From the Principal

Celebrating Diversity

Abby Stein

World Harmony Week and National Harmony Day (March 21) were acknowledged at High School assembly. In the light of the recent terrorist acts at the Mosques in Christchurch, and the not so recent killings at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue, the move towards achieving harmony and towards celebrating our rich diversity is needed more than ever. Increasingly, minority groups across the world are the subject of hate speech and violence, rather than compassion and acceptance of differences. Our students were told that living in harmony with each other first and foremost requires empathy; an ability to understand values, opinions and lifestyles that may at times be vastly different to their own. We invited Abby Stein, an American transgender activist, author and blogger to speak at this assembly. Abby is the first openly transgender woman raised in a Hasidic community. She spoke to us about her journey and how she saw her transition in terms of her Judaism.

Celebrating Purim

Thursday was a day of fun, organised chaos and laughter, as our students showed off a range of colourful and exotic outfits. The Purim message does however speak of Haman’s persecution of the Jews for ‘being different’ – and of our need to respond by accepting differences in others. This is especially poignant in the light of the recent tragedy at the Christchurch Mosques, where a minority group was targeted for being different. Purim is also about Matanot La’evyonim, where our students distribute gifts of food for marginalised groups, at the Asylum Seekers Centre and the Villawood Detention Centre. Our Primary students will be looking forward with much excitement, to the Purim Disco, on Sunday, kindly organised by our P & F.

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Parent Security Group (PSG) Training

A record number of parents (over 80) attended a training session conducted by CSG this week. The program was customised to support the group in carrying out this important role. The first session was for our 30 PSG ‘Captains’ and was followed by a session for our 50 plus PSG ‘Players.’ A huge thank you to Daniel Butt, who heads up our PSG and to Gary Gordon and David New who have led the way with our recent PSG recruitment drives. They devoted many hours to ensure the success of the evening, in addition to their already highly valuable contribution to the Security Committee and the PSG. It is never too late to sign up! Additional volunteers will result in less shifts for each ‘Player.’

The recently released CSG ALERT App has received a very positive response across the parent community. This is a reminder that the opt-out period for the App is next Wednesday, 27 March.

Mazal tov

Gabriella Goodridge (Year 11) (Photo: Ofer Levy)

Gabriella Goodridge (Year 11) won her first women’s AJN Cup at the 69^thNSW Jewish Swimming Championships held last week-end. Noaa Smily (Year 3) won the 8 girls 50m freestyle whilst Year 5 student Kayla Parks won the 10 girls 50m freestyle.

Chelsea Rutstein (Year 12)

Chelsea Rutstein was recently awarded the National Sportfishing Association Achievement award which is the highest possible award nationally for sport fishing. Chelsea already has the world record!

Quote of the week

“Creativity is especially expressed in the ability to make connections, to make associations, to turn things around and express them in a new way.”

Tim Hansen

Primary News

Meghan Carroll – Deputy Head of Primary

The Leader In Me (Part 2 of 2)

I hope you have had the chance to give some of the at-home activity suggestions a go. Please enjoy reading about Habits 4-7 below.

Habits 4, 5 and 6 focus on helping children become more interdependent. Habit 7 is based on the idea of ‘balance feels best’. This Habit guides children to consider how they take care of themselves physically, socially/emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Habit #4 – Think Win-Win

The belief that everyone can win and it’s not me or you but both of us. Thinking win-win means we are happy for others when good things happen.

Everyone Can Win

I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.

Activity suggestions:

Explaining to children that competition is okay when you play a game but not in relationships. Discuss what it would be like if in every situation in life there was a winner and how a better way to think is win-win.

Encourage and model win-win solutions. Let your children work out a win-win solution and provide praise when they do.

Set clear expectations with children about chores, privileges and so on so that you are aligned and thinking with a win-win mindset.

Habit #5 – Seek First To Understand, Then Be Understood

It is better to listen first and talk second. By doing this you reach a higher level of communication. Learning to listen is a skill that should be practised. This habit is closely related to Habit #3 Think Win-Win.

Listen Before You Talk

I listen to other people’s ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoints. I listen to others without interrupting. I am confident in voicing my ideas. I look people in the eyes when talking.

Activity suggestions:

Try ‘pretend listening’ with your child. He/she will likely be frustrated. Explain what you were doing and give your child an opportunity to discuss how he/she child felt. This leads into a deeper talk around your child appropriately letting people know when they feel they are not truly being listened to.

Discuss tone of voice and body language and how these aspects of communication play an important role in this habit. Play a game where you try to guess each other’s emotion without words, just based on body language.

Habit #6 – Synergise

This habit is about working together to create a better solution. ”It’s not your way or my way, but a better way.”

Together Is Better

I value other people’s strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek out other people’s ideas to solve problems because I know that by teaming with others we can create better solutions than anyone of us can alone. I am humble.

Activity suggestions:

Use examples in nature, history, literature and personal experiences to help explain this habit to your children.

