From the Principal

Andrew Watt

Our Caring Community

In the midst of what has been a very sad and challenging week for our School community, there have been glimpses of light, as our parents, staff and students have joined together to support Teoh Bader and his family. The outpouring of grief and loss has seen a flow of cards, gifts, food deliveries, messages of support and visits. We have also seen our futsal team wearing shirts to commemorate Alexi, and our Food Technology students have been busy baking cakes and preparing meals for the family. Our memorial in reception has seen large numbers of our students write messages to the family, sharing their fondest memories of Alexi. Parents are also invited to write a message in the journal, before we take it to the Bader family next Friday.

Our staff, supported by a team of external psychologists, have guided our students through the initial shock and feelings of loss, and conducted a Parent Support session. The additional student support will be ongoing, for the remainder of the term. We are very fortunate to be part of a close-knit community that unites to share their grief and support those facing difficult times.

The Funeral Service, held at Emanuel Synagogue yesterday, was attended by large number of Emanuel school parents with their children. Our School Executive, staff and an Honour Guard of our Madrichim also represented our School. We were very proud of our students, as we have been all week.

Over the last few weeks of term, for the majority of students, life will gradually settle into familiar routines. Our School psychologists, Kim Slender and Belinda Gold, remind us that while it can be helpful to know that children go through a series of stages in the way they perceive death, it is important to remember that, as in all growth processes, children develop at individual rates. It is equally important to keep in mind that all children experience life uniquely and have their own personal ways of expressing and handling feelings. It may help to tell your child that different people believe different things and that not everyone believes as we do, e.g., some people believe in an afterlife; some do not. By indicating our acceptance and respect for others’ beliefs, we may make it easier for our children to choose beliefs different from our own but more comforting to them.

Remember that grief and the processing of it, comes in waves, it is not a linear experience, and often we are hit by a wave when we least expect it. Processing grief is about riding those waves. So, in summary:

be sensitive to your child’s desire to communicate where and when they are ready
try not to put up barriers that may inhibit their attempts to communicate
offer them honest explanations when you are upset
listen to and accept their feelings
role model self-care.

We look forward to welcoming Teoh back to school, aware that this is only the beginning of the journey for the Bader family. As a community, we remain committed to supporting them and wish them long life.

May Alexi’s memory be a blessing.

Year 6 World Expo

This week a wonderful display of the children’s creativity and thinking was showcased in the 6H World Expo presentation evening. This is a culmination of many hours of thought, study and creative exploration. The students used their geographical knowledge to invent a new country that was realistic enough to emulate a true place and society. The creation of the map, the population distribution, climate, animals and a system of government etc were all part of the comprehensive brief followed by the students. Most importantly they had to make it realistic enough that it was believable, and they had to showcase the depth of their understanding of real places. In addition, students had to justify their creative choices. Mazal tov to our students for the quality of their presentations.

Quote of the week

“The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think, than what to think – rather improve our minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the memory with thoughts of other people.”

Bill Beattie

Mazal tov

Kayla Parks, Year 5, placed 1^st overall in the IPSHA Individual Gymnastics Level 8 competition and also placed 1^st in four other events. Other 1^st places went to the Level 1 and Level 2 womens gymnastics team. Well done to all our gymnasts.
Ben Maserow, Year 7, recently played in the Swans Joss State Trials in Albury in the under 13 Team Blakey coming in 3^rd place.

From the Head of Primary

Natanya (Tany) Milner

It is with the heaviest heart that I write to you this week as we honour Alexi Bader. This week has been so difficult as staff and students are trying to come to terms with the loss that we have experienced as Lexi’s friends, peers and greater community.

I offer my deep praise and gratitude for the Emanuel counselling team and staff who have supported our children and each other so beautifully this week. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such a wise and thoughtful team. I also want to thank the exceptional team of psychologists who volunteered to join us this week to support the staff and students. At times like these, we turn to our leaders to guide the tone and journey we will travel. I thank Andrew Watt for leading us through this challenging time with compassion, care and a beautiful balance of fragility and strength.

Lexi will forever be remembered for his time in Emanuel Primary School. He joined us in Year 4 and was quickly appreciated as a kind and gentle soul with a lovely spirit and sense of humour. Lexi was always willing to help others and loved athletics and touch football. His thoughtful and caring nature endeared us all to him and he will be greatly missed.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Lexi’s parents, Christelle and Sydney, and his brother Teoh. We wish them long life and our thoughts are with them at this unimaginably challenging time.

I take this opportunity to thank the community for their support over the past week. Please stay in touch if you feel your children need any assistance as we navigate this challenging path ahead.

