From the Principal

Andrew Watt

Counsellor Leon Goltsman, Dave Sharma, Andrew Watt and Rabbi Dr Benjamin Elton

Welcoming our Special Guests

Our list of guest speakers at High School assembly this term continues to grow, with Rabbi Dr Ben Elton from the Great Synagogue giving the D’var Torah and Dave Sharma speaking on What lessons can Australia learn from Israel and what lessons can Israel learn from Australia?  From 2013 to 2017, Dave served as Australia’s Ambassador to Israel. His appointment at the age of 37 made him the youngest person to be appointed as an Australian ambassador. In this role, he helped facilitate links to Israel’s technology sector and investment into Australia. Dave also ensured that the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba was a major commemorative event and he delivered the first visit to Australia by an Israeli Prime Minister. His deep knowledge and experience of both Israeli and Australian politics makes Dave unique in many ways, and his insights were both helpful and interesting. As this was his first visit to Emanuel, Dave joined Waverley Councillor, Leon Goltsman (founding Emanuel School alumnus), for a tour of the campus and both were very impressed by the Food Lab, Design Lab and Imaginarium in the Innovation Centre, the Millie Phillips Theatre and the Visual Arts/Science buildings.

Pick up and drop off – resolving emerging problems

A small number of parents/grandparents have been stopping for extended periods within our ‘go with the flow’ (GWTF) zones or have been double parking or stopping in the designated bus zones. This has resulted in a significant slowing of our drop offs and collections and also poses a safety risk. It also impacts our relationship with our neighbours. Our traffic issues can be largely resolved if, at the morning or afternoon times, all parents/grandparents refrained from:

• Getting out of their car to assist their child;
• Double parking;
• Stopping for more than 90 seconds (after child arrives at car), in GWTF; and
• Stopping in designated bus zone.

If there is no space in the designated GWTF area, parents are strongly encouraged not to stop, but rather to complete a second loop. Parents with older children are also encouraged to park some distance from the campus and enjoy the walk.

Our proposed changes to our entry and exit to Emanuel, as outlined by Margaret Lowe in the last edition of Ma Nishma, will commence in Term 2. In response to feedback from parents, we will however allow parents to continue to park away from the School and come onto the campus, through the Waxman Gate. However, the Kornmehl car park will be open to Kornmehl parents only and the exit from the music rooms will be closed. Kornmehl parents with children in Primary School will therefore have the option to park away from school and collect both children separately, or collect from both Kornmehl and GWTF. The new system will be trialled, then reviewed.

River Valley School, Singapore Visit

On Thursday, we hosted a delegation of educators from River Valley High School, Singapore, who came to Emanuel School to learn about our focus on developing students as critical and curious thinkers with a love for learning. River Valley High School is a high performing academic school targeting the top 10% of the student population in Singapore. They have developed a program in which secondary students can proceed directly to pre-tertiary education without taking the national exams. This allows River Valley teachers to make better use of curriculum time to immerse students in broader and deeper learning experiences that develop their 21st century competencies.

The educators from River Valley are visiting selected Australian schools to broaden their perspective on teaching and learning by understanding how different schools promote and assess the thinking of their students. Knowing that Emanuel focuses on developing the critical and innovative thinking skills of our students was the driving reason to spend time observing our lessons and meeting with Mr Adam Majsay, our Deputy Principal (Teaching & Learning), and a team of Emanuel’s Heads of Department to learn about the teaching and learning practices at Emanuel.

The nine educators, including their Principal and Vice Principal, chose to visit Emanuel owing to the similarities in our two schools’ approaches to learning. Like Emanuel, River Valley High School use the Teaching for Understanding framework as the theoretical underpinning for curriculum design in their school. In addition, Cultures of Thinking, which also characterises learning at Emanuel, has been employed by River Valley teachers to promote deep disciplinary thinking in their students. Our colleagues from Singapore were excited by their time at Emanuel and take new insights in best practice teaching and learning with them back to Singapore. 

Mazal tov

Daniel Zipser (Year 5) achieved a perfect 8/8 score at the East Sydney Junior One Day Chess Championships held on Sunday 3 March 2019. Well done also to Joshua Barnett (Year 5) who came 7th in the tournament.

Lucy Klein with the winning basketball trophy

Emanuel Junior Girls Basketball Team won their grand final against International Grammar School on Wednesday in the Sydney Schools Cup (weekly inter-school competition)

Brody Elbourne (Year 9) ran the 4km course in the inaugural NAB RunWest Running event last Sunday. He had a great run finishing on the podium with a silver medal in the men’s division and 3rd overall. There were over 3000 runners in the 4km event who competed and finished the run.

Quote of the week

“Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.”

Josef Albers 

Primary News

Natanya (Tany) Milner – Head of Primary

Reminder

Just a reminder that smart watches are not allowed to be worn by students in the Primary School.

This week

Parent Teacher Nights (PTN)

Thank you to all the parents who attended this week’s Parent Teacher Nights. We value the opportunity to collaborate with you and share information about your child’s learning. I would like to acknowledge the teachers’ efforts to prepare and be involved with PTN. It makes it a very big week and I am grateful for their care and commitment.

NAPLAN practice tests

This week saw the Years 3 and 5 students involved in the NAPLAN practice tests. This year’s online format has brought some changes to the organisation and we trust that the students will be well prepared to manage the new format. Thank you to Katie Brody and the Year 3 and 5 teachers for their organisation and preparation in advance of next term’s NAPLAN testing.

