From the Principal

Andrew Watt

Global School Climate Strike

The Global School Climate Strike on the 20 September 2019 is expected to attract larger numbers of students, which poses a dilemma for parents. Is it appropriate for your child to attend a political rally? Will it be safe? What should be the minimum age for attendance? Are there other avenues to learn about climate issues and to send a message to our politicians? Where does the School stand in relation to leave approval?

It is now clear that many young people are genuine in expressing their fear for the future of our planet. Our young people, who previously felt powerless, are now demanding a place at the table, a voice in shaping the world that they will inherit.  A number of our students have already protested against what they see as government inaction, or at best a slow reaction, to the climate crisis, and many took part in our own climate rally, held here in March. It is increasingly clear that many students feel the need to step up and fill the climate leadership vacuum left by our politicians and other leaders. Bill McKibben, organiser of the coming climate strike, said that: “The climate crisis represents an assault on justice…and also an assault on the future. A future that some have a larger share in, simply because they’ll be alive longer.” He goes on to say that, “for the rest of us – those who will die before climate change reaches its burning zenith – the strike is a chance to show that our affection for our children and their children is sincere”. 

At High School assembly this week, I pointed out that students can feel very passionately about climate change issues without attending the strike; that students can do much in their own life to reduce their carbon footprint and encourage others to do likewise, without attending the strike; that students can pressure our politicians and leaders to move the change agenda more quickly without having to attend the strike; and they can learn more about the dangers of global warming and the benefits of sustainable living… all without attending the strike. However, meeting with other people who are also passionate about saving our planet, and hearing from expert speakers, also has benefits.

We view this global climate protest as legitimate grounds for parents to submit a leave request, for students in Years 7-12. Leave requests should be submitted well in advance, so that requests can be processed prior to students signing out at reception. This will ensure that queues and delays are minimised. Parents should, however, be aware that at this strike, students would be outside the safety and protection of our School and our Parents; that they would be part of a large and unpredictable crowd. If the strike was to turn violent, or students were to encounter a nasty, intoxicated or violent person, it would be best that they remain within the protection of a group. Whilst this is unlikely, these sorts of risks are real.

Visit to Emanuel School: Elyezer Shkedy, former Head of Israeli Airforce, CEO El Al

Mr Shkedy’s visit was sponsored by JNF, and Emanuel School was given the honour of hosting this special event. Students from Moriah, Masada and BJE Schools joined our students to hear Elyezer Shkedy share his stories about his illustrious career and personal anecdotes about his father, sole survivor from his family after the Holocaust. Mr Shkedy encouraged each one of us to ‘debrief’ on a daily basis, by ‘putting up a mirror’ and asking oneself what happened, why it happened and what needs to be learned or changed. Our students conducted the entire assembly, including a welcome, introduction of guest speaker (all in Hebrew) and an interactive Q & A session. Our musicians put on a polished performance for the three items and the event ran without a hitch. We are very proud of the manner in which Emanuel students conducted themselves and we received many compliments from the guest party at the official morning tea. Kol Hakavod! Many thanks to Rabbi Siegal, Ruth Harvey, Stacey Rosenfeld, Danny Burley, Alex Hone and Michelle Favero.

Night of Instrumental Music 

This event is one of the highlights of our music calendar, involving nearly 300 students across Years 3-12. One of the best things about this particular music showcase, is that by watching all the performances, from the youngest ensembles to the extension ensembles, the audience and performers were able to see the impressive progression in skill achieved by each additional year of tuition and practice. For many of our Year 3 students, this was their first performance opportunity on the instrument they commenced learning this year, through our Instrumental Program and they were fantastic! We also farewelled our Year 12 musicians, for whom this was their last Night of Instrumental Music. We are thankful for all that they have contributed to our music program, and our hope is that they continue to perform, post-Emanuel. We are proud of the standard of music at Emanuel School, and the audience was not disappointed with both the variety and quality of the performances. Our congratulations and thanks to the architect of the show, Diana Springford, ably supported by Joanne De Araujo and our committed music staff.

Year 11 Drama showcase

The Year 11 Drama class of 2019 consists of six strong and independent young women. It therefore made sense that the theme for their Drama showcase would be female empowerment. The class worked together to develop a group performance that revolves around the identity of women. The characters presented in both the Group Piece and in the Monologues, are all searching for their female identity. The Year 11 Drama class has worked hard to portray both a humorous and, at times, confronting look at the role of women. It was an entertaining and engaging event for an appreciative audience. Thank you to Samantha Bauer for her leadership of the showcase.