Use the Synergy Action Plan to summarise solutions:

Define the problem
Share views
Think of solutions
Choose the best solution together.

Habit #7 – Sharpen The Saw

This habit is about finding balance in your life. It focuses on the four parts of each person (body, brain, heart and soul) and the importance of taking care of each part to make them all work better.

Balance Feels Best

I take care of my body by eating well, exercising and getting sleep. I spend time with family and friends. I learn in lots of ways and lots of places, not just at school. I find meaningful ways to help others.

Activity suggestions:

Create a Sharpen the Saw centre in your home that includes puzzles, music, books, crafts, etc.

Discuss ways to Sharpen the Saw in all areas of life. This might include getting more exercise (body), reducing time on screens (brain), spending time with friends (heart) and taking part in special services/events (soul).

Model this habit regularly. Involve your child in your Sharpen the Saw routine.

Purim celebrations

Celebrations for Purim were enjoyed by all on Thursday as the students and staff were involved in a variety of fun and energetic activities across Years K-6. A big thank you to the Jewish Life Department under the leadership of Adam Carpenter and Hagit Bar-On for their massive contributions and for making this event very special.

Excursions and other events this week

It has been a busy week for excursions and events. On Monday our Year 4 team visited Sustainability House in Chippendale as part of their learning about the positive and negative human impacts on the environment. They have been considering how humans need to be more responsible with the Earth’s resources.

On Tuesday our Year 2 students journeyed to The Rocks to better explore and better understand the past in the present around Sydney.

This week also saw Year 3 finish their swimming program and a Chess competition involving some Year 5 and 6 students on Thursday. Year 6 Rehovot also visited Montefiore as part of their Make a Difference (MAD) project for 2019.

Thank you to all staff members and volunteers for planning, organising and supervising these important experiences for our students.

Kindness Spreads competition – Primary Madrichim initiative

During Weeks 8-9 students in Years 3-6 are invited to take part in a video competition. Participants will need to create a short video as an extension of their learning from Anti-Bullying Day. The theme is: Kindness Spreads.

The Primary Madrichim will select the top five videos that demonstrate the strongest Kindness Spreads message. These will be featured at a special assembly. Please submit your competition entries by the end of Week 10 (5 April) to Miss Carroll by email (mcarroll@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au), using Airdrop in person or USB. Good luck and thank you in advance for your participation.

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Purim and the Promise

Muzungu, Muzungu, Muzungu-how-are-you? As a white person travelling about Uganda this was the word* I would most often hear, being spoken about me or in greeting me.

Then, as I approached Nabugoye Hill (Imbale, Uganda), a mass of children came out to greet me, followed by adults. The ‘differences’ remained the same, they were black and I white, but the greeting was Barukh HaBah. We were all Jews, nothing else mattered.

I lived as a member of this Abayudayah (Lugandan for people of Judah) community for awhile.

At this time of the year fond memories always return to me, as I recall celebrating Purim with these joyous, kind and embracing people.

On Purim, we recall how Haman sought to destroy the Jews whose particularity in religious observance, practices and law, set them apart. Idi Amin, former president of Uganda, likewise tried to eradicate the Abayudaya who survived his persecution, though in only small numbers.

They have now grown into a thriving community with two schools, the Hadassah Primary School and the Semei Kakungulu High School. Their High School welcomes Muslims and Christians who study with their Abayudaya neighbours in their Jewish community school.

In the spirit of Purim, they retain their individuality while respecting and honouring the common humanity of all peoples.

Members of the Abayudaya community have recently applied for immigration to Israel under the Law of Return. While The Jewish Agency considers the Abayudaya a recognised Jewish community, Israel’s Interior Ministry does not.

It has often been observed that Jews are no different from one another for those seeking to destroy us. On Purim, we remind ourselves that yichud means both singularity and unity – neither can exist without the other.

The Abayudaya welcomed me as a fellow Jew into their community and extend their embrace of brotherhood to all their neighbours with whom they have grown through mutual support and respect.

The Rabbis teach: “All of the festivals will be abolished in the future (the messianic age), but Purim will never be abolished”. Purim (which means “lots”) represents the hoped for promise – the casting of all our individual lots together.

ליהודים היתה אורה ושמחה וששון ויקר כן תהיה לנו

The Jews experienced light and gladness, joy and honour….So may it be for all of us

(Megillat Ester and the Havdalah Service)

Chag Purim Sameach

*Generally taken to mean ‘white man’, as it refers to those who ‘roam aimlessly’ among the predominant native black population of Africa.

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Student Devar Torah

Maayan Granot – Year 8

Raise your hand if you have ever sinned. Don’t worry because this parashah is all about sins and how to repent for them, as well as offerings.

The Book of Vayikra is about laws that tell us what we should and should not do, and what is right and what’s wrong. Most importantly, the book of Vayikra also tells us how to fix mistakes that have been made and how to repent our sins.