 Diabetes fundraiser

Today’s fundraiser has seen the Primary School students support the Diabetes Foundation. Thank you to the Tzedakah Leaders, Karon Rom and Diane Clennar, for organising the event and all the Primary School students for their support and involvement.

 Chess Success

Congratulations to Daniel Zipser and Josh Barnett for their participation in last weekend’s East Sydney Junior One Day Chess Championships held on Sunday 31 March. Daniel received a perfect 8/8 score and won the overall championship. Josh Barnett was placed 7th in the tournament. We are very proud of Daniel and Josh! They have shown much dedication and effort in chess and also willingly give up their time to coach other students.

Next Week

Cross-Country

On Monday 8 April 2019, our Years 3 – 6 students will be involved in the Cross Country Carnival at Queens Park. It will begin at 9.00am with the 11 and 12 year old girls and boys races and then each age group will run in descending age order. The carnival should conclude at approximately 11.00am.

 Year 1 and 2 Swimming Carnival

The Year 1 and 2 Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 10 April 2019 and is always a highlight in the calendar. All our families and friends are welcome to join us at Des Renford Aquatic Centre from 11.00am for the carnival. It should conclude at approximately 1:00 pm.

Pesach family workshops

We are looking forward to celebrating Pesach with our community on Thursday 11 April 2019. The festivities begin at 9.00 am with a Years 1 and 2 Pesach extravaganza – Year 2 will conduct the Seder and Year 1 will perform a Pesach play. Year 3 and their families will make a Eliyahu / Miriam cup from clay and experience baking matzah. Year 4 will explore the significance of the number 4 in the Haggadah and create an artistic matzah cover with their families. We will conclude the day with a morning tea from 10.30am -11.00am. We look forward to welcoming the family and friends of Years 1 – 4.

Last Day of Term

The last day of Term 1 for students is Thursday 11 April 2019. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and Chag Sameach for Pesach.

Term 2

We look forward to seeing all the students return to school for Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April 2019 in Winter uniform. Please note that ties are only to be worn by Years 5 and 6. On this day, we will commemorate ANZAC Day and will also conduct our beginning of term lice checks. There is a Year 6 Northern Territory trip that leaves on Sunday 28 April  2019 with Hugo Adrian, Lara Kepitis and Genna Radnan. We wish all the families and teachers attending a safe, enriching and informative experience.

K-2 assemblies for Term 2

Please diarise the following dates for Term 2 assembly items for K-2.

3 May 2019 – Morah Miri and Morah Shirley’s Year 2 Hebrew classes

14 June 2019 – Music assembly (you will be informed if your child is presenting)

28 June 2019 – 1B – Emma Buzo’s class item

I thought this poster may be helpful for communicating messages of interest and care whilst fostering responsibility rather than fear or nervousness.

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

The words of the Prophets are written on the subway walls, tenement halls

As we began to contemplate Pesach, the Festival of our Freedom, our Year 9 students gathered at the St John’s Anglican Church at 120 Darlinghurst Street. There they met staff of Kids Giving Back, who helped facilitate our meeting and coming to know individuals who were homeless, rather than homeless individuals, as they reiterated to us.Together, we were to gain a better sense of the world these individuals experience on a daily basis.

Significantly, while we were at the Church, we never entered it. Yet, we, and the volunteers reaching out to the marginalised of our society, were very much doing ‘God’s work’.

In walking the streets of Kings Cross, our students gathered at a mural that graced the wall of Rough Edges, which describes itself as “a place where community happens for people experiencing homelessness and marginalisation. No matter who you are, you will belong here”. It was here that, Andrew, who for many years called the streets his home, shared the importance of community in recognising him and those living on the streets with him, as an individual, like everyone else, experiencing a life and journey to be valued and recognised.

As Andrew spoke to our students, I noticed that there appeared on the wall, behind them, a hand-painted sign that read “humanity=freedom”. Upon returning to Emanuel, I shared a photo of the sign with our students and we discussed how one stripped of his/her humanity might be deprived of a feeling of freedom. We considered, as well, that we begin our Pesach seder with the words “all who are hungry, come and eat. All who are in need come and be sustained with us”.

Recognising the humanity of others we realise our own humanity, working for the freedom of others we more fully experience our own freedom.

As we prepare for this year’s Pesach as Zeman Cheiruteinu, the Time of our Freedom, may we strive to reach out to the homeless, hungry and marginalised of our community, by inviting those in need to our seder, volunteering at a homeless shelter and/or a soup kitchen. The words of our Haggadah speak to us all “Today we are enslaved, in the new year that we bring in, we shall be free”.

Our Pesach seder reminds us that we are to experience and effect God’s service and presence beyond the church and synagogue. I hope you find the following article of meaning to read before or share during your family seder: The Rabbi and His Church.

www.tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/281444/the-rabbi-and-his-church

Years 1-4 Pesach Family Celebration

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter | Head of Jewish Life Primary

Last Friday, Year K students and their families came together for their first Pathways ceremony. This was an opportunity to welcome the Year K students and their families to the Emanuel School community and to celebrate the learning of the students. Parents, grandparents and siblings of the Year K students joined the Years K – 2 school for a special Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony, where all of Year K were the guests of honour. Morah Bar-On led a spirited Shabbat celebration filled with singing, music and ruach. The theme for this Pathways ceremony was the importance of names, and the meaning and stories behind our names. Rabbi Ninio shared a lovely story about Adam naming animals in the Garden of Eden and I spoke about what the students can do to create for themselves a שם טוב – ‘a good name’. In preparation for the ceremony, Year K students traced their hand and decorated it. The hand was then given to their parents to write a special blessing or message for their child. The hamsa inspired artwork was framed and presented to the children by their parents. Year K students received a special blessing from their parents, the ברכת בנים –  blessing over children.

