From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Voting for our 2022-2023 Madrichim

Our Primary School and High School student leadership teams make a significant contribution to shaping our culture and promoting genuine student voice and agency. Voting for the High School leadership positions will take place early in Term 3, and for the Primary School, late in Term 4. Our K-12 student committee and team structures spread the leadership responsibilities beyond the Madrichim. Current student led Ve’adim (committees) in the High School include:

• Student Representative Council (SRC)
• Social Action Va’ad
• Sustainability Va’ad
• Jewish Life Va’ad

In the Primary School, every Year 6 student has the opportunity to contribute to a leadership team across several key areas. Our Year 11 students have participated in a leadership preparation program (Nitzavim), conducted by Mr Bloom, Mr Ezekiel, Mr Bell, and the Year 11 House Tutors. Our aim is to promote a spirit of collective responsibility in the senior leadership year. We are grateful to Ms Lowe, Mr Ezekiel, and Mr Bloom, for mentoring our current Madrichim.

We will be addressing the importance of voting wisely, to appoint leaders with integrity, wisdom, and humility in our High School assemblies, in the lead up to the vote. This would be a good topic for a conversation with your children!

Strong performances in athletics

The standard of competition was consistently high at our High School Athletics Carnival, with a range of personal best performances across both track and field events. The sunny but cool conditions and the dry track at Hensley Athletics Stadium were perfect for our athletes. Our staff and students enjoyed a day of fierce but friendly Inter-House rivalry and close competition. Mazal tov to the many record breakers

• Zac Urbach: 17 boys 100m new record time 11.29 
• Eli Jocum: 13 boys 800m new record 2:39.70
• Jonah Trope: 17 boys 800m new record 2:17.90
• Remy Waller: 18 boys High Jump new record 1.75m
• Tammy Kurlanski: 18 girls High Jump new record 1.26m
• Shai Farhy: 16 boys High Jump new record 1.71m
• Ellie Morris: 18 girls Shot Put new record 7.51m
• Szenes House: Intermediate girls 4x100m relay new record 1:00.86
• Rabin House: Senior Boys 4x100m relay new record 47.57

A big thank you to Mr Francis and his efficient staff team, for an enjoyable and productive carnival, and to Ofer Levy for capturing the spirit of the day (and some amazing action shots) in photographs.

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Bringing out the winter woollies

The recent cold snap, with 4-degree Celsius mornings, has seen many students enter our gates wearing puffer jackets and hoodies. The motley mix of brands and colours is not a good look and does not meet our uniform standards. Your support is appreciated in sending your children to school in appropriate winter uniform. On very cold days, it may be wise for students to wear a warm, white thermal undergarment, in addition to their shirt, jumper and blazer. Thick black tights may also be worn to keep warm while long trousers are also good barriers against the morning chill. We will require students to hand in inappropriate uniform which will be handed back at the end of the day.

Queen’s Birthday Honours list 

This year we celebrate Emanuel School parent, Andy Kuper OA, and past-parent and Vice-President of the Board, Shira Sebban OAM, who were both recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for their contributions to society. The comments of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) were spot on: “Recipients share some common traits – including selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service. They’re from different backgrounds, their stories are each unique, and each has served in different ways. This diversity is a strength and each has impacted their community and made it better.

“For that, we thank them and, today, we celebrate them. Collectively the recipients, whose achievements span community service, science and research, industry, sport, the arts and more, represent the very best of Australia.” 

Quote of the week

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead, American Cultural Anthropologist

From the Acting Head of Jewish Life

Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

El Na Refa Na La
The simple power of healing prayer

In the closing chapter of our Parasha, Beha’alotcha, an unusually “up close and personal” story is shared about Miriam, Aharon and Moshe (Bamidbar 12:1-16). Miriam and Aharon are discussing, behind Moshe’s back, their concern or displeasure about the fact that Moshe had separated from his wife, Tzipporah, ostensibly because having spoken with God “Face to face” he was now so spiritual and could no longer interact on a physical level with the world. They contemplate the fact that they are also prophets and yet did not have to separate from their own spouses and families as a result, so why should Moshe? There are many other interpretations of what was said and why, but we will go with this version for the purposes of this Dvar Torah.

God “hears” this exchange and is incensed on behalf of Moshe. God berates Miriam and Aharon, expounding vehemently on the vast difference between the “normal” prophets who receive their messages from God through visions, dreams and riddles and the unique prophetic relationship between God and Moshe, who communicate “mouth to mouth” almost as equals, face to face, with Moshe fully alert.

Miriam – who had initiated the offensive conversation with Aharon – is left stricken with Tzara’at (a disease likened to leprosy). Aharon, desperate in his anguish, begs Moshe to speak to God on their sister’s behalf.

Moshe’s response to God, is at once beautiful and troubling in its brevity (Verse 13):

אֵל נָא רְפָא נָא לָהּ׃ 
El Na Refa Na La
“Oh God, I beseech You, heal her please!”

Many commentators have considered the reasons why Moshe’s desperate request is just five words long.

In the Etz Hayim Torah, p. 825, the Editors comment “Moses is caught in a dilemma. On the one hand, Miriam had spoken openly against him and deserved to be punished. On the other hand, as his sister, she evoked his compassion. The result is this terse prayer. Its brevity seems to reveal Moses’ lack of enthusiasm and minimal compliance with Aaron’s plea”.

Others suggest similarly that Moshe was deeply upset with Miriam, but despite trying to reign in his feelings, he could only utter a prayer that was short and to the point.

Rashi explains that Moses’ prayer was only five words long so that the Jewish People would not be jealous of the length of his prayers for his sister.

Another Spanish commentator, Rabbeinu Bachya, explains that the intention of it being kept short was to show that this was not a prayer just in his heart or mind, but one he spoke out loud in keeping with the Talmudic ruling (Berachot 31a) that ‘when one prays, one must move the lips and enunciate the words of prayer’. 

Rabbi Rachel Barenblat, the “Velveteen Rabbi” shares this deeper idea: Moses’ prayer has 11 letters, meant to call to mind the eleven-letter name of God, the name God gives to Moses in a powerfully intimate moment at the burning bush: אהיה אשר אהיה, ehyeh asher ehyeh, “I will be who I will be.” When we use this short prayer to pray for healing, we implicitly call upon God who is ever-changing. We call upon the God who is continually becoming, to heal and strengthen our loved one who needs transformation and change.

Wishing a Refuah Sheleimah, רפואה שלימה, a swift and complete recovery to all those in need of healing, of mind, body or spirit.

Shabbat Shalom

Resources include:
https://www.aju.edu/ziegler-school-rabbinic-studies/our-torah/back-issues/chant-healing
https://velveteenrabbi.blogs.com/blog/2006/03/a_tiny_teaching.html

Primary News

Katie Brody – Director of Students K-6

2022 ICAS
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools

Recognising academic excellence in students Years 3-6 

For many years, Emanuel School has been involved in ICAS Academic Competitions. The ICAS Competition series is not a set of grade-level assessments. These exams are designed to be a challenge that shows how students can apply classroom learning in new contexts and to use higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills. The ICAS suite of competitions attracts highly able students from all across Australia, Asia and the Pacific Region. 

These optional academic competitions attract:

• Students in Years 3 – 6 who enjoy a significant academic challenge
• Students in Years 3 – 6 who find competitions stimulating and exciting
• Students in Years 3 – 6 who are seeking to build a portfolio of achievements

A number of our students achieve a Merit or Credit certificate, which is very impressive. Others are awarded with Distinction or High Distinction certificates and these very high levels often confirm the students’ suitability for extension programs or consideration of further competition entry into events such as the Da Vinci Decathlon. 

Please note: Booking your child into any or all of these academic competitions is completely optional and is not a requirement of the school. Payment information and prices for these competitions will be made directly with ICAS. The prices and the link for ICAS payments appears below. 

The school will facilitate each competition on the set date only. In the event that your child misses an ICAS competition for any reason, please email the ICAS customer service team to request a refund. Please send the reason for your refund, your order number and school name to icasassessments@janison.com.au

ICAS competition dates at Emanuel

If you are interested in encouraging your child to participate in one or more of these competitions but you have questions, please discuss this with your child’s class teacher or email Katie Brody, Director of Studies.

In addition, should your child wish to prepare for these competitions, here is a link to practice tests and past papers.

Competition payment system

ICAS charges approximately $20.00 per competition for most subjects as well as an online booking fee. The Writing competition costs closer to $25.00. Payments for the tests are made directly with ICAS through the online parent payment system outlined below. 

Please diarise the payment deadline and the competition dates to avoid disappointment. 

• • The payment portal opens on Monday 21 June 2022
  • The payment portal will close for bookings on Friday 22 July 2022

• Parent Payment System – https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps
• Access code for parents – JJC719

Year 6 – Write A Book In A Day

On Wednesday 15 June 2022 Year 6 students had a full creative day of writing. They entered the Write A Book In A Day event. Write a Book in a Day is a fun, creative and collaborative competition. Teams have just 12 hours to write and illustrate a book from start to finish. To make it even more fun, unique parameters must be included in the story. Digital editions of the completed stories are made available online and shared with hospitals across Australia.

Starting first thing in the morning with the introduction to the program and the purpose, the students anticipated the challenge ahead. They sat and soaked up the steps of the process, the success criteria and the strategy. Soon planning began, and with the creative buzz in the air, ideas began to flow. It was not long before the students were underway, developing the central character, their initial circumstances, their vulnerabilities and their plight. The day was big and busy but it was extremely exciting too. The classrooms were buzzing with activity. Writing, conferencing and proofreading took place throughout the day. Beginning with the end in mind, the students developed the narrative and achieved that which they feared was not possible. It was an outstanding creative challenge for students and teachers alike. We could not be more proud of all involved and huge accolades and praise goes to the Year 6 teaching team for coordinating the process. Thank you to Mr Lukins, Ms Kessler and Mr Wilbury for their huge commitment and support. 

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The Fuse Cup – eSports Competition

Don’t forget to head to the Innovation article in MaNishma if your child is in Year 5 or Year 6 and is interested in joining the Fuse Cup eSports afternoon activity.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Thinking about blessings

This has been the learning focus for Year 5 Jewish Studies. We have explored the different types of blessings, asked why we say blessings and have created our own blessings of gratitude. 

Students were asked to think more deeply about a couple of familiar blessings, which are recited during our Thursday morning tefillah. 

Students reflected on why we might have a blessing for being part of the Jewish community and what it means to be a member of the community.

Here is a selection of some of their responses: 

• We have a responsibility towards the commandments and the traditions of Judaism.
• We express gratitude for being taken out of Egypt and for being given the Torah.
• It is both an honour and a responsibility to be Jewish and it is important to recognise this and show gratitude for it. 
• We are grateful to be in a community, to be free and to have our own set of commandments or rules to live by.
• We are thankful for being part of a caring community.
• We are part of one big family who are responsible for one another.
• It means we acknowledge and appreciate Israel, the Torah and our ancestor’s history.

In reflecting on the meaning and significance of the name for the Jewish people, Israel – ישראל, which means “struggle with G-d”, students wrote:

• It means that in being Jewish we have to overcome hard times.
• We have stayed with God, through all the struggles and challenges.
• That we may disagree with God and have different opinions about what we think God wants from us.
• We might struggle to understand what God wants or is saying to us.
• We might wonder why we have certain rules and responsibilities as Jews.

Can you think of a situation where someone was blind to something or someone else? How did they “get sight” to see in that situation? 

• We may be blind to someone who is sad and may not think about other people. We can ‘get sight’ by putting ourselves in their shoes.
• We ignored a situation or a person, but were then able to see the situation from the other person’s perspective.
• We might ignore problems or people around us.
• We may not be blind literally, but mentally, as we might look past people’s flaws or treat other people disrespectfully.
• We might be blind to what is happening in other people’s lives because we think we are the most important person in the world. Realising the bigger picture and that it is not all just about us, gives us insight and sight beyond ourselves.

Primary Extra-curricular Term 3 2022

Emma Hill – Primary Teacher and Coordinator of Extra-Curricular Programs

Holiday Camp and Term 3 2022
including Music, Sport and Recreational activities

We are excited to announce that we are offering two extra-curricular holiday activities in the upcoming holidays, as well as sports activities. We are hoping to expand our holiday offerings in future terms.

Our new holiday activities are: 

• Code Camp on Friday 1 July 2022 from 9.30 am – 3.30 pm 
• JeSTAR Theatre Academy on Friday 1 July, Monday 4 July 2022 and Tuesday 5 July 2022 from 9.00 am – 11.30 am. Please click here to register your interest

  Please note that both of these activities have minimum and maximum enrolment numbers so please book in early.

3. Code Camp Flyer (1)

2. JeSTAR Holiday workshop (1)

There will also be sports activities running from Monday 4 July 2022 in the afternoons. If your child is participating in both the morning and afternoon activities we will ensure they are supervised during the lunch break between activities, which will be 11.30 am – 12.00 pm. 

Our Term 3 Extra-Curricular schedule is now available online. This includes a range of Music, Sport and Recreational activities. Many activities have set enrolment numbers so please ensure you book your child in early to avoid disappointment. There are also a range of teacher-led lunchtime clubs which are free for students, please click here for further information about these clubs. Students may join these clubs by approaching the listed teacher.

The Extra-Curricular schedule on the Parent Portal is regularly updated throughout the term – please refer to this if you have any questions about the scheduling of activities. There are email links on each activity to help direct you to the relevant person if you do have any additional questions.

The Extra-Curricular Schedule is available now via the Parent Portal

We hope to offer Sewing Club for Years 5-6 students in Term 3. Please click on the link to register your expression of interest before Wednesday 29 June 2022. Once minimum enrolment numbers are reached a booking link will be emailed to parents.

4. Sewing Club T3 (1)

We are also hoping to run our first The Fuse Cup eSports competition club in Term 3. Please see the brochure and this article for further information. To show interest and apply to join the afternoon club, please visit the sign up link here. The form will be open until Tuesday 21 June 2022, 6.00 pm.

The Fuse Cup IS coming to EMANUEL School

Year 9 Hebrew

שלום! אנחנו התלמידים של עברית בכיתה ט׳ השנה!

 אנחנו עובדים עם התלמידים של כיתה י׳ על תכנית הרדיו ׳קול העברית׳. המדור שלנו הוא ׳יחד׳. בחרנו את השם הזה כי זאת המילה שאומרת ׳ together ׳ בעברית, והוא משלב את האותיות הראשונות של השמות שלנו. ׳י׳ מיעקב, ׳ח׳ מחנה, ו׳ד׳ מדליה, ואז, יש את השם, יחד. 

אנחנו מתרגשים לעשות הרבה דברים כיפיים, כמו הסכתים, תחרויות וחידונים, עם תלמידי כיתה י׳! ואתם יכולים לעשות את זה אתנו

אפשר למצוא פוסטרים עם הקישור לאתר של ׳קול העברית׳ / ‘יחד’ בכל הבניינים של בית הספר. בבקשה ליהנות  מההסכת הראשון שלנו על צה״ל

!להתראות

יעקב, חנה ודליה

Shalom! We are the Year 9 Hebrew students this year!

We are working with the Year 10 students on the radio station ‘Kol Ha-Ivrit’. Our segment is ‘YACHAD’. We chose this name because it means ‘together’ in Hebrew, and it combines the first letters of our Hebrew names. The Yud‘ from Yakov (Jack), the cHet from Hannah (Ashley) and Dalet from Daliah, and so there is the name, YACHAD!

We are excited to do many fun things, like podcasts, competitions and quizzes, with the Year 10 students. And you can participate! 

There are posters with the link to the ‘Kol Ha-Ivrit/YACHAD’ website in all the buildings around the school, and you can view it above as well. Please enjoy our first podcast about Israel Defense Forces (IDF)!

Lehitra’ot!

Jack, Ashley and Daliah

High School Athletics Carnival

Ray Francis – Head of PDHPE

Students shine at the High School Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to all the competitors at this week’s High School Athletics Carnival that took place at Hensley Athletics stadium on Wednesday.

A stunning Sydney winter day certainly helped to make the event a memorable one, but it was the outstanding performances from the students that really stood out.

Special congratulations to the students who broke records on the day (see Mr Watt’s page for the full list) and a big thank you to the staff who ran the event so well. We’d also like to thank parent photographer, Ofer Levy, for taking such wonderful photographs.

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Your blood’s worth bottling

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Last chance to see VIVID 2022

If you’re still planning a visit to VIVID, don’t forget to check out Emanuel alumnus Zac Levi’s artwork “Crowded Cadmans”, a 3D animation that comes straight from the imaginations of Sydney-based artists living with a disability. Zac’s role with this project was 3D modelling, animation, visual effects and look development.

The artwork is on display on the façade of Cadmans Cottage in the Rocks until tomorrow night, Saturday 18 June 2022, when VIVID 2022 ends. 

Celebrating Her Success

National Council for Jewish Women (NCJW) is holding an event titled Celebrating Her Success this Sunday 19 June 2022 from 10.00 am – 12.00 pm. Successful Jewish women at various stages of their careers will share how their journeys and encourage other women to pursue their goals. Speakers include Emanuel parent and author Kerri Sackville and alumna Rikki Stern (Class of 2016), founder and director of Cancer Chicks Australia. Book here.    

Health Matters – Dr Ginni Mansberg – The New Teen Age 
Sunday 19 June 2022 10.30 am – 11.30 am

Before your teenagers drive you crazy (if they haven’t already done so), you might like to join Emanuel Synagogue for this online Health Matters event featuring Emanuel past parent, Dr Ginni Mansberg, who will share evidence-based strategies for raising today’s tweens and teens to feel confident and strong.

Ginni has been a GP for 30 years, specialising in women’s and children’s health. She is the author of a number of books, with her latest book titled The New Teen Age. You may have seen Dr Ginni hosting SBS’s Medicine or Myth? or Foxtel’s Embarrassing Bodies Downunder, and she is also the resident GP on Channel 7’s Sunrise and The Morning Show. Book here for Sunday’s event. 

Sydney Jewish Writers Festival 
Sunday 19 June 2022 – Monday 20 June 2022

This two-day event includes a number of interesting sessions including one titled “Coffee & Headlines with The Daily Aus Co-founder Sam Koslowski” who is an Emanuel alumnus.

Jewish Board of Deputies’ June plenum

Sephardi/Mizrachi Education and Awareness is the theme of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies’ June plenum next Wednesday evening, 22 June 2022.

This in-person event includes a panel discussion where Emanuel alumnus and Gesher committee member Joshua Moses is the Moderator. Register here. Although most of our readers probably do not know Joshua personally, you may well know his mum Maria who is one of the very friendly voices at the end of the phone if ever you ring the School. Perhaps you have met her in person when you arrive at Reception to pick up a sick child or come in to School for any other matters.

National Blood Donor Week 
Monday 13 June 2022 – Sunday 19 June 2022

Tuesday this week was designated “World Blood Donor Day”.  If you are 18 to 75 years old, healthy and weigh over 50kg, you may want to consider being a blood donor if you are not already one. The rules for eligibility to donate blood and plasma are about to change, which will mean those who are currently ineligible to donate blood because they lived in the UK between 1980 and 1996 will soon be able to do so. 

I can tell you from first-hand experience, blood donation is such an easy thing to do, even for those of us who don’t like the sight of blood, and it can be life-saving for some of the recipients of your donated blood products.

This coming weekend looks like it could be a busy one, with so many options of things to do, including lectures and workshops to attend.

For our 65+ readers

If your parents are in this age group but are not regular readers of Ma Nishma, please let them know about the upcoming launch of Seniors – Walkie Talkie, Maccabi Life on Wednesday 29 June 2022. The aim is to connect the 65+ age group via a leisurely walk outdoors, in the fresh air, followed by an inspiring talk/entertainment. For their first event on Wednesday 29 June 2022, they will meet at 10.00 am at the Friendship Bakery, Laguna Street Vaucluse and walk for an hour around Christensen Park area then go upstairs at the Mark Moran Vaucluse to play Bingo, with coffee and cake provided by the Friendship Bakery. Bookings are essential for this event.

School holiday activities

July School holidays are closer than you think. It’s not too late to check out and book for the numerous camps and workshops on offer, many of which have a strong Emanuel connection. Perhaps your children will be attending Habonim’s winter camp Machane Dvash or for students aged 13 plus, or maybe volunteering at Friendship Circle (FC) five-day camp. Click here for details.

Habonim Camp July 2022

FC is also seeking young adults to join their Young Adult leadership team, so for our readers with older children, please tell them about this opportunity. Click here for more details.  

If your children have an interest in photography, they might like to attend one of the B’nai B’rith Photo Workshops during the holidays. Here is more information.

B’nai B’rith Photo Workshops – July

Past parent ,Vivienne Radomsky, Marketing & Development Manager B’nai B’rith NSW, invites members of our School community to email her with expressions of interest to join the B’nai B’rith Players, a community theatre group with Director and Producer Moira Blumenthal: vivienne.radomsky@bbnsw.org.au or call 9321 6307.

B’nai B’rith Players 2022

We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.    

Shabbat shalom, stay safe, stay warm and have a great weekend.

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

A scientific visit

The children had an engaging, fun, and interactive Science incursion on Tuesday.  Darren, from Young Scientists, set up different stations in the Dream Room for the children to explore, investigate, raise questions, and wonder about. In groups of two or three, the children were invited to engage in the learning activities around the room. The activities integrated more than one of the disciplines of Science, including Technology, Engineering, and Maths. Through play and hands-on experiences, the children explored the concepts of gravity, friction, motion, energy, force, kinetic energy, potential energy, vibrations, sound, electricity, reflections, light and mirrors, density, air, magnets and more. 

We asked the children what they liked about the Science experiments. These were some of their comments:

Tahlia: I liked the rocket and the little magnet things that they stuck together and not stuck together.
Freddie: I also liked the one where you tip the marbles from the buckets. I liked watching it.
Xander: The balancing thing with the bird on my finger, because it was my first time ever I have done that. It was fun and I can balance two on both hands at once on my fingers.
Luca: The shooting one and the magnet stuff. They were fun, I discovered that the other side of the magnets are not strong and don’t stick together, and on the other side they are strong and clip together.
James: I like the rocket because you need to bounce on it and then it flies up into the air.
James F: The rocket because they let you stomp on it, pop up so high and then I pushed all the air out with my feet.
Lexi: The marbles because they were going down.
Grace: My favourite thing was the rocket when we stamp our feet the rocket goes to the roof.
Ziggy: I like everything. The magic in the rubbish bin and the big balls.
Noam: I liked the binoculars and the scope. We put our eye in and then we saw different patterns. The rainbow made the patterns. 
Rafi: I liked the big balls that opened and closed.
August: I liked the binoculars. I could see tickets in them. 
Drew: I liked the marbles, how they went round and round. 

Parent/Teacher meetings

These took place on Thursday afternoon into the evening via Zoom. Educators and families were able to connect and discuss each child’s progress, strengths and interests these past two terms.

We will hold the remainder of parent/teacher meetings on Thursday 24 June 2022.

Preparing your child for Primary School

Continuing from my article in last week’s Ma Nishma on School Readiness, below are pointers for parents, in preparing their child for formal school:

• Provide your child with spontaneous learning experiences (colours, shapes, numbers, how ‘things’ work). 
• Look for opportunities to teach in everyday experiences and through play.
• Make school exciting – talk positively about big school. 
• Encourage independence (dressings, eating, bathing, packing their bags, putting on school shoes, opening lunch containers, looking after their belongings, toileting, saying goodbye).
• Read to your child as much as possible and ask questions during and after the story.
• Encourage your child to follow through on instructions and to complete tasks.
• In order for your child to be “ready” for school they need to be able to sit still and listen.
• Encourage set routines at home that are clear, predictable, and consistent for your child.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep each night. This is essential to good behaviour and for concentration.
• Encourage your child to hold a pencil correctly and write their own name.
• Organise play dates for your child, children need to be able to get along with other children, demonstrate basic manners, assert themselves, and be able to play independently as well as with other children.
• It’s alright for children to be bored. This allows them to use other parts of their brain as well as their imagination. 
• Limit screen time for your children during the week and try to get back to how we all grew up with no screen time available during the week.
• Put your toys at home on rotation, don’t have them all out at once as this gets overwhelming for children.
• Encourage your children not to sit with their legs in a “W” shape, as this is not good for their knees and hips, but most importantly it weakens their core muscles and postural tone and limits their ability to interact in the environment.
• Children tend to avoid activities they find difficult. Be positive, give them lots of praise and encouragement to build up their confidence to try things that might be challenging for them. 
• Teach your child strategies for helping them to calm down such as breathing deeply, yoga or mindfulness strategies. 
• Early intervention is important to address any issues or concerns.
• Don’t be afraid to give your child a steady dose of Vitamin N – saying NO. 
• Children need protection, affection, and direction. Protecting your children from frustration, does not help to build resilience or prepare them for disappointments that may come their way in life.
• Our main aim should be to build children’s confidence in themselves, to encourage a love of learning, and to develop each child’s resilience to cope with their busy days in Year K.

Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to Jordana Friedman (5), Raphael Berger (5) and Harriet Romain (5). We hope you both had a special day. 

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Almost in High School!

Mikah Abraham and Mia Berkovic -Year 6

We can’t believe Semester 1 is already done! We are halfway through Year 6 and getting ready for High School! 

First, we started learning about Space and we figured out that lots of people had great knowledge about Space. Then, with Mr Aghion, we started learning about CoSpaces, where we build a lot of cool things. Our favourite was when we made the Solar System. More recently, we started using Minecraft worlds to make different things, and we are now designing and making a house on the planet Mars.

Most excitedly we went to Canberra on a camp! We visited so many exciting places like Questacon, which was our favourite by far. We also went to the Australian Mint, The War Memorial, Old and New Parliament Houses, an amazing lookout, and the Arboretum. We also went on Embassy Drive. It was such a  fun camp!

This term, Years 4-6 started Inter-school sport and it never rained! We played soccer and so far mostly all of the games we have won which is great. It is so much fun competing against other schools and having the super sixes teams.

We were so excited to participate in ‘Write a Book in a Day.’ We worked in groups to complete a book to help raise money for the Kids’ Cancer Project. Next week we are off to Music Camp. 

We can’t wait to see what Semester 2 brings!

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music

Welcome to our Music Matters page! 🎶

Music Camp 

The anticipation is mounting for Music Camp on Monday. An email with a few important reminders was sent to parents today. Also, a detailed information letter with a packing list was emailed to parents on Tuesday 24 May 2022 and is attached to the event in the Edumate calendar for reference. Please arrive at School no later than 7.00 am as we must board the buses very promptly and be on our way before the start of go-with-the-flow. All students must enter the Waxman Gate and line up on the grass with their luggage and instruments where our signs will be placed. All campers should do a Rapid Antigen Home Test (RAHT) on Sunday. If your child is sick on the day, please notify Reception on 8383 7333 by 6.45 am and they will pass a message to our supervising staff. 

Parents and carers, please remember to put the Music Camp Showcase Concert in your diary for Thursday 23 June 2022, from 6.15 pm – 8.00 pm. Please note that we have such a large group of campers performing in the concert, that we will need to limit the audience to two persons per student. We will video the performance and make that available afterwards to the parents and carers of performers. Audience members are encouraged to wear masks as the hall will be so full on the night.

Recent student performances

Mazal tov to our student performers from the Year 11 Rock Band for their beautiful performance in High School Assembly on Tuesday. Playing Sunday Morning by Maroon 5 were Ella Engler, Lucinda Labi, Mariah Lewy, Coby New, Adam Rothschild and Jamie Schneider. Thank you to Mr Marshall for his leadership of this ensemble. 

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Music in Week 9

There will be no IP for Years 3-6 next week because of Music Camp and no Emanuel Music Ensembles will take place for the same reason. However, some private music lessons will continue as normal, because not all tutors are going to camp. Please check with your private tutor if you are in any doubt.

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 (ISP) enrolments for next term via the online forms on our  Music Portal Page. The deadline for new enrolments or intention to discontinue for Term 3, has now passed. All students currently receiving private music tuition and students in the K-2 Infant Strings Program will be automatically re-enrolled along with students commencing lessons for the first time. Please contact music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.  

The schedules for Term 3 will be created at the end of term and emailed during July term break.

Please visit our Music Portal Page for information about:

• Private Music Tuition (beginning and discontinuing)
• Ensemble and Choir membership for K-12 students
• Infant Strings Program (ISP) for K-2
• Performance opportunities
• Borrowing an orchestral instrument

Music Department Instagram page 

Please follow us and ensure your Instagram account is set to private and your name is visible, so we know who you are.

The Care Pack Project

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

The Care Pack project has finally drawn to a close. What an amazing and overwhelming response we had from everyone involved! I thank you all for your support and enthusiasm in helping to bring a smile to the faces of Aboriginal children in outback Pre-schools across NSW. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all your families for their generosity and support. The Care Packs were all counted and delivered to Gunnawirra, a NSW, not-for-profit organisation in Redfern, that supports Aboriginal Country Pre-schools. 

We collected 415 Care Packs in total! A tremendous effort. The Care Packs were generously filled with much needed items and the extra touch of a beautiful back pack completed the package, making it an extremely successful project.

This amazing amount of Care Packs came from just 15 schools – Emanuel School, The Kornmehl Centre Emanuel Pre-school, Mount Zion Early Learning Centre, Moriah College Early Learning Centres, Emanuel Woollahra Pre-school, Kesser Torah ELC, Apples and Honey Pre-school, Bronte Early Education Centre, Wee Care Kindergarten, First Class Learning Centre, Reddam Early Learning School Lindfield, Kambala Hampshire House, The Killarney Pre-School, WillowBee ELC – Centre 1, Zig Zag Long Day Care Centre, Possums Corner Child Care Centre and South East Sydney Local Health District.

A huge thank you for your support from Gunawirra:

Fuse Cup coming soon

Joshua Aghion – Co-ordinator of Innovation (K-6)

Sign up now for eSports at Emanuel

The Fuse Cup is coming to Emanuel School in Term 3. The Fuse Cup is a nationwide network of schools connected in providing young students with an opportunity to participate in a safe, supportive and structured international esports competition while developing positive gaming behaviours and digital wellbeing.

An after-school activity will be run on Thursday afternoon, Term 3 from 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm in the Imaginarium and Design Lab (Level 1 of the Innovation Centre). Please note there is no cost involved in the club. Students will rotate through different games and learn about sportsmanship, resilience and online safety. There will be an opportunity if families are happy, for students to bring in their own Nintendo Switch consoles.

Students will be playing on Nintendo Switch consoles with the three competitive games, Mario Kart, Just Dance and Rocket League, as well as other non-violent games to be decided on as a group. 

The teams to represent Emanuel School at the Fuse Cup will be picked from the after-school activity group. We are looking for eight students from Primary (Years 5 and 6) and eight students from Secondary (Years 7 and 8). 

To show interest and apply to join the afternoon club, please visit the sign up link here. The form will be open until Tuesday 21 June at 6.00 pm. At that time, we will be randomly selecting the students from Primary and Secondary who can join the group. Those students who are unsuccessful will be taken note of and have an extra chance of being selected next time. We will notify parents of who made the club by the end of Week 9 by email. 

We hope that eSports is going to be a successful and enriching experience for our students.

Innovation brainstorms

Justine Hofman – Head of P&F

Orders now open
Term 3 Challah  

Don’t miss out on getting your Jesse’s Bakery challah hand-delivered each week on a Friday afternoon at school. Choose from regular challah without seeds ($5.00 per week) and gluten-free challah ($10.00 per week) and collect each week from school.

Order and pay via this Trybooking form before Monday 18 July 2022.

 Any questions? Contact Sharon Miller  

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P&F innovation brainstorms
Reminder to register

We want your ideas! In August we will be running a series of 1 hour brainstorm session to share ideas and thoughts on how we can bring our parent community together through P&F initiatives. Register here to participate. 

Events to diarise

Friday 26 August 2022: Father’s Day Breakfast and Stalls
Friday 21 October 2022: Emanuel community event (details to come)
Friday 4 November 2022 – Sunday 6 November 2022: Emanuel Family Spring Camping 

Pre-school is hiring

Early Childhood Assistant Educator (part-time)

The Kornmehl Centre Emanuel Pre-school seeks an enthusiastic part-time educator (three half-days per week) to join our outstanding team.

At least two years’ experience working with 3-5 year olds and knowledge of the Early Years Learning Framework, emergent curriculum and Reggio Emilia philosophy are preferred. Applicants are required to have completed, or be working towards, their Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education.

This is a permanent, part time role working two days per week, 12.30pm to 4pm. This role is available to commencement at the start of Term 3, 17 July 2022.

For further details, a list of duties and details on how to apply, please click here.  

Holiday Trading Hours

Holiday Trading Hours

Emanuel School Uniform Shop will close for the school holidays on Thursday 30 June 2022 at 5.00 pm and will re-open on Monday 18 July 2022 at 8.00 am

Throughout the school term our opening hours are:

• Monday 8.00 am – 11.00 am
• Tuesday 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm
• Thursday 1.00 pm – 5.00pm

You are welcome to purchase from the online uniform shop, passphrase ES1983. All orders will be completed when the store reopens.

Contact details for the uniform shop

• Phone:  9326 5445
• Email:   emanuel@midford.com.au

PSG

Thank you to our volunteers for last week
(Monday 7 June 2022 – Friday 10 June 2022)

Joshua Markovitch, Kim Samuel, Rupal Ismin, Denise Slot, Lee-Anne Whitten, Melissa Langbart, Daniel Butt, Neil Shilbury, Shai Simhi, Raffy Shammay, Ros Shammay, Tony Gellert, Warren Satusky, Avi Sharabi, Anthony Berman, Toby Raphael, Alina Kirievsky, Gary Gordon, Daniel Stein, Adam Tsipiris, Robyn Solomon and Richard Lawton.

Help keep our kids and community safe: sign up to PSG here

Community Notices

FRESS with Ms Lowe

Ms Lowe in action

An original recipe by Not Quite Nigella

Pavlova

Ingredients

5 egg whites
1 1/4 cup of caster sugar
1 1/4 teaspoon of vinegar
1 1/4 tablespoons of cornflour
400ml of thickened cream
2 tablespoons of caster sugar
Fruit of your choice (I used 1/2 punnet of strawberries sliced, 2 kiwifruit peeled and sliced and 2 tablespoons of passionfruit)

Directions

Step 1 – Preheat oven to 200⁰C. Mark a 20 x 20 cms square on a sheet of baking paper. Make sure that mixing bowl and beaters are thoroughly clean (I always wash them with detergent and very hot water beforehand and leave it to air dry). If there is any fat or oil on these your pavlova will not beat up stiffly. Apparently, you could also rub the beater and bowl with a cut half of lemon although I’ve never done this.

Step 2 – Separate yolks from whites, ensuring that no yolk goes into the whites at all. Beat in the electric mixer on low at first then increase speed gradually until it starts to get fluffy. Add vinegar and roughly 1/3 of the sugar by the tablespoon until the mixture turns dry looking. Then add another 1/3 of the sugar gradually and beat until stiff and sugar has dissolved. Test by inverting the bowl, if the meringue does not move then it is ready. Fold in remaining sugar and cornflour.

Step 3 – Arrange in a square shape on the baking paper using the written border and using a knife or spatula smooth the top and make stripe patterns on the side.

Step 4 – Reduce heat to 130⁰C. Place on middle rack and bake for 1.5 hours. Once its time is up, leave it to cool in the oven with the door propped open (to reduce cracking).

Step 5 – Whip cream and sugar until you get lovely voluptuous soft peaks. Either pipe or pile the cream onto the pavlova. Then arrange fruit on top as you please and eat. Be prepared for seconds requests.

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