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Looking for a Jewish role model in an age without heroes

In a recent article, the title of which appears above, the editor of a widely-read Jewish newspaper laments the absence, in our time, of heroes.

He asks, “Who are today’s Jewish role models, and if no one comes to mind, what does that say about the Jews?”

This week’s parashah suggests that his lament is itself lamentable.

The title of our parashah, lekh lekha, is an emphatic command: “Go, set out on your journey”.

Because the word lekha would otherwise be superfluous (serving only as a poetic flourish), the Hasidic tradition renders the phrase lekh lekha as “Go to Yourself”. Make your journey not exclusively an external movement from place to place, but one of internal personal transformation.

Considering the issue of heroes in our time, perhaps we can understand lekh lekha as also meaning Go, for it is upon you to be the changemaker, to be the hero. In the very next verse, God commands Avram, “Be a blessing”. Don’t seek the hero from without, be the hero that emerges into our world, from within.

Not long ago, a senior rabbi of the largest synagogue on New York City’s Upper West Side, wrote a book entitled “There is no Messiah – And You’re It”. If we wait for heroes to enter our world then the lament is for us, for the lack that lies within us rather than elsewhere.

At Emanuel, we teach our students to be a dugma ishit – to personally serve as an example.

Being an exemplar is not serving as a hero for another but modelling that we all need to be on a heroic journey. We all need to heed the call lekh lekha. We all need to be heroes.

Year 7 – Bedouin Tent Experience

Oren Thaler – Hebrew Teacher | Year 8 Tutor

A Bedouin tent experience

What is the Negev? Where is it and what is special about it? Ask the Year 7 students, in Hebrew, and they will answer these questions, in Hebrew!

This term, students learnt about the desert, and in particular, the Negev desert in southern Israel. They also learnt that the Negev is a home for a special group of people – the Bedouins. Bedouins are known for their hospitality. Traditionally Bedouins were nomads and lived in large tents or other temporary structures, although many nowadays live in more permanent housing.

As a culmination of their unit about the Negev, the Year 7 Hebrew students were treated to a Bedouin experience. They ‘visited’ a Bedouin tent, where they were welcomed by our resident “Bedouin”, Oren Thaler, who greeted them in Arabic, but the rest of the conversations were conducted in Hebrew. Everyone enjoyed pita bread with labane, a traditional white cheese spread, fresh mint tea and delicious dates. A few of our students donned the traditional Bedouin head-covering called ‘kafiya’ and helped the hosts to serve the food.

Thank you to our hosts Morah Erika, Morah Cohen, Morah Miri and Moreh Thaler for organising the event.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

On a wild and windy Tuesday Year 4 visited Marks Parks to experience Sculpture by the Sea and Succah by the Sea.

During our visit we were fortunate to hear from Emanuel alumn, Joel Adler, who shared with us the creative and design process behind his popular sculpture. Joel’s sculpture was one of the students’ favourites, allowing them to see the water breaking below the cliffs, something they would not usually be able to see, in a safe way. Mrs Heilpern guided students around the park to view and experience various sculptures.

Succah by the Sea was really interesting. Each succah was unique and different to see and be inside of. We were lucky to have architect and designer Lucy Humphrey guide our group through the various sukkot. Our guide told us about the ideas and themes behind each sukkah design and everyone had their own favourite design.

Our favourite sukkot were:

The massive ‘Sandstone’ succah

The high-tech robot built ‘Supersuccah’

The ‘Monolitus Domum’ that used mirrors on the walls

Lucy’s ‘Dune’ design that was shaped like a sand dune.

“I loved the sculpture that was from the Netherlands, made from porcelain stuck together to make a chair.” Sanne Nathan

“I loved the sculpture of a girl in a dress. It was made from acrylic pieces in blue that were slices stuck together.” Leah Stiassny

“My favourite succah was the high tech ‘Supersuccah’. I like how it felt like a home inside. The mirror table reflected the roof, walls and the sky above. It had a unique shape.” Talia Pollak

“My favourite succah was ‘A Portable Territory’ it was really tall and the mirror table inside reflected the schach. The schach was interesting because it was made from plants and flowers from the area and hung down from the ceiling.” Sofia Berkovic

Thank you Mrs Butler, Mrs Pardy, Mrs Heilpern, Morah Bar-On and Morah Gaida for being with us on our excursion.

Written by Sofia Berkovic, Sanne Nathan, Leah Stiassny, Talia Pollak and Mr Carpenter

Primary News

Katie Brody – Director of Studies K-6

World Expo

This week a wonderful display of the children’s creativity and thinking was showcased in the 6H World Expo presentation evening. This is a culmination of many hours of thought, study and creative exploration. The students used their geographical knowledge to invent a new country that was realistic enough to emulate a true place and society. The creation of the map, the population distribution, climate, animals and a system of government etc. were all part of the comprehensive brief followed by the students. Most importantly they had to make it realistic enough that it was believable and they had to showcase the depth of their understanding of real places. In addition, students had to justify their creative choices. Congratulations to all for your hard work.