Year K students received a special gift of delicious Aleph – Bet shortbread biscuits to symbolise the sweet taste of Jewish learning which they have started to experience at Emanuel School. They also received a special gift of a Shabbat bag, kindly provided by Montefiore Home, to welcome them into the Emanuel School community. 

A big thank you/תודה רבה to Hagit Bar-On and Shirley Arad for preparing the Year K students, to Talia Hynek and Carrie-Ann Grieve –  the Year K class teachers and to Lara Sperber-Ephron and her team of Year 10 Food Technology students for catering morning tea. Thank you to Ofer Levy who took beautiful photos to record this event for the school and our families.

Click on Image to view Gallery

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Year 9 Jewish Life Homelessness Excursion

Lily Berger

Lara Palic

Matthew Lowy

Remy Waller

Masah Bamidbar (A Journey in the Desert) 

On Tuesday 26 March 2019, Year 9 embarked on the Masah Bamidbar excursion, aimed linking homelessness to the messages of Pesach. On the day we learnt from the people who have experienced homelessness themselves about this dire situation and how so many people find themselves stuck in certain unavoidable circumstances (and feel as though they are in מֵצַרִים Meytzarim = Dire Straits, same Hebrew letters as מִצְרַיִם Mitzrayim = Egypt).

We began the day by making our own way to the site via public transport, catching trains or buses and then walking to St John’s Anglican Church. By using public transport, it made us think how not everything in life can be provided for us but taught us that often people who are homeless have to move around often from place to place.

Our year congregated at St John’s Anglican Church in Darlinghurst. The church runs numerous programs, through its non-profit organisation Rough Edges, which help support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. We were split into groups and went on a unique tour around Kings Cross with two amazing guides, Andrew and Tony.

Andrew had grown up in Country NSW where he, as a gay teenager, had not been accepted by either his family or community. To escape this, he moved to Sydney at a young age where, due to numerous factors, he became homeless, contracted HIV and struggled with addiction, amongst other issues. He told us about what life on the streets was like for him and how hard it had been. His family relationships have since been mended and he now lives in sheltered accommodation.  

Tony grew up constantly moving from house to house. His father was an alcoholic and abusive to his family. Due to these circumstances, Tony struggled with mental health issues from a very young age. At age fifteen he ran away, became homeless and started using drugs. Along with this, Tony discussed other struggles he had been through and overcome in his life. Even though Tony had been dealt some of the worst cards life could give him, he played them better than some of us play our good hands. Since his early 30s, he has been working for charities such as St. John’s Anglican Church to help teenagers and adults get out of homelessness and the cycle of drugs and alcohol abuse. Currently, Tony is studying for a diploma in mental health so he can help those who are in the position that he was once in. 

Both Andrew and Tony’s stories were confronting and impactful, but through their sense of humour and care, it made their tours the highlight of the excursion.

Each group was guided around Kings Cross, learning about different places and how they were connected to homelessness. These included the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Holocaust memorial near the Sydney Jewish Museum, the medically supervised injecting centre and a cafe which provides free food and company for those who are homeless.

During the excursion we also took part in a program run by the organisation Kids Giving Back, who aim to teach our generation about the wider community and develop skills which will empower us to help change other people’s lives for the good. We learnt some of the shocking statistics about homelessness in Australia and that literally anyone can become unexpectedly homeless due to factors out of their control. The Homelessness Game involved us looking at scenarios that commonly lead to people becoming homeless and then randomly earned or lost sticks, which represented money, by reading out different life scenarios. This game showed us that people who are homeless typically don’t have much control over their life circumstances and that people around them (family, friends, employers etc.) can affect their situation. We came to realise that people who are homeless are just like us; they have families and hobbies and experiences and that we, as privileged members of the community, must treat people who are homeless as people.

This means that next time you walk past someone living on the streets, instead of avoiding eye contact and pretending that they aren’t there you should try saying hello, good morning or asking how they are. The simplest smile can make the biggest difference. Andrew told us that when he was living on the street, often he would go twenty-four hours without interacting with anyone, despite hundreds of people walking past him every day. When someone was able to look at him and say hello or have a simple conversation, he felt human again, and that interaction with someone else would make his entire day. One of the biggest things that stuck with us after this experience, was that instead of referring to people without a home as ‘homeless people’, we should instead use the term ‘people who are homeless’ as these individuals are most importantly human, before anything else.

For those of us who might be ungrateful or take what we have for granted, it is important to know that there are thousands of Australians, just like us, who live on the streets and struggle to get basic items such as food, clothing and shelter, let alone a new car or the latest iPhone. We must be thankful for what we have and strive to help others in need. For us this excursion was incredibly eye-opening. It was an amazing experience for our cohort and one which we will definitely remember in the years to come.

Overall this day was an amazing experience showing us how fortunate we are to live in the Eastern Suburbs, attend Emanuel School and be members of the Sydney Jewish community. It also made us aware of the importance of giving our time to those less fortunate that ourselves.

