From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Welcome back

Our students were greeted at the gates with balloons, streamers and a team of staff overseeing handwashing, taking temperatures and affixing coloured stickers to collars. We certainly live in unusual times! Many teachers have expressed to me how good it is to return to our classrooms and engage directly with our students. There has been much catching up on news and joy across all Year Groups, as we settle back slowly into the regular rhythms and routines of school life. Understandably, many students are tired and struggling to adjust to the travel times and demands of a return to school. We will seek to monitor levels of homework accordingly, in recognition of this period of adjustment. For the first week, we have been more flexible in our response to a motley assortment of jackets, jumpers and hairstyles. We would, however, appreciate your support, in ensuring that your child leaves your home well-presented and correctly attired.

Preparing for all contingencies

Our hope is that we will never be required to close the School for a short period, due to a COVID-19 infection within our student or staff community. Our infection prevention/risk management procedures on campus are strong. However, it is wise to be prepared and to put in place a range of measures, in the event that we need to respond quickly to dismiss staff and students from the campus, to initiate contact tracing and a deep cleaning of the campus.

We have developed plans, based on the process prescribed by NSW Health. Two of our neighbouring schools have been impacted by COVID-19 infections and they have much wisdom to share about their experience, which included the swift appearance of the media, seeking statements from parents, staff and students. If this were to occur at Emanuel School, it would be appreciated if such requests were met with a polite “no comment” and all enquires directed to the Principal’s Office.

Illegal parking in Peace Park and ‘Go With The Flow’ arrangements

A reminder to parents that Council Rangers are aware that some parents are parking in Peace Park at drop off or collection times. To ensure a legal, swift and efficient collection procedure, we would ask that all parents use our prescribed ‘Go With The Flow’ areas. With our current staged collection times, parents (or grandparents) who arrive very early can block the flow lines and cause congestion. Please only arrive in your allocated collection time and please move on and drive around the block if you are asked to do so. Your co-operation in following our basic procedures would be both helpful and appreciated.

National Reconciliation Week

In the absence of our assembly, our Head Madrich, Lachlan Corne and Head Madricha, Asha Friedman recognised National Reconciliation Week with an Acknowledgement of Country and message to our staff and students. In light of the current unrest in the USA, Reconciliation Week serves as a reminder that aspects of our relationship with the First Australians remain unresolved. As captured in the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we are yet to “come together after a struggle”. The aspirations of the First Australians are for a fair and truthful relationship with the people of Australia and a better future for their children, based on justice and self-determination. The advent of COVID-19 has altered our perspective in many areas. Our hope is that we all have a growing desire to heal our relationships, to seek justice and equality for all and to come closer together, as a nation.

Supporting the JCA 2020 campaign

Emanuel School is one of 23 members of the JCA family of organisations. We are grateful to the JCA for the generous financial assistance they provide to the School and essential role that the organisation plays in helping so many Jewish organisations. Due to COVID-19 the JCA’s traditional Gala and other events were cancelled. In their place, the organisation has launched an online fundraising campaign. If you can, please help the JCA to support the community and our School by visiting www.jca.org.au/donate.

Important information about picking up and dropping off your children

Instagram

I’ve been capturing notable moments at the School for a new Instagram page watt.s_up_at_emanuel. Please take a moment to join me on this daily photographic journal of life at Emanuel School. For privacy reasons, please ensure your account is private before joining the page. So far we have 198 followers – I’d be very glad to make it to 230 by the end of the long weekend!

Mazal tov

Last week, Daniel Melamed placed 1^st in an online High School chess tournament run by The Sydney Academy of Chess.

Quote of the week

“Be around the light bringers, the magic makers, the world shifters, the game shakers.
They challenge you, break you open, uplift and expand you.
They don’t play small with your life.
These heartbeats are your people.
These people are your tribe.”

Danielle Doby

Wishing you a restful and enjoyable long weekend and shabbat shalom.

Primary

Meghan Carroll – Deputy Head of Primary

Welcome back Years K-6 students and staff

It is with great joy and enthusiasm that we welcomed back all students and staff this week. It was lovely to see so many smiling faces arrive each day and the hum of student chatter and laughter was once again present on campus. 

I really enjoyed speaking to some of the students to learn about their experiences during learning from home and the things they were most excited about now that everyone is back on site:

I kind of liked learning from home but I really missed my friends. I wanted to be at school. Now that we are back I can see my friends. We play a game called hackers and we all have different powers. By Leo Marishal, Year K

I didn’t enjoy learning from home much. I love being back at school so that I can learn more Maths like the 10 frames. I love going to Music at school too. By Sapphira Davis, Yaer K

While I was at home it felt a bit lonely without my friends. It was hard to concentrate. I used my special headphones to help me focus on my learning. Now that we are back at school I’m happy to be playing with my friends, plus it much quieter. It’s exciting to see Ms Buzo in person. Her voice sounds different on the computer. By Abbie Schnapp, Year 1

I got a little distracted because my brother was on Zoom at the same time as me! It was hard to print out my work. I was flexible and I took a screenshot instead. I’m most excited about being back at school because I can work in real handwriting books and its easier to be on time for all my lessons. By Jesse Churnin, Year 1

When I was learning from home I was doing my work. I felt excited because I got to try new things and a bit sad because I missed my friends. I am excited to be back at school because my friends and teachers are here and I get to see them in real life. By Courtney Kadish, Year 2

At the start of learning at home I was a bit nervous but then I calmed down. We got a new trampoline and we used it to exercise. We visited a cafe nearby for some breaks too. When learning at home was almost finished I felt a bit sad because I loved that my family was home comforting me. Now that I’m back at school I’m feeling confident and happy. I’ve even moved on to the second Harry Potter book. At home learning was fun but I’m really excited I’m back at school. By Matilda Foltyn, Year 2

I really liked learning from home because I liked being on Zoom. You can change your backgrounds to show things that you like and let others know a little bit about yourself. I really enjoyed putting up my baby picture on one of the Fridays as did the rest of my class. I liked seeing my friends and teachers. Now that we are back at school, I enjoy seeing everyone. It is great to see everyone in real life. By Sophia Kirievskya, Year 3

Learning from home was great because I got to experience learning at my own pace and without my whole class around me which gave me some more independent skills. I love being back at school because I can’t wait to see my friends each day and learn with them again. By Zac Churnin, Year 3

I enjoyed learning from home. Sometimes it got a little hard. It was never unmanageable though. When it was hard I would usually ask my family for help. If they weren’t sure I’d re-read and try again. One of the best things about being back is I’ve absolutely loved seeing my friends and teachers. Now that we are back I am pushing myself and I’m able to aim higher because we are at school. By Lexi Butt, Year 4

I enjoyed seeing my friends on Zoom though it was challenging when I was off Zoom if I had a question and the Zoom class was closed. I liked learning on Stile and having the chat closed so that I could focus on my work. I mostly enjoyed completing Maths and English tasks. I’m glad to be back at school because I can see my friends. Even though we have to keep safety in mind, we can get close enough to have a conversation. I love learning in the classroom with my classmates and teachers around to guide me. I’m so happy to be back at school and I think it’s better so that our parents can get on with their work. By Mia Chesler, Year 4

I found it hard when I didn’t understand something and I couldn’t ask my teachers face to face. I’m happy to see my friends and teachers back at school and it is a lot easier to communicate and ask for help. By Isabella Hirst, Year 5

I found it hard to ask questions and figure out the answers at home. I’m feeling happy that I’m back at school. I don’t have to wait to type my ideas or for someone to type their response. I’m also happy to see my friends. By Benjamin Freed, Year 5

Soccer at lunchtime is so much fun

For me learning at home was okay. It was hard at first because I was confused and my wifi wasn’t working. But then I got used to just getting on with things and trying a new routine. I found it more relaxing. I found comfy spaces in my house to work. I missed playing soccer with my friends. Now that we are back at school I’m excited to see my friends and teachers. Its good to be back! By Ben Diamond, Year 6

I found it difficult at first, but when I got used to it things started getting better. I was able to get my work done on time and get the answers correct. I learned to manage my time and not rush. It kept getting easier and easier. It was fun to take breaks. I played on my deck with my tennis racquet. Now that I’m back at school it’s been good to see my friends and play soccer. I’ve enjoyed talking with them. By Declan Christie, Year 6

Many thanks

Thank you to all Year 6 students and parents for participating in the online Interrelate evening on Tuesday 2 June 2020. We hope it was a useful learning experience for all.

Thank you also to all parents and Go With The Flow collectors for your patience with our new staggered departure routine. We really appreciate your support as we continue this arrangement in Week 7. 

Pyjama Day  

We all enjoyed being in our comfy and warm PJs on Friday this week. This initiative was planned to welcome everyone back and celebrate our first official week of learning on-site. Thank you to all who participated. 

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish life

Counting

This week’s parashah talks about counting, with its name Naso referring to taking a census. In turn, it is part of the biblical book called Numbers because of the census recorded in its first chapter.

Our Jewish tradition is adverse to counting; counting what you have may cause you to lose it. In the first biblical mention of a census of the people, we read: “And each should pay a ransom…when being counted, so no plague may come upon them in their being counted”. To avert calamity, the Israelites were counted by means of the half-shekel which each donated for the upkeep of the Tabernacle. Likewise, today, in counting a minyan, we recite a verse from Psalms containing ten words rather than directly counting ten people.

In our world, when one’s identity is said to be secured through a Personal Identification Number, we understand how one might be discounted through counting. COVID-19 has compelled us to count. In the growing count of its collective victims, we lose sight of the individuals who have passed without loved ones by their side or proper funerals to honour them and their place in our lives.

The Kabbalah teaches that the souls of the 600,000 Israelites in the wilderness correspond to the 600,000 letters of the Torah. The Hasidic tradition adds that when Moshe counted each Israelite he was coming to understand another letter in the Torah and the singular importance of each individual within the collective narrative of the people.

As the COVID-19 curve begins to flatten and we come together once again as an Emanuel community, may each of us be blessed in cherishing more than ever that which truly counts.

Don’t Worry, Make Someone Happy – and BINGO!

Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

To end off their Mondays in Weeks 4 and 6, Year 9 Be The Change students joined forces with Kids Giving Back to play INTERGEN BINGO with senior residents at Minnamurra Aged Care. After much excitement – and, of course, my coming in 3^rd or 4^th and winning the island of my dreams (from my dreams, as there were no actual prizes), here are some thoughts from our BINGO stars…

There are no words to explain how I felt after playing bingo with Kids Giving Back. I felt so happy and excited to play this fun bingo game and when I saw all the elderlies participating from Minnamurra Aged Care nursing home, it just brought joy to my day, seeing all their smiling faces. A big thank you to Kids Giving Back and Ms Levin-Kahn for organising this event. By Mariah Lewy

I thought the Bingo session was a fantastic way to interact with others and have a fun time. I hope we can do more activities with Kids Giving Back in the future. By Jake Sharp

The bingo session was immensely fun and a perfect way to forget about what’s on everyone’s mind. It felt great knowing we cheered up some people who are really struggling during this tough time. By Jamie Schneider

Zoom Bingo session in action

It felt really good to make the elderly people happy and I felt very happy when I saw that they were having a lot of fun. I really enjoyed making their day and I enjoyed the activity as well! By Ruby Miller

It was really fun to play bingo with the senior citizens as it was not only really exciting to see who would win and if you got the right number, but it was also really fun to see the senior citizens having fun and smiling during this harsh time. It was nice to see that we put a smile on their faces and that they were having fun playing bingo with us. By Ella Engler

I really enjoyed playing bingo with the elderly, it was a lot of fun and thrills to see who would win. It was nice to see how happy they were once they won and it was a pretty fun way to reconnect with everyone. By Scott Reuveny

I really enjoyed the bingo session with the nursing home residents. It was really rewarding to know that doing something so small can make a big difference to others.
By Alexis Demos

BINGO pic 8

BINGO pic 7

BINGO pic 4

The Big Dig

Danielle Raffaele – Jewish Studies Teacher

On Thursday 28 May 2020, the Year 9 Jewish Studies elective class for ‘Israel through Archaeology’ participated in an online excursion called Groundwork at the Big Dig Archaeology Education Centre located at The Rocks, Sydney. This virtual online program replaced the physical excursion that was scheduled before the COVID-19 physical distancing measures were established. Students used written and archaeological sources to undertake an inquiry-based investigation into topics such as the lives of the men and women who lived and worked in The Rocks in the 19^th century. Daniel Solomon, Lucy Klein and Aaron Khedoori shared their reflections on the program: 

Instead of physically going to the Big Dig in the Rocks, the Year 9 Jewish studies class went on a virtual ‘excursion’. Although it was disappointing not to go there physically, the ‘excursion’ was very interesting and fun. There was lots of information to learn and it was quite enjoyable.
By Daniel Solomon

In our Jewish Studies elective of Archaeology we had a very interesting online virtual excursion. During this excursion we were taken through various activities where we learnt about the history of our land, examining artefacts and using knowledge to date certain items in chronological order. There were three instructors who essentially showed us what we would’ve done if we were there but took us through it as if we were there. We could relate examining artefacts to our lives at home and we engaged in an activity at our own homes where we examined an object and made observations like we would with an artefact. It was super interesting and amazing that, despite our circumstances, we were still able to engage in fun activities as if we were on an excursion. By Lucy Klein

When studying archaeology in and around Israel, our class was fortunate enough to have an online excursion with the Big Dig to learn about archaeology, its impact on society, and what we can learn from it. The talk was presented online, and live, where students could view it in real time.

In the talk, a range of interesting archaeological features and items were discussed in detail. We were encouraged to ask questions about archaeological artefacts, such as “What materials is it made from?”, “What are its uses?”, and “Is the artefact complete?”. Using these focus questions, we studied one object around us, and one everyday item from an Australia family’s household in the 1800s-1900s.

Another activity during the online excursion consisted of dating different bottles throughout the past 200 years. The bottles were dated from oldest to youngest, and we learnt that several factors enabled us to understand the dates of each bottle, including the bottles design, label and different uses.

Overall, this online excursion about archaeology by the Big Dig was extremely enjoyable, and enabled a further understanding of archaeology, and different ways to explore it. It provided valuable insights into the world of archaeology for all who partook in it, and encouraged us to learn further. By Aaron Khedoori

Year 9 Jewish Studies excursion online

Community Connections – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Sydney Jewish Museum – Pen Pal project

Our Emanuel Community has numerous close connections with the Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM). Alumna Rebecca Kummerfeld (Class of 2003) is Head of Education and current parent, Ilana McCorquodale, is Museum Floor Co-ordinator, Education, whilst many of our Holocaust survivor grandparents and great grandparents are guides at the museum, as are some of our current and past parents. Ilana was interviewed recently by Alice Murphy for Daily Mail Australia, with her article published on 23 May 2020. As we entered lockdown and the SJM closed its doors towards the end of March, Ilana “saw an opportunity for survivors to embrace the nostalgia of letter writing whilst forging new relationships with the children they should have been speaking to face to face”. It was an opportunity to lift their spirits during isolation, and so this project was born.

This heartwarming initiative by the museum has seen a number of Emanuel students from Years K to Year 8 as well as students from other schools, correspond by letter with Holocaust survivor museum guides who, before lockdown, week in week out, shared their stories of survival with students and school groups from all around NSW as well as with other visitors to the museum. 

Amongst these guides who are part of the pen pal project are Emanuel grandparents current and past – Paul Drexler, George Grojnowski, Litzi Lemberg, Maurice Linker, Alice Loeb, Kitty Lowinger, Egon Sonnenschein, Helen Studencki and Mimi Wise as well as Emanuel great grandparents Yvonne Engelman, Olga Horak and Eddie Jaku. Emanuel students involved in the project include Jonathan Goldberg (Year 6) and his sister Lara (Year 2), Elyad Rapke (Year 3) and his brother Liel (Year 5), Leah Joshua (Year 5), Amélie Mueller (Year 6), Noa Rosenzveig (Year 6), Jaime Keyser (Year 7), Jayden Segal (Year 7), Inez Calderon-Havas (Year 8) and Summer Fine (Year 8) along with Gabriel Stiassny (Year 8) and his twin sisters Dana and Leah (Year 5). Some of their senior pen pals are from our school community whilst others are not.

For Stacey Greenfield (Year 8), her brother Joshua (Year 5) and younger sister Emily (Milly) in Year K, their pen pals are all Emanuel grandparents – perhaps just a coincidence but nonetheless, how extra special.

You can read more about this project on the museum’s website:  Blog, 5 May 2020 – Newfound friendships in isolation.

SJM Pen Pal Project

Stacey, Joshua and Emily Greenfield

Lara and Jonathan Goldberg

Summer Fine’s first letter to Olga Horak

Olga’s reply to Summer’s letter

Karen and Olivia Bowen

Whist we recently celebrated National Volunteers Week (18 May 2020 – 24 May 2020) and at the time we recognised some members of our community for the work they do to help others, I thought it was worthy to also let you know that alumna Olivia Bowen (Class of 2013) volunteers at Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC). She is pictured here delivering food from the foodbank with her mum Karen Bowen, whose youngest daughter Eliza is a Year 10 student.

Pre-COVID-19 Olivia had been volunteering with ASC for over a year, most recently assisting the fundraising team, and before that as an intake caseworker. Since lockdown, she has continued to help with fundraising and doing research projects from home, as well as doing food deliveries each week with her mum and other members of her family. Since the pandemic, Olivia says she has learnt the importance of helping people who are vulnerable in times of crisis. “People seeking asylum don’t have a safety net and are disproportionately affected by job losses. It’s vital that we band together as a community. I really enjoy doing the deliveries. It gets my mum out of the house – she recently lost her job – and we get to spend more time together than we normally would. I have loved volunteering remotely for the fundraising team and taking part in the weekly Zoom meetings.”

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

Shabbat Shalom and we hope you enjoy the long weekend.

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music

The Music Department was filled with the sound of music this week, with Years K – 12 students back on campus.  

Private Tuition and Infant Strings Program

All tuition has now returned to normal (the old normal) with lessons live and onsite (no more Zooming). 

Thank you to those who have already advised us of changes to private tuition and Infant Strings Program enrolments for next term. 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. 

The deadline for new enrolments, notification of changes or intention to discontinue for Term 3 is today, Friday 5 June 2020. 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 deadline to avoid being committed to the full term of lessons and liable for fees.

Please contact Matilda Grieve by email: music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au  if you have any questions about private music tuition.   

The schedules for Term 3, 2020 will be created at the end of term and emailed in July.

Links to online forms for Term 3 enrolments and discontinuations 

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

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

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

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

Ensembles and Choirs

No choirs will resume ‘live’ rehearsals until Term 3. This is because of the science of the way aerosolised water droplets are produced and spread by singers and the fact that these linger in the air. Many ensembles returned to rehearsing in modified form and with specific protocols, from 1 June 2020. Since the variables we must consider include ensemble size, room size, whether the ensemble includes string, wind or percussion players, whether there are singers, and whether ensemble musicians share instruments or use microphones, each ensemble is in a different situation. Conductors and band mentors will have informed you of the situation for their ensemble. We ask students to pay particular attention to their conductor’s direction with regard to new rehearsal routines, as keeping to these new routines is the prerequisite for the resumption of rehearsals from Week 6. Here is a link to the Music Department’s spreadsheet showing the basic intention for each ensemble and choir. Please note that some rehearsals will now start later so as to enable students and conductors to have their temperature checked before rehearsals.

High School Sport returns

Kristy Genc – Head of Sport

With the return of full-time face-to-face learning, sport at Emanuel is also making a return. 

This term, each of the sports offered will have a focus on fitness and skills. Students will be training in small groups and adhering to current health and safety guidelines. 

Programs offered in Term 2

Basketball Training program

This program is co-ordinated by Emanuel Head of Basketball, Indiana Faithfull. Students are required to attend two training sessions each week. Students are allocated training groups based on skill & fitness goals. This program has made a successful return this week. All sessions are held at Emanuel and there are limited places available in some groups. 

Athletics/Running Training program

The Emanuel Athletics program is run by Emanuel running coach, Jordan Williams from Up & Running. Training sessions are held at Queen’s Park on Monday and Thursday mornings. This program aims to improve the running fitness for short, middle and long distance. The program is suitable for those students who are training for the possible Term 3 school athletics season, as well as those students looking to improve their fitness for team sports. This program has made a successful return this week and there are limited places still available.  

Football Training program

The Emanuel Opens Football Teams recommenced training this week in preparation for the CIS & JDS Cups. This program is co-ordinated by head coach Aytek Genc, with both boys and girls teams training twice a week. Teams are training in small groups with additional Emanuel Football coaching staff. 

Rugby Training program

The Rugby Training program will commence next week under the guidance of Rugby Coach/PDHPE Teacher, Heath Morley. Teams will be preparing for Term 3 weekly inter-school games. The junior and intermediate boys squads will training on Tuesday mornings and the senior squad will train on Thursday mornings. All trainings will be held at Queen’s Park. Teams will be training in small groups with additional Emanuel Rugby coaching staff. Paces are still available in the junior and intermediate squads. 

Netball Training program

The Netball Training program will commence in Week 8. Teams will be training in preparation for the Term 3 SSC weekly inter-school competition. Teams will train on Monday mornings and Tuesday afternoons, with a focus on skill and fitness. All trainings will be held at school. Teams will be training in small groups with additional Emanuel Netball coaching staff. Places are available for girls in Years 7- 12. 

If your child is interested in any of the Term 2 Sport programs, please email kgenc@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

University spotlight

Australian Catholic University (ACU) 

Every once in a while, I showcase a university – that doesn’t necessarily get the same coverage or exposure as some of the bigger institutions. ACU is one of those. Nestled in campuses in North Sydney and Strathmore, it is a very central university, with other campuses in a variety of states and overseas. With the word Catholic in the name, it should not deter Emanuel students, as it has an open tolerance policy and welcomes all faiths. It also has specialities and great reputations in Sport Science, Physiotherapy, Social Justice majors and others. It has launched some new (COVID-19) inspired early entry schemes for Law, Business, and other schemes.

ACU Industry series 
Get helpful advice and find out what it’s really like to work in your area of interest. Join the webinars to hear from ACU graduates about their work experiences and get tips and advice for pursuing a career in your area of interest. 

Talk with Business and IT Professionals – Tuesday 2 June 2020 at 5.00 pm

Talk with Lawyers – Wednesday 3 June 2020 at 5.00 pm

Talk with Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists – Wednesday 17 June 2020 at 5.00 pm

Talk with Exercise and Sports Scientists and Physiotherapists – Wednesday 1 July 2020 at 6.00 pm

If you are in Year 12 and driven by ideas such as justice and fairness, the ACU Passion for Law (P4L) program offers early entry into ACU’s Thomas More Law School. For more information please visit our website.

Their Passion for Law early entry program is now open for Semester 1, 2021.

Apply for Passion for Law – Early entry

Apply for Passion for Business – Early entry 

Community Achievement Program is another early entry program. For more details click here  

Higher Education

Elizabeth Farrelly spoke about the future of students studying in Australia in last week’s Sydney Morning Herald. It was an interesting read about public provision of tertiary education and what may happen on Australian soil as a result of the heavy reliance on overseas student education. Farrelly argues that treating students as customers is to our detriment, comparing the Australian system with the German model, where all tertiary education is free. Read more here.

To book in a time so speak with me, feel free to choose a time slot that works with your timetable.

Careers on Facebook

Please join Emanuel School Careers on Facebook to keep up-to-date with topical information and course and university news.

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Kornmehl Pre-school Director

National Reconciliation Week

This week we continued learning about Reconciliation and extended the children’s thinking even deeper. On Tuesday, we all came to Pre-school dressed in red, black and yellow, recognising and acknowledging the importance of Reconciliation to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

As we discussed last week, National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, culture and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Although the topic may be uncomfortable and difficult to discuss, children have a very strong sense of social justice.

The learning experiences the children have been engaging in are a true example of what it means to engage in reconciliation, where people come together to learn and share with a true willingness and openness to the experience. Children possess this quality of curiosity and wonder innately and what better way to harness that spirit of openness and tolerance, than in an encounter between two totally disparate worlds, an encounter that showed us all that we are all able to relate despite our differences; that we are able to share in the joy of singing and dancing together, celebrating our beautiful land. 

We showed the children the Aboriginal flag and asked them to share what they knew about the flag:

Cian: It’s the Aboriginal flag.

Alona: The sun is in the middle.

Kayla: It’s the Aboriginal flag because it has the colours.

Kirra: The colours of the Aboriginal flag are the colours of their clothes.

Phoebe: The people know it’s their flag.

Mika: The colours are red, black and yellow. The red is the land, the yellow is the sun and the black is the people.

We had a discussion about what Acknowledgment to Country means:

Kayla: We talk about Aboriginal things; we take care of the world.

Phoebe: It’s about animals that live on the land.

Kayla: We take care of the animals and the environment.

Phoebe: We take care of our land.

Kirra: We take care of all the children.

Cian: It’s about looking after the animals.

Miles: Looking after the sea creatures.

Zola: Look after the land.

Max: We respect the animals.

Alona: Don’t throw rubbish. 

Handprints linked together

To celebrate this year’s theme – we are all #InThisTogether all three groups came together to make a mural, linking all the children’s handprints on a piece of fabric. Making the Aboriginal symbol of a waterhole or meeting place – being the Pre-school – a special place where we all come together to learn, play and be. The children enjoyed this collaborative artwork and we intend to hang it on the wall, as a way to remember this period of COVID-19 and how we have all come together as individuals, as families and as a community, to keep safe, healthy and to support each other through this difficult and uncertain time.

Koala Rehabilitation

At the Kornmehl Centre Emanuel Pre-school, we have a strong focus on the environment as the third teacher and the role that the environment plays in the learning and well-being of young children. Woven into the fabric of caring for our world is an intentional focus on sustainability, recycling and the use of natural materials. We also identify strongly with taking care of our world, both the plants and the animals and taking time to bring an awareness to the children of world phenomena occurring around them that directly impacts the environment, such a bush fire, floods, drought, etc. It’s through this awareness that young children develop empathy and care, and this is such an important part of our role as educators.

With the recent bush fires in NSW, the children were exposed to the effects this had on the wildlife, in particular the koalas. We looked at photographs and videos of the koalas being burnt and rescued along with thousands of other animals.

We were approached by a parent to connect the children with the rehabilitation of some of the koalas through the Port Macquarie Koala hospital. Port Macquarie was devastated during the bushfires with 75% of the habitat lost and thousands of koalas perishing. Many however, were saved by the Koala Hospital, which is largely run by volunteers and they do an incredible job rescuing and rehabilitating these animals. They have already released 26 of the bushfire victims back to their homes and sometimes back to the very tree they were found in. A virtual school excursion to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with Dr. Chris Brown has been made to mark World Environment Day on 5 June 2020. Some of the Pre-school children are part of this video, which can be seen on the NRMA Facebook page.

Here are some of the children’s insightful comments:

Phoebe: We have to make the world a healthier place, like I’m using an egg box to paint.

Kayla: You don’t want to hurt the nature, or everything will die.

Rafi: Keep the world clean.

Arielle: Don’t kill the animals.

Miles: Don’t throw plastic in the sea.

Building Resilience – Part 1

Life can be challenging and may include many stressful situations. Parents and children can feel overwhelmed by different things at different times in their lives.

When we talk about resilience, we’re talking about a child’s ability to cope with ups and downs and bounce back from the challenges they experience during childhood – for example moving home, changing schools or studying for an exam. Building resilience helps children not only to deal with current difficulties that are a part of everyday life, but also to develop the basic skills and habits that will help them deal with challenges later in life, during adolescence and adulthood.

Resilience is important for children’s mental health. Children with greater resilience are better able to manage stress, which is a common response to difficult events. Resilience is shaped partly by the individual characteristics we are born with (our genes, temperament and personality) and partly by the environment we grow up in – our family, community and the broader society.

We are born with the capacity for resilience. But resilience is not something we have or don’t have. We work on it throughout our lives – and we need to start as early as possible. Parents are the most important people to help build their children’s resilience. 

Children learn a lot by watching their parents. When parents cope well with everyday stress, they are showing their children how to do the same. 

Why is it important to develop resilience? 

Resilience makes a big difference in people’s lives. People who respond to hardships with resilience are: 

• healthier and live longer
• happier in their relationships
• more successful in school and work 
• less likely to get depressed 

What builds resilience? 

Many of the things that support healthy development in young children also help build their resilience. These things include: 

• A secure bond with a caring adult
• Building good relationships with others including adults and peers
• Building independence
• Learning to identify, express and manage emotions
• Building confidence by taking on personal challenges
• Opportunities to learn skills and participate in meaningful activities 

We need both outside supports and inner strengths to build our resilience. 

Outside supports include caring relationships, positive role models in families and communities, community resources, or support programs for children with special needs.

Inner strengths include self-control, thinking skills, confidence, positive outlook, responsibility and participation. 

Outside supports and inner strengths work together to develop our resilience. 

Building a close, loving relationship with your children is the most important thing you can do to support their resilience. Children do best when they feel loved, understood and accepted, and are protected from harm. Feeling wanted and loved helps us get through the hard times in life. 

Children learn to feel safe and secure through a close attachment with at least one caring person. They also learn that their needs will be met. All of this gives them the confidence to explore their world. 

Caring relationships provide accepting places where children can learn to regulate: their bodies, feelings, attention, thoughts and behaviours. 

Resources:

Building resilience in Young Children – A booklet for parents from birth to six years

https://resources.beststart.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/K35-E.pdf

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/healthy-homes/building-resilience

Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to Leah Heyman (4). We hope you had a very special birthday.

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Kol Szenes

Miriam Itzkowitz – Year 12

Welcome to Week 6

By now, most of Szenes House has returned to school for face-to-face learning and are enjoying spending break times with their peers. 

Our Captains of Szenes House, Talia Blackman and Isabelle Reichel, prepared a special “Welcome Back to High School” PowerPoint presentation, which was shown during Tutor time on Monday. Students also completed a Wellbeing Survey.

Reminders

• Practice good hygiene.
• Please remember to have your temperature checked when you enter school. This is vital in ensuring the health and safety of our students and staff.
• If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please stay at home. Whilst it is exciting to get back into the ‘buzz’ of school, it is important, especially in times like these to refrain from potentially infecting other people, COVID or not. Additionally, it is good to gain some rest and regenerate your immune system before coming into contact with lots of other people.

Announcements

• Formal uniform is to be worn in Term 2, including blazer and tie.
• If you are not wearing the correct uniform, please ask your parent to email: uniform@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au 
• COVID-19 current information – Department of Health
• Follow @szeneshouse on Instagram for some wellbeing and study tips, memes and just general Szenesian spirit.
• Also follow your madrichim on @es.madstagram for some updates, challenges, wellbeing and overall fun times.

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to the following Szenesians who celebrated recently celebrated their birthdays:

• Ms Greenhill – the Queen of Szenes herself!
• Jacob Rose – Year 11
• Remy Waller – Year 10
• Eliza Bowen – Year 10
• Matthew Lowy – Year 10
• Ella Engler – Year 9
• Harrison Fischl – Year 9
• Ruby Miller – Year 9
• Zack Berkowitz – Year 8
• Jonah Ernster – Year 7

Quote of the week

“Appearances are a glimpse of the unseen.”

Anaxagoras

Shabbat Shalom and have a fantastic long weekend!

Szenes House

Cut for Cancer

Year 12 student, Simone Rappoport, recently raised over $1,150 by cutting her hair to help those whose lives have been affected by cancer. She also donated the 28cm that was cut to Sustainable Salons which distributes ponytails to organisations which make wigs for those suffering from cancer and conditions such as alopecia.

Simone was interviewed by the Cancer Council about what motivated her:

“The reason why I participated in the Cut for Cancer was not only due to my grandparents being affected by cancer, but because I was motivated to continue raising awareness and funds for research programs which benefit thousands of people.

“In current times of the pandemic, as much as we don’t enjoy the topic, it is important to remind ourselves that there are other sicknesses affecting people and we must ensure our focus is equal. I have always been passionate to help others and I find it so important that we participate in not only fundraising for charities, but also raising awareness. Despite me not being at school, I still discussed with my peers that I was participating in the Cut for Cancer which translated into significant awareness being raised through conversation. You may think: “What good could a conversation do?” but I can assure you it does a lot more than one would think. My peers know where the money I raised is going to, how it benefits cancer research and how their donation makes a difference.

“I hope that I am able other people to take part in the Cut for Cancer, World’s Greatest Shave, cancer research fundraising, or just having a conversation and spreading awareness, because everything does make a difference. You can make a difference.”

Simone Rappoport – Before and after

Canteen – Winter Menu and Take Home Menu

We will be continuing home meals on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. There will be a limited number for sale and can be ordered through Flexischools.

Parent Safety Group

A thank you to our volunteers last week;

Simon Revelman, Clifford Fram, Barry Sherman, Sarah Kummerfield, Darren Isenberg, Shirley Goldrei, Ian Kessell, Steven Durbach, Leon Waxman, Daphna Levin-Kahn and Derek Pal 

Parents and Friends

Ruby Berkovic and Jen Opit

Hello Everyone,

We hope the return to School has gone smoothly for you all.

P&F meetings

Thanks to everyone who joined the Zoom P&F meeting this week. The P&F meetings are held on the first Tuesday of every month and everyone is welcome.

Entertainment Books

Entertainment Books have gone completely digital. Order yours so you can plan your next family outing or romantic dinner for two.

Enjoy the long weekend,

Jen & Ruby