ICAS Results – International Competitions and Assessments for School

ICAS Assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence. The assessments are based on the curricula for the relevant year. Students are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning. For many years, Emanuel School has been involved in ICAS competitions organised by the University of New South Wales. Results are awarded using the following scale:

Award	For each year level in each state or country
High Distinction Certificate	The top 1% of participants
Distinction Certificate	The next 10% of participants
Credit Certificate	The next 25% of participants
Merit Certificate	The next 10% of participants
Participation Certificate	All remaining participants

All students deserve commendation for taking the time to participate in the competitions.

In the coming weeks, every student who entered an ICAS competition will receive a certificate for each of the disciplines they entered.

The following students have achieved higher levels and will be awarded a Merit Certificate, Credit Certificate, Distinction Certificate or High Distinction Certificate:

Digital Technologies

Distinction: Year 3: Theo Salek, Elah Sharabi Year 4: Gil Banna, Micah Esra, Jonathan Igra, Noah Revelman, Brandon Shevelev

Credit: Year 3: Olivia Byrne, Mia Goodridge, Rafael Kuper Year 4: Eli Jocum, Seth Nachman, Isaac Shammay Year 5: Shay Camiller, Suzanna Garbuz, Jonathan Goldberg, Jake Isenberg, Gabriel Pozniak Year 6: Ariel Bloom, Ashley Cohn, Liam Danon, Elias Davis, Niek Nathan.

Merit: Year 3: Maia Sharabi Year 5: Declan Christie, David Li, Gideon Owen Year 6: Aaron Berkowitz

Science

High Distinction: Year 4: Isaac Shammay

Distinction: Year 4: Gil Banna, Noah Revelman Year 5: Asher Flipczyk, Lia McLellan, Oscar Salek, Dylan Vitek

Credit: Year 3: Mia Goodridge, Lara Isenberg, Theo Salek Year 4: Micah Esra, Eli Jocum, Leah Joshua, Seth Nachman Year 5: Joseph Becker, Akeisha Kantor, Amelie Mueller, Gideon Owen, Boaz Simhi, Ari Smaller, Jessica Smith

Merit: Year 5: Kira Levin-Kahn, Gabriel Pozniak

Mathematics

High Distinction: Year 4: Gil Banna, Micah Esra, Noah Revelman

Distinction: Year 3: Rafael Kuper, Theo Salek Year 4: Isaac Shammay and Brandon Shevelev Year 5: Joseph Becker, Asher Flipczyk, Gideon Owen, Boaz Simhi, Dylan Vitek Year 6: Ashley Cohn

Credit: Year 3: Lexi Butt, Olivia Byrne, Mia Goodridge, Elah Sharabi, Kayla Strous Year 4: Eli Jocum, Leah Joshua, Seth Nachman, Emily Seeman Year 5: Shay Camiller, Avalon Gold, Kira Levin-Kahn, David Li, Lia Mclellan, Amilie Mueller, Noa Rosenzveig, Oscar Salek, Ari Smaller, Jessica Smith Year 6: Daliah Smagarinsky, Gabriella Solomon

Merit: Year 3: Cooper Adler Year 6: Liam Danon, Joshua Ottaviano, Gemma Wainstein

English

High Distinction: Year 5: Avalon Gold, Lia Mclellan, Noa Rosenzveig, Gabriella Solomon

Distinction: Year 3: Tamar Granot Year 4: Micah Esra, Leah Joshua, Isaac Shammay, Brandon Shevelev Year 5: Shay Camiller, Jessica Hart, Akeisha Kantor, Oscar Salek Year 6: Joshua Ottaviano, Daliah Smagarinsky

Credit: Year 3: Cameron Barel, Lexi Butt, Mia Goodridge, Rafael Kuper, Zachary Salamon, Theo Salek, Elah Sharabi and Kayla Strous Year 4: Amali Allul Orozco, Gil Banna, Benjamin Freed Year 5: Declan Christie, Ezra Glover-Sanders, Jake Isenberg, Kira Levin-Kahn, David Li, Amelie Mueller, Gabriel Pozniak, Boaz Simhi, Ari Smaller, Jessica Smith, Dylan Vitek Year 6: Ashley Cohn

Merit: Year 4: Eli Jocum, Sanne Nathan Year 5: Jemma Adler Year 6: Gabriella Dyce, Arielle Sharp, Gemma Wainstein

Feedback – Wellbeing Parent Information Sessions

Thank you to those of you who were able to attend any or all of the Wellbeing Parent Information Sessions over the past two terms. We welcome you to share your feedback and experience using the survey link: https://forms.gle/xHogesfWaPbuwhgk9

We value your feedback so please ensure your responses are recorded by 3:30 pm on Friday 15 November 2019.

