From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Maintaining good communication

We value our relationships with parents and thus have established clear lines of communication, should a parent have a query or concern. Our Complaints Handling Policy includes a Parent Guide in the appendix, which outlines who the initial point of contact should be, across a range of areas. The guide also provides the steps parents can follow if the matter is unresolved and requires escalation. Our aim is to provide an initial response within 24 hours and to keep the lines of communication open and constructive.

Progress report on our construction site

Hoarding has been erected around the borders of the construction site, with a new walkway established from Kindergarten to the Administration Building. We are confident that we will receive our construction certificate from Randwick Council shortly and in the interim, we will continue to develop the new landscape. We have already removed the electricals and telephony from the Adler Building and placed underground cabling, in preparation for construction to commence.

Our Year 5 and 6 students have settled down well in their temporary, capacious classrooms within the Brender Moss Building. Toilets, lockers, and bag racks have also been relocated. When our Primary School students move back into the new building, our High School will benefit from additional and larger classrooms. We are playing a long game!

Update on COVID- related matters

The low case numbers experienced across the first two weeks of term has come as a pleasant surprise. However, we will maintain our vigilance with the ‘basics’ – cohorting, physical distancing, hand sanitising and mask wearing. Parents have been provided with a daily case count (see COVID-19 Resources/Case Dashboard, on the Parent Portal at 3.00 pm), which will alert them to a positive case within their child’s Year Group/grade. Ironically, close contacts are required to monitor closely for symptoms – which is what parents do anyway!

Our Learning Continuity Teacher is meeting online with a group of students who are isolating at home. These students are supported to complete set work, which allows them to remain connected to the School. We have maintained most of our calendar events, albeit moving some online. Our Medical Advisory Panel will meet with our SAT (which also serves as the COVID response team) mid-term, to review our current practices, and any required adjustments will be made accordingly.

High School Swimming Carnival

Sadly, due to COVID restrictions, our swimming carnival was reduced to those students who wished to trial for a place in our swimming squad, to compete in the CDSSA Swimming Championships. The event was held at the Drummoyne Swimming Centre, and despite blustery conditions, there were strong individual performances. Congratulations to all students who participated, and we wish our swimming squad well as they prepare for the upcoming representative events. Thanks to Ray Francis, his team of staff and the Year 9 Physical Activity and Sport Science (PASS) students. A full report is recorded in this issue of Ma Nishma.

Thanks to Ofer Levy for the wonderful photos. 

Being good neighbours – derech eretz

Our campus is located in a densely populated residential area with narrow streets, which can become easily congested. Our neighbours have requested, in the 12-month construction period, that we minimise parking by use of public transport and shared rides. Whilst this is not yet advisable, due to COVID restrictions, we hope to be able to take some steps to reduce the traffic congestion. As advised in our Traffic and Parking Policy (TPP), please do not drop off students in any other location than the GWTF, unless you are parking a kilometre away. Please do not drop off your children on the opposite side of Avoca Street, or in Market Street, and do not turn right onto Avoca Street from Stanley Street. Our Year 12 students have been instructed to park outside the restricted parking zone (see TPP). Your support with safe traffic management would be sincerely appreciated.

Mazal tov

Vic Alhadeff’s father Salvatore with his fiancee, Becky

Letters From a Troubled Past

Vic Alhadeff, Emanuel grandparent and former CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, has written a play about his father’s Holocaust story which is scheduled to be read next month at the ARA Theatre (known also as the Monkey Baa Theatre) in The Darling Quarter.

Vic’s father, from Rhodes Island, was informed that his fiancee had been murdered at Auschwitz and she believed he had perished. Fast-forward half a century and he discovered that she was alive and well. Tickets for Letters From a Troubled Past are now available. The production will also feature at the Jewish International Film Festival at the Randwick Ritz on Sunday 20 March and Sunday 3 April at 4.30 pm.

Quote of the week

“For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.”~ Elie Wiesel

From the Acting Head of Jewish Life

Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

Parashat Tetzaveh 
Shabbat 12 February 2022

Zikaron זכרון – Visual reminders and collective memory

The words used in the Torah have always fascinated me; the order, the specific word choices; duplications, repetitions, unusual spellings, juxtapositions and so on, and I often try to think more deeply to see what underlying messages or ideas can or have been gleaned by them.

In Parashat Tetzaveh, which is occasionally read on the same Shabbat as a paired parasha with Terumah, our last week’s portion, we continue to delve into seemingly excruciatingly detailed instructions about the Mishkan, the mobile temple in the desert. This time the attention is focused on the special vestments and anointing of the Kohanim (the priests) and the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, who was the spiritual and religious direct connection between the People and God.

Through the intricate, magnificent attire of the Kohen Gadol, we find guidance on how to encourage and support a healthy and thriving community or society, such as the special one we have at Emanuel. (You are welcome to explore this idea more, if you wish, by reading my short Dvar Torah from assembly this week, here.!)

At this point, Moshe is instructed to carve two lazuli or onyx stones, each with the names and tribal symbols of six of the tribes, to symbolise the equal importance of the Collective; the people as a whole – and the responsibility for this People that the Kohen Gadol literally bears on his shoulders. In the last detail about these two shoulder-pieces of the “ephod” (the apron), there is one word I would like to discuss with you, that appears twice in one verse, (Shemot/Teztaveh, Chapter 28, Verse 12)

וְשַׂמְתָּ֞ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י הָאֲבָנִ֗ים עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּרֹ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְנָשָׂא֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֧י יְהֹוָ֛ה עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י כְתֵפָ֖יו לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃ 

“Having bordered them with frames of gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as stones לזכרון, lezikaron, for remembrance for the Bnei Yisrael (the Jewish People), and Aaron shall carry their names before God upon his two shoulder-pieces לזכרון, lezikaron, for remembrance.”

This seems an unnecessary repetition. Or is it?

Consider the subject and object connected to each זכרון and the purpose of each specific remembrance or reminder. The first reminder is “for the Bnei Yisrael” and the second “for God”. This can be understood in a number of ways (perhaps you’ve already considered one or two!). The first can be understood as a reminder to the Kohen Gadol that he is not in this role for the prestige or the power, rather as a representative to God of the whole people, and so he must think and act with that responsibility always literally on his shoulders. It can also be a reminder to the Jewish People, when they see the Kohen Gadol in all his finery, that he is their spiritual emissary rather than just a figurehead.

The second mention of זכרון is for God – an invocation to be mindful of the People with whom God has entered into a covenant and in whose merit the Kohen Gadol comes before God.

In Judaism, זכרון plays a vital role in everyday practice as well as on festivals and Shabbat, as a reminder yet also part of our collective Memory. The mezuzah, tzitzit/tallit and some of our daily prayers are specifically reminders of our connection to God and the mitzvot; the Kiddush blessings over the wine on Shabbat and Festivals, and the whole Pesach (Passover) Seder summon us to delve into our collective Jewish memory and use that to remind us how to live in the present.

Point to Ponder: What element of your lives, be it everyday items or events, or rarer artefacts or occurrences, serve as both a reminder to you about something significant to you AND as a sign, symbol or reminder to others about its importance to you or the importance OF you?

שבת שלום

Shabbat Shalom

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

To begin our journey of Jewish learning, Year 5 grappled with four questions posed by one of our ancient sages Ben Zoma and recorded in Pirkei Avot 4.1. Like many teachers and Rabbis today, Ben Zoma used questions to engage and encourage critical and creative thought. Ben Zoma also liked to answer his own questions! Before hearing and discussing Ben Zoma’s answers, students came up with their own responses to Ben Zoma’s questions which were recorded and now decorate their classrooms.

Ben Zoma asked:

1. Who is wise?
2. Who is brave?
3. Who is rich?
4. Who is honoured? 

As you can see from the class examples, our students came up with thoughtful, creative and insightful responses. 

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

During the past two weeks we have welcomed many new children and families into the Pre-school. We acknowledge that this can be a very stressful and trying time for families and children settling into new environments. Added to this is the fact that we are dealing with COVID restrictions and that families have not been allowed to come into the Pre-school for very long, or at all, to help and support their child’s transition into this new space. Please be reassured that our educators are highly experienced and competent and can support your child capably and warmly through this transition process.

We thank parents for their support and for working together with us to make this time for your child as smooth and as positive as possible. Please also know, that if your child is distressed during the day, we will call you straight away and we will ask you to come and pick your child up early in order to ensure that we can build trust with your child and make this Pre-school experience meaningful and rewarding for everyone.

Please read the tips below to help with this process:

Positive transition tips

Some children can take a while to get used to Pre-school or have fears about starting Pre-school. Pre-school gives your child the chance to make friends and practise skills like sharing, taking turns, following other people’s rules and getting along with other children.

A successful transition from home to Pre-school has long-lasting benefits and is important for all children. Children who experience a positive transition into their new environment are likely to feel connected, enjoy a sense of belonging and have a positive sense of social and emotional wellbeing, which allows them to learn and thrive. In early learning services, children experience transitions throughout their day – not just from home to the Pre-school.  This includes transitions for the child from one part of the day to another; from big groups to small groups; care routines (such as meals, sleep and rest times); supported self-care routines (such as hand washing and toileting); and end-of-day to home transitions. 

Common feelings and concerns 

For the child, moving from home to Pre-school, involves being separated from their family, often for the first time. This can be an exciting time for both children and their families. However, it is common for children to have a range of feelings about starting in a new learning environment. 

Some typical feelings are: 

• excitement 
• feeling comfortable about entering a new learning environment 
• feeling anxious, nervous or unsettled. 

Some children settle beautifully in the first week or so and then can become unsettled and anxious a few weeks later.

Strong relationships between children, families and educators support child wellbeing. 

It is a child’s first attachments with responsive parents and other trusting relationships that provide them with a secure base for exploration and learning. 

Trusting, supportive and positive relationships provide children with consistent environments at home and in Pre-school. This leads to security and confidence, as well as greater learning, development and wellbeing. 

The transition is more likely to be successful when educators and families communicate, and the relationships are responsive and mindful of everyone in the learning community. 

Educators who develop nurturing relationships with children and provide them with consistent emotional support can help them make a positive transition into early learning services. 

Strategies to support a smooth transition

• We encourage new families to start gradually and to work out a plan with their child’s educators that suits everyone.
• We invite new families to stay for 20-30 minutes with their child for the first week.
• We ensure that family members always say goodbye to their child before they leave. Your child may become upset at this time – but if you leave without them noticing, this will create distrust and further anxiety in the long term.
• We establish clear routines at the start of the year, that help children to feel safe. These routines require educators to always tell the child what is happening and to have constant conversations and explanations about the routines, in order for them to feel comfortable and to know what is expected.
• We communicate frequently with each child’s family, either face to face, via email, the phone or on Educa, to ensure families feel comfortable leaving their children in our care.
• We establish warm, caring and connected relationships with all families and invite them to be a part of their child’s journey in the Pre-school e.g. via posts on Educa, day to day conversations, new parent meetings, Parent Partnership forms etc. This partnership with families contributes to a common understanding about expectations for everyone.
• We consider your child’s individual needs carefully to ensure that the transition process is positive and effective.

Tips for parents

• Say goodbye confidently – saying a quick, confident goodbye may help your child to feel secure and reassured that you trust that they will be okay at school.
  
• Label your child’s belongings – labelling everything, including clothing, can help reduce anxiety for children, educators and yourself. At Pre-school, children are responsible for their belongings and labels can help them with this.
• Communicate with your child – take time to tell your child what might be happening at school that day, and in the afternoon, ask your child about their day. This is a great way to build confidence, and to find out how they are feeling as they settle in. If you have any concerns talk with your child’s educators, who will provide further insight to their day.
• Avoid overloading your child – when children begin school, they tire easily. It may be worth considering fewer extracurricular activities such as swimming, music or dance lessons, until they adjust to their new routine.
  
• Talk to your child’s educators about any concerns you may have. They will be able to support you in a consistent strategy that will assist your child to settle into their new environment. At times your child may need an educator to support your farewell. Work together to assess the best way for the transition or handover from parent to educator. Each child is different and requires different support, but by working together you and your child’s educators can plan and adapt strategies to meet your child’s needs.
• A consistent and predictable routine at drop off time can help promote a positive separation. Telling your child, you’ll be back after lunch or rest time can help him or her feel secure. Keeping your language predictable (by having a little script) can also be reassuring for your child. This builds a sense of familiarity and comfort, and children learn to predict ‘what comes next’.
  
• Once you’ve said goodbye to your child, it is time to leave! Dragging out the goodbye or going back several times because they are upset is not helpful for you or your child. It’s hard to walk away knowing your child is upset, but educators are highly skilled at settling children. The more confident you appear with this routine (even if you end up having a quiet cry in your car after drop off), the sooner your child will develop responsive relationships with the teaching team, and feel settled and safe.We understand that parents themselves may experience a sense of loss or be anxious during this transition. For example, you may feel concerned about your child’s ability to cope in the new environment. Building a partnership with families can contribute to a common understanding about expectations, which can help them adjust. 
  
• Be part of the Pre-school.  Children love sharing their new space and friends with their family. If you have the time you could volunteer to help out with various events. The more involved you are with the service, the more your child will see you have a strong relationship with educators, which assists them to feel secure and safe.
  
• Feel free to call the Pre-school to check in with them on how your child is going. It’s important you’re confident in the team supporting your child, and that you’re working together in transitioning your child into the program.
  
• Positive acknowledgment when your child meets new people or attempts new things is a good way to increase your child’s confidence and sense of competency. For example, acknowledge when your child is making attempts to interact positively with peers e.g. “I can see you and Tom both like rolling the ball. It looks like fun.”

Resources:

https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/other-resources/factsheets/transition-to-school
https://www.ecms.org.au/tips-positive-transition-your-child-preschool-or-childcare
https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/development/transitions-in-learning-communities

IMG_2692

IMG_2666

IMG_2659

IMG_2649

IMG_2646

IMG_2642

IMG_2576

IMG_8972

IMG_4545

IMG_2545

IMG_2501

IMG_4524

IMG_4519

IMG_4493

IMG_4310

IMG_4276

IMG_4251

IMG_4322

IMG_4232

IMG_4158

IMG_4229

IMG_4091

IMG_4174

IMG_4087

IMG_4156

IMG_7775

IMG_7765

IMG_4151

IMG_4140

IMG_4137

IMG_4132

IMG_4084

Risky teens

Adam Ezekiel – Director of Students 7-12

Paul Dillon – parent talk

Parents of teenagers are invited to join Paul Dillon, Director and Founder of Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia, as he discusses the important topic Risk taking – why do teens do the things they do? What can parents do to keep them as safe as possible?

Date: Monday 21 February
Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm via Zoom – link will be provided closer to the date.

Adolescence is a risky time. As a teen matures and becomes more independent, they experience dramatic hormonal changes, increasing social and peer pressure and have greater access to alcohol and other drugs. This presentation will briefly examine the history of teenagers, rebellion and the different temptations that have existed over time. Using the latest research on the developing brain, it will also discuss why young people make the decisions they do during this time. Sleepovers, parties and gatherings provide teens with valuable opportunities to develop important socialising skills but are not ‘risk-free’. Paul will provide  practical strategies and tips for parents considering allowing their teen to attend such events to help ensure they are as safe as possible.

Paul maintains a blog through which parents and caregivers can stay up to date and have questions answered here, and one directed at young people here.

Please note: this Zoom presentation will not be recorded for viewing at a later date. 

The Power of the Dog

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

It has been wonderful to see how excited the children are to be back at school and how well they are settling in to school routines. We take this opportunity to thank staff and parents and of course all the students too, for such a smooth start to the school year. Until such time as parents and grandparents can be on campus for the many special events we would normally hold if it weren’t for COVID, we hope you enjoy reading about life at School here in Ma Nishma and also on our Community Facebook page. If you are not already a member of our FaceBook page, please join here

World Jewish Relief

Formerly known as The Central British Fund, World Jewish Relief opened case files for each person who came to the United Kingdom fleeing Nazi occupied Germany and Austria before the Second World War. This organisation is intent on ensuring as many families as possible benefit from the material they hold to fill in many of the gaps they may well have in their family history. They also have files for over 700 orphaned child survivors, known as ‘The Boys’ who were brought over after the war.

After contacting this agency last year about records they might have on file for my now 95 year old mother who is a Kindertransport child, I received an email just this week from Tanya, one of their archive volunteers with some most unexpected but very exciting documents, including handwritten records from when my mother aged 12 arrived in England in June 1939. Tanya wrote: “We are so glad to be able to reunite you with your family’s documents. Our volunteer archives service is just one small part of what World Jewish Relief does today. We still work supporting refugees here in the UK as we did over 80 years ago, but we also provide care services to vulnerable older Jewish people in eastern Europe, respond to disasters around the world and provide training and employment support to young Jewish people”.

If you have family members for whom this organisation may hold records you’ve most likely never seen, Tanya and her colleagues would love to hear from you too.

worldjewishrelief.org | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The Power of The Dog

We wish mazal tov to Emanuel parent, Emile Sherman, and the whole crew for the 12 Oscar nominations they have received for their film The Power of the Dog. Emile is producer of this powerful film, based on the 1967 novel by Thomas Savage – a domineering but charismatic rancher wages a war of intimidation on his brother’s new wife and her teen son – until long-hidden secrets come to light.

Gagman

Gagman is a touching and unique tale of survival through unimaginable horror written by Dov Fedler and his daughter Joanne Fedler, a past Emanuel parent and well-known internationally best-selling speaker and publisher.
 
A prisoner in a WWII concentration camp discovers a superpower that could keep him alive – he can make the commandant laugh by telling jokes. He must stay funny – or die. Pushed to the ends of his wit and humanity, Gagman is propelled into a spiralling madness in which he would sell his soul for a gag simply to live another day.

Enhanced by Fedler’s own haunting illustrations, Gagman masterfully juxtaposes humour and pathos, while exploring themes of survivor guilt, desperate determination, and the search for the meaning of life in the wake of the Holocaust.

The Book launch is at The Sydney Jewish Museum on Thursday 24 March 2022 with Joanne in conversation with well-known author Suzanne Leal.

Parent Safety Group (PSG) 
Important information

Firstly, a huge “thank you” to the following parents and grandparents who volunteered for last week’s roster: Nicky Abitz, Darren Isenberg, Ben Berger, Brett Churnin, Bob Kummerfeld, Brett Adler, Alan Arnott, Warren Aronstan, Raffy Shammay, Ros Shammay, Tony Gellert, Bradley Drutman, Brad Allen, Sol Caganoff, Alina Kirievsky, Zev Friedman, David Camiller, Daniel Stein, Craig Forman, Ian Doust and Leon Kantor.

A letter from our Emanuel School Security Committee was sent to parents this week but in case you missed it:

The safety and security of all students and staff is of paramount importance to the entire school community and the following sets out some important information you need to know about these issues.

The school works actively with the Communal Security Group (CSG) and there is a wide array of visible and less visible measures that comprise Emanuel School’s security arrangements. The most visible are the guards and the Parent Safety Group (PSG) volunteers who are present at drop off and pick up times. PSG volunteers provide an essential presence, eyes and ears to support the security guards. It is widely recognised that the level of security and safety is raised when PSG is active. Therefore, it is important to ensure that we have complete PSG teams on every morning and afternoon shift.

The responsibility of keeping our children safe must be shared equally between all our families.

Therefore we ask that one member from every Emanuel School family volunteers for up to two, 60 minute PSG shifts per term. We greatly appreciate this time contribution amongst work and family commitments. If you have not already done so, please send an email to the PSG Administrator to organise your PSG shift at: psg@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au

It is always important to be vigilant and security conscious. Taking notice of suspicious people, activities or objects and cars and making security guards or school staff aware of any concerns is an essential part of ensuring a safe and secure school environment.

Thank you for your cooperation.
Emanuel School Security Committee

Friendship Bakery

For those who are regular readers of my page, you know I am a keen supporter of this bakery, a social enterprise. You may recall that alumna Shoshi Blackman (Class of 2017) is a regular volunteer with them but you may not know about another volunteer at the Bakery week in week out – Emanuel parent Ilana Akres. You  will always see Ilana’s smiling face behind her face mask, as she serves customers. I know Ilana is very excited to let everyone know they will be baking hamantaschen in time for Purim next month.

Do you know someone in isolation? Friendship Bakery is now doing Care Packages with Wednesday deliveries in the Eastern Suburbs. Soups, salads, quiches and sweat treats – delivered to your loved one’s home. These are perfect for lunch or a light mid-week dinner. Please place your orders by Tuesday 5.00 pm for delivery on Wednesday between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm. 

If you have any questions, about Friendship Circle and/or if you or someone you know would like to join their programs as a participant or a volunteer, please email: hello@sydneyfc.org.au.

Calling all swimmers

If you’re keen to participate in this year’s Maccabi Jewish Swimming Championships on Sunday 27 February 2022, but haven’t yet signed up register here.  

Grandparents – we will always want you!

Thank you to parents who have been in touch to provide grandparent updates for our database, we look forward to getting more. As you know, it doesn’t matter how close or how far away our grandparents live from us, there are so many ways to stay connected and we hope you all continue to enjoy reading about our wonderful School whether you live nearby or on the other side of the world.

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

Shabbat shalom, stay safe and have a great weekend.

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Welcome back to another busy and exciting year for all things related to careers! This week we begin the information evenings for each Year, and I always like to share what support is available for students.

For those that have missed any of this information here is a reminder for students to start their research:

1. JobJump.com.au (password emanuel)
2. emanuelschoolcareers.com (hub of all careers info)
3. uac.edu.au (University Admissions Centre)
4. workstudygrow.com.au (password EMS0219)
5. compared.edu.au (a good comparison website tool for courses)
6. lifelauncher.nsw.gov.au (great to check out all things careers)
7. https://joboutlook.gov.au/ another great site with a few quizzes and data on jobs that are out there
8. https://calendly.com/clairepechcareers/ This is how any student or parent can book in a chat with me. Bookings can be made for the following week. I can see parents via Zoom.

For anyone who would like a recap on my careers talk on Wednesday evening here is the video.

Year 10’s

Next week we will be career testing with Career Avenues to get some great insights into all things career related. This is the start of the conversation with our Year 10 cohort. It is critical that all Year 10’s bring with them a fully charged laptop as they will be on it from Period 1 to Period 6. More information can be found here.

Sydney University events

It is time to start having a look around to see if any of these interest you.

Here is a selection of what is available. Register in advance:

• Pathways to studying Law at the University of Sydney | Wednesday 16 February 2022 4.00 pm – 4:30pm
• University of Sydney Pharmacy Degree | Wednesday 23 February 2022 4.00 pm – 4:30 pm
• Dubbo Medical Program | Wednesday 2 March 2022 4:30 pm – 5.00 pm
• Experience the Law | Wednesday 9 March 4.00 pm-  4:30 pm
• University of Sydney Veterinary Science Degree | Wednesday 23 March 2022 4.00 pm – 4:30 pm

Events and dates

TAFE NSW | Fashion and Textiles information session

Wednesday 2 February 2022, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – online

A virtual information session covering Fashion Design courses from Certificate III to Bachelor Degree. Find out more. 

Macquarie | Year 12 Online information session

Tuesday 3 May 2022, 6:00 pm Online

A series of short talks given by university representatives and current students. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session to ease any anxiety about university. Find out more.

Virtual work experiences with Career Starter

Career Starter has partnered with real businesses and organisations to provide virtual work experiences, taken from actual projects that you might be expected to complete if you’re to pursue a career in the sector that you interested in.

They currently have experiences in IT, law, business, and education, from companies like ASIO, Fujitsu and MECCA. Learn more.

Source: www.jobjump.com.au February 2022

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Head of Music

Private tuition has already resumed.

Join us and play music – we have lots of inclusive ensembles!

• You will find the rehearsal schedule here for all our ensembles and choirs. On the second tab of the spreadsheet, you will find ensemble descriptions and the level expected to join.
• Most ensembles begin rehearsing next week (except for Junior Chamber Choir who will rehearse from Week 4, and Senior Chamber Choir who will begin rehearsals once Senior Choir is firmly established – date will be confirmed).
• If you are already in an ensemble or choir you don’t need to audition again, just turn up. 
• If you are in Years 4-12 and in an ensemble or choir, you will be eligible for Music Camp (in Term 2, Monday 20 June 2022 –  Thursday 23 June 2022, approximate cost $580.00) which is also a lot of fun. 

We anticipate that these ensembles and choirs will begin rehearsing in Week 3:

• Junior Choir
• Infants Choir
• Year 11 Rock Band (with Ben)
• Gershwin and Bernstein and Copland Concert Bands
• Senior Choir (beginning at 7.30 am since Period 0 doesn’t currently exist) 
• Stage 4 Rock Band (with George)
• Senior Jazz Ensemble (with Marty)
• Saxophone Quartet (with Matilda)
• Perlman, Korngold, Rubinstein and Mendelssohn String Ensembles
• Emanuel Big Band & Junior Stage Band
• Junior Jazz Combo (New for Years 7-9)
• Brass Ensemble (New for Years 5-9)
• Woodwind Ensemble 
• Year 12 Rock Band
• Guitar Ensemble
• Klezmer Ensemble (New!) 
• Stage 5 Rock Band

The Instrumental Program (IP) for Years 3-6 will commence this coming week:

• Years 3 and Year 5 have IP on Tuesdays – the first day is 15 February 2022
• Years 4 and Year 6 have IP on Wednesdays – first day is 16 February 2022

Term 1 Music Composition, Performance and Practice Competition

I hope all students are practising in preparation to enter a solo video for our 2022 K-12 Music Composition, Performance and Practice Competition.

Video entries (your best piece) will be due at the end of Week 6, so it’s good to be practising/composing now! Entries attract House Points, with more points awarded for finalists. The Finals Concert is the evening of Monday 4 April 2022 (Week 10).

Please visit our Music Portal Page for information and links for:

• Ensembles and Choirs
• Private Tuition for instruments and voice as well as Infant String Program (ISP) for K-2
• Music Camp 2022 
• Instrument Loans

High School Swimming Trials

Ray Francis – Head of PDHPE

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Swimming Team trials at Drummoyne Pool on Thursday 3 February 2022.

The event was held to enable aspiring swimmers to try-out for the School swimming team – unfortunately due to COVID restrictions we were prevented from having the whole school at Swimming Carnival.

Despite blustery conditions at the historic harbour-side Drummoyne Olympic Pool, there were strong performances from many of the aspiring team members, many of whom will hopefully get the opportunity to challenge themselves against other schools at the CDSSA carnival.

A huge ‘well done’ to these students who broke Emanuel School records on the day:

Many thanks to the staff members who assisted with the running of the event: Ms Scahill, Ms Lord, Ms Genc, Mr Bloom, Mr Bell, Mr Peacock and Mr Schonberger.

Thank you to: Ms Seeto for her administration support, with regards to event permissions and race entry data collection, my Year 9 PASS class who assisted in running the event and Ofer Levy, photographer, for capturing our students in action.

Participants

Summer Fine, Boaz Hadad, Ruth Durbach, Clio Stockley, Indigo Joseph-Steward, Rebecca Salamon, Samara Strugar, Joseph Becker, Daniel Allul Orozco, Max Salamon, Sam Salamon, Josh Gordon, Charlie Kerlander, Lucinda Labi, Aden Goodridge, Jordan Arnott, Javer Cohen, Maya Balkin, Jonah Raphael, Gabrielle Seemann, Alex Gellert, Tali Same, Jordan Pal, Max Pozniack, Aiden Kanevsky, Kenya Martin, Jett Sher, Gavin Robinson, Lily Foltyn, Pablo Magid, Matea Mermelshtayn, Avv Farhy, Leah Joshua, Bronte Orgias, Noah Sherman, Jack Kessell, Amelie Mueller, Avalon van der Starre, Jonathan Levy, Samuel Owen, Koby Michel, Ruby Grynberg, Aron Harpaz, Mirabelle Mirvis, Summer Glass, Eli Jocum, Sanne Nathan, Charli Grynberg, Ben Diamond, Eva Nabarro, Bodhi Friske, Raphael Harpaz, Niek Nathan, Timothy Simons.

_T5A8856

_T5A8844

_T5A8739

_T5A8343

_T5A8662

_T5A8603

_T5A8360

_T5A8509

_T5A8204

_T5A8467

_T5A8260

_T5A8230

_T5A8847

_T5A8811

_T5A8408

_T5A8340

_T5A8529

_T5A8823

Cely Malki Program

Dr Lynn Joffe – Director – Specialist Learning Centre

The Cely Malki Program
Commencing Week 3 of Term 1

We are delighted to commence the Cely Malki After-School Program for 2022 on Monday 14 February 2022. For new students and parents, the program is kindly funded by Mr Albert Malki, one of our esteemed grandparents, in honour of his late sister, Cely, who highly valued children, education and inclusivity. We are grateful to Albert for his support for another year.

This successful program, in its 4^th year, is open to any students from Years 5-12 who would like a structured environment in which to complete homework, projects and Performances of Understanding (PoU). Help is available if needed via recent alumni of the School and a teacher. Work is not provided; students need to bring work to do and a book to read in case they finish their work early. Students should not attend if they do not have work to do. This is an academic program not a behavioural one; courtesy and good behaviour are expected.

Students in different stages will be separated while COVID rules apply. Students are required to register each session and detail work being completed.

Sessions: Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3.40 pm – 5.30 pm
Who can attend: Students in Years 5-12 are welcome to attend either or both sessions.
Venue: Classrooms on the top floor of the Innovation Centre.
Essential: Bring schoolwork to complete and a book to read. Masks are to be worn covering both the nose and mouth securely at all times, except when eating.
Please note: Computer games and phones are not allowed during sessions (the latter only can be viewed during a break).
Suggestion: Students should bring food and a drink with them to eat before the session. 

We look forward to the start of a very productive 2022 Cely Malki Program – please join us!

Drama

Samantha Bauer – Head of Drama

These students have CHARACTER!

Year 11 Drama students are studying the play Ruby Moon by Matt Cameron. Today they had fun exploring how costume and props can enhance the visual aesthetic and understanding of characters on stage.

scott reuveny

liam budai

georgia meyerowitz

ethan zines

ella kirschner

daniel langman

ruby miller

maayan granot

We’re hiring!

Have a talent for videography, photography and website development? Skilled in managing online communities and have a flair for the written word? Looking for a flexible, part-time role?

Enrolments now open

P&F

Justine Hoffman – P&F President

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are starting to get back into the swing of the year.

I’m certainly finding my feet in this new role and, in coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more details on a committee-based structure for the P&F. The goal is to get more of you, our parent community, involved – however small or big. Stay tuned for that.

In the meantime, an update on the P&F events you know and love…

Emanuel Family Camping Trip – save the date

Emanuel’s family camping trip is set for Friday 11 March 2022 – Sunday 13 March 2022. It is one of the biggest highlights of the P&F calendar and it is an incredible opportunity to connect and meet other families. Bookings will open soon. Mark it in your diary!

Purim Disco – cancelled

Due to COVID restrictions, this year’s Purim Disco will not be going ahead. It’s a much-loved event and so hopefully it will return next year.

P&F meetings

Our meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00 pm. They are usually held in the Boardroom at the School but will be held on Zoom until further notice. Everyone is welcome so please join us as your support and input is valued.
Email Justine Hofman if you would like to attend the next meeting.

Events to diarise

Friday 11 March 2022 – Sunday 13 March 2022 and Friday 4 November 2022 – Sunday 6 November 2022: Camping weekends
Friday 6 May 2022: Mother’s Day (Breakfast and stalls)
Friday 26 August 2022: Father’s Day (Breakfast and Stalls)

Have a lovely weekend.

Justine

Community notices

Recipe of the Week

Each week we’ll bring you a tasty recipe passed down by Emanuel families, from the Emanuel School Community Cookbook, The Family Meal. 

From the Kitchen of Jenny Narunsky

Sultana Bran Muffins

Ingredients

Directions