Mazal tov

The students who ran the special event, hosting Elyezer Shkedy, showed great poise and commitment to their task: Lara Fosbery, Yoni Amsalem, Kai Biton, Tal Boskila, Ezra Hersch, Ariella Tracton and Liam Engler.

Quote of the week

“I have learned… that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.”

Andy Rooney

MMG Education Parent Survey

Andrew Watt – Principal

Parent Online Survey

As part of the School’s determination to ensure continual improvement of the quality of education it provides our students, I wish to gain deep and well-informed feedback from parents and students in relation to the School’s performance.

To encourage you to express your opinions openly and frankly, I have commissioned MMG Education, a consultancy specialising in school research and strategy development, to conduct the surveys.

Parents will be invited to complete an online questionnaire during a two-week period commencing on Monday 9 September 2019. Students from Years 5-12 will also be provided with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and will complete questionnaires under supervision at the School.

On Monday 9 September, MMG Education will email you with details of how to complete your questionnaire.

To ensure confidentiality and to encourage frank and full expression of views:

• All responses will be treated in strict confidence
• Respondents will not be identified to the School by MMG Education on the basis of questions asked or responses made
• All data collected by MMG will remain under its control and archived according to research protocols. The School will not be able to access it.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact me.

I look forward very much to the valuable contribution you will be making to this most important project by completing your questionnaire.

Primary News

Katie Brody – Director of Studies K-6

Technology and teaching – is there a line between the two?

I have been a keen advocate for the purposeful and productive use of technology in the classroom for many years. This is not due to the ‘whiz-bangery’ of the websites or apps that can, in a less than mindful professional practice, be seen as a perfunctory add-on or a ‘set and forget’ tool to babysit. What I am referring to instead is quality teaching pedagogy. Technology can enable highly impactful teaching practice that, when used in an integrated way, results in powerful outcomes for students and most importantly, helps them meet the learning objectives targeted by their teacher. The right tools can also create additional opportunities for teachers to connect with individuals or small groups for remediation, consolidation or extension, all whilst the rest of the class are busy and purposefully engaged as well. Among other benefits, carefully chosen tech tools allow teachers to provide students with the means to revise content at a pace that suits them and to receive timely feedback that lets them know what to focus on next. 

Technology can enable collaboration, can promote document thinking during project-based inquiry and it can assist teachers to differentiate for the range of ability levels in their classroom, but it can’t replace the teacher as the designer of learning and the one who can build student’s self efficacy around learning. There are many contentious issues and hotly debated topics when it comes to education, but the one thing that we all agree upon is the impact of a quality teacher. “The power of the teacher comes not the information she [or he] shares but from the opportunities she [or he] creates for students to learn how to learn, solve problems, and apply learning in meaningful ways.” (The Key to 21st Century Classrooms Isn’t Tech. It’s Evolved Teaching). When teachers can find the balance between the relational aspects of their role, the sequencing of the learning and the practices that maintain intrinsic motivation for learning, students truly benefit.

Parents will see a range of 21st Century approaches to teaching and learning in our classrooms, many of which are enabled using ipads and laptops. By no means have we shifted away from direct instruction as a vital teaching approach in the process of educating our students, but we are incorporating a range of digital tools that develop dispositions in our learners, helping them to understand and recall content knowledge as well as master skills. In some instances we are redefining what used to be possible in the classroom. The vast majority of 21st Century teaching and learning can be enabled through purposeful use of tech tools. Students can collaborate using Google Docs, Padlet, Menti-metre or Verso as each of these tools has at the core of their purpose, the objective to encourage students to make their thinking visible and be critical thinkers. Students can purposefully develop their creativity through the use of Boomwriter (imaginative and informative writing), Puppet Pals (where they can plan and perform a story using 2D puppets) and iMovie (where they can create clips) and media texts to meet a variety of learning objectives. 

Teachers are like bowerbirds, aways foraging through the mounds of opportunities that can support learning. We pick out, gather and trial digital tools and techniques to modify and redefine processes, whilst also making sure we are discerning about the maintenance of well-established, offline teaching pedagogy. To balance the online learning with opportunities that require human interaction and the ongoing use of pen and paper, we know that our ‘toolbox’ contains a wide scope of strategies and practices ensuring we innovate and maintain teacher quality. 

ICAS Competitions are underway!

This week saw the first of the ICAS competitions. The Digital Technologies competition attracted 41 students from Years 3 – 6 and Science attracted 48 participants. The next competitors will now wait until Week 9 where 60 students will complete the English competition on 17 September 2019, and 60 students will complete the Maths competition on the 19 September 2019. Wishing all the students all the best as they pursue success and try their best.