Katie Narunsky – Maths Support K-6

Primary Bank Incursion

This week Years 1-6 took part in The Commonwealth Bank’s Start Smart Primary program. The Start Smart program is a series of fun and engaging workshops that equip students with key money management skills, encouraging them to be ‘smart’ with their money.

We asked the children what they learnt from the Incursion:

“You should find the best purchase option to buy, not the first thing you see. You should save 70% of your money and have 30% of your money to use as fun money. Be careful what you buy because when you use a credit card you have to pay back the money.” Sofia Berkovic (Year 4)

“Buy what you want and wait for what you need.” Artiel Efrta (Year 1)

“Be smart with your money.” Liam Gross (Year 1)

We asked the children why is it important to be financially literate:

“I think that it is important to be financially literate because if you spend all your money you would run out very quickly and you would never be able to buy things later in life.” Isaac Shammay (Year 4)

“Because if you aren’t financially literate you’ll end up with no money And no food or anything when you get older and it’s very hard to get out of this difficulty with no money and sometimes your parents can’t help you.” Jacob Zyl (Year 4)

The students overwhelmingly loved the guest speaker and took away many key concepts.

Saving a Life Can Save a Whole World

Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

As part of our Jewish Life program at Emanuel School, and in direct connection to several of the Year 9 Jewish Studies Electives, the Save A Child’s Heart (SACH Australia) organisation, www.saveachildsheart.org/ brought their guest presenter to Emanuel. Our Year 10 students have a special time visiting SACH in Israel during Chavayah each year.Y ared Wolde, from Ethiopia was one of the earliest recipients of the lifesaving humanitarian treatment provided by SACH in Israel. Yared shared his story, his personal journey and his special vision of giving back. He talked about his School of St Yared (www.schoolofstyared.com/) that provides an excellent education to over 250 impoverished children from the poorest suburbs of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

Below are reflections from Eden Grynberg and Joshua Moses:

I found every aspect of Yared’s story truly inspirational, but I found it especially amazing how after his surgery he was able to gain his health back and did everything he could to help the kids that were in his previous situation. It inspired me to help others and showed me that even if you come from nothing you have the chance to make a difference.

The fact that he kept going at 6 years old. It amazes me that a 6 year old, even after going through what Yared went through, had such determination to keep on living and not just give in. It amazes me that even after he got the medical treatment that he deserved and got education, he decided to give back rather than just propelling himself further. It is quite amazing that he gives back even when he didn’t get what he should’ve been getting.

Save A Child’s Heart is an amazing organisation who do so much to help others. Today I learnt that the purpose of this organisation is to help the kids in the most desperate condition. They save those kids from places where they have no chance and they give them a chance at a better life. They have already saved so many children through their program and I don’t think they plan on stopping anytime soon, it really is an amazing thing they are doing.

Save A Child’s Heart, is a foundation to save children around the world, regardless of country, language or ethnicity and help those with heart conditions. They are in essence a charity, that tries to save those that can’t be saved in their own country because of either money or available care and bring them to Israel to give them treatment.

Primary Australian Mathematics Competition Paper

Colleen Elkins – Gifted and Talented Co-Ordinator K-6

Several students in Years 3 – 6 wrote the Australian Mathematics Competition Paper. Noah Revelman received the ‘Best in School’ award, achieving the highest standardised score within the School.

The following students achieved notable results – congratulations to them all:

Distinction

Year 3 – Rafael Kuper and Cooper Adler

Year 4 – Gil Banna, Noah Revelman and Micah Esra

Year 5 – Gideon Owen

Yeah 6 – Daniel Newfield

Credit

Year 3 – Zachary Salamon and Theodore Salek

Year 4 – Sophia Berkovic, Elise Goldberg, Eli Jocum, Leah Joshua, Emily Seeman, Isaac Shammay and Cyrus Waldner

Year 5 – Shay Camiller, Suzanna Garbuz, Avalon Gold, Akeisha Kantor, David Li, Amelie Mueller, Boaz Simhi and Ari Smaller

Year 6 – Elias Davis, Jack Fridman, Joshua Ottaviano, Zack Gerber, Raphael Harpaz, Daliah Smagarinsky and Gemma Wainstein

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music

End of Year 6 IP (Instrumental Program) and continuing Music Tuition in High School