We want to thank our teachers Ms Levin-Kahn, Ms Inberg, Rabbi Segal, Mr Bloom and the organisation, Kids Giving Back, for planning this day and letting us have this amazing experience that have changed our thoughts on homelessness. And thanks, of course, to our wonderful guides, Andrew and Tony.

By Lily Berger, Lara Palic, Matthew Lowy and Remy Waller

For more information:

 http://kidsgivingback.org/

https://www.roughedges.org/

Click on Image to view Gallery

Pic – Outside Rough Edges Cafe 1

Pic – Andrew at the Holocaust Gay Memorial

Pic – Coward Punch Lane

Pic – Homeless Game 1

Pic – Homeless Game 2

Pic – Tony on the tour

Pic – Senior Homeless RIP on the Street

From the Head of Music

Diana Springford

Music Camp 2019

The annual Emanuel School Music Camp for students in Year 4 to Year 12* is a wonderful celebration of our vibrant music culture and the talents and hard work of our young musicians. Each camp is a special experience for students as they unite in a shared love of music and work together in the pursuit of excellence. Emanuel School music staff join with a team of highly -skilled professional musicians and outstanding special guests to develop and hone students’ musical skills in preparation for an exciting showcase concert.

Emanuel School Music Camp is a four-day camp from Monday 1 July to Thursday 4 July 2019. The first 3 days are held at Merroo Conference Centre in Kurrajong and the final day is held at school. Students return to Emanuel on the evening of Wednesday 3 July 2019, to be collected by parents at 6:00 pm.

This year, we are returning again to Merroo, located in Kurrajong on the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park. The centre is set in hectares of natural bushland and will provide a private and peaceful environment for our students and staff, as well as excellent accommodation and rehearsal facilities. Students will be transported between school and the camp on privately chartered coaches.

All Years 4 to 11 students who are members of the following ensembles are expected to attend Music Camp: Mendelssohn Chamber Strings, Korngold Strings (formerly ISO), Rubinstein Strings (formerly JSO), Copland Concert Band, Bernstein Concert Band, Gershwin Concert Band, Senior Stage Band, Junior Stage Band, Senior Choir and Junior Choir.  Please note that ensembles at camp are not always exactly the same as ensembles at school and all camp participants are expected to perform in large ensembles. 

* Involvement in Music Camp for Year 12 musicians is encouraged but, due to the importance of the HSC, it is not compulsory. We offer Year 12 musicians the opportunity to attend Music Camp at a reduced fee for the day on Tuesday 2 July 2019 and to attend applicable rehearsals and the concert on Thursday 4 July 2019. They would have to make their own way to and from camp on the Tuesday.

Music Camp: important dates for your diary:

Monday 1 July 2019: depart Emanuel School at 9.00am sharp.

Wednesday 3 July 2019: depart camp at 4.00 pm. Anticipated arrival at Emanuel School by 6.00pm.

Thursday 4 July 2019: camp continues at school with rehearsals from 9.30am sharp.

Thursday 4 July 2019: Showcase Concert at 6.15pm in the MPH, concluding by 7.40pm.             

Students must be at school by 8.30am on Monday 1 July 2019 and should be collected at 6.00pm on Wednesday 3 July 2019. On Thursday morning, students can either come to school at their normal time and go to class until 9.30 am or arrive at school to begin Music Camp rehearsals at 9.30am sharp.

Students will need to bring their lunch and recess as normal on the Thursday.  A BBQ dinner for performers only will be provided prior to the concert.

The cost of Music Camp will be $496. You can pay in full, OR in two instalments of $248.

To attend Music Camp two actions are required as soon as possible please – no later than 30 April 2019:

• First, register and pay online via TryBooking.
• Secondly, complete the online permission form.  

Register and pay by pasting this link into your internet browser: www.trybooking.com/BBYQS.This will take you directly to the TryBooking website where you can follow the prompts to register your child’s full name, school year and to pay either the first instalment OR the full amount by credit card. You will be notified by email when the second instalment can be paid.

Complete the online permission note by pasting this link into your browser: https://forms.gle/w5BznZgDtZJUChDT8

If you have any questions regarding Emanuel Music Camp please contact Joanne De Araujo: jdearaujo@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au  

Basketball grand final winners

This term four Emanuel School basketball teams competed in the weekly Sydney Schools Basketball Tournament.

The newly formed Junior Girls team had a very successful season, finishing on the top of the table, undefeated. The girls progressed to the grand final this week and with a dominating performance, defeated International Grammar School 42 -12. Lucy Klein and Brooke Rosen displayed excellent passing skills throughout the game and the team demonstrated great team spirit. Congratulations to Ruby Brody, Ruby Grynberg, Lucy Klein, Romy McCorquodale, Lucia Meyer, Alice Milner and Brooke Rosen.

The Intermediate Boys team have had a less consistent season, however, in this week’s semi -final rose to the occasion, winning a thrilling match 34-33 over Moriah College. Well done boys and I wish you the best of luck in the grand final next week.

Emanuel Junior Girls Basketball Team 2019

High School ESport and EActive Term 2 registrations

Kristy Genc | Head of Sport | PDHPE Teacher | Year 11 Tutor

Term 1 proved to be a successful term for the ESport and EActive programs, with large numbers of students involved in fantastic programs.

The Term 2 ESport program will offer weekly trainings and competitions in the following:

• Weekly girls netball competition – St Catherine’s Inter-school Competition
• Weekly girls and boys basketball competition – Easts Basketball League
• Boys rugby 7s and 10s program

Term 2 EActive will offer the following recreational programs:

• Girls fitness
• Boys fitness
• Girls social basketball – NEW Emanuel Tournament
• Running Club
• Swim Squad Program
• Hip Hop dancing
• Tennis training
• Gymnastics Development Squad
• Pilates
• Skyzone

Bookings for Term 2 are now open. Places are expected to fill quickly so it is important that registrations are made via the following Trybooking links:

High School ESport: www.trybooking.com/YJFS

High School EActive: www.trybooking.com/FNNJ

Further information on each of these activities is available on the Parent Portal.

If you have any questions please email Kristy Genc (Head of Sport): kgenc@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Climate Change and Autism

Miriam Itzkowitz – Year 11

Two seemingly different topics, Climate Change and Autism, combined after Greta Thünberg, a sixteen-year-old Swedish activist with Asperger Syndrome decided to change the world.

Greta was disturbed by the hypocrisy of society and the government, who promoted climate action, yet did nothing about it. She fell into depression and stopped eating and talking. Within two months, she lost ten kilos. In that time she was diagnosed with Asperger’s, OCD and selective mutism. Eventually, she overcame these issues and convinced her family to become vegan. Additionally, she began protesting outside the Swedish government building, skipping school every day. After the Swedish elections, she continued to protest, only skipping school on Fridays.

Her efforts sparked climate action and protests around the world by many school students, I being one of them. Three weeks ago, I attended the climate strike here, in Sydney. It was a huge success, however, one particular student made a comment which almost entirely defeated the purpose of going to the climate strike. In response to something said over the loudspeaker, he said “yeah, it’s because all our teachers are f-ing autistic”. Ironic, isn’t it? He views autism as such a bad thing, implying that it is the epitome of everything bad, implicating laziness and negativity from those on the spectrum, yet he was there because of an autistic person. I was quite indignant, to say the very least.

Tuesday was Autism Awareness Day, where I addressed the Assembly about this specifically. Additionally, this week is Autism Awareness Week and all of April is Autism Awareness Month, so a lot of awareness about autism should be spread in the coming weeks, to prevent situations such as this one from ever occurring again. It is upsetting to those on the spectrum and we need people to speak up to create an inclusive, safe environment for the more vulnerable in our society.

I urge you all to spread awareness about autism and support those on the spectrum. There are two excellent organisations which are extremely beneficial to those on the spectrum and their families: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Giant Steps. Here are their website links where you can find more information:

Autism Spectrum Australia: www.autismspectrum.org.au/

Giant Steps: https://giantsteps.net.au/

High School Madrichim ‘Dancing in the Dark’

This event is for High School students only. To book your pizza for the night go to: www.trybooking.com/BBTZP

Primary Optional Theartresports Drama

Kol Szenes

Miriam Itzkowitz – Year 11

Hi everyone! This week we started the fourth month of the year, April. April signifies many different things for many different people. For some people, it’s their birthday month, for others, it is the month of practical jokes. But on a much greater level, April is Autism Awareness Month. This week is Autism Awareness Week and Tuesday, the 2 April 2019, was Autism Awareness Day.

I addressed the High School Assembly with a speech about Autism Awareness Day, commenced by a snippet of a TED Talk by a Swedish activist called Greta Thünberg. The dialogue from this snippet of her speech was as follows:

So when I was 11, I became ill. I fell into depression, I stopped talking, and I stopped eating. In 2 months, I lost about 2 kilos of weight.

Later on, I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, OCD and selective mutism. That basically means I only speak when I think it’s necessary – now is one of those moments. There was laughter and huge applause from the TED audience.

That snippet led into my speech which you will find on page titled: Climate Change and Autism

The full TED Talk can be viewed from this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAmmUIEsN9A&t=1s

Szenes students wearing the new kippot during the High School Assembly

Announcements

Well done to Szenesians, Hannah Lax and Miriam Itzkowitz, who performed Russian Rag with the Clarinet Ensemble at Assembly on Tuesday

Happy Birthday to the Szenesians who celebrated their birthdays this week!    

• Milly Ginzberg (Year 7)
• Jonathan Naiger (Year 11)
• Alexa Narunsky (Year 12)
• Kaia Ziman (Year 11)

New Kol Senes logo

Finally, a little challenge for all those artistic Szenesians out there: could you please design a new Kol Szenes logo? We will all vote and all the designs will be featured in Kol Szenes and the winner’s design will be the new header to Kol Szenes every week. To submit your designs, please e-mail them to me: itzkowitz.miriam@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Quote of the Week

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.

Plato

Shabbat Shalom and have a fantastic weekend!

Rashi Times

Jonathan Schach – Year 10

Introducing the new Rashi Editor

Hey everybody…

My name is Jono Schach from Year 10 Rashi, and I am proud to be the new editor of Rashi Times. Most of you would know me for the drought collection I led a few weeks ago. I hope that, in this position, people will find me approachable and if anyone needs help with getting a project off the ground or just someone to talk to, I am always around. Whilst I am very fond of coding, I always enjoy a nice competitive game of soccer with my mates at lunch. Recently, with the start of the new House Meir, I moved over from Rabin to Rashi, meaning not only am I in on all the little secrets that Rabin hold, but I also bring a fresh mindset to Rashi House. Over the weeks ahead, I hope to bring an honest perspective on behalf of the Rashi student body and really illustrate some of the different aspects to reflect on what has been discussed in Tutor Groups or as a House. 

Last week in House, we were delighted to have a guest speaker, Isabella Nahon, come to us from Friendship Circle. Friendship Circle is a non-profit organisation that pairs teen volunteers with an individual of special needs. Together, they form a lasting friendship and participate in seasonal programs. Izzy discussed some of the different programs that us, as teenagers, can get involved in along with the difficulties that comes with those who have special needs. This suffering was expressed through both a thought – provoking and complicated game along with a powerful video that demonstrated these challenges vividly. This undoubtedly sparked interest with the members of our House. We encourage students to join Friendship Circle as it brings an undeniable joy to both those who are being helped and, through this, to those who are helping as well.

Jonathan Schach

Eden Sadra – Year 12

Serving others is a magical thing

Anne Frank once said: “No one has ever become poor by giving”. We can take this both literally and metaphorically, but I think it’s definitely something that acted as a focus today in Izzy’s talk. Since Year 7, and maybe even before if you’ve been at Emanuel since the beginning, we’ve heard that we live by the concept of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world, both as Jews and as human beings. Although we all live very busy lives and may sometimes get wrapped up in our own little worlds, it’s important to look within ourselves and take time out to be there for the people in this world who need us the most, for example the children who the friendship circle and other organisations like it help on a daily basis. Going back to that quote, “No one has ever become poor by giving”, sometimes we even get richer by giving. Richer in terms of the experiences we gain and the joy we get from serving others. So, think about taking some time out of your own life to put a touch of magic into someone else’s… you might be surprised how much more magical your life will become.

By Eden Sadra

Brody Elbourne – Year 9

Mazal Tov

Last Sunday Brody Elbourne ran in the inaugural NAB RunWest Running event in the 4km run. He had a great run finishing on the podium with a silver medal in the Men’s division and 3rd overall. There were over 3000 runners in the 4km event who competed and finished the run.

Come to the Cabaret

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

As next week we will be hosting the Career Avenues counsellors for our Year 10s, I would like Year 10 students and parents to familiarise themselves with the process.

Students are to:

1. Come to reception at their allocated time in Edumate
2. Take their Careers Profile from the allocated area in reception
3. Spend 10 -15 minutes reading over this – with parents if in attendance
4. Go to their designated room in Edumate and spend 30 minutes with their counsellor

I look forward to hearing how these sessions go. Please also remember – with all careers profiling – this is a conversation starter and a look at strengths and traits. There is nothing definitive about these conversations. We time these specifically to tailor into the subject selection process further in the year with Year 10.

Next term we begin looking at subject selections with our subject selection night in Week 7.

Here are some good links to start the research process:

Job Jump – https://www.jobjump.com.au/

All students should register for this account now using the password “emanuel” with a small “e”. We have a school subscription.

https://joboutlook.gov.au/ This is a great government website looking at future growth and industry outlooks. The four main areas for growth are:

1. Health care and social assistance (aged care, childcare etc)
2. Construction (infrastructure, engineers)
3. Education and training (school age population rises, adult education)
4. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (CAD, consulting, management)

https://studyworkgrow.com.au/ you can set up an account with this as we have a full subscription. The password to get in is “EMS0219”.

For student bookings please see my availability, and book in at https://calendly.com/clairepechcareers/

Kornmehl

Terry Wizen – Director Kornmehl

Pesach

Our Pesach explorations and learning are continuing, and the children are all immersed in this rich and interactive festival.

It is so much fun learning about this rich festival. The Dolphins have been exploring the concept of freedom versus slavery. We watched a short clip about baby Moses in the basket, the Jewish slaves in Egypt and King Pharaoh.  

Sebi – The person was opening the basket. I felt really red, but not angry, kind of mad. 

Leo – My worst part, I actually saw Egyptians whipping and pushing the Jewish people.

Kobe – I felt a bit red.

Josh – I felt frustrated. 

We wondered about what it means to be free …

Levi – When you are not treated like a slave. 

Talia – It means you can take control of yourself. 

Jade – That you don’t have to do hard work. 

Talia – I was sad because they were trying to make the Jewish people slaves and whip them. 

Leo – I was happy because King Pharaoh’s mother found baby Moses and brought him to King Pharaoh and he said ‘yes, we can keep him’ 

Levi – sad because King Pharaoh was treating the slaves really bad. My engine was red. 

Hannah – blue cause she was very sad cause she was leaving her baby.

Stevie – I felt like they were working so hard, so I was running a bit blue. 

The children are enjoying dramatising the story of Pesach, particularly the parts when Moses goes to ask King Pharaoh to let the Jewish people go. We are learning lots of songs, using the ‘hundred languages’ (song, drawing, painting, drama, clay, dialogue, etc) to make meaning of the story of Pesach.

The Seashells have created Egypt, the desert and the pyramids in their classroom by using sand, triangle shaped blocks and camels. The children were very engaged in this activity.

Arlo – The Pyramids are triangle.

Koben – They built them with bricks.

Michaela – Pharaoh was mean like Haman.

Rafi – Slaves have to work hard.

The Starfish began to tell the story of baby Moses and how he grew up in Egypt, taken care of by King Pharaohs daughter. We set the scene with sand, camels and pyramids and it was wonderful to hear how many children recalled the facts in the story and were able to share their prior knowledge of the story of the Exodus of Egypt.

Sapphira – King Pharaoh was a mean man, mean to the Jewish people.

Jack – It is like revenge against the evil people and the good people get revenge and win against the evil people.

We told the story of the Exodus using a felt board and felt pictures of the different characters and then acted out the plagues as they arrived in the land of Egypt.

On Wednesday we were able to take a small group outdoors to see where the parsley and horseradish have been growing in our vegetable garden. Looking closely at the leaves and stalks before tasting them, we spoke about the different parts of herbs and vegetables that we eat, the leaves, stems and the roots. We all had a turn to dig up and tug on the horseradish as we pulled it out of the ground in search of the roots. 

At the tasting table indoors, we began to taste the celery, parsley and horseradish.

Levi – I love the horseradish, it tastes bitter and sour.

Max – It tastes like chilli and mummy likes chilli, not me.

Kayla – The granny… apple, is the green one. 

After a walk into Peace park with a small group we had two baskets full of collected natural materials. We looked at a variety of different baskets and how each basket is different to another and some have no handle while others have one or two. Some of the children began to use the air – drying clay and create a basket and add handles or soft natural materials to the basket to create a comfortable space for baby Moses.

The Starfish and Dolphins have continued to explore making Baby Moses out of clay as another medium to express our thinking and ideas. Their representations are just unique and delightful. They are on display in the entrance of the Pre – School. Come and have a look.

Shabbat visitors

On Friday last week, we were lucky enough to have special visitors for Shabbat. Andrew Watt, Rabbi Daniel Siegal, Garry Case, Ruth Harvey and some of her Year 10 students all joined us for a special Shabbat. It was lovely to share this special time with other members of Emanuel School and to be on the same campus so that these connections can be maintained and strengthened.

We were also joined by Rabbi Orna Triguboff, who shared one of her meditations with us about the Shabbat angels. It was a lovely way to end our Shabbat on a Friday. Thank you to all our visitors for coming to join us.

Back to Pre-school visit

On Friday, a large group of very excited Year K students returned to Kornmehl for our back to Pre-school visit. Everyone was so happy to see each other – teachers and children. We divided into two groups – Starfish and Dolphins and our Year K students each had a turn to share something special with us that they had learnt at ‘Big school’.  We sang familiar songs and enjoyed seeing each other again

The real highlight of the afternoon was time to play in our beautiful outdoor setting with friends past and present. We all enjoyed afternoon tea together and then it was time to say goodbye. This is always a special time to reconnect with the children and to make sure that the foundations and bonds formed at Pre-school remain a special part of each child’s time with us.

Hebrew

Martine Nabarro has been taking the children once a week for Hebrew lessons. The children look forward to this time to meet Bentzi – the Hebrew puppet as well as learning many new Hebrew words, through song, games and music. Morah Martine’s lessons are interactive, fun and age appropriate. The aim of the lessons if to create an awareness and love of the language, while at the same time learning basic concepts such as colours, numbers, family, greetings etc.

Another part of the Hebrew program is taking Bentzi home on a Friday when it is your turn to have the Shabbat box.

We ask you to please record your special weekend with Bentzi in the book provided and to encourage your child as much as possible to talk Hebrew to Bentzi. We look forward to reading about Bentzi’s adventures in your homes when he comes back to Pre-school. Please pop your names on the roster to have a turn with the Shabbat box and Bentzi.

Holiday care

Holiday care will take place in the holidays on Tuesday 16 April 2019 and Wednesday 17 April 2019 from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Community Connections – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Officer

Mazal tov to alumna Chloe Corne (Class of 2017)

Chloe Corne

Just about everyone who attends Emanuel Synagogue, and in particular the services of the Masorti stream, knows Chloe and her commitment to Jewish life and our community. She was Jewish Life Madricha and Jewish Day School Liaison in 2016/2017 and she won the Outstanding Service to the Jewish Life of the School Prize at the 2017 High School Speech Night.

Mercaz – Masorti Australasia is delighted to sponsor Chloe’s participation in the NOAM Olami Onward training course where participants take part in a professional internship, leadership and educational training and experience daily life in Israel. Fifteen participants from around the world will spend six weeks learning together and afterwards return to their home communities as leaders in Masorti Judaism from the NOAM Olami movement. Chloe says: “I was fortunate to be nominated and awarded this scholarship as the sole representative of the Masorti movement in Australia. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to support and grow the Masorti movement here. I leave Sydney on 11 June and return home on 25 July – I can’t wait!”

Good luck Chloe and we look forward to hearing all about your trip on your return.

Rikki Stern

Wow, Rikki Stern (Class of 2016) – you are amazing!

In late 2018, at the age of just 20, Rikki received the shock of her life when she was diagnosed with Stage 2B Hodgkins Lymphoma. Now in remission and soon to receive her 12^th and final treatment, Rikki noticed there was no support group for young women in the situation she found herself in, so she decided to establish an Australian branch of a British – based organisation called Cancer Chicks: www.cancerchicks.com  Rikki says: “Having cancer – and experiencing things like losing your hair – can be very isolating and can lead to losing your self-esteem, which can be particularly difficult for young women. What I found is that it really helps to feel part of a community that can share experiences and advice.” Last weekend Rikki was invited by Lymphoma Australia to share her story for their annual Legs Out for Lymphoma 5Km walkathon, which she said went really well. We thank Rikki for also sharing some of her story with us now too, and wish her all the very best. Rikki will return to School on 21 May 2019 to participate in our Careers Space event where our Year 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to hear from more than 20 Emanuel alumni about their journeys after leaving School and how/what they are doing now. 