Night of Instrumental Music

Our talented musicians showcased their efforts on Wednesday night, and what a night it was! The Music program is an invaluable part of the education of our learners and we are so grateful to the Music Teachers and Instrumental Program Tutors for all their hours of dedication and passion. This was quite an event and it was wonderful to see our students shine.

Innovation

Parents and community members are warmly invited to join us for the 2019 K – 6 Innovation Festival on Wednesday 11 September 2019. 

The event will start in the Lehrer Family Building (multi-purpose hall) with Tefillah at 8.20 am and the official opening commencing at 8.50 am. This will include a celebration of student learning, a performance by Dramatic Action and an exciting panel of award winning STEM professionals. This will be followed by some parent learning opportunities in Years K – 6 and exhibits across the school and in the Innovation Centre.

On Monday, Years K – 8 were invited to learn more about the character Jasper who featured in their Science Week magazines they took home. Simon Rippingale, the artist, director and animator behind the character, came to speak to students about his work. Read our student article to find out more.

Watch the animation of Jasper here: www.simonrippingale.com/reel

Learn about the creation of Jasper here: http://view.publitas.com/jericho/jasper/page/12-13

Challah Bake

Year 2 had their annual Challah Bake Sale on Friday to raise money for Our Big Kitchen. It is part of their Make A Difference project which creates the opportunity to give back to the community. The Year 2 students sold all the challahs with great enthusiasm and energy in the Triguboff, Blue Ocean and Adler Courtyards. They were thrilled to be able to partake in such a fabulous Mitzvah which also encompassed a number of values from The 7 Habits. 

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish Life

No Blood on Our Hands?

Our parashah, Shoftim, ends with a chilling and admonishing narrative.

If a body of a slain individual is found in “no man’s land”, the elders/leaders of the closest city “wash their hands” and make the following proclamation:

“Our hands have not spilled this blood, nor have our eyes seen/witnessed (this blood spilling)”.

While the Babylonian Talmud notes that the representatives of the city are exculpating themselves and the city of responsibility for the victim – they did not turn him away from the city when he was seeking shelter and they did not fail to warn him of an impending danger. The Jerusalem Talmud explains that they are declaring that they are not to be blamed for the murderer/killer as he was not one that they “let loose” upon society (having known his intentions/violent disposition) nor did they see him commit this act.

From the Bible through the Rabbinic tradition and to this day, Judaism teaches that while we may not be (directly) accountable for a crime, we, nevertheless, are to be held responsible.

As Maimonides says in the Laws of Murder and Preservation of Life, whenever one can save another when witnessing the perpetration of violence or knowing of an impending danger but does not do so, he/she transgresses the command “Do not stand upon the blood of a fellow human being”.

This week, Former Brigadier General of the Israel Air Force, Eliezer Shkedy, visited Emanuel school and spoke with our High School students and those of BJE, Masada and Moriah whom we were hosting. One of his most meaningful moments was when planes of the IAF flew over Auschwitz as an integral element of a memorial service for those who had perished during the Holocaust.

The Israeli Jewish pilots were flying over the same crematoria, selection platform and train tracks over which the Allied forces flew in 1944. As Amir Eshel, one of the pilots, asked:

“Why didn’t the American pilots who photographed Auschwitz bombard the camp from the air? Why, out of 2800 missions carried out by the Allied forces in southeastern Poland…was not a single mission dedicated to destroying the railroad tracks or the crematoria?…Why didn’t they bomb? Why? It drives you crazy?”

Can the Allied powers say, can the world say “our hands did not spill this blood, our eyes did not see”?

Fighter Jets Over Auschwitz – www.haaretz.com/.premium-israeli-fighter-jets-over-auschwitz-1.5332524

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music

This week has been rich in music performances. Three Emanuel School ensembles were featured during the special JNF guest speaker event on Tuesday, attended by Year 9 – 10 students from Moriah College, Masada College and BJE students as well as Emanuel School. Mazal Tov to Mr Hone and the Senior Stage Band for their amazing rendition of the Jazz standard The Chicken by Kris Berg, as well as to our Year 10 Rock Band, whose performance of Pompeii by Bastille with their director Mr Banks, rounded off the event. This event saw the inaugural performance of the Senior Girls Vocal Ensemble, who sang Salaam beautifully, arranged by Mr Remington Owen. Their ensemble was formed especially for this occasion, but the girls are looking forward to continuing to rehearse with choir director, Ms Alice Girle. Thanks also to Mr Burley for accompanying the anthems.

Mazal Tov to Guy Rein in Year 10 for his solo performance at High School Assembly. Guy played Tenth Caprice by Rode on tenor saxophone. To perform unaccompanied in front of a large audience of your peers is a testimony to the confidence achieved by much practice. 

Night of Instrumental Music 

We held our annual Night of Instrumental Music (NOIM) on Wednesday evening. This exciting event, organised into two concerts with an interval in between, showcased the skills of nearly three hundred young musicians from Years 2 – 12, 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 and also scaled the dizzy heights of our most accomplished High School extracurricular ensembles.

Our Years 3 – 6 students who are learning to play an instrument as part of our compulsory Instrumental Program, 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 practice. 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. I would like to thank the whole Music Department as well as our great team of music tutors and conductors, Mr Ben Marshall for sound reinforcement, our student MCs and all the teachers who volunteered to supervise and assist on the night. Special thanks to Mrs Joanne De Araujo who organised this complex event.

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How learning an instrument benefits your brain – (Dr Anita Collins)

Last week I was lucky enough to spend two days with Dr Anita Collins, who shared the current scholarly research findings on the relationship between music, the brain, and therefore also, the importance of music education. It turns out that learning music, through singing and then through playing an instrument, is excellent for language acquisition and development, executive function and social skill development. The small video below is rather topical for us this week, since we had our Night of Instrumental Music. It is only 5 minutes and summarises the research available in 2014 (there is much, much more now), so I encourage everyone to take a moment to learn how lucky we are that Emanuel School is so supportive of instrumental music playing. 

www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain?language=en

Private Music Tuition and Infant Strings Program

Thank you to those who have already advised us of changes to private tuition and Infant Strings Program enrolments for next term. The deadline for new enrolments, notification of changes or intention to discontinue for Term 4 has now passed. All students currently receiving private music tuition and ISP will be automatically re-enrolled into tutor schedules for next term along with students commencing lessons for the first time and liable for fees. If you have any questions please contact Matilda Grieve by email: music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au  

The schedules for Term 4, 2019 will be created during term break and emailed prior to lessons resuming.

Links to online forms  

New enrolment requests for private tuition: http://tinyurl.com/NewPrivateTuitionEnrolment

To discontinue private tuition for next term: http://tinyurl.com/PrivateTuitionDiscontinuation

To enrol into the Infant Strings Program: http://tinyurl.com/InfantStringsEnrolment

To discontinue ISP for next term: http://tinyurl.com/InfantStringsDiscontinuations

Primary Innovation

Liam Winter – Year 6

Simon Rippingale visits Emanuel

Simon Rippingale, a film animator and cinematographer, came to Emanuel School to share his digital and creative skills. He works for Animal Logic; a company that produces animated films. Simon has been involved with a number of award-winning projects at the Sydney Film Festival, Blue Mountains Film Festival and app design awards. He’s also worked on ebooks, documentaries and other films. Simon loves the animation in the 1920s King Kong movies. 

Simon mainly talked about the process of making Jasper – the character that featured in the magazines Years K-8 students took home in Science Week. Jasper was created by a whole team of animators, designers and editors, consisting of about 30 people. He told us that storytelling is the number one skill someone in his position needs. 

Simon talked to us about character development, how he uses storyboards and timelines and creates an animatic (an early edit of the movie which includes rough drawings). In his work he uses many resources to create these animations films including: miniature models, drawings, computers, dolls and puppets and 3D cameras. Simon told us that he likes to build things with his hands – he is a real Maker! He told us how he uses hot wire to cut polystyrene to make the base and collects branches that become trees in his miniature sets. Simon connects his hands-on making with technology by 3D printing some elements, using light to get realistic shadowing and green or blue screens. He also told us how he has started using game engine software to make animation in his films, including Unreal and Unity.

Following his talk, we were able to have a quick interview with Simon about what a typical day in the life of a Director might be like, and what are the essential skills he needs to do his job well. 

Watch a preview of this interview here: https://tinyurl.com/IntSimonRippingale 

A special thank you to Leigh Goldberg (Jonathon and Lara’s mum) for organising the Jasper magazines and this very special visit. If you’re interested in learning more about Simon’s work, go to his website: www.simonrippingale.com

Thank you to Natalie Chesler (Mia and Jake’s mum) for organising our special visit from Peter Overton a couple of weeks ago.

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Years K – 2 Play Leaders

Last week the Year 6 Play Leaders organised a Teddy Bear’s Picnic for Year 1 with the help of Mrs Silver and Ms Buzo. They came together for a picnic lunch and some fun and co-operative games.

Here are some quotes from Year 1 students:

“I liked it when the Year 6 leaders played UNO with us. Georgie was funny. It was great!” Eli Levin

“It was fun with the Year 6s. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make a chatterbox and guess what? That’s exactly what I did!” Matilda Foltyn

“It was so much fun drawing. The Year 6s were funny!” Claudia Kaplan

“I like it when I played UNO with Dean.” Ryan Miller

We look forward to seeing what’s next for the Play Leaders!

Katie Narunsky and Talia Hynek

Year 6 Play Leaders Mentors

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Year 10 Ayekah Camp

Charlotte Lyons – Year 10

On Tuesday 27 August 2019, the Year 10 students set off to South Sabina College in Tallong for the annual מחנה אייכה/ Ayekah camp. Although we were all extremely eager and excited to go on this six-day adventure with our whole Year Group, we had no idea what was in store for us. Soon after we arrived, we understood what אייכה /Ayekah really meant! Ayekah is actually the question: “Where am I?” and at this camp we embarked on a remarkable journey of self-discovery, as well as learning more about each other and at what stage we are all at in our lives. 

Through a wide variety of engaging and thought-provoking activities and discussions we discovered more about our own Jewish identities, Zionist beliefs, overall core values and our stance on various global issues. We were surprised, convinced, motivated and enriched by the diverse conversations that took place as we had the opportunity to create or listen in on a “Sikkum” created by a madrich or a fellow peer on any topic we were interested in. Some examples included speaking about how God and science are related, how to introduce Buddhism into our everyday lives, how video games may lead to violence, why the “Me Too” movement is so important, the Arab-Israeli conflict and the LGBTQIA+ community. 

There were so many fun and uplifting activities we participated in, from playing Jew-perdy to learning and campaigning for types of Zionism at a Jewish Congress, attending an Israeli party, making decorations for Shabbat, stargazing at night, singing and playing music around the bonfire and, of course, LOTS of ruach! It was incredible to see our year group come together as a community to make this an extremely special and meaningful experience, and it was evident by the end of the camp that many of us have not only grown closer and strengthened existing bonds, but also forged new relationships and friendships. While debriefing on our last day, we all came to the conclusion that Ayekah has most definitely united us and connected all of us as we learnt so many new things about each other.

Thank you so much to the Australian madrichim Maya, Dylan, Issy and Ruby. And, thank you so much to the Madrichim who flew all the way from Israel to accompany us on camp too: Noa, May, Eli, Ronnie and Amit. Not only did the madrichim help plan super fun activities, but they really did create a special, warm and engaging atmosphere for us to enjoy, and brought such joy and enthusiasm to all aspects of camp. 

Lastly, a huge thank you to the teachers who accompanied us on this amazing journey: Christian Bell, Liz Birrell, Joseph Peacock, Morah Jenny and Rabbi Siegel for giving up their week to come with us. And, of course, this awesome camp wouldn’t have been possible without Kobi Bloom, Samo and Asher Klein who organised everything. Thank you so much for making this such a memorable and enriching experience for the Year 10 students, who came back from Ayekah with a deeper understanding of so many important issues and each other. 

Student and Parent Reading Initiatives

David Camp – Head of English

Years 7 – 8 parent/student reading initiative: miSipur leSipur   מסיפור לסיפור

This holiday the High School Library staff are introducing a Years 7 – 8 parent/student reading initiative: miSipur leSipur. The aim is for you and your child to choose, and read, the same book at the same time. The Library will supply you with a list of available titles, two copies of your chosen text, and a list of possible questions to help get your discussion started.

Is your child a reluctant reader?

Reading is hard … for everyone. Reluctant readers often need adult encouragement and self-belief to get started. Think of it as a recreational reading partnership.

What’s the point of recreational reading?

Reading can offer an escape from study or a busy social life. It can transport to real and imaginary places, clarify thoughts and feelings, build empathy and understanding for others, identify and tackle world issues, and be a gateway to conversations with family and friends. A recommended title, followed by a discussion over dinner, can often help a reluctant reader see social value in reading.

How can you share a love of stories with your reluctant reader?

Choose and read a book together, then chat about the characters and themes along the way. You would be modelling reading while also demonstrating the value you place on adolescent fiction. Or, just read to each other. It’s a fun bonding exercise and is often forgotten when children start secondary school.

If you and your child would like to participate in this initiative please email the Library seniorlibrary@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au by Wednesday 11 September 2019. With your support we aim to build a culture of readers and reading at Emanuel School.

• Mystery/adventure: Bancks, Two Wolves www.goodreads.com/book/show/19392551-two-wolves?from_search=true
• Mystery/family: Kwaymullina & Kwaymullina, Catching Teller Crow www.goodreads.com/book/show/38207146-catching-teller-crow?from_search=true
• Family: Foxlee, Lenny’s book of everything www.goodreads.com/book/show/40609434-lenny-s-book-of-everything?from_search=true
• Fantasy: Rowling, Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone  www.goodreads.com/book/show/3.Harry_Potter_and_the_Sorcerer_s_Stone?from_search=true
• Identity: Jonsberg, A song only I can hear www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/40012192-a-song-only-i-can-hear
• Short Stories: Falkner, That Stubborn Seed of Hope www.goodreads.com/book/show/35191120-that-stubborn-seed-of-hope?from_search=true

From the Primary Library

Ginnette Cameron-Gardner – Primary Teacher/Librarian

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This closed for 2019 on 30 August at 11.59 pm

If students wish, they could start collating a list of what they read from 1 September 2019 for next year’s Challenge.

Congratulations to the 210 students who completed the Challenge this year.

Those who completed in the final week were Edan Merritt and Jake Rosenfeld  of Year 3, Olivia Kawalsky, Lia McLelland and Noah Vexler of Year 5. Mazal tov.

Scholastic Book Fair

Thank you to all of the Emanuel community who so enthusiastically supported the Scholastic Book Fair this year. Due to the generosity of those supporters there will be many new books selected from the Scholastic Catalogue to supplement the Primary Library resources.

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Kathryn Turner

This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Kathryn Turner, from Turning Point Consulting, who spoke to our Year 12s. Kathryn gave a very effective talk to the cohort about where they are at now, and where they are heading next. Some of the great take home message for the group (for all career paths ahead)  were as follows:

• Make sure that a GAP year is planned. She had seen a lot of students who had not planned their year off which had ended up being an unproductive experience.
• Make a GAP experience something to talk about, something of value, and something that will differentiate.
• Be prepared to change courses, Universities and directions after a first year at Uni. Over 30% of first years were doing the same.
• Be prepared at any interview to talk about the three things that are very YOU, and will differentiate you. And listen to the question, don’t just tell them what facts have been rehearsed.
• Be aware of good posture, a solid handshake, and body language – what message does your body language give across?
• Becoming self aware, by listening and tuning in to what subjects were enjoyed at school and what work environments suited you.

Open Days

This weekend there are four open days at:

1. UNSW
2. ACU Strathfield
3. The Hotel School (Torrens University)
4. National Art School.

For more details find out more at:- https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/schools/uni-open-days-2019.pdf

Between now and the end of term I am busy with Year 12 appointments. I can still see Year 12 students in Terrm 4, and parents, who are still trying to finalise preferences, figure out bonus points, learn about majors/minors and understand the course system. So feel free to book in or plan it during Term 4 if timings don’t suit now:

https://calendly.com/clairepechcareers

Focused HSC Workshops at UTS in the October Holidays for Year 12 students: UTS are hosting InspirED’s in-depth, subject-specific workshops for HSC students in the October holidays. Improve your knowledge, skills and confidence with personalised assistance from expert teachers and markers. Workshops run 9.00 am – 5.00 pm across 19 subjects. Find out more: https://inspired.edu.au or call 1300 677 336. 

HSC Music Showcase

Connecting our Community – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Officer

Giving back

In the overall scheme of life, we are a privileged community, well aware of the many opportunities of ‘giving back’ and it is not always about giving in the financial sense. Giving our time, energy and expertise and even just a small blood sample, are such worthy contributions to those less fortunate than us, and/or those seeking a better, safer and healthier life.  Here are just a few examples of the many ways we can help:

Sydney Friendship Circle (FC)

Last Sunday, as many of us celebrated Father’s Day, hundreds of adults and children, including Emanuel School students, parents and grandparents as well as alumni plus a number of local dignitaries turned up at Vaucluse Public School for the 10^th anniversary Friendship Circle Walk. Chana and Rabbi Sender Kavka, who started FC in early 2007 because they wanted to make a difference in the lives of people with disability, have spoken to our students here at school on many occasions seeking their support for FC, as volunteers at their weekend sessions and holiday camps as well as for the FC Walk. There is still time to donate: sydneyfriendshipcircle.org.au/walk  

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Remember September 2019

Please help alumnus Ben Wilheim (Class of 2008) who, together with family and friends, is raising awareness and funds for the fight to cure pancreatic cancer: https://rememberseptember.gofundraise.com.au

Gift of Life

We are still looking for a bone marrow match for a young woman in our community.  Help us to help carry on the amazing work started by the late Shula Endrey-Walder OAM, who was one of our Emanuel School grandparents.  If this one session on 10 September 2019 does not suit, for alternate times, please contact: giftoflife@wolper.com.au

Ros Shammay – grandparent volunteer

Parent Support Group (PSG)

Many of our parents and grandparents as well as a few past parents, are members of our ever-so-important PSG. We would love to see even more people sign up. For more information on what is involved and how to be part of this very important team which helps keep our campus and students safe, please contact: esadmin@sydpsg.com

Primary Grandparents and Friends Day – Monday 16 September 2019

Our Years K – 6 students are getting very excited as this special day fast approaches. We look forward to seeing grandparents and special friends at this very special morning, where they will share Rosh Hashanah celebrations with the children.

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

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director Kornmehl

Father’s Day breakfast

We celebrated our Father’s Day breakfast on Monday morning with 60 very excited children and 60 equally excited Dads. The atmosphere in the room was warm and filled with so much energy.

Dad’s and their kids enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast prepared by a few very capable mums. Thank you to Natalie Cromer, Leona McGee and Lauren Hockley for their help in preparing the breakfast. It was delicious and almost every last piece was consumed by our hungry kids and Dads. A thank you must also go to Anita Weinberger and Gaby Kahn for shopping for all the ingredients for Father’s Day and to Justine Hoffman, Odin Kaye, Kyra Phillips and Talia Kersh for the delicious baking. All your help is very much appreciated.

After breakfast, it was special to see the dads relaxing with their kids by either reading a book, building with blocks, squeezing fresh orange juice together, playing in the sandpit or outside, participating in woodwork, or painting a pebble, having a back massage or designing an abstract construction using straws and sticks or a special tie to wear to work.

Each dad received a beautiful photo frame decorated with items from nature that the children collected when they were at Bush School as a special gift, as well as a personalised card and heartfelt message.

Early Childhood Educators Day

On Wednesday, we acknowledged and celebrated all our wonderful educators at Kornmehl.

The purpose of Early Childhood Educators Day is to recognise and celebrate the work of early educators working in long day care, community care and preschool services, for their enormous contribution to the wellbeing and healthy development of the young children in their care.

Early Childhood Educators Day is a day to acknowledge the valuable work of the early years’ educators in educating and caring for tomorrow’s leaders.

Families at Kornmehl joined us in thanking all our wonderful educators by adding a message to our ‘Appreciation Wall’.

Each educator received a gorgeous gerbera flower, a certificate acknowledging their commitment, dedication and passion to Early Childhood Education and a yummy cake baked by the school canteen.

I am proud to say that many of our Kornmehl Educators have been at the Pre-School for more than 17 years!

Parent feedback:

“Thank you to all the wonderful educators and assistants whom go above and beyond their duty every day to accommodate the needs of our children and ease any concerns parents have. Not only do they do an amazing job in teaching life skills, but their attention to the positive core values which are shaping the personalities of our children, is by far the most worth mentioning. We appreciate all your efforts as we place our trust in you every time we leave our children in your care. Thank you immensely! ” Maria Alonza/Wicks

“Thank you,Terry, teachers and assistants – Kornmehl feels like a big family, a close-knit community where our children are nurtured and loved. You have carefully integrated their early education with play and fun activities, ensuring they are never bored as they learn about the world! Love Lindy Lowenstein”

“The educators and support staff are so warm and familiar but at the same time have years of experience behind them. For these two reasons we feel and have felt so safe depositing our daughters at the Kornmehl gates. Thank you for all the joy and energy you bring to your workplace every day and the effort you put into the development of all the children. It doesn’t go unnoticed. “Lauren Hockley

“To the wonderful Kornmehl educators,

We have, from the moment we entered this extraordinary community, been so appreciative of the hard work, love, and total devotion shown by each Kornmehl teacher and assistant. You love, respect, and nurture our children in ways not found elsewhere; your celebration and appreciation of every child’s unique personality contributes to their sense of security and belief that they can go on to achieve great things in the future, both within and outside of Emanuel School. We are all composed of the few – yet crucial – people who have cared for us. As a family, we are tremendously fortunate that our children will carry your influence throughout their lives. Thank you to all of you. With love, the Phillips family. “

“To all Kornmehl educators:

While you do EVERYTHING well, I’d like to highlight the way that all of you make us feel welcome and like we are walking into our second family when we arrive in the morning. Parents are encouraged to stay and do an activity in the morning, we are not rushed out, we are seen as partners with the teachers and the children feel safe knowing they are part of such a wonderful place. Parent involvement in weekly activities, excursions and other events and the community feel is something I will miss next year. All teachers are very approachable, and this makes parents feel comfortable. Kornmehl educators, we thank you for making us feel at home day in and day out! You are all special.
Warm regards, Sharon”

Rosh Chodesh Elul

The children learnt this week about the meaning of Rosh Chodesh Elul and how this is a special month before Rosh Hashanah, where we wake up our minds and think about doing good deeds and saying sorry to other’s that we might have hurt or made sad during the year.

Mr Adam Carpenter came down to Kornmehl to blow the Shofar for us. The sound of the Shofar tells us to wake up and listen! These blasts serve as a daily reminder that Rosh Hashanah is on its way and we must focus and reach down deep into our hearts to ask for forgiveness. The shofar also reminds us that our words have extreme power and we must think carefully about what we say and how we say it. 

During the month of Elul, we will be encouraging the children to think about doing Mitzvot and acts of kindness – Tikun Olam. It’s also a great time for families to talk to their children about the concept of “forgiveness.”

National Child Protection Week

National Child Protection Week has been coordinated by NAPCAN, (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect), with the support of the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. The campaign aims to engage and educate all Australians to understand they have a part to play in keeping our children and young people safe from violence, abuse and neglect.

NAPCAN works to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. “Protecting children is everyone’s business.”

National Child Protection Week is a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the community to think about how we can work together to keep all children safe. 

Importantly, we want to remind everyone that:
• We ALL have a part to play in protecting ALL children
• Even small actions can help to improve a child’s future
• By building stronger communities, we are creating safer environments for our children 

How can I start playing my part to protect children today (and every day!)?
• Be a good role model for children
• Be kind to children, parents (and yourself!)
• Take the time to really listen to children and believe them if they tell you something
• Learn about what help services are available so you can support others if they need help
• Don’t judge other parents and families; remember that we’re all trying our best
• Look out for all children, not just your own
• Be a friendly, helpful member of your local community
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to ask someone if they need help

Teachers play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by building relationships with their students and showing that they respect and value them.

Parents play their part to protect and care for children and young people in their community by showing how to have respectful relationships.

ENVISION – HELPING HANDS PROJECT

Envision is a small community focused organisation, who are collecting bottle caps/plastic lids from schools which are then used to make prosthetic limbs for disadvantaged people and communities throughout India and other 3^rd world countries.

Kornmehl has become a collection point for all your bottle tops. So please wash them and bring them in and place them in the basket in the foyer. Please talk to your children about this amazing project and how they can make a difference in a young person’s life by doing one small action such as collecting and recycling their bottle tops. Involve your child in the process of washing the lids and bringing them in, so they can experience the feeling of Tikun Olam. Let’s turn waste into opportunity!

Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to Samara Kahn (5) and our admin assistant Maria Moses. We hope you had a very special birthday.

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Emanuel Midford Uniform Shop

Trading Hours:

Monday: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm

Tuesday: 8.00 am – 12.00 pm

Thursday: 12.00 pm – 4.00 pm

Telephone: 9326 5445

New uniform items now available at the uniform shop:

SPORT SHORTS

New sport shorts for girls, starting from size 12 upwards. This new fit is more flattering for girls, the legs are slightly wider and shorter than the unisex shorts, which are also still available to purchase. Price remains at $31.00.

TRACKSUIT JACKETS

New Sports Tracksuit jackets ($110). The new jacket is a stretch microfiber with a fleece lining. Especially suitable for those students representing the school at sporting events and a smart cosy addition to the winter uniform for all. This is an additional sports wear item and doesn’t replace the winter jumper.

SHOES

A reminder that we sell high quality all leather Midford school shoes at a competitive price for $119.00. 

Rose – velcro strap shoes for junior girls (Kindergarten to Year 3): sizes 10 – 2.5. 

Impact – unisex classic shoe, very comfortable leather shoes with a flexible sole: UK sizes 2 – 10

From the Parents and Friends

Ruby Berkovic and Jennifer Opit

Hi Everyone,

It really feels like Spring!

Challah Orders Term 4

We are taking challah orders for Term 4!

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

Camping Trip

Booking is now open for the second camping trip of the year. It is at Bielany Camp on the Colo River. This is always a wonderful chance for Emanuel School families to bond and it is a real highlight of the school year.

The date is Friday 8 November 2019 to Sunday 10 November 2019.

Book now: www.trybooking.com/BEKEQ 

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 6.00 pm on Sunday 17 November 2019 at the Capital 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 2 x $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

Cookbook information will come soon. Sorry for the delay.

Have a great weekend,

Jen and Ruby

Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers from last week:

JeStar Theatre Group