For parents of Year 6 students who are coming to the end of their compulsory Instrumental Program, you will have received an email about the return of your school-loaned instrument in Week 8 and your intentions regarding private music tuition in High School. Thank you to all those parents who have responded. If you haven’t yet done so, please reply to: jdearaujo@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Private Music Tuition and Infant Strings Program for 2020

Please note that from 2020, the cost of individual private music lessons will be charged at a rate of $45.00 per half-hour lesson (plus GST, if the tutor is registered to pay GST). This is the rate advised by the NSW Music Teachers Association. Lessons shared in pairs are only available in special circumstances and would cost $24.00 per student per half-hour lesson (plus GST where applicable). The Infant Strings Program (ISP) for students in Years K-2 will be charged at $257 per term on school fees, which includes the loan of an instrument.

Thank you to those who have already advised us of changes to private tuition and Infant Strings Program enrolments for next year. The deadline for new enrolments, notification of changes or intention to discontinue for Term 1 2020 is Friday 22 November 2019.

All students currently receiving private music tuition and students in Years K-1 who are currently participating in the Infant Strings Program will be automatically re-enrolled into tutor schedules for 2020, along with students commencing lessons for the first time. Parents should enrol or discontinue using one of the online forms accessed from the links below. If your child intends to discontinue, formal notification in advance must be received by the end of term to avoid being committed to the full term of lessons and liable for fees. If you have any questions please contact Matilda Grieve by email: music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

The schedules for Term 1 2020 will be created at the end of term and emailed in late January 2020.

Links to online forms

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

To discontinue private tuition for 2020: http://tinyurl.com/PrivateTuitionDiscontinuation

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

To discontinue Infant Strings Program for 2020: http://tinyurl.com/InfantStringsDiscontinuations

Forthcoming performances this term and the ensembles featured are:

Week 5

Wednesday: Senior Pianists will play for the Emanuel Writers Awards
Thursday: Twilight Concerts – Mr Burley will host performances by many Primary School and High School students

Week 6

Tuesday, 7.30 am: IP Information morning for Year 2 students plus anyone new to the school in 2020 Years 3-6
Tuesday: High School Assembly – Senior Stage Band and Senior Girls Vocal Ensemble

Week 7

Tuesday: High School Assembly – Guitar Ensemble
Tuesday and Wednesday: Instrument Allocation Trials for IP for Year 2 and students new to Years 3-6 in 2020

Week 8

Tuesday: Volunteers Assembly – Junior Jazz Combo, Junior Choir, Junior Stage Band
Tuesday: Instrument Maintenance Check Day If you are borrowing a school instrument (for IP, for ISP, or for your ensemble playing) please bring it in today to get it checked and serviced by our team. Please pick it up on Thursday unless you get an email from us.

Week 9

Presentation Day (K-2): Infants Choir, Infants String Program (ISP) and all Infants classes will sing!
Presentation Night (Years 3-6): Bernstein Concert Band, Korngold Strings, Junior Choir, Junior Chamber Choir, Primary School Chamber Trio and everyone in Years 3-6 will sing!
High School Speech Night: Green Man Band, Mendelssohn Chamber Strings, Copland Concert Band, Senior Stage Band, Senior Chamber Choir and Etéro Ensemble.

Visual Arts – Spotlight

To see more of our student artworks, visit www.emanuelschoolvisualarts.com/

IPSHA Gymnastics

Sharon Fairfax – PDHPE Teacher Aide | Gymnastics Coordinator

Emanuel School enjoyed another successful year at the IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia) Gymnastics Carnival at which we have been competing in for nineteen years. It is with great pride Emanuel has enjoyed success at IPSHA every year since our inception.

Last Thursday twenty of Emanuel’s finest gymnasts competed at the IPSHA Carnival held at SGAC (Sydney Gymnastics and Aquatic Centre) at Rooty Hill and this year was no exception to our continued success.

Official results as follows:

Level 8 WG (Womens Artistic Gymnastics) Individual Competition

Bars, Beam, Floor and Vault

Kayla Parks – 1^stplace overall

1^st place Bars

1^st place Beam

1^st place Floor

1^st place Vault

Level 1 WG Team Competition 1^st Place overall

Leah Stiassny

Dana Stiassny

Lily Foltyn

Zara Gorelik

Level 2 WG Team Competition 1^st Place overall

Ariella Cohen

Toni Sher

Josephine Miron

Level 1 MG ( Mens Artistic) Team Competition 4^th Place overall

Noah Vexler

Matt Simon

Cooper Rosen

Ethan Likht

Level 2 MG Team Competition 1^st Place overall

Jordan Pal

Hayden Rosen

Leo Masnick

Daniel Newfield

Devan Bloch

Level 4 WG Individual Competition

Leah Grunseit

3rd Place Floor

2nd Place Vault

Level 4 MG Individual Competition

Raphael Harpaz

2^nd place Vault

2^nd place Parallel Bars

2^nd place High Bar

3^rd place Floor

All of our gymnasts performances were outstanding on the day and they are to be highly commended.

Special mention to our High School gymnasts who assisted the with the judging and scoring of the competition:

Willow Gelin, Abigail Nesher, Aiden Kanevsky, Josh Gordon, Jacob Salamon and Gabriel Stiassny.

Thank you to all the parents who support the Emanuel gymnastics program.

CDSSA Oztag Gala Day

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

This week Emanuel School competed in the annual CDSSA Oztag Gala Day at Rowland Park, Daceyville. The standard amongst the schools was very high and the day was an excellent display of the improving sport profile of the CDSSA. Emanuel entered teams into each of the four divisions, with both the junior boys and junior girls teams qualifying for the grand final.

Congratulations to all of the students who participated on the day for their commitment to sport and their comradery. A special mention goes to: Brody Elbourne, Rebecca Nebenzahl, Eden Levit, Ellie Morris, Lucy Klein, Emily Rubin, Mischa Spielman and Brooke Rosen who were all stand out performers. I thank Heath Morley and Sharon Fairfax for coaching and supporting our teams on the day.

From the Year 6 Fundraising Team

Gennarosity Abroad Fundraiser – Tuesday 12 November 2019

The Year 6 Fundraising Team will be having a fundraising day on Tuesday 12 November 2019. This will help support charities in parts of Kenya, where centres have been established for people in need. Some of these centres are: an orphanage, a school and a centre where women learn life skills. Students may wear plain clothes on the day and they are requested to donate a gold coin.

Primary Trivia-A-Thon

Trivia-A-Thon 2019

Our Primary 2019 Trivia-A-Thon will be held on Wednesday 13 November 2019 (Week 5). All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be participating in an exciting day taking part in fun-filled, collaborative activities to raise money for the School where dollar for dollar raised will be matched by the JCA. You should have received a sponsorship form and an information letter via email.

On the day of the Trivia-A-Thon students will be having lunch together on the lawn in their trivia groups. Each student will be provided with a lemonade icy-pole and they are free to bring in a picnic rug and some cut up fruit/vegetables to share with their group in addition to their lunch.

Students are to come in their sports uniform.

If you have any questions please contact your class teacher.

We look forward to an invigorating and challenging day of trivia!

The Trivia-A-Thon Committee

From the Maria Tirabosco Library

Karen McAndrew – Teacher/Librarian

miSipur leSipur מסיפור לסיפור

Years 7-8 parent/student recreational reading partnership

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.

When can we get started?

Now. The aim of miSipur leSipur is for you and your child to choose, and read, the same book at the same time during the December/January school holidays. The High School 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.

If you and your child would like to participate in this recreational reading partnership please email your chosen title to the Library staff: seniorlibrary@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au by Monday 11 November 2019. With your support we aim to build a culture of readers and reading at Emanuel School.

Steampunk: Westerfeld, Leviathan www.goodreads.com/book/show/6050678-leviathan?from_search=true
Dystopian: Marsden, Tomorrow, when the world began www.goodreads.com/book/show/71865.Tomorrow_When_the_War_Began
Mystery/adventure: Muchamore, The recruit www.goodreads.com/book/show/1166131.The_Recruit?from_search=true
Identity: Draper, Out of My Mind www.goodreads.com/book/show/6609765-out-of-my-mind?from_search=true

Year 10 Drama Showcase

Important notice for all Year 12 students, Year 11 accelerants and their parents

Dr Lynn Joffe – Director Specialist Learning Centre

Eliah Dean – Disability Provisions Co-ordinator

2019/2019 HSC Disability Provisions application process

The application process for Disability Provisions will begin in Week 5.

Disability Provisions (DPs) are allowances determined by the New South Wales Standards Authority (NESA) on the basis of a detailed application. The rationale for DPs is to create a level playing field for all students, taking into account any factors that potentially disadvantage them relative to their cohort. They are not intended to provide any undue advantage.

In considering the relative impact of an academic, emotional, medical or physical issue, information related to any disability is submitted to NESA and reviewed by a panel of experts in related fields. Teachers’ comments, observations and information about the overall performance of students are also collected and analysed as part of the application process.

As outlined at the Year 12 Information evening, any student who thinks he or she might be eligible is reminded to make an appointment with Mr Dean or Dr Joffe, as soon as possible.

Both individual and group sessions may be required for data collection, depending on the reason for the application. Students will be advised of times for individual sessions. Whilst every effort will be made to use timetabled study periods for data collection, students are advised that they must be prepared to meet at other times if requested (with notice).