Michael Jaku, grandfather of Zoe Greenfield in Year K and her brother Joel in Year 5, recently retired from the executive board of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) after more than a decade of selfless service.  As a child of 2 Holocaust survivors, Flore and Eddie Jaku OAM, Michael chaired the Shoah Commemoration Committee from 2009 to 2015.  Under his leadership, the Gen3, 7470 and Their Names Survive programs were established, and attendance at the annual Shoah commemoration services, reaching a record 1200 people.  In 2016 Michael won the Hal Goldstein Lifetime Achievement Award for being a “constant, energetic contributor to the community since the early 1960s” and is one of the driving forces behind the Sydney Jewish Museum.  Michael is pictured below with his father Eddie, daughter Danielle Jaku – Greenfield, wife Linda and son Marc, taken at the recent plenum for the NSWJBOD when he officially stepped down from the executive board.  Both Danielle and Marc are past students of Emanuel School.

Michael Jaku (standing), with father Eddie Jaku, daughter Danielle Jaku – Greenfield, wife Linda and son Marc

On Tuesday morning, alumnus Leon Goltsman (Class of 1990), who is a Liberal Councillor (Bondi Ward) on Waverley Council, came back to Emanuel School to attend the High School assembly at which his good friend Dave Sharma was a guest speaker. Leon then had an impromptu Q&A session with one of the Year 9 Geography classes.  This was a fabulous opportunity for these students, especially as a number of them had recently emailed Leon with requests for interviews and guidance on some upcoming school assessments. 

Leon Goltsman with Year 9 Geography Class

Jewish Changemaker Awards

With less than 2 weeks to go, please remember there is no better way to showcase to the Jewish community Australia-wide, our Emanuel students and younger alumni (35 years and under) who volunteer their time with numerous organisations and causes, than by this opportunity to nominate them for the Jewish Changemaker Awards.  See categories for Youth (under 18) and Young Adults (18 to 35 years) and please nominate your child/children accordingly.  Check out the new Changemaker promo video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVZ67BE2SvY&feature=youtu.be

Please note, nominations close on 18 April 2019, and can be made online: www.jnf.org.au/changemaker

Save the Date

Breakfast with Emanuel – 12 June 2019 in Bondi Junction, and 19 June 2019 in the CBD, hosted by KPMG.

Time: 7.30am to 9.00am

Topics: Driving for Deep Learning and welfare and wellbeing of our students.

More details out next term.

Why is it important to have grandparent contact details on our database? Our School Community is spread far and wide.  We love having grandparents involved with activities at school, as well as being able to tell them about what’s happening on campus, even if they don’t live locally.  The best way for us to do this is by getting in touch with them directly, hence the request for up-to-date contact details.  Please send email/address to: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au to ensure they receive invitations to various events throughout the year, and also so they receive our bi-annual Grandparents and Friends newsletters which are a great way to read about what’s happening at school no matter if they live around the corner from our campus or on the other side of the world.

If you have photos and/or news to share, please send it to: snewell@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

From the Parents and Friends

Hi Everyone,

Term 1 is almost over!

Challah orders Term 2

We are taking challah orders for Term 2!

You can eliminate the hassle of having to pick up your weekly challah and support the P&F at the same time. We will be selling freshly baked challah every Friday at the cost of $4.50 and you can pick it up on a Friday afternoon at the same time that you collect your kids. (Gluten free challah is available at an increased price.)

The challot must be pre-ordered. Please register your interest by emailing: kendrey@bigpond.com

Mother’s Day Breakfast and Stalls

It is an Emanuel School tradition to celebrate Mothers Day with a beautiful breakfast for mothers, grandmothers and special friends. 

Our annual Mothers Day breakfast will be on Friday 10 May. 

Time: 7:00am – 8:20am in MPH 

Cost: Adults $15 ($20 on the day), Children $10 ($15 on the day)

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BBWYB To assist us with catering, please be sure to book early. 

We have organised a wonderful Mother’s Day gift stall also on Friday 10 May 2019 and we will be selling special gifts for your Primary School children to give to you on Mother’s Day. Please be sure to send your child along with $10 per gift on the day and they will bring the gift home with them that afternoon. The correct money would be greatly appreciated and if you would like to purchase more than one gift perhaps for a grandparent, just send extra money. 

P&F Theatre Fundraiser: School of Rock the Musical!

Join us for the Emanuel P&F theatre outing to see School of Rock the Musical at 6 pm on Sunday, 17 November  2019 at the Capitol Theatre! Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out!

There are limited tickets to this performance. Get the best priced A-reserve tickets available for $94.90 and a free program per booking donated by Playbill, plus a chance to win 2x $100 merchandise packs!

This works as a group booking, so individual tickets will be allocated after sale period is completed and the P&F receives the tickets. Tickets are allocated based on date of purchase. If you have a large group and you want to sit together you need to purchase all the tickets in one booking.

Book now: www.trybooking.com/BBAKH

Entertainment Books

Emanuel School is fundraising with Entertainment!

Your support really helps our fundraising, so we’re thrilled to let you know about special bonus Early Bird Entertainment Membership Offers for loyal supporters.

Pre-order the NEW 2019 | 2020 Entertainment Membership and receive bonus offers you can use right away!

Order Now:  www.entbook.com.au/200508p

Enjoy the weekend,

Jen & Ruby

Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers last week: