions. A special thanks to Diana Springford, who co-ordinated the entire concert and did an outstanding job including hundreds of children in the event. I would like to thank the music teachers, Ben Marshall and Jo De Araujo for their wonderful support of this event, Ofer Levy for the beautiful photography, and also to all the other teachers who were involved in supervision and organisation on the evening. Thank you!

Innovation-a-thon

I would like to thank all the students and families who contributed to this year’s Innovation Athon. Our grand total raised was $6987.25! This is a fantastic effort and gets matched by the JCA, therefore providing the School with significant funds for 2019 projects. We will keep you posted about what we select. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers who were involved and in particular, Sophie Poisel, who co-ordinated this project for the School.  Please see Sophie’s article in this week’s Ma Nishma for more details.

The Lion King Jr

Tickets are now on sale for The Lion King Jr and are selling quickly. I hope to see you all at what promises to be an entertaining production. I would like to remind parents that all Years K-6 students are performing and required for all three shows:

Sunday 25 November – Show starts at 4 pm. Main cast promptly on campus from 2 pm, all other students on campus from 3 pm.

Monday 26 November – Show starts at 6.30 pm. Main cast promptly on campus from 4.30 pm, all other students on campus from 5.30 pm.

Tuesday 27 November – Show starts at 6.30 pm. Main cast promptly on campus from 4.30 pm, all other students on campus from 5.30 pm.

It is important for children to arrive promptly as make-up and accessories need to be applied. If you are interested in helping apply make-up before the show, please contact your class parent.

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Oh! what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive!

Throughout the Bible, the younger usurps the older.

Of the first children, it is the offering of the younger Hevel/Abel, rather than that of the older Kayin/Cain, that is accepted by God. It is Yitschak/Isaac, the younger son of the first Hebrew, Avraham, that is the blessed chosen one, rather than his older brother Yishma’el. Yitschak’s younger son, Ya’akov/ Jacob, supplants the older child Eisav/Esau, as does his younger son, Yosef, rise above his older brethren. So too does Ephraim, the younger son of Yosef, gain ascendency over the older Menasheh and then, on a grander scale, the young nation of Israel overcomes the established reigning power of Egypt.

The biblical narrative of the younger gaining dominance over the older seems to reflect the hopes and challenges of a younger/smaller people which needs to overcome the more dominant larger nations of the world, among whom it finds itself. Indeed, the Biblical author present this as a divine destiny which this younger son is to make manifest. Thus, in our parashah, God announces to Rivkah (Rebecca) about to give birth to her twins, Ya’akov and Eisav: “Two nations are in your womb…One people shall be mightier than the other. And the older shall serve the younger”.

At the same time that the Bible makes clear that the lot of the younger is more promising than that of the older, it teaches us that the means by which we realise our aspirations serve as the measure of who we truly are.

Foreshadowing his seizing of the birthright and its attendant blessing from his older twin, the younger brother who grasps the heel/עקב of Eisav, to emerge as the firstborn, is named Ya’akov/יעקב, the usurper. After securing the blessing of the firstborn by deceiving his blind father, the Bible indicates that Ya’akov/יעקב quickly lived up to his name. “And, he (Eisav) said: ‘Was he then named Ya’akov/יעקב, so that he might twice usurp me/יעקבני. First he took my birthright and now he has taken my blessing’ ”. It is this very episode that leads the prophet Jeremiah to describe the fallen state of the people enmeshed in falsehood and betrayal: “Do not trust in your brother. For, every brother is a usurper/akov-כל אח עקוב יעקב.”

Just as quickly, Ya’akov/יעקב suffers his comeuppance. Fleeing his usurped brother he takes up residence with his uncle for whom he works seven years to win the hand of his younger daughter in marriage. But, under cover of night, when Ya’akov/יעקב could not see (just as Yitschak was blind to his machinations), it is the older rather than the younger that is brought to his wedding bed. When Ya’akov/יעקב protests: “Why did you deceive me?” (echoing Yitschak’s words to Eisav: “Your brother came in deception and took your blessing”), he is told: “It is not done thus in our place, to supplant the older with the younger”.