The process of data collection and submission of applications requires rigour and can be lengthy. Students who do not adhere to advertised timelines and notification of sessions should be aware that this might result in a delay in their applications being submitted.

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

I attended the annual Careers Advisor Conference in NSW last week. Advisors in NSW and ACT meet to learn and listen to what is new on the careers landscape. I attended a variety of conferences that were interesting and that affect students going out into the workforce.

A full list of my notes (annotated) can be found here. My main take-away points from the day were:

Top 10 skills employers are now looking for:

Communication/listening/understanding
Digital literacy
Customer focus
Organisational skills
Time management
Team work/collaboration
Problem Solving
Positive disposition

Please notice (students!) that none of these say top academics, being a genius, having a high ATAR, coming 1^st at anything… These are the skills that are needed!

The data/stats show that anyone who is trained in ONE job, acquire the skills that then allow them to work in another 13 JOBS. This is a vital statistic. Working in one area (any area) then accelerates their ability to get another job.

Average transition time from leaving education to full-time work is now 2.6 years compared to one year in 1986.

The four factors that affect this are:

Education
Being able to undertake work experience
Finding employment in a growing sector
An optimistic mindset.

Workshop – Comparing Courses

I also went to a great course on comparing courses against each other (something that all students finishing school need if they are not going straight to work).

www.courseseeker.edu.au/ This allows you to fine tune your course searches by putting in what state, what area, what ATAR you are looking at – it is much more specific.

www.compared.edu.au/ Once you have your courses from the above site, you can then go to this and see what data students have voted with about student satisfaction rates (some can be quite surprising). This is great for students who feel the ONLY place to study Engineering/Psychology/Course choice etc is at ____________. These stats may refute your subjective views.

Next year we are hoping to launch a new social media careers page where this information can be more readily available and easily accessed so we are keen to change this forum in the next few months. Watch this space!

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director Kornmehl

Excursions

The Seashells visited Calmsley farm this week. The build-up to the excursion consisted of discussions, sharing of ideas and thoughts about what we might see and do as well as involvement in imaginative farm play and creative art works.

The children and teachers travelled on the Emanuel School bus an exciting part of the trip.

Our excursion to the farm began with a tour of the farm nursery, where the children got to pet and look at lots of different baby farm animals. Afterwards we all had a go at milking a cow. We learnt about different kinds of cows, such as Brahman, Jersey and Highland. We visited the sleepy pigs and went on a very bumpy tractor ride around the farm. Other animals we saw were a camel, a donkey, lama’s, koala’s, a wallaby, a wombat, turkey’s, ducks and chickens. After lunch, we had a stockwhip demonstration, followed by a working dog show, that herded all the sheep into an area and a sheep shearing show. Wow – so much in one day! It was a beautiful day and the Seashell children were engaged, enthusiastic and involved. Thank you to all our fabulous parent helpers who accompanied us on the excursion.

Outdoor Classroom Day

On Friday we participated in Outdoor Classroom Day.

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to celebrate and inspire outdoor learning and play. On the day, thousands of schools around the world take lessons outdoors and prioritise playtime. Outdoor learning improves children’s health, engages them with learning and leads to a greater connection with nature. Play not only teaches critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork and creativity, but is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood. It’s easy to get involved and there is something everyone can do!

At Kornmehl, we value and appreciate the outdoors as an integral and important part of our program and our ethos. We see the outdoors as critical to each child’s well-being. We aim to give the children large periods of time during the day to play and engage freely in the outdoor spaces. We also have our Bush School program, which complements our belief in the benefits of outdoor play experiences for young children. With this in mind we decided to participate in Outdoor Classroom Day. We spent time as a staff team reflecting, discussing and planning for this day.

We moved our entire day outdoors, from Shabbat, to music lessons, to activity time, to rest time, mindfulness and meditation experiences etc.

The children were able to engage in a number of beautifully planned experiences e.g. Paper bark boat making and fishing in our dry creek, making potions using berries, beetroot, petals etc, playing with mud and clay, rock painting, foot prints with paint, planting seedlings, palaeontology digging in the sandpit, making bird feeders to hang in the garden, hand printing on our community library, reading books quietly, water and sand play, rock crushing.

The children were excited and keen to get involved and loved being outdoors the whole day. Many of them said “This is the best day ever!”

Playball

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

The Seashell lesson will be on Monday 11 November 2019 at 9.30 am.

The Starfish Open lesson will be on Monday 18 November 2019 at 9.30 am.

The Dolphin Open lesson will be on Monday 25 November at 9.30 am.

New Parent Information Night

We are looking forward to welcoming all our new parents for 2020 to an information night on Thursday 14 November at 7.00 pm in the Pre-school.

Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to Bowie Berger (5). We hope you had a great birthday.

Tips for starting Big School

http://bigfatsmile.com.au/blog/child-development/is-your-little-one-starting-big-school-here-are-our-top-5-tips-to-help-the-transition/

Promote open conservations with your child about starting Primary School

Having open conversations with children about starting Primary School allows children to ask a variety of questions and gain a better understanding about what school will be like. It is important to actively listen and talk about any fears or concerns they may have towards starting school so you can explore ways to help reduce their anxiety.

A good way to initiate discussion is by reading children’s books together that focus on starting school. It can help children to conceptualise what they can expect on their first day and prompt conversation.

Encourage the development of social and emotional skills

The development of positive social and emotional skills is paramount to educational success, and a smooth transition into Primary School. Children need the confidence in:

Expressing their feelings and needs to others

Asking questions

Playing cooperatively with others

Approaching other children and making friends

Following directions and understanding rules

Managing emotions

Parents can support children by playing simple games such as board games which can help them learn to play cooperatively by taking turns, following rules and develop self-regulatory behaviours if they don’t win, as well as requesting them to complete simple tasks. Expose your child to many social opportunities with other kids to encourage co-operative play.

Help your child develop self-help skills

Self-help skills underpin many school related tasks; therefore, it is imperative children are given opportunities to develop their ability to negotiate and handle everyday tasks such as dressing, feeding, toileting, brushing teeth, brushing hair, hand washing.

Parents can support children in these tasks by providing visual schedules of the steps involved, encouraging them to follow the same routine or strategy each time they perform it. Use consistent instructions and language and most importantly allow sufficient time for a child to practice an individual task.

It is vital that children have opportunities to practice tasks such as tying their shoe laces, handling buttons or zippers, unwrapping their lunch or dress in their uniform without time constraints so parents do not do it themselves to get the task done quickly.

Giving children opportunities to practise these skills before starting school will not only increase their competence, but it will give them confidence in independently performing these tasks in a new environment.

Implement predicable routines

The importance of a predictable home routine cannot be underestimated. Parents can assist children in preparing for school by implementing a predictable night routine before the term starts.

Children feel a greater sense of responsibility, confidence and independence if they are encouraged to follow a routine. This will help children become more relaxed and co-operative at the end of the day when children are tired. For example, avoid any screen time half an hour before bed, as this only stimulates the brain and can unsettle children’s sleeping patterns.

Some children even benefit from following a routine chart, as this encourages children to take ownership of their day and encourages self-help skills and increases levels of independence.

Practical preparation

Parents should encourage children to wear school uniform at home before school, so it feels familiar when they have to start Primary School.

It is also important that all school items are labelled e.g. lunch box, bags, clothes with a familiar symbol and the child’s name so they can easily recognise their own belongings.

Prior to the first day, jointly shop for school equipment (lunch box, stationery etc.) as this can assist the child in starting school with a positive mindset.

Connecting our Community – Gesher

Gesher, the link to our extended Emanuel School Community, wishes the Bader family Long Life. We send them our love, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers from last week:

Larry Simon, Peter Freed, Brett Churnin, Bob Kummerfeld, Asnat Meretz, Danielle Jaku-Greenfield, Yossi Biton, Rochelle Hersch, Wayne Keyser, Leon Waxman, John Salamon, Ian Kesell, Damon Sharwood, Ron Spielman, Derek Pal, Cecil Goldstein, Sacha Davis, Gavin Karro, Simon Revelman, David Nathanson and Hayley Rom.

From the parents and Friends

Hello Community,

Hope you are all okay after a very difficult week. We are sending love and strength to everyone.

The Family Meal: Emanuel Cookbook

We are taking pre-orders for The Emanuel School Cookbook, “The Family Meal.” The book is amazing – it is full of a variety of delicious and treasured recipes kindly submitted by all of you. There are beautiful photos taken by the wonderful Ofer Levy, as well as illustrations by our primary students. Books cost $45 and are a must have (and a great gift as well).

Order your copy now so you don’t miss out at www.trybooking.com/BFSUL
Books will be distributed from mid-November 2019.

Friday Chill Out

Don’t miss out on the Friday Afternoon Chill Out, every Friday after school. We hope to see you there.

Where? Basketball Courts

When? Every Friday, 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm

What? Icy-poles $1- $2

**Please note, parents must supervise and be responsible for their kids at all times in the designated Friday Chill Out area.**

P&F Camping Trip

We hope all the families on our Camping Trip at Bielany have a wonderful time this weekend! Thanks as always to the amazing Lindi Bloch for organising.

Jen and Ruby

Ma Nishma