Everyone makes mistakes, that’s a part of life. Even the Kohanim and Moshe made mistakes, some greater than others, some with greater punishments, but all with the same lesson – that we can learn from our mistakes, and know not to do them again. Now, I’m not saying that we should all go around and break laws because we learn from them.

This parashah talks about how if we steal something from another, tell a lie about another or ourselves, then the only way we can make it up to that person is to be honest. Give back what you took, tell the truth about whatever you have said. You must also make a sacrifice for the sinner to be forgiven.

If you think about this in a more modern context when someone does something wrong they also have to make a sacrifice. Not with a ram, because I’m not sure how many of us just have a ram casually lying around. Instead consider something like not having technology for a certain amount of time, or not being allowed to go to an arrangement that we had planned. All of these sacrifices that we make are in order to repent our sins. As I said before, the most important thing is that we know that what we were doing was wrong and that we should not do it again.

The book Vayikra repeats all of the laws and punishments so many times and whilst doing this teaches that if we do something wrong there will always be a consequence, no matter how many times you repeat it. If we make a mistake there will be a way to fix it. This will usually be a sacrifice, but it’s something that we have to be willing to make if we sinned in the first place.

Parashat Tsav also discusses the guilt offering, brought for sinning unintentionally. This shows us that even though we might hurt someone unintentionally, we’ve still hurt them and have to make it up to that person.

Our parashah ends by talking about the fellowship offering, an offering to show your appreciation to God. Moshe also told the people that all of the fellowship offerings should be brought individually. These offerings symbolise how grateful each person is.

So, this week, try to think about the lesson we take from our mistakes. As well, try to think about the offerings we make or should make.

Student Devar Torah

Lara McCorquodale – Year 9

God spoke to Moses, saying: “The priest shall dress in fine linen clothes and…he shall take the ashes to which the fire has reduced the burnt offering on the altar and place them beside the altar. He shall then take off his fancy priestly clothes and put on more simple, basic clothes and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.”

Why does God require that the priest change clothes and take out the trash (ashes)?

If the priest has such a high position, God also gives him a more menial jobs to show him that you have to be humble as well so that he won’t be so arrogant and feel so superior. Imagine a CEO of a company having to change clothes just to take out the rubbish from the office. This would also lift the spirits of people who have full time menial jobs, that their service is as important as the priestly service.

Humility is a difficult trait to teach and to acquire. We must understand the difference between humility and insecurity. Insecurity is the lack of confidence in our abilities.

Humility is achieved when we have the confidence in ourselves along with awareness that our abilities are in fact gifts with responsibilities.

Tsav, this week’s parashah, contains a reminder to the Priests that they are there to serve with humility. Priests perform their Temple rituals in magnificent dress, but they must regularly perform very menial tasks such as cleaning the Altar in ordinary worker’s clothes. The priests, the most noble and sacred group in the nation, are thus constantly aware that they are to serve with humility.

There’s a constant tension between fostering a strong sense of self and ensuring that we don’t become self-centred and egotistical. We must remember that we are all part of a larger picture. The larger picture is our family, our community, our country, our nation, and our universe. As we grow, so should our appreciation of the vast contributions others have made to our well-being and develop our sense of respect and humility.

It is both difficult but important to develop a healthy humility.

I’d like to leave you with some questions to think about:

What is humility?
Can you be very good at something and humble at the same time?
Can a healthy sense of humility contribute to self-confidence?

*The main ideas for this Dvar Torah come from Rabbi Moshe Becker’s thoughts on the parashah (myjewishlearning.com).

From the Head of Music

Diana Springford

Night of Song (information for soloists)

Please mark in your diary that Night of Song is on Thursday 22 August. This very popular concert is our main annual event for choirs as well as a number of vocal soloists. Aspiring soloists who are planning to audition for Night of Song, please note that this year our theme is Musical Theatre, so we are giving you plenty of advance notice that you will need to prepare a song from a musical.

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 2 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 to music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

The schedules for Term 2, 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 Infant Strings Program for next term: http://tinyurl.com/InfantStringsDiscontinuations

Coming soon – Emanuel School Music Camp 2019

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

Emanuel School Music Camp 2019 is a three-day residential camp that will take place from Monday 1 July, returning on the evening of Wednesday 3 July and continuing with an all-day rehearsal on Thursday 4 July, and the Music Camp Showcase Concert in the MPH on the Thursday evening.

All members of participating ensembles in Years 4 to 11 are expected to attend Music Camp at a cost of approximately $500. Attendance for Year 12 students is optional. Full details regarding Music Camp will be published in Ma Nishma soon and emailed to parents, including the list of participating ensembles, the cost and the procedure for registering to attend.

Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh Challenge

Ray Francis – Head of PDHPE

Congratulations to the 56 Year 9 students who survived a very challenging couple of days hiking in the Heathcote and Royal National parks last week.

Not only did they have to prepare, pack and carry all their gear for the two-day journey, but also had to deal with a downpour of biblical proportions on Thursday evening.

This journey would have been a significant step up for all students in comparison to their previous hiking experiences at Camp Somerset, so they should be very proud of their achievement.

Many thanks to Rebecca Gaida, Joseph Peacock and Mateusz Rabenda who all put their hands up to take on the D of E challenge!

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Rabin Bugle

Shabbat Shalom Rabinites

Happy Purim celebrations! We hope everyone enjoyed themselves and there were so many great costumes today!

It has been two fun and inspiring weeks with lots of exciting activities in Tutor sessions, House Assemblies and our Year 9 students have participated in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice camp.

House Assemblies – Caring for our environment and World Happiness Day

Students around the world have taken initiatives and actions to raise a discussion on what individuals, organisations and businesses can do for our environment and climate. Emanuel School held an environmental rally and it was also the theme for our Week 8 House Assembly. Our House Captains Adam and Tia together with Mr Rembson gave a thoughtful and engaging presentation on how the use of plastic impacts nature and how recycling works with animations and activities. Then came the highlight – Rabin House launched our first and very stylish Rabin water bottle! Rabin House’s creative committee had over the last two months worked with a range of designs and the water bottles are great! Just consider that if each Rabinite use them instead of buying a plastic bottle twice a term, then we will reduce our use of plastic bottles by over 245 bottles. Eight times a year and we reduce the use by close to 1,000 bottles!

Rabin House commends Adena Sheps, Year 12 Rabin and Eitan Vaknin, Year 10 Rabin for their cool designs and Rachel Jammy, Year 12 Rabin, for her fine organisation skills.

World Happiness Day – 20 March is the International Day of Happiness and this year’s theme is Happier Together, focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. Our Madrachim organised activities for each Year Group and Rabin House would like to commend the collective effort by the Madrichim body.

Adam Riesel – Year 12

World Greatest Shave

The annual World’s Greatest Shave took place this week – raising valuable funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation. Adam Riesel, Year 12 Rabin, once again did a fine job of promoting the event and it was great to see so many of you take part. The World’s Greatest Shave is an inspiring effort for an organisation that provides hope and care for many cancer sufferers.

Year 9 the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Camp

This year, a high proportion of Year 9 students participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice camp. These students have decided to step out of their comfort zone to take on personal challenges, starting with a couple of days of hiking in nature. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program assists students to achieve their personal best and provides a platform on which to engage with charity and community organisations. We commend each student participating and look forward to follow their service and effort in the years ahead!

We now only have three exciting weeks ahead before a well-deserved break. Enjoy Purim celebrations and have a great weekend!

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

CDSSA Swimming Carnival

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

CDSSA Swimming Championships

Last Friday, the Emanuel Swim Team competed at the Combined Districts Secondary Sports Association (CDSSA) Swimming Championships at Warringah Aquatic Centre. The team comprised 28 of the School’s best swimmers who were selected following the Emanuel Swimming Carnival earlier in the year. It was fantastic to see such a dedicated swim squad attend this representative event, which included many students who were new to the representative pathway.

Emanuel performed very well on the day, finishing in 3^rdplace on the overall points tally.

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Outstanding results included:

Jade Berson

CDSSA Age Champion

1^stplace in 50m freestyle

1^stplace in 100m freestyle

1^stplace in 200m freestyle (record)

1^stplace in 50m backstroke

1^stplace in 50m fly

1^stplace in 200m IM

Gabriella Goodridge

1^stplace in 50m freestyle

1^stplace in 100m freestyle

1^stplace in 50m fly

1^stplace in 50m backstroke

Jemma Bennett

2^ndplace in 200m freestyle

2^ndplace in 200m IM

3^rdplace in 50m breaststroke

Jared Elbourne

Emanuel Swim Team Captain

1^stplace in 50m breaststroke

3^rdplace in 50m fly

Dylan Christie

2^ndplace in 50m backstroke

Aiden Kanevsky

2^ndplace in 50m breaststroke

Talia Rabin

2^ndplace in 200m freestyle

Jett Sher

3^rdplace in 50m breaststroke

Danielle Rutstein

3^rdplace in 50m breaststroke

Relays

3^rdplace in junior boys 4 x 50m freestyle

3^rdplace in junior boys 4 x 50m medley

3^rdplace in junior girls 4 x 50m medley

3^rdplace in all age boys 6 x 50m freestyle

3^rdplace in all age girls 6 x 50m freestyle

Congratulations to all of the students who competed at the carnival and in particular to the 20 swimmers who have been selected to represent the CDSSA at the AICES Swimming Championships, which will be held on 26 March at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Combined Independent Schools Football Cup

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

After a dominant performance in Round 1 against St Joseph’s College, the Emanuel Open Boys football team progressed to the second round off the CIS Football Cup.

The team played in what proved to be a very close match against Thomas Hassell Anglican School at Hensley Field last Thursday. Emanuel started the game strong, with captain Ethan De Melo scoring in the 12^thminute. Following a fantastic goal by Justin Sarif, the boys went in to half time leading 2-0.

The opposition increased their intensity in the second half, scoring two quick goals. Despite Emanuel getting on top again for the final 20 minutes of the match, the result remained at 2-2, sending the match into a penalty shoot-out. Despite being the better team for the majority of the match, Emanuel was unlucky in their defeat.

Congratulations to Ariel Berger, Matthew Bozic, Ethan De Melo, Dylan Ephraim, Matthew Gitli, Zachary Gothelf, Gidon Grunseit, Benjamin Horwitz, Ari Karjalainen, Jared Kleviansky, Aaron Lemberg, Coby New, Toby Port, Aiden Poswell, Ryan Rubinstein, Justin Sarif, Jonathan Sebban and Adam Winter.

The Emanuel Open Girls football team also played in Round 2 of the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Football Cup. This team had been preparing since the very beginning of the year, training twice a week. After a bye in the opening round, Emanuel had drawn a difficult Round 2 match against Abbotsleigh School, Wahroonga.

Although the Emanuel team did not have the same level of experience as the older players from Abbotsleigh, what they lacked in experience they certainly made up for with effort and determination. The match was played in difficult weather conditions and the team is to be commended on their positive approach to the match. Emanuel played a very good first half and Jordan Weizman scored an exceptional goal from a long way out. In the second half Abbotsleigh proved to be too strong, winning the match 5–1.

Congratulations to Jasmine Barea, Lily Berger, Hannah Kim, Eden Levit, Romy McCorquodale, Lucia Meyer, Sienna Meyer, Victoria Miller, Ellie Morris, Sienna Poswell, Lara Rutstein, Sarah Sharwood, Mischa Spielman, Jordan Weizman, Kaia Ziman and Maya Zyl.

I look forward to seeing these team prepare for the upcoming CDSSA Football Gala Day in Term 2.

School Strike for Climate Action

Anna Gil-Munoz – Year 9

Raquel Lee – Year 9

School strike for climate action

Last Friday we had the opportunity to leave school and attend a student rally at Town Hall to stop government inaction on climate change. We met with thousands of other socially-minded students from other schools all over Sydney to protest. Over 1 million students skipped school across the world to send a message that climate change is a prevalent issue in today’s society and the importance of doing something about it.

This protest began with a Swedish girl’s desire for change. At the age of 15, Greta Thunberg didn’t go to school for three weeks – instead, she sat outside the Swedish parliament to draw attention to the climate crisis. Greta said about climate change: “We can’t change the world by playing by the rules, because the rules have to be changed.” Now, students from over 100 countries are also wanting to stop climate change.

Our experiences consisted of us taking a bus to Bondi Junction (from school) and then catching a train to Town Hall in the city. It was great to even go on the train and see other students around our age coming together to be a part of such a great cause. It was even more surreal when we arrived at Town Hall and saw even more students gathered to fight for climate change. It was amazing to see that we had gathered from all across Sydney to be there for the same reason. We felt very honoured and proud to be a part of such a spectacular event and for representing Emanuel School by wearing our uniforms. Everyone was very passionate about the cause and many made posters.

We felt very privileged and honoured to be a part of this impactful event and we hope that one day the government will listen and do something about climate change. The first step for the Sydney and Australian Government is to stop the Adani coal mine. Please help them listen and act to save our future.

Photo: Source Twitter @GretaThunberg

From the Primary Library

Ginnette Cameron-Gardner – Primary Teacher/Librarian

Here’s hoping that you are not feeling grumpy, but if you are then look at Grumpy Cat a new book reviewed below. It really will turn your frown upside down. If you are in Years K-2 you may well enjoy the adventures of The grumpy little girls. For years 3+ Fing, the latest fun book by David Walliams, will do the trick

The grumpy little girls series by Lindsay Camp, illustrated by Daniel Postgate

These three books are about grumpy little girls and their misadventures and is located at J CAM in the J Picture Book Collection.

Animal-mad Lulu, imaginative Maisie, tiny-but-fierce Ruby, and big, bouncy Fiz are all very different but all very grumpy! There are colourful illustrationsin this 32 pager with a typical picture book layout for ages 3-8.

The grumpy little girls and the wobbly sleepover

Maisie and Lulu have had a brilliant idea — they want to have a sleepover. But when their plans go wrong, they feel very grumpy indeed. But one thing is guaranteed to cheer them up — their very first wobbly teeth! (Book blurb) Suitable for ages 3-8.

The grumpy little girls and the bouncy ferret

Lulu, who is animal mad, wants a ferret more than anything else in the world, but her mum and dad have said NO, another pet would be too expensive. Lulu’s feeling very grumpy until she comes up with the idea of trying to make some money with the help of some friends. (Book blurb) Suitable for ages 3-8.

The grumpy little girls and the princess party

Maisie’s going to have the best princess party ever. But when she sees Ruby’s perfect dress, she soon turns very grumpy indeed — after all she wants to the most beautiful princess there. But things turn from bad to worse when Lulu’s pet woodlouse accidentally gets squashed. This could turn out to be one of the grumpiest parties ever! (Book blurb.) Suitable for ages 3-8.

For the cat lovers there is a new book in the Primary Library at JNF 636.8 CAT. called Grumpy cat: a grumpy book by Grumpy Cat.

Grumpy cat is a real-life personality and has lots of fans and followers. He is an Internet sensation and there are many YouTube videos of him as well as t-shirts and toys!

Featuring brand new as well as classic photos, and including grump-inspiring activities and games, Grumpy Cat delivers unmatched, hilarious grumpiness that puts any bad mood in perspective. He may be grumpy, but the photographs of his facial expression make you smile.

Fing, the latest fun, laugh out loud book by David Walliams. JF WAL.

Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn’t enough. She wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a FING, there’s only one problem – What is a FING?

Sometimes perfectly nice parents have children who are monsters. (Prologue of book). Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter happy, even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the mysterious Monsterpedia. Their desperate quest leads to the depths of the jungliest jungle where the rarest creatures can be found. But will they ever find a FING?

What is a FING? Do they catch one for Myrtle? Read the book and find out.

Source: Google Books

The greatest escape is into a good book. If you want to escape this reality then open a book and your imagination. In the long term, do your best to improve the reality, be a force for good.

There are so many good books to read, so many good deeds we can do.

Grumpy cat. A grumpy book by Grumpy cat. 51FuQFnjMwL[2]

Camp, L. & Postgate, D. Grumpy little girls and wobbly sleepover9780006647096[3]

Camp, L & Postgate, D. Illus Grumpy little girls & bouncy ferret 9780006647706[1]

Camp, L & Postgate, D. Grumpy little girls and the princess party. [1]

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Last week I attended the University of Technology, Sydney Careers Advisors day. UTS has been on the rise over the last few years, particularly with our Emanuel students. In the six years I have been at Emanuel I have noticed increasing numbers each year interested in and attending UTS which can now boast:

5 star ranking in employability
45,000 students enrolled in 2018
200,000+ graduates in 136 various countries worldwide
82% of students undertaking internships (with a goal for 100%)
ranking as the 3^rdUniversity in Australia
150+ undergraduate degrees offered.

A full account and summary of my day can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xlrkTyKJyq4Wnx6Np1xRWzsY8otvpsAmjeuXKoDEIfg/edit

Professor Attila Brungs – Vice Chancellor

UTS prides itself on working closely with industry. Students are in uncertain times, where the notion of careers, jobs and education are changing rapidly. Preparing people for this uncertain future can be challenging. The important human skills are becoming more important:

Enterprise skills
Problem solving
Communication
Digital literacy
Resilience – so critical with a rapidly changing joboutlook
An investment in lifetime learning

o This has become a core at UTS in their next 10-year strategic plan

o The notion of ages 0 to 100 learning (rather than simply age 18-22 years for the undergraduate years).

Careers events

UTS Engineering Faculty undergraduate information evening on 14 June at 8.30 pm:

https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-engineering-and-information-technology/events/undergraduate-information-evening

UTS Discover Midwifery information evening on 17 April at 5.30 pm:

https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/health/why-health-uts/events-and-brochures/discover-sessions

UTS Discover Nursing on 18 July at 5.30 pm:

https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/health/why-health-uts/events-and-brochures/discover-sessions

UTS Discover Exercise and Sport on 18 July at 1.00 pm:

https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/health/why-health-uts/events-and-brochures/discover-sessions

Experience UNSW Built Environment Workshops – 16 and 18 April, 10 and 18 July

UNSW would like to invite you to the Experience UNSW Built Environment Workshops at their Kensington Campus during the April School Holidays. Their free interactive and hands-on Experience UNSW Built Environment Workshops, for students in Years 10 -12, incorporate Design, Architecture, Planning and Construction to solve a real-world challenge. Time: 9am – 4pm. Morning tea and lunch will be provided. These workshops are open to students in Years 10 – 12 only. Find out more – https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/experience-unsw-built-environment-workshops

Macquarie in a Day

17 and 18 April, 8.30 am – 3.00 pm, Macquarie University campus

Macquarie University is opening its doors to Years 11 and 12 students for the chance to taste what a day in the life of a Macquarie student is really like. Find out more at: Mq.edu.au/mqinaday

For a careers chat please see my availability and book yourself in at:

https://calendly.com/clairepechcareers/

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director Kornmehl

Purim

What a happy and festive week this has been with all our Purim preparations culminating in a delightful celebration on Thursday with all our Kornmehl families. The children were captivated by all the characters in the story and have thoroughly enjoyed the week immersed in making very colourful creative props such as shakers, masks, mishloach manot bags, clowns and puppets.

The children all arrived at Pre-school very excited and proud to show off their costumes. What a great variety of characters we had, from princesses, to kings, queens, clowns, builders, pirates, tigers, cats, dogs, scuba divers and so much more. The teachers all looked great in their tradie outfits too.

It was lovely to have so many parents and grandparents join us for the parade and the magician show. Our magician Jack delighted his appreciative audience with an abundance of clever tricks. The children all participated enthusiastically and had so much fun. Later, in the morning, the children all participated in the mitzvah of exchanging Mishloach Manot bags with a friend. We ate lots of yummy Hamentashen, sang, danced and had a beautiful morning.

Thank you to our parent helpers – Anita Weinberger, Tammi Fisher, Matti Gild and Ally Velasquez for coming in on Tuesday and Wednesday to bake Hamentashen with all the children.

13 Habits that raise well-adjusted kids

Boundaries

It’s hard to set boundaries for kids and stick to them. This is especially true when kids push back, scream endlessly or threaten things like: “I hate you.” Remember that when kids act this way, they are meeting their own needs in the only way they know how. Depending on the boundary, it can take a long time before a child lovingly accepts a parent’s boundary. The world is a very chaotic place. Boundaries help your child, not only feel grounded, but thrive.

Routines

There’s so much of childhood that is new and challenging for kids. Learning self-control and empathy. Learning how to be a friend and interact with others. These are all very BIG things for kids. Using something as simple as routines help kids feel grounded and relaxed. In fact, knowing what to expect at mealtimes, mornings and bedtimes can bring a sense of relief to even the most carefree child. Routines allow kids to feel a sense of control, something that is very important to a strong-willed child.

Early bedtimes

Sleep is the building block for healthy brain development. It helps us process the day’s events and learn from it. Kids brains are constantly developing and creating new neural connections. They absolutely must get sleep to nurture these connections. Between child activities, school and always squeezing in tech time, kids are going to bed later and having a difficult time settling before sleep. One of the most basic things you can do for your child’s behaviour, health and well-being is to help them get the sleep they need.

Empathy

What do kids really need to be happy and successful? The answer surprises most: Empathy. It’s the trait that allows us to ‘walk in another person’s shoes’. New research shows that empathy plays a major role in predicting kids’ happiness and success. Though kids are hardwired to care, they aren’t born empathetic, it’s a learned behaviour.

Hugs

There is a saying by Virginia Satir, a respected family therapist: “We need four hugs a day for survival. We need eight hugs a day for maintenance. We need twelve hugs a day for growth.” Hugging triggers the release of oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This feel-good hormone has many important effects on our bodies. One of them is growth stimulation. Studies show that hugging can instantly boost the level of oxytocin. When oxytocin is increased, several growth hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are increased as well.

“The nurturing touch of a hug can enhance a child’s growth.” – Pamela Li creator of Parenting for Brain

Playful parents

Children don’t say: “I had a hard day. Can we talk?” They say: “Will you play with me?”. We don’t reserve much room in our lives for fun and games anymore. Our days are filled with stress, obligations and hard work, and without realising it, we are more disconnected from our kids than ever. Play is the work of the child and to connect with our kids, we must play with our kids. Take the time to put down your phones and realise that your kids need you to play.

Outdoor time

“Movement through active free play, especially outside, improves everything from creativity to academic success to emotional stability. Kids who don’t get to do this can have so many issues, from problems with emotional regulation—for example, they cry at the drop of a hat—to trouble holding a pencil, to touching other kids using too much force.” Meryl Davids Landau, author of Enlightened Parenting

Chores

“Even though it is more difficult at the time to persist in having children do chores, kids benefit from the experience. Research indicates that those children who do have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification, all of which contribute to greater success in school. Furthermore, research by Marty Rossman shows that involving children in household tasks at an early age can have a positive impact later in life. In fact, says Rossman, ‘the best predictor of young adults’ success in their mid-20’s was that they participated in household tasks when they were three or four’.”

Screen time limits

“In order for the brain’s neural networks to develop normally during the critical period, a child needs specific stimuli from the outside environment. These are rules that have evolved over centuries of human evolution, but—not surprisingly—these essential stimuli are not found on today’s tablet screens. When a young child spends too much time in front of a screen and not enough getting required stimuli from the real world, their development becomes stunted.” Dr Liraz Margalit, Behind Online Behaviour

Experiences, not things

Children require less things and far more meaningful experiences. When they grow up, it’s not the stuff in their life they will remember, it’s that time you tried to catch tadpoles at the lake, or that sand castle you both built that the wave knocked over at the beach. The best life experiences cost little to nothing, like a picnic in the park, blowing bubbles in the backyard, making chalk drawings on the sidewalk, or tossing a football around, but they all have one thing in common: you do them together. What kids really want in life is quality time spent with their parents.

Slow moving days

“Encourage parents to take some time to just watch their children, whether they are playing, doing homework, or eating a snack. Take a moment to drink them in. Remember and remind yourself how remarkable your children are. That pause alone, even if momentary, can drive a shift in the pace.” John Duffy, clinical psychologist

Books read to them

One of the most important things parents can do, beyond keeping kids healthy and safe, is to read with them. That means starting when they are newborns and not even able to talk and continuing well beyond the years that they can read by themselves. Study after study shows that early reading with children helps them learn to speak, interact, bond with parents and read early themselves, and reading with kids who already know how to read helps them feel close to caretakers, understand the world around them and be empathetic citizens of the world.

Music

Science has shown that when children learn to play music, their brains begin to hear and process sounds that they couldn’t otherwise hear. This helps them develop ‘neurophysiological distinction’ between certain sounds that can aid in literacy, which can translate into improved academic results for kids. A child’s brain develops faster with music education. Providing high-quality music education nurtures success in kids.

Taken from:

https://themilitarywifeandmom.com/raise-well-adjusted-kid/?fbclid=IwAR1eNnUUTjM9aXDEKNMLVIsBUDnFNP8b59C0N92CqfuvHfNvDaQNyu59ZKQ

Happy birthday. We wish a very happy birthday to Joanne Woods our special educator. Hope you had a lovely day.

Connecting our Community – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Officer

Gabriella Goodridge (Year 11) Photo: Ofer Levy)

Mazal tov to Year 11 student Gabriella (Gabi) Goodridge and our other Emanuel swimming champions:

Whilst many of us were enjoying a relaxing Sunday afternoon on 10 March, Gabriella and around 100 other keen Jewish swimmers were participating in the 69^thNSW Jewish Swimming Championships at Des Renford Aquatic Centre. Gabi, a member of KRB Aquatics, broke through to win her first women’s AJN Cup. Other winning Emanuel swimmers included Noaa Smily (Year 3) who won the 8 girls 50m freestyle whilst Year 5 student Kayla Parks won the 10 girls 50m freestyle. Gabi and Year 10 student Jade Berson both swam last weekend at the NSW State Open Championships.

Jewish Changemaker Awards

Don’t forget to send in nominations for the 2019 Changemaker Awards. We would love to see lots of Emanuel High School students and alumni on the nominations list, given that so many of our students and younger alumni are involved in volunteering for a variety of organisations and causes. See categories for Youth (under 18) and Young Adults (18 to 35 years) and please nominate your child/children accordingly. Nominations can be done online: www.jnf.org.au/changemaker

Kitty Lowinger with Year 6 2018 Project Heritage students

Last Sunday afternoon saw the launch of Emanuel grandparent Kitty Lowinger’s new children’s book Tika’s Amazing Journey. The stories she shares as seven-year-old Tika in this book are the stories of her childhood she was unable to tell until she was much older. With illustrations by two of her grandchildren, it follows a little girl on a train escaping Hungary with her mother. The book is part of the Sydney Jewish Museum’s Community Stories Project. Kitty was one of our Living Historians at Project Heritage 2018, and she also teaches high school students about the Holocaust at the Jewish Museum. www.sydneyjewishmuseum.com.au

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

Last chance to purchase tickets for the NSW Friendship Circle hosted private screening of the award-winning documentary My Hero Brother at 7.00 pm on 4 April at Events Cinema, Bondi Junction. The movie follows a group of young people with Down Syndrome who embark on a demanding trek through the Himalayas with their brothers and sisters. Spaces are limited so head to their website to secure your tickets: My Hero Brother Movie Tickets

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

From the Parents and Friends

Ruby Berkovic and Jennifer Opit

Hi Everyone,

We are entering the final few weeks of term!

Camping Trip

Last weekend, some adventurous Emanuel families braved the weather and had a wonderful time on the Camping Trip. Thanks again to Lindi Bloch for organising.

Here is a summary of the weekend written by Devan Bloch in Year 6: “Last Friday was the Emanuel School camping trip and we headed off to Cattai National park after lunch on Friday afternoon. We arrived, set up our tent with one other family and by 6 o’clock there were six families there and we gathered to gathered together under the hut for Shabbat. We sang and made Kiddush before having grape juice and challah. The next day three other families joined us for the day and we swam, played cricket and sat around the fire. We played cricket, rugby, rode our bikes and had fires going all through the whole weekend and we survived the rain. Relaxing and FUN!”

Stay tuned for details about the next camping trip.

Purim Disco

This weekend is our annual Purim Disco. It is always a wonderful time. Thank you to all our parent and High School volunteers, as well as the Art Shop @ Rose Bay for donating the prizes. We hope everyone has a wonderful time.

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 at the Capitol Theatre! Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out!

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

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

Book now: www.trybooking.com/BBAKH

Entertainment Books

Emanuel School is fundraising with Entertainment.

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

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

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

Have a great weekend,

Jen and Ruby

Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers last week:

Barry Sherman, Mark Harrison, Peter Goldberg, Darren Isenberg, Danielle Jaku-Greenfield, Yossi Biton, Tom Neumann, Ronen Vexler, Leon Waxman, Peter Freed, Daniel Grynberg, Derek Pal, David Herdan, Yury Glikin, Michael Kern, Alan Nathan, Tony Gellert, Hayley Rom, Albert Drannikov and Sacha Davis.