With the deceiver being deceived, our tradition teaches middah kneged middah – measure for measure, our actions redound upon us. Nor, as well, do they spare our children. Ya’akov/יעקב’s sons learn from their father. As Ya’akov/יעקב deceived his father Yitschak, by wearing the clothes of the brother he wishes to displace, so his sons, trying to rid themselves of their brother Yosef, use his clothes to trick Ya’akov/יעקב into believing his son is dead.

The life we create for ourselves cannot be divorced from the life we make (im)possible for others. As the Rabbis teach: “BaMidah SheAdam Moded Bah, Modedim Lo – By the measure through which we value others so are we valued”.

Mitzvah Day

Daniel Samowitz | Part Time Jewish LifeTeacher

Emanuel School is joining with communities around the world once again on Sunday 18 November for Mitzvah Day. This year we are partnering with Emanuel Synagogue in creating and collecting packs for four-year-old Indigenous children in the Gunnawirra programme.

Please donate the following items before Mitzvah Day, by Friday 16 November: underwear, socks, singlets, face washers, soap, band aids, pocket tissues, toothpaste and toothbrusesh, and antiseptic cream. Just drop them  the box outside the Jewish Life staffroom. 

Year 3 Torah stories in Genesis

Adam Carpenter | Head of Jewish Studies Primary

Year 3 – Exploring the תורה/Torah stories in Genesis

This semester in Jewish Studies, Year 3 students and Morah Gaida are exploring and grappling with iconic Torah stories from the book of Genesis. Whilst reading the stories, students engage in discussions, debates and are encouraged to pose questions of the text and the characters. This interactive process brings the text and stories alive and allows students to see they are active agents in finding and creating meaning in the תורה/Torah.

תורה/Torah means ‘teachings’ and students constantly reflect on what the Torah, its stories, characters and mitzvot are teaching us and how this ancient text relates to our modern lives. Students have been introduced to midrashim (creative interpretations and explanations of the Torah text) and have been writing their own midrashim to share their own understandings.

Emanuel students give a Gonski

David Gonski AC, recently visited Emanuel School to speak with the Year 12 Economics students about his review into school funding in Australia. Mr Gonski explained how Prime Ministers Gillard and Turnbull had consulted with him and moved education funding from a per capita to a needs-based system. He also talked about his role as Chancellor of UNSW as well as his business and community leadership positions.

Matthew Joffe, Year 12 Economics student commented: “The Year 12 Economics classes were fortunate enough to receive a visit from Mr David Gonski AC in which he spoke on his notable achievements in his life, highlighting his review of the Australian education funding scheme. Throughout preliminary and HSC economics classes, Mr Gonski’s Review and the implementation of his new and improved, needs-based funding scheme in Australia has been heavily discussed.

“It was deeply interesting and a privilege to hear Mr Gonski speak, especially as he has a significant connection to Australia’s education system as well as our economic discussions in class. The passion with which Mr Gonski spoke about his current work around Australia undoubtedly inspired numerous students among the classes to pursue a career similar to his, ideally matching the success he has had across many fields of work.”

The Economics students were able to ask questions which ranged from enquiring about his role as a Chairman through to how he became Chancellor of one of Australia’s leading universities. It is a rare honour to be able to hear from an Australian who has achieved so much in business, community leadership and economic policy initiatives.

David Bartlett, Head of HSIE

HSC Intensive Course at the National Arts School

HSC Intensive Course at the National Arts School

The HSC Intensive Program is a 60-hour NESA endorsed course run by the National Art School in Darlinghurst. Out of 390 applicants statewide, an impressive five Emanuel School students were accepted. The course is split into two sessions that run during the mid-year and Term 3/4 breaks respectively. Two of our students, Saachi Owen and Charli Krite, completed both sessions, which culminated in a beautiful exhibition on the grounds of the exclusive Art School. Saachi Owen and Charli Krite (click here for samples of their works)

Saachi Owen:

At the National Art School’s HSC intensive workshop, I completed a course on painting, which included myself and around 20 students in my class alone, along with a teacher. I learnt a lot of new skills from the mini lessons our teacher gave throughout the course about practical Art skills such as minimising colour pallets, learning to use mediums such as thinners and thickeners and the structure of a face. Each student was assigned a personal work space in a wide circle. I found this created a more focused environment and this way the teacher could move between each student and help us with our works.

Our personal projects began with an exact appropriation of an existing work, which helped me learn an artist’s technique and process, and then we moved on to creating our own original works using the skills we acquired. There were a few times when the course proved very difficult, especially after several hours of working on an artwork (I leaned to rotate between a few pieces).

I thoroughly enjoyed the course and have learned a lot about my own art-making ability and limitations, and that of the other students around me. It was really interesting at the end when I saw the work of other painters from across Australia that also attended.

Charli Krite:

I attended the National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Program for two modules, one in July and the second in October. My chosen medium was ceramics, and along with more than 100 other talented students I learned to challenge myself, conceptually and technically, and broaden my creative thinking in the development of my works. During the two modules, I collaborated with other students to develop skills and create an individual body of work, the stimulus being ‘Between Worlds’.

We explored what that can mean and how the world changes around us, finishing with an exhibit at the Art School. Working alongside the students and teachers at The National Art School, I have learnt so much and would recommend this opportunity to anyone who is inspired by the fine arts and hoping to pursue a career in the arts after school.

From the Head of Music

Diana Springford

This week has been rich in music performances. On Tuesday evening, we held our annual Night of Instrumental Music (NOIM). This exciting event, organised into two concerts with an interval in between, showcased the skills of over 300 young musicians, performing in concert bands, jazz ensembles and string orchestras. The evening provided an important performance and concert experience for many of our younger musicians who are just starting to learn an instrument.  NOIM performers ranged from our youngest Kindergarten members of the Infant Strings Program, through our Years 3-6 Instrumental Program (IP) ensembles and scaled the dizzy heights of our most accomplished High School extracurricular ensembles.

Our Years 3-6 students who are learning to play a wind, percussion or string instrument as part of our compulsory IP, performed in ensembles comprised of their Year Group. It was impressive to see the progression in skill level achieved by each successive year of tuition and practise. We congratulate all performers and thank parents for their ongoing support of their musical endeavours.

These large concerts cannot happen without a great deal of organisation behind-the-scenes.  Thank you to the whole Music Department as well as our great team of music tutors and conductors,  Ben Marshall for sound reinforcement, or student MCs and all the teachers who volunteered to supervise and assist on the night.  

I know parents will be very appreciative of the photographs taken by Ofer Levy.  A link to Ofer’s website will be emailed to all parents of performers with instructions about how to access these beautiful photos.  

Later in the week, our Twilight Concert provided a performance opportunity for students receiving tuition on voice or an instrument. The Twilight Concert featured 26 items of repertoire from soloists and group performers. Our thanks go to Danny Burley for organising this informal and enjoyable showcase for the benefit of our students and their parents as well as rehearsing and accompanying some of the students. Thank you also to the music tutors who attended to support their students. 

Students of all levels are encouraged to perform regularly and should express their interest via their music tutors to participate in future concerts. The next Twilight Concerts will be in 2019.

Year 10 Drama Showcase

Year 6 into 7 Transition Day

Cade Collins

Samara Trenaman

Year 6-7 Transition Day

Is being in High School really as bad as it sounds? This Monday, the current Year 6 cohort, Class of 2024, came in to test out being in High School for the day, accompanied by 16 amazing Year 10 Peer Support Leaders.

They started the day meeting with the most important person in the school, Ms Chopard, who gave stern warnings about the importance of walking on the left side of the stairs. The Peer Support Leaders then split the year up into small groups, walking the Year 6s through their worries, excitements and questions, and providing essential advice for surviving High School at Emanuel.

The students then experienced different ‘sample classes’, experiencing High School periods for the first time – making smoothies with Ms Ephron, learning about HSIE with Mr Bell, sitting in Science with Ms Selinger and Mathematics with Ms Lyons or Mr Gilhooly. A huge thank you to these teachers for taking time out of their busy schedules to run these sample lessons for Year 6.

We played fun games at lunch, and did the classic crowd-pleaser, the Amazing Race after lunch.

“This day was LOTS of fun and I enjoyed our Peer Support Leaders a lot!”, said a Year 6 student.

The students learnt about who they could go to with their Year 7 problems and how similar all their problems were. It was an important day to help transition the Year 6 students into Year 7 2019.

So… is High School really as scary as it sounds?

By Cade Collins and Samara Trenaman

(Peer Support Leaders 2018/19)

High School Cricket

Kristy Reed | Head of Sport | PDHPE Teacher

Wiburd Cricket Shield

The Emanuel Junior Cricket team travelled to Casula last Wednesday to play in the first round of the Wiburd Cricket Shield. Amity College drew the home game and hosted the match at Peter Miller Park. It was an excellent day of cricket and all students competed in good spirit and displayed integrity and sportsmanship.

The match was incredibly close throughout the day. Emanuel scored a total of 87 runs, with Max Kidman the highest scorer on 38. Zac Sidley bowled very well, taking three impressive wickets. Unfortunately for Emanuel, Amity College won the match with only three balls to spare. Well done to Jake Fleischer, Aaron Glass, Zac Greenberg, Aron Harpaz, Jesse Herdan, Max Kidman, Zac Levenson, Oscar Morgan, Harry Schulz, Jake Sharp, Jett Sher, Zac Sidley and Zac Urbach.

Max Kidman

High School Basketball

Kristy Reed | Head of Sport | PDHPE Teacher

In Term 4 each year, the Emanuel Firsts Basketball Team is selected for the Emanuel Moriah Challenge. This newly selected team included students from Years 8-12, with the long-term plan of developing talented students. New basketball coach, Indiana Faithfull, worked with this team, training twice a week since selections, and the team has shown great improvement. Not only have they improved in skill and game play, but they have also worked on developing a committed and positive attitude.

Round 1 of the three-game series was held at Moriah College. Emanuel trailed from the start and at three quarter time was 12 points behind. After a good talk at the break, the team shifted their strategy, improved their attitude and won the game by four points. The second game was hosted by Emanuel and the boys dominated from the beginning of the match, winning by 14 points. Although the tournament was already won, the final match of the series proved to still be very intense. Emanuel showed their dominance and took control of the match early, winning the final game 62-37.

Well done to Matthew Bozic, Ethan De Melo, Zac Greenberg, Matthew Joffe, Ari Karjalainen, Noah Klein, Ariel Odes, Jonathan Sebban, Ben Shapiro and Jesse Waller.

Meir House

Meir were well represented on the High School Jilkminggan Trip, with nine Meirians: Gabi Amoils, Zach Fidler, Tammy Kurlansky, Mia Jordan Schwartz, Isabel Sarraf, Tali Kleviansky, Luca Moses, Tal Boskila and Mr Ezekiel. The trip was the most incredible experience being exposed to the Indigenous culture, spectacular nature and school full of happy students in the Jilkminggan community.

A few highlights of the trip were:

• Sitting in on classes in Jilkminggan School
• Swimming with the Jilkminggan students at The Crossing after school
• Starting a fire with Manuel with just two bits of wood
• Floating down Bitter Springs in complete darkness at 10.00 pm 
• Singing John Williamson songs on the bus ride.
  

  

  

  

  

Kit Bag for Kids

Coby New (Year 9) has been collecting second-hand soccer boots and kits for the last four years. He represents Kit Bag for Kids who distribute the gear to remote Indigenous communities. Coby has been recognised by the Fred Hollows Foundation Humanitarian awards and the JNF Young Jewish Change Maker award. He recently sent some new-donated footballs to Jilkminggan with the High School group.

This is a photo of The Yirara College girls (Alice Springs) playing at the Indigenous soccer cup in Nowra wearing boots collected by Coby.

House Music

With House Music in *gulp* THREE DAYS, us Meirians are perfecting our big House dance which is themed Songs Through Time. Our small House song is Some Nights by Fun and our X-Factor performance is to the song of Happier by Ed Sheeran and Stay With Me by Sam Smith. We are set and ready to compete in our first Inter-house competition! We are literally making Emanuel School history and we sure are excited out it. Get ready for an afternoon of great music, through-the-roof House spirit, energetic dancing and a boatload of fun!

Tara Israel- Year 9

Meet a Meirian

This week we thought the Meirians you could get to know one of us – the editors! So here are three random questions that will hopefully let you know Tara a little better.

Q: If you could morph two animals to make one super animal, what two animals would you choose?

Tara: I would morph together an elephant and a flamingo, because I think that pink elephants would be pretty cool.

Q: If you could do anything right now, what would you do?

Tara: I would fly to Thailand and swim in the ocean.

Q: If you opened any store what would you sell?

Tara: I would open a chocolate store.

Quote – Golda Meir

“The dog that trots about finds a bone.”

We hope you have an awesome weekend! Only a few more weeks to go…

Love, your Meir Editors,

Charlotte Lyons and Tara Israel

Rabin Bugle

Shabbat Shalom Rabinites!

Rabin has been shining and House Music is shaping up to be the Greatest Show in a long time. House assemblies have been fun-filled and Tutors, our Head of House and student leaders are so impressed with the fine manner in which you have all participated and given your best.

The Year 12 Rabin Tutor Group has taken on their first major event with passion and presented a united and enthusiastic approach. Each member of the Tutor Group has contributed in their own way and complimented each other in the process. The positive spirit and enthusiasm has engaged every Tutor Group in our House.
Well done Year 12!!

The Inter-House Music Concert is on Monday. Please remember that it will be plain clothes day and you will need to wear House colours for the event. So, bring some fun blue and black outfits, face paint and performance gear. There will be time to change before the event starts. You might want to bring an additional snack or purchase a snack from the canteen on the day and our canteen will be open until 4.00 pm – when the event starts. On the day of the concert, we will rehearse prior to the show in the both the MPH and LLC. The event is scheduled to finish around 5.45 pm.

Mazal Tov Ben Torban

Ben Torban, Year 9 Rabin, finished first in the NSW Latin Dancing Competition last weekend. It is a challenging and technical genre and Ben competed in the under 16s category which is quite an achievement! Ben is a very talented dancer and we wish him continued success, as he now takes aim at the National Championships.

Reminder: We would love to acknowledge your achievements or celebrations. Please remember to email Mr. Rembson or the House Madrichim – Tia and Adam – if you would like a mention or make an announcement.

Innovation-a-thon

Sophie Poisel | Innovation Leader K – 6

Innovation-a-thon report

Emanuel School is dedicated to providing experiences that foster the development of skills and dispositions that will benefit our students now and in the future. Our major Primary fundraiser for 2018 focused on developing the dispositions associated with innovative thinking. We are excited to announce that Years K-6 students raised $6987.25, which will be very generously matched by the JCA.

As you may remember, the Innovation-a-thon involved K-6 students developing solutions to challenges associated with population increase, urbanisation and the environment. Each grade was offered a provocation to respond to which connected to a concept they had investigated in 2018. Students worked in teams to develop their ideas and collaboratively built a sustainable future city that was showcased at the Innovation Festival. Details of the focus for each grade can be found here. Year 2 students reflected on their experiences creating the future of sound stating, collaboration as a key to their success and realising that “things don’t always go as you want them”.  They also reflected on the key dispositions they demonstrated during the a-thon and ones they would like to develop further.

Prior to the Innovation-a-thon, students were encouraged to use their Innovator’s Notebook to document their ideas, concepts they learn more about and the dispositions they demonstrate. Inspiration was offered for K-2 students and 3-6 students that included books, podcasts and making opportunities. Here are some highlights of our students building sensitivity to design, finding opportunities for innovation by looking closely and exploring how systems work and how people interact with them. This included finding opportunity to make improvements to the design of park toilets, coffee machines, doors and compost bins, and reflecting on the inventions of others.

Excerpts from Innovator’s Notebook: Phoenix Gien, Noa Rosenzveig, Aaron Berkowitz, Orlando Gien, David Miller, Ashley Cohn and Liberty Walder

Year 6 World Expo

Gideon Pozniak

Joshua Fraser

Make way, make way! Introducing the rulers of the world! National representatives on behalf of their rulers, personally invite you to visit the expo of new and unknown countries. If you are intrigued to come and make our acquaintance, simply visit World Expo on 14 November in the kingdom commonly known as Emanuel.

The Expo will be located in the secret space known as the Angles Leadership and Learning Centre. If you are a student your visit times are from 2.15 pm to 3.15 pm, and if you are of the age in which you are considered an adult, your visit time will be from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm.

Students may join us at the evening session too if they are accompanied by an adult. We are counting on you to be there!

By Gideon Pozniak and Joshua Fraser, the rulers of the nation of Alba and Hicce respectively

Spotlight – Primary Art

Louise Heilpern | Visual Arts and Design and Technology Teacher

Spotlight, our September exhibition of selected Years 1-6 artworks, showcased the array of materials, techniques and subject matter studied in Primary Visual Arts in 2018. It was pertinent that the Innovation Festival shared the Angles Leadership and Learning space with Spotlight this year, both shows engaging students in programs that offer exciting and open-ended briefs that allow students scope to explore the boundaries of a topic, encouraging problem solving, planning and experimentation.

Year 1 students demonstrated their development of skills when drawing a plant from life. The additional extension to this activity was the long, narrow paper format. The students embraced the challenge, extending the stems of their earlier plant studies and used colour to unify their designs.

The study of the pictorial elements of colour, composition, shape, line and texture formed the basis for Year 2 textured imprints and paintings on clay tiles. The study of Henri Matisse and earlier paper collages formed the basis for these complex and diverse artworks.

Referencing Aboriginal artists and artworks in a unit titled Woven Forms, Year 3 students designed and experimented with sewing and weaving, giving consideration to aesthetic and structural qualities during the making process.

The subjective response when interacting with portraiture instigated the Year 4 study of the German Expressionist art movement and the building, inscribing and glazing of clay sculptural masks.

Year 5 interpreted the theme of Art and Illusion through iPad  photography. Topics covered included reflection, transparency and refraction. In Semester 2, a sculpture unit began with an initial focus on the representation of hands in artworks. Students built a 3D hand in clay which was later painted with a metallic glaze.

Year 6 students undertook research and practical activities that explored the Hermannsburg Potters, a group of Aboriginal artists/ potters from Hermannsburg in Central Australia. In Pots that Tell Stories, students hand-built their own pot with a motif that depicted their HSIE topic, Australia as a Nation. This allowed for discussion and investigation about issues such as Australia’s natural and built environment as well as the exploration of contemporary issues such as refugees and asylum seekers.

Primary Musical – The Lion King

From the Primary Library

Ginnette Cameron-Gardner – Teacher/Librarain

Exciting fiction, information books in the JNF Collection and J books for the beginning reader, the Primary Library has them all and is constantly updating the collections.

The Quentaris Chronicles

The Quentaris Chronicles contains books by different writers, each with their tales to tell of this city of infinite variety. Full of magic, mystery and adventure, each book explores Quentaris and its people and contains stories of peril and triumph, quests and discoveries, heroes and villains. An added feature is that each book is a stand-alone adventure, so you can start with any of the titles.

Explore Quentaris with these independent stories from some of our finest Australian writers, including Paul Collins, Michael Pryor, Isobelle Carmody, Pamela Freeman and John Heffernan. Twenty three Quentaris books are held in the Primary Library at JF QUE.

We also have many non-fiction such as What happens when wheels turn? by Daphne Butler at JNF 621 BUT.

Containing clear text and photographs that introduce wheels and a variety of machines that use cogs and other wheel- like items, this book is ideal for the inquisitive student. We have many children in Primary who love to know how things work, who invented it and wonder how they might be improved in the future. 

A popular favourite are the Dr Seuss books. We have a new copy of an old favourite Rhymes, Riddles and Nonsense by Dr Seuss, located in J SEU.

‘Packed with nonsensical rhymes, riddles and tongue twisters, this new paperback edition of a popular hardback brings together three of Dr Seuss’ most brain-teasing titles – Fox in Socks, The Cat’s Quizzer and Oh Say Can You Say?

With Dr Seuss’s unique combination of outlandish storytelling and bold illustrations, a host of characters is hilariously brought to life in this wonderful compilation. Young children will delight in the absurdity of the tongue-twisting riddles, the nutty nonsense of the mind-boggling quizzes and the irrepressible charms of the Cat in the Hat. Learning to read has never been such a riot!‘ (Publishers)

Come and explore the Primary Library Collections.

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director Kornmehl

Transition to school

Starting school is a significant event in the life of children and their families. We know that strong relationships and information sharing between families, early childhood settings and schools help support a child’s successful transition to school. It is a period of change that can be both challenging and exciting.

At this time of the year we focus on the children’s transition to school. We believe the more we discuss going to school and the feelings and emotions associated with starting school, the better prepared and equipped the children are. For this reason, a lot of focus is being given to the children’s transition to school this term. We spend time talking about what to expect, how we are feeling as well as go on walks with the children through the campus.

The transition from Pre-school to school offers opportunities and challenges. We acknowledge that different places and spaces have their own purposes, expectations and ways of doing things. For this reason, we aim to build on the children’s prior and current experiences to help them feel secure, confident and connected to familiar people, places, events and understandings. We are all important contributors (the children, families and early childhood educators) to a successful transition to school (EYLF, 2009). 

We need to think about giving children a positive understanding and experience of school as a safe, enjoyable place. We need to acknowledge that children have individual needs, interests and skills and allow and encourage positive communication between children, families, child care professionals and school educators. We need to also make time for the children to visit their new school environment before starting through orientation visits etc.

We asked the children how they are feeling about starting school?

Leo P: I feel happy because I am going to be a big person and I can be in two classrooms. I will learn to read and write and do my numbers.

Zella: I am very, very happy because it’s my first time and I will learn everything. I will learn Maths and reading. I am really nervous because I have never done it before. The visits helped me a lot.

Ariella M: I am excited. I want to be big. I want to play soccer at school. I want to learn Maths and do homework. It looks like fun.

Luca: I will make new friends. I am going to learn maths and how to read and spell. I am feeling a bit nervous. This is my first time going to big school.

Alicia: I am happy because I never went to school before and I feel like it’s going to be the best. I might get to see my sisters Lexi and Emma. They will walk with me to my classroom. I am excited. I think I might learn to read books.

Sam: I am excited to be able to read a story by myself. I will be at Emanuel soon. My brother needed help the other day and I read something for him. I will see my brother and sister at recess.

National Recycling Week

We are very excited about National Recycling week coming up next week from Monday 12 November.

We invite all parents to join us during the next few weeks and spend time with your child on arrival in the mornings, making a Channukiah out of recycled materials. We encourage parents to collaborate with their child and enjoy the time to construct something creative together. We are looking forward to displaying all the amazing Channukiot during our concert weeks.

Playball

Playball this term has continued to provide the children with many different gross-motor activities and ball skills. The coaches Jenny and Al are able to challenge the children physically and extend their skills. The children look forward to Playball on a Monday and enjoy their time very much. This term parents are invited to an open session of Playball, to observe what their children have been learning.

The Dolphin open lesson will be on Monday 20 November at 9.30 am.

The Starfish open lesson will be on Monday 3 December at 9.30 am.

The Seashell open lesson was held on Monday 10 December at 9.30 am.

Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to Justine Robertson, who celebrates her birthday on Monday next week. We hope you have a special day.

Connecting our Community – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Officer

A worthy cause and a powerful message from alumnus Ari Regan-Lacey (Class of 2017)

In Australia approximately 85% of people know someone who has died by suicide. 

For Australians between the age of 15 and 44, suicide remains the leading cause of death. In 2016, 75.1% of people who suicided were male. In 2016, there were on average of 41 male deaths by suicide each week. That’s six in a day, or one every four hours.

This cause focuses on two areas, mental health and men’s cancers (particularly prostate and testicular). Zerem-Ra’am shnat participants from Habonim Dror Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are growing their ‘mo’s’ this month to raise funds for the Movember Foundation. 

Ari comments: “The Movember Foundation is uniquely placed to address the crisis at a global level. We’re funding ground-breaking projects all over the world, engaging with men where they are, to understand what works best, to help make change happen sooner. 

As part of the Habonim Dror Movement, we discuss and educate about the gender restrictions that confine individuals to think and act a certain way that prescribes to our society. In relation to men, the expectation to be physically tough and mentally strong is something that limits men in expressing their individuality, acknowledging and expressing their emotions to themselves and others. 

On Habonim Dror shnat, mental health issues have affected a lot of the men negatively in a lot of aspects of our lives. On Shnat we have strived to break down the social barriers and create an open and safe space to express our emotions and mental health issues. By doing so, we have created a place where men feel comfortable to talk about how we’re feeling beneath the ‘tough skin’that society has placed on us. 

In turn, we have decided to raise money for The Movember Foundation as we want to bring the tools that we have learnt to combat mental health issues to the rest of the world, and especially our individual communities. 

Even a small donation would be unbelievably appreciated by the Zerem-Ra’am males and we hope that this is a step towards a brighter and safer future for men globally.”

To support Ari and his friends  in raising money for men’s cancers and mental health please donate at: https://mobro.co/13879225?mc=1

Trevor Sidley (photo credit Shane Desiatnik AJN)

2018 NSW Maccabi Golf Championships 

Nicholas Odze

We have many avid golfers amongst our extended school community, always keen to get on the golf course for a round or two, and it was good to see some of them play in the NSW Maccabi Golf Championships at Monash Country Club on 25 October. Mazal tov to Emanuel parent, Trevor Sidley, who won the NSW Maccabi Open Jewish Golf Championship, his sixth NSW Championship win – but just his first since 2011.

Congratulations also to alumnus Nicholas Odze (Class of 2000) who won the A Grade competition and was best stableford scorer, and to past parent and Maccabi golf stalwart Marty Knespal who was runner-up (by just one point) in the C grade trophy.

 A night of fun and laughter for 20s and 30s

Emanuel parent, Deb Meyer, is an event producer at Shalom (www.shalom.edu.au) and is organising a new comedy night for 20s and 30s on 18 November. See event details below.

If you have news to share, please send to: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

From the Parents and Friends

Ruby Berkovic and Jennifer Opit

Uniform Shop

There are plenty of great quality, second-hand uniforms available at the Uniform Shop if you are looking for items. 

Group Together

It is that time of year where we are all organising presents. The Emanuel P&F has entered into a partnership with GroupTogether to use their system at a discounted rate and it is available to all of you.

It’s too easy to use the Emanuel promotional code on GroupTogether.  Once you click the big blue Get Started button, you will be asked a few simple questions (what would you like to call the collection, do you want to include a charity, how much would you like friends to contribute?). The next question applies to who pays the fees. Please click the circle by Promo Code and tap in Emanuel2018.  That’s it – the code has been entered for the collection and the reduced fees will be calculated (instead of the usual charges of 4% + $0.25 per collection, the special rate for Emanuel Families is 1.2% + $0.20). If you have any questions or issues, please email Julie at help@grouptogether.com.

Enjoy the weekend,

Jen & Ruby

Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers