From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Teenage addiction to Social Media

An article in the newspapers this weekend made reference to a growing number of young adults receiving treatment for “signs of addiction to smart phones, social media and online games”.

Psychiatrist Matthew Shaw observed that the advent of the smart phone has had a dramatic impact on the way that teenagers interact – or don’t interact. He views social media as only part of the reason why troubled young people withdraw from daily life, pointing to underlying issues, such as bullying.

At assembly last week, students were made aware that the chemistry in the brain when they are enjoying time online, is similar to that of substance abuse. For example, when your child enjoys multiple ‘likes’ on a post, this reward stimulus causes their brain to release dopamine – and they love the feeling dopamine gives them and want more – which results in spending more time on their devices. We apparently get so used to having our mobiles on us, that we actually start to imagine that they are vibrating and check our phones. Recent research revealed that when we are engaged in social media, our responses are much more selfish than face-to-face interactions, as we spend a significant amount time posting and thinking about ourselves.

Our students were asked to reflect on the following signs of habitual use, or addiction, to online activities:

1. Do you spend a lot of time thinking about social media or planning to use social media?
2. Do you feel urges to use social media more and more?
3. Do you use social media to forget about personal problems?
4. Do you often try to reduce use of social media without success?
5. Do you become restless or troubled if unable to use social media?
6. Do you use social media so much that it has had a negative impact on your studies?

Our students were not asked to share their responses, but parents might want to follow up on those who answered “yes” to each question! 

Responding to COVID-19

To ensure the continued health and wellbeing of our students, staff and school community, I wanted to provide you with an update in relation to COVID-19 (previously referred to as Novel Coronavirus). Even though the spread of COVID-19 appears to be slowing in China, there has been a recent surge in infections across Iran, South Korea and Italy. Cases in Australia are steadily increasing, although resulting deaths are thankfully extremely low. Concerns remain that the coronavirus will continue to spread through community transmission. Whilst there is a chance that the spread of COVID-19 can be limited, we are preparing contingency plans, to minimise the potential impact on our school community. We are receiving advice from the Association of Independent School (AIS NSW) where staff are working closely with NSW Health and the NSW Department of Education, as we assess the risks and prepare a school continuity plan. We are reviewing all our overseas trips, looking to postpone, when required. There are no plans to close the school at this time, and whilst we view this as highly unlikely, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate any changes promptly.

At the moment, our parents, staff and students are advised to maintain regular hand hygiene (wash with soap and water for 20 seconds), to cover their noses and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow, and to refrain from shaking hands or greeting with a kiss. The World Health Organisation recommends that face masks are only required if you are taking care of a person with suspected infection, or if you are coughing or sneezing. Information on the effectiveness of washing hands with soap and water and keeping students who exhibit seasonal colds and respiratory illnesses at home until they recover is available from NSW Health, who have provided an excellent fact sheet: Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19, which can be accessed here.

Consistent with our current guidelines, staff and students unwell with respiratory illness should remain at home until symptoms resolve. If any student becomes unwell, we will implement our infection control guidelines and follow the advice provided by the NSW Health as appropriate. 

An evening to connect

New parent, Daniella Alhadeff, with Andrew Watt

On Monday night, new parents had the opportunity to meet the School Executive team, along with our P&F Presidents and new Parent Ambassador, Samantha Butt. I received a lovely email from a new parent the following day: ”Thank you for a great evening last night. It was so nice to meet you, and some of the Emanuel team. What a lovely warm way to welcome all the new parents, and we can certainly see why our son comes home so happy every day!” What a  lovely message to inspire the week ahead.

An Emanuel student in the Australian Under 16 Cricket team

After a very successful batting effort in the recent National Cricket championships, Jonah Trope (Year 10) was selected in the Under 16 Australian side. Whilst New South Wales finished in 3^rd place, Jonah scored the most runs of any batsman in the tournament, with 286 runs, at an average of 71.5 runs per innings. His 200 not out was the stand-out performance of the tournament. We will be following Jonah’s career with great interest – and he can count on our support as he embarks on this exciting journey.

Jonah Trope batting at the National Cricket Championships

Mazal tov

• Adam Majsay (Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning) has been invited to join the UTS Advisory Committee, led by Professor Louise McWhinnie, to develop the Graduate Certificate program in Transdisciplinary Learning.
• Hannah Beder (Class of 2012) has been awarded the coveted Harvey Norman NSW Young Woman of the Year Award. This is an exceptional achievement. 
• Year 9 student, Eden Levit, competed at the Surf Lifesaving NSW State Titles for Beach Sprint, collecting Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. We wish Eden success at the Seniors NSW State Titles in Newcastle and The Australian National Championships in Queensland in April. This talented young athlete has also been selected to compete at State Track and Field after a highly successful Regional Championship.
• Year 12 student, Miriam Itzkowitz, was selected as one of a small group, to participate in the 2020 Maimonides Scholars Program at Yale University in Connecticut, USA.
• Year 7 student, Jonathan Levy, and Year 11 student, Jade Berson, competed at the recent CDSSA swimming championships and were both awarded Swimming Age Champion for their respective age groups.
• Year 12 student, Gabriella Goodridge, won five events at the CDSSA swimming championships and broke the 50m butterfly record.

Eden Levit competing at the Surf Lifesaving NSW State Titles

Quote of the week

“Action, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell character.”

Johann Kaspar Lavater

Primary School

Meghan Carroll – Deputy Head of Primary

Year 6 Canberra Trip

We welcomed Year 6 back from an impressive camp in Canberra on Friday. The children participated in a range of visits including: the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy, Parliament House and Questacon. This is a very busy and worthwhile learning experience and we thank the teachers, Eamon Lukins, Kim Haddix, Roslynn Pardy, Miri Heitner and Renee Segal for the passion and commitment they offered in order to make the camp such a success. Thank you also to Chelsea Trotter for helping to organise this camp for our students. 

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributes funding of $20.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the School upon completion of the excursion. We have factored this into the costing for the excursion. 

Year 5 Bathurst Trip

This week Year 5 had an adventurous trip to Bathurst Goldfields. The students participated in a number of tours and activities to learn about life in Colonial Australia. They experienced a variety of activities including gold panning, boomerang throwing and line dancing. The trip was a great opportunity to build and strengthen friendships and the concepts explored at school. Thank you to Chelsea Trotter for helping to organise this camp for our students as well as the teachers who attended the camp this year: Gabi Wynhausen, Lara Kepitis, Stuart Taylor, Martine Nabarro and Bec Gaida.

Years K – 6 Building Buddies Contest

The Primary Madrichim have been working very hard on creating an engaging and meaningful activity for Anti-Bullying Day on Friday 20 March 2020 (Week 8) and we’d love for you to encourage your children’s involvement.  

What:  Submit a video (no more than 3 minutes long) or script related to the theme: Building Buddies. Entries should include a problem and solution and can be focused on friendship.

Who:  Years K – 6 students. Must involve two or more students/characters.

When:  Entries are due by 3.30 pm on Monday 9 March 2020 (Week 7A). 

How:  Contest entries can be submitted by email to Ms Carroll by USB (with your child’s name on it) or by email (mcarroll@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au). Videos/scripts must include/mention a lego brick.

Winning videos and scripts will be shared with Years K – 6 students in Period 0 on Friday 20 March 2019. Good luck!

Primary Parent Teacher Night 

Parent Teacher Night will be held in just a few weeks time. Please note these dates in your calendar and look out for the email that will outline the instructions for requesting an appointment with your child’s teacher/s.

• Wednesday 25 March 2020: 4.00 pm – 6.30 pm 
• Monday 30 March 2020: 4.00 pm – 9.00 pm 

Parent Teacher Night is a great opportunity to have important conversations about your child’s progress and their approaches to learning so far this year. Given that it is still very early in the year, any new anecdotal information you offer the teachers is as important as the feedback they provide for you. 

Our online booking system will open soon. Once you receive the email with all the booking information, follow the instructions carefully to select the teachers with whom you would like to meet.  

What about meetings with the Art, Drama, Music and PE teachers? 

This term, specialist teachers will be available to meet with parents of children in Years 3 – 6 only.  If your child / children are in Years K – 2, you will have an opportunity to meet with the specialist teachers next semester. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Katie Brody, Director of Studies: kbrody@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

BBQ and Fundraiser Day

Thank you to the Year 6 Charity Leaders, staff and parents who helped to organise and who assisted in the smooth running of the BBQ fundraiser on Monday. Money raised will be directed to the World Wildlife Fund to support the wildlife affected by the Australian bushfires. 

An evening to connect for new parents

Thank you to all new parents for joining us for this special event at the start of the week. We are excited to welcome you to Emanuel School and appreciate you sharing your experiences so far. We look forward to working with you and your children this year and beyond. Thank you to Michelle Favero, Belinda Levin, and Gail MacKenzie for organising this event.

Bus behaviour

To ensure the safety of all children travelling on the bus please remind your child/children of the following expectations:

• Students remain seated until the bus is stopped and it is safe to get up.
• Students should be seated properly with their back to the chair.
• Conversations should be kept to a respectful volume.
• Appropriate language should be used at all times. When chatting on the bus please ensure that your conversation topics are appropriate. 
• Technology should be used appropriately and respectfully.
• Look out for the little ones and step in to help when appropriate.
• Report any misconduct, inappropriate behaviour, etc to classroom teachers.
• Be a good role model; represent your school proudly.

Pokemon cards

We ask that children do not bring Pokemon cards to school. The competition and trading between students is becoming difficult to manage.  

From the Head of Jewish Life

Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish Life

Ner Tamid

In this week’s Parashah, Tetsaveh, we encounter the basis for the “Ner Tamid”,the “eternal flame”, appearing before the Ark, that graces every synagogue.

“Bring …clear oil of beaten olives…for kindling the ner tamid”.

Today, this constant “light”, representative of the Temple Menorah is no longer fuelled by oil, candles or, in many cases, even electricity, but by solar energy.  What once required continuous human endeavour now runs on “auto-pilot”.

Remarkably, it appears that the Ner Tamid of our parashah was not to be understood as a perpetual flame but as a flame to be perpetuated. The light of the lampstand is not continuously generated for us but by us.

Our Jewish tradition sees teachers as kindling the spark that impassions and empowers our students to be lifelong learners perpetuating a continuously enlightening and transformative Judaism.

The flame, however, can only be ever-present for our children and students if it is for us, the parents and teachers: “And, you shall command the children of Israel that they bring… clear oil of beaten olives..for kindling the ner tamid…so that it be everlasting throughout your generations”.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Purim preparations

Following our fun and crazy welcome to the month of Adar with Rosh L’Regel last Friday, our attention now turns to Purim. The spirit of Purim is one of transformation, unity and joy – through actions that connect us to others in our community.

Parent and Friends Purim Disco

Emanuel School Sunday 8 March 2019: 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm
Get in early on Purim celebrations with the Emanuel School Community and the Parent and Friends Purim Disco. Siblings and friends are welcome to join in the festivities. Ticket prices increase if bought at door. Book now

Ta’anit Esther

Please note: the canteen will be closed on Monday 9 March 2020
To recall the fast Esther instigated in response to Haman’s plot to destroy the community, the day before Purim is a fast day and the canteen will be closed. Please bring in food from home for your child that day.

Erev Purim

Monday 9 March 2020
Purim celebrations begin on Monday evening, with festivities for children and families and megillah readings taking place in synagogues across the community. You may like to join Emanuel Synagogue for the Megillah reading at 6.15 pm followed by their famous, dramatic comedic musical Purim Spiel.

Purim celebrations at School

Tuesday 10 March 2020
Staff and students will be in Purim costumes ready for a day filled with celebrations, learning, fun and Purim mitzvot. Years 3 and 5 are reminded to have their instruments with them as IP will be taking place. Our morning will begin with Purim Ruach for Years K – 2 (Triguboff Family Courtyard or Angles Leadership and Learning Centre in wet weather) and for Years 3 – 6 in the Millie Phillips Theatre. Parents are welcome to drop by and enjoy the festivities and the children’s costumes. 

Mishloach Manot:
מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת

Students will be making mishloach manot  (food gifts) to swap with a classmate. They are being asked to contribute to this mitzvah by bringing to school an apple and one treat sized kosher chocolate bar to school by Tuesday.

Matanot Le’Evyonim:
מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים

Our school community will be fulfilling this Purim mitzvah of sending gifts to the needy by collecting canned and packaged food and toiletries for the Asylum Seeker Centre. Two or more items can be given to their classroom teacher by Tuesday.

Wishing you and your family a happy and festive Purim.

חג פורים שמח

Primary Jewish Life

Hagit Bar-On – Head of Hebrew K – 6

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music 

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 2020 is Friday 13 March 2020.

All students currently receiving private music tuition and students in Years K – 1 who are currently participating in the Infant Strings Program will be automatically re-enrolled into tutor schedules for Term 2, along with students commencing lessons for the first time.  Parents should enrol or discontinue using one of the online forms accessed from the links below. If your child intends to discontinue, formal notification in advance must be received by the end of term to avoid being committed to the full term of lessons and liable for fees. 

Please contact Matilda Grieve by email to music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.   

The schedules for Term 2 2020 will be created at the end of term and emailed in late April 2020.

Links to online forms:
New enrolment requests for private tuition click here
To discontinue private tuition for Term 2 click here
To enrol into the Infant Strings Program click here
To discontinue Infant Strings Program for Term 2 click here

Dates for your diary in 2020

•   Twilight Concerts – Monday 18 May  2020 and Tuesday 5 November 2020
•   Music Camp – Monday  22 June 2020 – Thursday 25 June 2020
•   Night of Instrumental Music – Wednesday 26 August 2020
•   Night of Song – Thursday 22 October 2020

Save the date – Emanuel School Music Camp 2020

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.

This three-day residential camp will take place in Week 9 of Term 2 from Monday 22 June 2020 and returning on the evening of Wednesday 24 June 2020, but continue with an all day rehearsal on Thursday 25 June 2020 and the Music Camp Showcase Concert in the Lehrer Family Building (MPH) on the Thursday evening.

All members of participating ensembles in Years 4 – 11 are expected to attend Music Camp at a cost of approximately $560.00. Attendance for Year 12 students is optional. Full details regarding Music Camp will be published in Ma Nishma in the coming weeks and emailed to parents, including the list of participating ensembles, the cost and the procedure for registering to attend. 

This year we will be returning to Galston Gorge Conference & Recreation Centre, located on the edge of the Berowra Valley National Park, approximately one hour away from Emanuel School. The centre is set in hectares of natural bushland and will provide a private and peaceful environment for our students and staff, as well as excellent accommodation and rehearsal facilities. Students will be transported between school and the camp on privately chartered buses.

2019MusicCamp – 25

2019MusicCamp – 23

2019Music Camp – 2

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Drama

High School Sport

Kristy Genc – Head of Sport, PDHPE Teacher and Year 12 Tutor

High School Touch Football Champions

Each year Emanuel School takes part in the Easts Touch Football School Competition as part of the High School Sport program. The season runs through the summer months, starting in Term 4. Emanuel entered six teams into the competition this season, competing in all age divisions. 

Four Emanuel teams progressed to the semi finals, with three teams progressing to the highly anticipated grand finals, which were held earlier this week at Queens Park. 

The junior boys team was the most improved team of the Emanuel program. In what is the largest and most competitive division in the Easts competition, the boys progressed nicely and qualified for the grand final to play against Moriah College. Despite a fabulous effort by all, the team was defeated 3-4. Congratulations to Noah Dawson Kelly, Brody Elbourne, Shai Farhy, Justin Faul, Saul Galambos, Samuel Milner, Luca Moses, Mahley Rosen-Tal and Jarah Weinstein. 

The senior girls team showed significant improvements in the second half of the season, qualifying for the grand final against Brigidine College. In what was a dominant performance, the Emanuel girls were victorious winning 6-0. Stand out performer was Tali Kleviensky, scoring four tries in the match. Congratulations to Lily Berger, Georgia Kahane, Tali Kleviensky, Romi Lapidge, Victoria Miller, Emily Rubin, Tori Shapiro and Mischa Spielman. 

The senior boys team had a very successful season. Many of these boys have developed into excellent touch football players, having been part of the program since Year 7. The team played a highly skilled Waverley College and the match was a great display of the high level of the competition. Emanuel proved to be too strong, winning the match in an exciting fashion 6-5. Congratulations to Jonathan Eremeev who received the Best & Fairest award and to Ariel Berger, Matthew Bozic, Alan Drannikov, Gidon Grunseit, Elijah Grynberg, Benjamin Horwitz, Nathaniel Spielman and Adam Winter on an excellent season.

I would also like to thank the Emanuel coaching staff, Cathy Evans-Birrell, Heath Morley and David Myers, and the staff and parents who have shown their support throughout the season. 

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected in the CDSSA Touch Football Representative teams:

15 Years Girls
Mischa Spielman
Lucinda Labi

15 Years Boys
Shai Farhy
Coby New (reserve)

Open Girls
Tali Kleveinsky
Victoria Miller
Danielle Rutstein
Romi Lapidge (reserve)

Emaunel Senior Girls Touch Easts Football Team 2020

Emanuel Senior Boys Easts Touch Football Team 2020

CDSSA Basketball Gala Day 

Emanuel School had the privilege of once again convening the CDSSA Basketball Gala Day at Bankstown Basketball Stadium last Wednesday. 

The day was a great success, with strong competitions ran across junior and senior divisions for both boys and girls. 

Ten schools competed in the tournament which was also the official trial day for the CDSSA representative basketball teams. 

Congratulations to all of the Emanuel students who competed on the day and in particular the Emanuel Junior Boys team who progressed to the Grand Final. 

Congratulations to the following students on their selection in the CDSSA Representative teams: 

15 Years Girls
Lucy Klein 
Brooke Rosen (reserve)

15 Years Boys
Sacha Rosen
Jake Sharp
Marcus Tsimbler
Coby New (reserve)

Opens Boys
Ariel Odes (reserve)

Emanuel Opens Girls Basketball Team 2020

Emanuel Opens Boys Basketabll Team 2020

Emanuel 15yrs Girls Basketball team 2020

Emanuel 15yrs Boys Basketball Team 2020

Science

Sarah Bishop – Science Teacher and Year 10 Tutor

View from the Kleinleherer Family Science Building

Do you swim at Neilson Park? Then read on…

Do Shark Nets really work? What sharks do they aim to target? How often are people really attacked by sharks along Sydney beaches? Do the nets only catch the target sharks to protect swimmers or do they pose a threat to endangered sharks? How related to each other are the nasty sharks and harmless sharks? These are just a few of the questions Year 12 Biology have been seeking answers to in class over the past two weeks.

Early in Week 5, students travelled the great distance across the bridge to Macquarie University to run genetic tests on tissue samples collected from shark nets in Sydney. Their samples were analysed by a South Korean company who sent back a genetic sequence which the students then ran through databases to determine the species identity of the sample. Students are now using this data and conducting research to answer some of their controversial questions regarding shark nets. We look forward to hearing about what they have found!

You are what you eat?

Alerted by squeals of excitement, I snuck into K20 the other day to find Year 8 peering with fascination at a lump of clay-like gunk. They assured me this was the best thing ever … and the squeals were delight. They had been learning about adaptations in our topic: ‘A Home Among the Mangroves.’ A part of their learning, they dissected owl pellets, finding claws and bones … even whole skulls! A great way to find out how Scientists work out what eats what, with a bit of gruesome enjoyment thrown in. In the words of one Year 8 (quoted on condition of anonymity) “It was yucky but amazing at the same time!”

Year 8 also headed off to explore the mangroves in reality on our annual excursion to Bicentennial Park. I have it on good authority that the main organism observed were mosquitos, which were received with squeals of a different kind. However, the students also assure us that they learnt a lot about the different biotic and abiotic features of the area and there is no substitute for actually going to the place that you are learning so much about. 

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Ma Nishma 5

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Visual Arts

Eytan Messiah – Head of Visual Arts and Co-ordinator of High School Innovation Team

Year 8 Visual Arts Exhibition – ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD’

This week, the Visual Arts department opened an exciting exhibition titled ‘Neighbourhood’. This display of two large-scale paintings undertaken by our Year 8 students, deals with some of the key themes of Australian Art. Students investigated the various cultural and historical elements central to the connections between land, landscape, home and identity. Students examined the practices of artists Judy Watson Napangardi, Judy Watson, John Wolseley and Howard Arkeley in order to recognise similarities and distinctions in the ways these artists connect with their surroundings and explore their own identities within them. Students then generated these large-scale paintings by drawing upon Google satellite imagery as well as historical and cultural research into their own neighbourhoods. Students needed to embrace a range of collaborative art making strategies to ensure their final painting was cohesive and communicated their different perspectives of the land and of their suburban contexts and identities.

For pictures and a video of our students’ art making process click here: 

8VAS

8VAB

Villawood Reflection

Before visiting the Villawood Detention Centre, our students were asked to write a kavanah, a statement of intent, of heart, mind and being, on what she/he hopes to experience and learn from this visit and to contribute to the detainees, in return. Following their visit, students were asked to share their reflections. We would like to thank our Emanuel parent  Shira Sebban, who makes our visits to Villawood possible. Below is the kavanah and reflection of Lily Berger.
Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Lily Berger – Year 10

My Villawood Reflection 

Kavanah – before:

Tomorrow I will be visiting a detention centre for the first time. I have heard about Villawood and I have met people who have come to seek refuge here in Australia before, but I feel as I do not know nearly as much as I should. I am not so sure what to expect. I know that I want to approach this new situation with an open mind and heart, I want to learn about other people and their individual stories. I feel like it is so important to learn from people of other cultures and nationalities, and who have different life experiences than I. I find I am often in an Eastern Suburbs Jewish bubble and that I lack awareness of the issues of those around me. I am slightly anxious that I will go to Villawood and come out disheartened and saddened by what I have heard and seen, but I hope that I will come out as a more empathetic, understanding and kind person who understands ways I can enact change and help refugees or other people in need.

Reflection:

Last week I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to go to Villawood Detention Centre for the afternoon to visit refugees and learn more about some of the issues they are facing. This was a positive experience but, at the same time, it was quite confronting and difficult. 

The first thing that stood out for me was that this detention centre was in an industrial area, hiding behind huge warehouses. On the main road, there are almost no signs indicating the detention centre that lies just off of the busy street. It soon became clear that the centre was quite similar to a jail, with huge fences, barbed wire and security around the perimeter. When we first entered, we received identifying wrist bands and then tried to find a locker to hold our belongings. Many of the lockers were broken, somewhat indicative of the broken system that these refugees are a part of. We then went through a system similar to that of airport security, with a metal detector and drug tests for anyone over 18.  

We were so lucky to have been taken on this experience with Shira Sebban, an Emanuel parent who visits Villawood every week and has helped many refugees improve their lives. Shira warned us that there was always a chance that they can refuse us entry and, unfortunately, they did not allow Daniel Samowitz, who came along with us, to go through. It became clear that the centre did not work for the benefit of the detainees, who were now deprived of a visitor, but instead created a system which often works against them.  

A visitor is allowed to ‘call out’ just one person, and if a visitor is not allowed to come in detainee, the person cannot come out. It was sad to see this man, Imasi, when we first entered being barred from coming out. Shira told us that he had been in Australia’s detention centres for ten years and it was so frustrating to see how eager he was to come talk to Shira and now he was turned away. I thought about being stuck in detention for ten years and the thought was simply incomprehensible. After getting through security we entered the visiting room. It was a nice space but there were always guards keeping watch to make sure no one did anything they were not supposed to.  

Shira introduced us to one of the most positive and lovely people I have ever met named Masoud. Masoud originally lived in Iran and was forced to leave and eventually came to Australia and sent to Villawood. He has been there for two and a half years. When we met him, he had a huge smile on his face, he was warm, kind and had a spectacular sense of humour. We sat with Masoud, chatting over some food that we had brought, and he told us about his life, experiences and together we laughed and had a great time. It became so apparent that Masoud was a good person, he told us the importance of respecting our parents and looking after others. It was difficult for me to understand that someone who would contribute so much to society and his community was locked up in detention when there are so many people in Australia who do not do nearly as much as Masoud could do. It was genuinely so lovely to chat with Masoud and spend some time getting to know him and understand some of the experiences he has been through. My time with him reminded me how so many individuals are facing extremely difficult challenges in their lives but that at the end of the day we are all people and can bond over food, humour and stories regardless of where we come from. 

We also saw a father being visited by his wife and two young kids which was quite confronting as I realised the awful situation that some families are in, with family members being separated and the detention centre becoming the norm for them. I do not think that anything about the detention centre should be considered normal for these families. Personally, I believe that people should not be locked up if they have really done nothing significantly wrong. Yet, this is the way our government is treating hundreds of people who are simply seeking safety from dangerous areas. If the people in these centres were our family or friends, we would do everything we could to make sure they were treated well, and we would fight for their freedom. It seems that as a society we often tend to ignore some of the issues that we have helped create. It is so important that we are not bystanders to the actions of those in authority but that we stand up for what we believe is right, and we stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Whilst visiting refugees in a detention centre is by no means a radical movement for change, it still has a positive effect and we can educate ourselves about these issues so that we are able to form our own informed decisions about these issues. 

My visit to Villawood again reminded me of the importance of having empathy and understanding for others, and how we should treat others the way we want to be treated. I do not think that any of us can truly imagine what it would be like to be detained in a confined detention centre for ten years straight. The detainees are basically only let out for legal or medical reasons, and if they go outside the centre then they must be handcuffed and guarded by numerous security officers. We need to understand that the people in these centres are people, just like us. Like us, they have hopes, dreams and families, yet in the way we treat them their futures are constantly in doubt. Villawood for many is an indefinite detention centre – the system is built against refugees and many of the people inside never know if they will ever be let out. 

Whilst this visit was quite confronting, and at times quite saddening ,I think that overall I found this a really beneficial and important experience. I learnt much about the situation that many refugees are facing and realised the power and importance of having both positivity and hope. I come away from the experience feeling grateful for the life I am fortunate to have, but I also understand how important it is to use our privilege to enact change in the world and do whatever good we can. I hope to learn more about issues facing refugees in the future and hope that I will be able to visit Villawood again. It was clear from this experience that our current refugee policies are not working, but that there is no simple solution either. We need to ensure that we treat all people, including refugees with dignity, fairness and empathy to create a more positive and beautiful world.

I strongly encourage any person reading this to learn more about issues surrounding refugees and to visit Villawood detention to understand what is being done to other people, in our name as Australians. The stereotype of refugees in the media was so completely different to the people we were lucky enough to meet and this is why this experience was incredibly valuable, as it challenged many of my past assumptions and beliefs.

Invitation: Information session for parents

Invitation: Conversations with Community Stories

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Zev Schteinman, Class of 2018, came back to Emanuel School to meet with the Year 12s and showcase his very interesting GAP Year experiences. I invited him back to speak to our students for a few reasons:-

1. He had not taken the more traditional path of Year 13 and beyond
2. He had taken some risks on his travels and has lived to tell the tale
3. He was a great advocate for solo travel and also for embracing cultures whilst overseas.

His three takeaways from the talk (and we can all learn from this) was – when you go to another country:

• Eat the local food
• Learn the language or at least a few good phrases
• Meet the locals and immerse yourself in their culture

What impressed Zev the most on this fantastic adventure led trip was the hospitality of the people. He near escaped being mugged in Tunis, he was escorted to the border in China by some not so friendly security guards, he was questioned intensely by border security officials, but generally came out all the richer for the experiences. I hope the Year 12s got a lot out of this talk, and I enjoyed hearing about some of their new plans as a result.

Psychology talk 

By Dr. Alissia Beath

Last week I organised for a Psychology Lecturer from Macquarie University to come and speak to Year 12’s and Year 11’s, as this is an area of interest that is popular (and sometimes needs some demystifying). Dr Beath gave us a great presentation on what she does, what she feels are misconceptions about the field and also the rich and varied ways your Psychology undergraduate degree can lead you. She also advocated for studying Psychology at Macquarie University.

Her slides and presentation can be found here

ANU

ANU (as of Wednesday 4 March 2020) is open for business and ready to take applications for 2021 places. All ANU information can be found here.

There is no rush in getting in this week but a graphic showing all of the dates for ANU can be found here.

ANU – Tuckwell Scholarship : The Tuckwell Scholarship Program offers twenty five talented school-leavers the opportunity to fulfil their potential by actively participating in the very best that ANU has to offer. Scholars are selected on the basis of intellect, character, leadership and their commitment to Australia.

Stage 1 applications are open from the 4 March 2020 – 25 March 2020. Access the 2020 application guide here.

Access Year 13 information for current Year 12’s on work, study and GAP opportunities here.

Nine reasons to study Music

https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news/9-benefits-of-studying-music

Any student appointments can be found  here

For parent appointments please contact me at cpech@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

Rabin Bugle

Heath Morley – Acting Head of Rabin

Shabbat Shalom Rabinites!

Welcome back to what has already been an exciting term. As Acting Head of Rabin, I have enjoyed supporting all Rabinites for the first half of the term. Mr Rembson returns this week so make sure you give him a very warm welcome back to Rabin House. Please feel free to come to the Wellbeing Centre during the day if you have any concerns, questions or would just like to say hello. 

This term we are all looking forward to the Rabin students demonstrating their talents at the Inter-House Concert. This year’s concert will be held on Monday 23 March 2020 in the Lehrer Family Multipurpose Hall (MPH), commencing at 4.00 pm and concluding at around 6:00 pm. Families are welcome to join the High School students at this “star studded” event.

There will be three performances per House on the night:

• X Factor
• Small House Item
• Big House Item (all students of respective House participate in the House item)

This annual event is a highlight on the School calendar. The points from the Concert contribute to the much-prized Ezekiel Cup, the award the Houses vie for each year. Rabinites are encouraged to enjoy the afternoon and evening by participating with lots of enthusiasm in our big house event and cheering loudly for their follow housemates in all performances. Please note that it will be plain clothes day and students need to wear House colours on the day.  

Year 7 Camp – Ms Raffaele

Rabin’s camp experience was very special. As a group we all formed strong bonds, students overcame personal and group challenges and made new friends. Our campsite rules, Base 7 and the High Ropes were definitely the highlights! 

Year 7 Rabinites at Camp

Amber Langman, Year 12

Congratulations Amber 

Congratulations to Amber Langman who was accepted to Belvoir Theatre as a part of their Young Belvoir Theatre Club along with the Griffin Theatre as Griffin Theatre Ambassador. 

“I was accepted into the Young Belvoir Theatre Club and I absolutely loved it! The people were so friendly, and the actors were amazing that when It came to an end, I didn’t want to leave. I’m so proud to be a representative of the Belvoir St Theatre and I’m looking forward to attending more shows and workshops”.
By Amber Langman 

Sporting Achievements

The swimming carnival was unfortunately cancelled this year due to bad weather. Congratulations to all the Rabin students who volunteered and signed up to the “make up” Swimming Carnival at Leichhardt Aquatic Centre. A big congratulations goes to the Rabin students who made the Emanuel Swim Team. These students will be representing the Emanuel Swim Team at the CDSSA Swimming Carnival. 

Ethan de Melo is commended on his extraordinary achievements at the Under 19’s men’s National Futsal Championships in Canberra. He scored a hat trick of goals in the Grand Final, his team won the competition and Ethan was named MVP of the tournament. 

Ethan de Melo holding the trophy

That’s the Rabin Bugle for this week and remember your Rabin tutors and I are here to support and help you throughout the term so please feel free to reach out.

Reminders

We would love to acknowledge your achievements or celebrations. If you have noticed a Rabininte achievement has not been mentioned, please let us know. You can email Mr Rembson or our House Captain, Simone Rappoport, if you would like a mention or to make an announcement. Thank you!

Kol Szenes

House Assembly

This week during our House Assembly students were recognised for their effort in class, as noted in their Semester 2 2019 Academic Report. 

The following Szenes students received their certificate – Principal’s List for Outstanding Academic Effort 2019:

Mazal tov to:

Milly Ginzberg
Gia Jocum
Alena Lewy
Ruby Grynberg
Ava Rose
Lewis Saul
Mischa Spielman
Olivia Beinart
Myles Cohn
Sasha Goldman
Jesse Keyser
Liat Granot
Romi Lapidge
Tara Linker
Sasha Baskin
Talia Blackman
Jesse Waller
Kaia Ziman

During Assembly time, Szenes students also rehearsed the House Dance as a group. Well done to our House leaders and Peer Support students. Year 7 were standouts during this rehearsal!

Announcements:

• International Women’s Day – Sunday 8 March 2020: It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world and within our community. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

• Uniform – students are reminded that correct uniform is to be worn to school including only one pair of plain gold/silver stud earrings and no bracelets or rings. A necklace is to be of religious significance. Parents are requested to email the school at uniform@emanuelschool.nsw.edu. if their child has a valid reason for being out of uniform. 

• Hats – please make sure you are wearing a hat and sunblock if you are outside on the playground or the seating deck during recess and lunch. 

• Kippot – please make sure to have your kippah at Assemblies and all prayers. You can purchase a replacement House kippah if you lose yours for $8.50 from the Jewish Studies Department, or the maroon ones from the uniform shop for $7.00 a piece, or if you feel like you’re likely to lose them, you can buy three for $15.00.

• House Concert – We have our annual House Concert occurring Monday of Week 9 after school! It’s great to see such enthusiasm and participation during rehearsals. Let’s make it the best so that we can win!

Mazal tov 

• Eitan Hamilton who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah
• Gabriel Stiassny who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah

Birthday wishes

Happy Birthday to these Szenesians who celebrated their birthdays this week:

• Oliver Novy (Year 7)
• Mariah Lewy (Year 9)
• Alena Lewy (Year 8)
• Aiden Poswell (Year 11)

Quote of the week

I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.

~ Thomas Jefferson

Shabbat Shalom and have a fantastic weekend!

Szenes House

Community Connections – Gesher

Sonia Newell – Development Office – Alumni and Community Relations

Did you know?

Jake with his great-uncle

Year 1 students have been learning about what life was like “long ago”. Some grandparents have come in to the classroom as living historians, to talk about what school was like for them when they were in Year 1 – no iPads, computers or smartboards – very strange indeed!  One of this week’s visitors was Gary Zamel, great-uncle of Jake Chesler in Year 1 Tel Aviv. Gary brought with him his old school cap and school bag as well as lots of memories from his own school days that he talked about with the children. We look forward to hearing more about this project – what a wonderful initiative. 

For bookings, please click here

Holocaust Exhibition in Canberra

“The Holocaust: Witnesses and Survivors” exhibition at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, opened in November 2016, and amongst new items on display is the recently loaned dress made for the late grandmother of an Emanuel alumna. Holocaust survivor Henryka (Henia) Shaw, grandmother of Mikaela Silberbach (Class of 2013) wore this dress made from fabric out of the Mauthausen Concentration Camp SS Barracks. Friends made her dress from scavenged Nazi fabric so Henia could walk out proudly to freedom. She kept this dress throughout her life and tasked her daughter Naomi Shaw to find a fitting home for it.

Photo of Henia’s dress

To view Henia Shaw’s story please click here

Seeking volunteers for Friendship Circle April Day Camp 

To register click here

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

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

Clean up Australia Schools Day

On Friday last week the children ventured out of the Kornmehl garden to collect rubbish on the school campus for Clean-up Australia day. The Seashells were committed litter warriors and took their job very seriously. They collected four baskets of rubbish from just outside the Pre-school gate leading up to Emanuel School and under the new decking. On their return to Pre-school, we used this collection to teach the children about recycling and what rubbish goes in which bin i.e. paper in the blue bin, general rubbish in the red bin and garden/nature waste in the green bin. The Starfish ventured into Peace Park and they too cleaned up the spaces in and around Peace Park. What great leaders of the future to take care of our country and keep it clean!

Purim

Over the last few days we have introduced the story of Purim to the children. This has been done using a range of three-dimensional props. We have kept the story very simple focusing on the fact that there was a bad man who wanted to chase all the Jewish people away and that he ended up being chased away. The heroine of the story is the lovely Queen Esther. Through the telling of the story the children are exposed to some new concepts: the fact that they are Jewish, that they are part of a community and that there is a cyclical nature to Judaism as Purim is celebrated each year at the same time. 

The festival of Purim is such a bright, happy and colourful one, full of different sensory experiences. The shaking of the rashanim, the creation of brightly coloured masks and the dressing up in colourful clothes as well as the sweet and tasty Hamentashen.

The classrooms has been a hive of activity as the children have immersed themselves in the creative activities on offer. There has been a lovely, festive atmosphere in the rooms as the children delight in trying on different silly wigs and masks as well as making good use of the shakers to create some noise… all in preparation for our Purim parade next week on Tuesday.  We are all very excited to celebrate this happy festival together.

Open Day

The Pre-school held its Open Day on Wednesday morning. We had forty attendees who were all interested to find out what makes Kornmehl special and why they should send their children to our Pre-school. During the morning a number of people shared with me how impressed they were with the spaces, learning areas – both indoor and outdoors, the length of time the educators have been at the school, the happy engaged children they could see and most of all the warmth they could feel as they entered the doors. We all enjoyed showcasing our Pre-school to the prospective families.

Play-based learning

The following article was featured in the conversation.com and provides interesting information about play-based research, that lines itself closely with our philosophy at Kornmehl.

“Research shows that play based learning enhances children’s academic and developmental learning outcomes. Children are naturally motivated to play. A play-based program builds on this motivation, using play as a context for learning. In this context, children can explore, experiment, discover and solve problems in imaginative and playful ways. It involves both child-initiated and educator-supported learning. The educator encourages children’s learning and inquiry through interactions that aim to stretch their thinking to higher levels e.g. while children are playing with blocks, an educator can pose questions that encourage problem solving, prediction and hypothesising. They can also bring the child’s awareness towards mathematics, science and literacy concepts, allowing them to engage with such concepts through hands-on learning.

Play-based early years programs are focused on teaching and learning. In such programs, play can be in the form of free play (activity that is spontaneous and directed by the child), and guided play (also child-directed, but the educator is involved in the activity as a co-player) with intentional teaching. Both have benefits for children’s learning. To capitalise on these benefits, an optimum play-based program will provide opportunities for both free play and guided play.

Educators take an active role in guiding children’s interactions in the play. Children are supported in developing social skills such as cooperation, sharing and responding to ideas, negotiating, and resolving conflicts.

Educators can also use children’s motivation and interests to explore concepts and ideas. In this way, children acquire and practice important academic skills and learning in a playful context. For example, research indicates the increased complexity of language and learning processes used by children in play-based programs is linked to important literacy skills. Research shows play-based programs for young children can provide a strong basis for later success at school. They support the development of socially competent learners, able to face challenges and create solutions.  

To read the full article please click here

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Parent Safety Group

Thank you to our volunteers last week:

Parents and Friends

Ruby Berkovic and Jen Opit

Purim Disco this weekend

Friday Chill Out

Entertainment Books