From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

What is going on at Emanuel?

With a High School, Primary School and Pre-School sharing the same campus, there is almost always something special happening each day. We seek to capture and share our special moments with parents, grandparents and alumni, through our social media pages.

Instagram

My watts.up_at_emanuel Instagram account has almost 1,000 followers who enjoy my daily offering, receiving news hot off the press, so to speak. Parents, grandparents and High School students are invited to sign up and enjoy a close connection to our special community. Accounts need to be set to ‘private’.

Facebook

Please also join our three Facebook pages – Emanuel School Community  (news and photos of daily events at school – different to watts.up_at_emanuel), The Uniform Shuk (pre-loved uniforms for sale) and Emanuel Shuk (The place to swap, sell, buy and advertise pre-loved and new items, services, text books, holiday homes and cars… in fact anything that has value – actual or perceived! – can be advertised here).

We now have many alumni who are Emanuel parents too! Please join our Facebook page dedicated to graduate news – Emanuel Alumni.

Maintaining good communication

We value our relationships with parents and thus we have established clear lines of communication, should a parent have a query or concern. Our Complaint Handling Policy includes a Parent Guide, 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 the Roth Segal B’Yachad Building 

Our excitement continues to build as the structures across three levels are emerging and work on the roof has commenced. The new building works have been tested by the unprecedented amount of rain since the commencement of the project. Over the next couple of weeks the Contractor will start façade works aiming to achieve a water tight building by the end of March. Concurrently we will see the removal of scaffold which will provide our community a glimpse of the new building. Immediately after a watertight structure is achieved, fit out and detailed joinery package installation will commence. Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic and Fire Services installation have all commenced and progressing well onsite. The hard landscape works are taking shape with the Junior School play equipment scheduled to be delivered prior to the end of February. The new playground finishes and handball courts will be completed shortly after.

The Roth Segal B’Yachad Building is currently on schedule to be completed by Term 3 which will be largely dependent upon weather. Due to the tight construction site and access, the Contractor will complete the Imaginarium after the Roth Segal B’Yachad Building opens, working towards a completion date by mid August 2023.

Celebrating the life of Peter Michaelson

Many members of the Emanuel School community attended the funeral, to grieve with, offer our deepest condolences to and support Leeanne, Siena, and the extended family at this most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May his memory be for a blessing now and always.

Vale Dr Peter Kitchener 

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Peter Kitchener. Peter played an important role in the development of Emanuel School and his name can be seen on the Founders board in reception. Peter was also a past President and active member of Emanuel Synagogue. We wish the Kitchener family long life. May his memory be for a blessing now and always. 

Quote of the week

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas; what happens on Twitter stays on Google forever!” ~ Jure Klepic, digital media specialist

From the Head of Jewish Life

Adina Roth – Head of Jewish Life

Today’s parsha teaching about a father-in-law is dedicated to the Aliyah of the Neshama of Peter Michaelson ^z’l. It is dedicated to the memory of him as a wonderful and beloved father to Siena. May his memory inspire us all to be better parents, and may we be grateful for our fathers and father-in-laws and their perspectives and wisdom.

When it comes to leaders, no one is considered as powerful a leader as Moshe, the man who stood up to the tyrant Pharaoh, led the Israelites to freedom, accompanied them in their nagging, plaintive and often sinning selves through the desert and eventually prepared them to enter the Promised Land. Moses was courageous, authentic, vulnerable and deeply loyal to the  people of Israel. Yet who would have imagined that Moses, the greatest prophet to ever live and beloved servant of God, needed a good talking to by his father-in-law on his leadership style, the art of delegation and that ever deferred ideal, the work-life balance!

Moshe had married a woman by the name of Tzipporah, who was the daughter of a Midianite priest named Yitro or Jethro. Moshe and the people have left Egypt and are in the desert, and are about to receive the Torah. In this in-between place they are no longer slaves, but also have not entered into a covenantal relationship with God. It is often in these liminal spaces, where you have left one world behind and your identity is yet to take hold in another world that interesting things can happen. It’s at this time that Moshe receives some sage advice, not from God but from a Midianite priest.  

On Yitro’s arrival, he takes a look at his son-in-law’s daily routine and notes that the Israelites line up from morning until evening to receive judgement and guidance from Moshe. That evening, we can imagine that they were sitting in a tent with the desert breeze coming in, sipping herbal tea when Yitro asks Moshe about his workload. It is worth noting the details of their interchange. Moshe explains that every day, ‘the people come to me to inquire of God and I sort out the disputes between one person and another.’ Yitro listens and utters a sentence which I have heard many an in-law say to their son-in-law, ‘lo tov hadavar asher atah oseh’. This thing you are doing is not good!!’ It takes a unique father-in-law to have the chutzpah and the temerity to challenge any son-in-law, let alone the great Moses. Yitro continues, ‘The task is too heavy for you. You cannot do it alone’. With these words, Yitro proceeds to offer one of the oldest lessons on leadership and delegation. He advises Moshe to create a justice system, where magistrates will preside over the smaller matters and Moshe will manage the really big cases. He warns him of burn-out and points to work-life balance; Yitro is the Arianna Huffington of the ancient world. 

There is something so classically and culturally Jewish about your father-in-law telling you off, giving you a little rebuke and a lot of advice without mincing his words. But there might be more going on here beneath the surface. When Yitro arrives on the scene, Rashi is quick to tell us that Yitro had seven names, reflecting seven different qualities. According to Rashi, one of his names was Yeter because he added a law to the Torah (the law of delegation), his name Yitro signals that he converted to Judaism. He was called Chovav because he loved the Torah. He was also called Chaver which means friend. Rashi’s interpretations of Yitro’s names are fascinating. Yitro arrives on the scene as an outsider, someone who brings wisdom to Moshe from another culture and belief system. Although his counsel is accepted, it seems as if Rashi, and by extension our rabbinic tradition, needed to tame Yitro’s outsider status and incorporate his cultural difference into the fold by saying, actually Yitro did have wisdom but at the end of the day, he was really ‘one of us.’ Rashi’s reading of Yitro is not in accordance with the plain meaning of the text where Yitro arrives, assesses, gives advice and leaves returning to Midian. He does not join the Jewish people.

If we take the actual meaning of Yitro’s name as signaling surplus or addition, or something extra, we might come closer to what is going on here. Yitro is bringing additional, surplus and extra wisdom to the people of Israel from outside. His contribution is foreign. The Jewish people are about to stand at Mt Sinai, receive the Torah and enter into an eternal covenant with God. But just before they do so, there is almost an interruption in the text. Wisdom from the Torah is prefigured by wisdom from a pagan priest. Advice and teaching can come from an outside source.

As I see it, there is a doubling over of wisdoms in this portion. The first wisdom comes from Moshe’s non-Jewish father in law, while the second body of wisdom comes from God and the Torah. The portion seems to be saying, we may receive the Torah and certainly drink of its wisdom and draw on its resources but there are many fonts of wisdom in the world and we need to be open to receiving wisdom from all sources especially wisdom from the so-called outsider, the one on the fringes who presents something additional (yeter) to what we might think we know. This is why I respectfully disagree with Rashi. To make Yitro into one of us is to miss the point. It is  Yitro’s difference, his coming from a different place that is essential to his contribution.

In our lives, we may feel we have arrived at a set of values, ideals and even assumptions by which we live. Yitro reminds us that wisdom and change can, and should, come from surprising places. As the opposite of the echo-chamber, Yitro reminds us to listen for the voices on the edges that might jar a little with what we believe. In the words of Sydney Clours, if we look ‘a little further than we thought to go,’ we will find ‘a stream with a singing sound.’

From the Deputy Principal

Margaret Lowe – Deputy Principal

Being a parent can be both the greatest joy in the world and the most difficult role a person can take on. There is so much advice around parenting that it can be hard to decide which advice to take. This article provides some ‘simple’ advice but, like most effective parenting strategies, it takes time to work through the processes and lessons with your child. This could be time well spent!

If you are pressured for time right now, perhaps come back to the full text later. In short, the article asks parents to:

• Limit screen time
• Teach their children to be ‘indistractable’
• Teach their children autonomy
• Teach their children media literacy

If you have further interest in the topic, perhaps read the book, “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life” (published by BenBella Books) by the author, Nir Eyal.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Farewell to Josh New! 

During our Shabbat celebrations last Friday we farewelled Josh New, one of our amazing Informal Jewish Life alumni, who has been working alongside Mia Shapiro, for the last two years in the Primary School. Josh is moving to Perth this year to pursue his music studies and to take on a key leadership role in the federal Habonim Dror movement. We are very excited for him and will miss him greatly. Josh has been a wonderful leader and example for our students, working with student leaders, planning festival activities, running informal peulot and sharing his musical talents with us in our Shabbat celebrations – helping to create musical, ruach-filled celebrations.

Josh shared his thoughts on last week’s dramatic and action packed parasha, Beshallah, which tells of the Exodus from Egypt:

Josh told the midrash of Nachshon, the Israelite, who didn’t wait for the Red Sea to part before attempting to cross. With courage, determination and faith, Nachshon entered the water first and only when the water was up to his nostrils, did the sea begin to part and the rest of the Israelites followed. At the start of a new year, Josh encouraged all of us to be as courageous as Nachson – to have the faith and courage to try something new this year – to make new friends, start a new hobby or to ask more questions in class. Josh concluded by showing how he has taken on this message himself by being courageous and moving across the country to live in a new city. 

We wish Josh success, growth and all the best for his time in Western Australia and hope to see him again soon.

  
תודה רבה  and בהצלחה

Joshua New and Mia Shapiro

Welcome 2023!

As we mark the second week of school, it has been wonderful to welcome back our students and to meet the new people who have joined our school in 2023. We have been establishing the rhythms and routines that shape the Jewish life at Emanuel School; morning tefillah, Birkat HaMazon after lunch, Jewish learning through Hebrew and Jewish Studies lessons and Shabbat celebrations. We also welcome back Yigal Nisel, the former JNF Educational Shaliach, who returns to Australia and kindly came to school to run Tu BeShevat Seder experiences for some of our Primary years. 

A new year marks a new set of Year 6 Leaders across Primary School, including our enthusiastic Jewish Life Leaders who have already begun meeting, planning and leading Shabbat and tefillot. 

Mia Selby, Miki Garbuz, Joel Hersh and Orlando van der Starre

Primary News

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

Are they old enough?
A discussion of technology milestones

This wonderful article from the eSafety Commissioner website is a highly recommended read for all parents. The in-depth overview of technology milestones discusses the time frames that are appropriate for children to have access to different forms of technology and social media. 

The highlights of the article are: 

• Each child is different. Their maturity level, knowledge of what to do if something goes wrong and level of responsibility are the use of technology will determine if they are ready for a smartphone or the internet. 
• Students need to learn about and be constantly reminded about:  
  • • • • • • How to manage negative online interactions.
            • The importance of protecting their information online.
            • Privacy and security settings and who has access to their information.
            • What is safe to share with others online.
            • How to report negative online behaviour or cyberbullying.
            • Your family rules and expectations around using technology.

At school, expectations around behaviour are continuously reviewed, summarised and offered as reminders before we begin an activity. For example, if students are going to be moving around the room, the teacher would remind them how to move (walk not run or one at a time in a particular area) as this sets students up for success. The same exists for student’s interactions with technology. They need to be reminded daily about expectations around how phones and devices are to be used and your family rules around being on the internet. In the car on the way to school could be a perfect uninterrupted opportunity to have these conversations.

We cover all of these concepts in lessons at school, but we know that covering this content even once a term is not enough of an opportunity for every student to learn what they need to know to remain safe. 

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to get in touch with me. 

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

Settling in

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. 

The first few weeks when a child is settling into an early year’s setting is a time of crucial importance to their later happiness in the setting. All children are individuals and while some children will adjust easily to the new environment and new routines, others will take longer to feel comfortable and secure.

With this in mind, we can see that the children are starting to settle into their new space and becoming more familiar with each group’s routines and rules, and they are getting to know their teachers and friends. This takes time and we need to allow the children space to explore, discover and feel a sense of belonging and trust. We work hard in these first few weeks to establish connections and relationships with families and children in our care. We talk and explain things clearly to the children and there is repetition and familiarity from day to day. This allows children time to process and to feel safe and secure. Children who have a positive start to their new environment are more likely to feel comfortable, relaxed and valued and feel good about themselves as learners.

Separation anxiety is a healthy and protective emotion. It is the child’s way of saying, “You are my safe base and I need to develop trust and confidence in alternate carers.” 

Talking through the daily routine with your child each day helps to reduce anxiety. Educators also use this as a tool to familiarise children with what to expect each day, so that it is predictable, and they have time to process what is happening in their day. Although you may be feeling as anxious and emotional as your child, try to stay cheery and confident, as the children will pick up on your feelings of apprehension. 

It is important to always let your child know when you are leaving. Tell your child you are going and that you will be back after sleep or rest time. 

Open communication between parents and educators is crucial. It is important to share information. Parents can give educators information about the child at drop off and, in turn, the educators can talk to the parents about the child’s experiences during the day when they pick up in the afternoon or through Educa documentation.

Our Educators have a vast amount of experience in helping children settle into the Pre-school and are aware of the difficulties that can emerge during this transition period. If your child is taking longer to settle in than you had expected and you still have concerns, discuss these with a member of staff. Together you can agree on, and put into place, strategies to support your child during this time. 

Parents are the safe base from which each child can branch out and explore the world, grow, and learn and become socially and emotionally confident. Getting off to a good start will help support your child through this very important period in their lives.

Remember that going to Pre-school is an important life experience filled with opportunities for growth, skill development and fun. Like any new experience there are challenges for both the child and the parents. We look forward to working collaboratively to make each child’s journey at the Kornmehl Emanuel Pre-school a warm, caring, nurturing and positive learning experience.

Please also know, that if your child is distressed during the day, we will call you straight away to pick your child up early, to ensure that we can build the trust with your child and make the Pre-school experience meaningful and rewarding for everyone.

Chinese New Year

All three groups have been learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year the past two weeks. We have explored this special celebration through the languages of drawing, painting, craft, stories, and imaginative play.

This year is the Year of the Rabbit, which represents longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, thus 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. The Rabbit of 2023 falls under the wood element, with water as the complementary element. People who are born in the Year of the Rabbit are calm and peaceful.

The Starfish and Dolphins have been making Chinese lanterns and decorating them. The Seashells watched the Chinese New Year Peppa Pig episode. This gave the children an understanding of what Chinese New Year means. We learnt that red is a lucky colour. The Seashells decorated a picture of a rabbit using red collage materials and red crayons.

Tu Bishvat

We celebrated Tu Bishvat in the Pre-school on Monday. This festival is an ecological holiday that reminds us of our connection to the earth and our role as caretakers of the environment. The holiday is an ancient and authentic Jewish “Earth Day” that celebrates Jewish traditions and taking responsibility for the land. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about, and to care for, the environment through the teaching of Jewish sources celebrating nature. We all gathered in the dream room and spoke about what this special day means. We sang songs, talked about the trees, what they give us and why they are important in our lives and for the world. We noticed the plants that were bought especially for this day to plant at Kornmehl. 

Below are some lovely comments from the children: 

Educator:  Why are we looking at trees?

Aimee: It’s the birthday of the trees.

Educator: Yes, that’s right. It’s Tu Bishvat. What is special about trees? What do you know about trees?

Lulu: They grow from dirt and from the rain.
Asher: They grow food.
Amalia: Strawberries.
Freddy: Trees also give shade.

We learnt that the trees give us oxygen, which helps us to breath air. We all sang a beautiful song about a tree which our musical and talented educator, Renee wrote called “A tree needs a hug every day.”  

Educator: Why do you think a tree needs a hug every day?

Ziggy: It does lots of nice things for you…oxygen and shade.

Some fruits from the five species, including dates and pomegranates were shown to us and we learnt that the pomegranate has 613 seeds inside. The top of it looks like a crown.

Lulu: When you go to that number you die.

We looked at different parts of the tree including bark.    

Educator: Which part of the tree does bark come from?

Asher: The trunk.
Dylan: Bark is so old it just fell off.

Educator: What is the job of the roots?

Abbie: The roots stick it together.
Freddy: When you give the trees water, the water travels through the roots.

Afterwards we all headed out and planted lots of beautiful herbs, plants, vegetables, and succulents in our vegetable garden and in pots. The children were engaged and wanted to help dig the holes, plant, and water them. Throughout the week the Pre-school has been filled with beautiful experiences related to trees.

New mud kitchen

We have finally received delivery of our new mud kitchen. The children are loving this open-ended messy play area. The area has provided many opportunities for creative, imaginative play, socialisation, turn-taking, sharing, communication, language development, physical development, mathematical concepts, understanding the world and collaboration. We are excited to see how it is being used in the weeks to come.

Educa

We hope parents have all signed up to our new online communication system – EDUCA and have downloaded the App – EDUCA TOUCH for your smart phones. We hope too that you are enjoying receiving the Daybooks as well as individual posts for your children through this system. Please feel free to comment back to teachers on the posts you read and give your own input and thoughts on what was written. We appreciate this opportunity to share in dialogue with parents about your children’s learning.

All the Pre-school policies are located on Educa for parents to read and familiarise themselves with. 

Parent Club and Class Parents

I am thrilled to have four wonderful Mums who have volunteered to be Class Parents this year. We are looking forward to working collaboratively with them throughout the year to co-ordinate events, social get-togethers and to keep everyone informed. Many thanks to the following Class Parents for 2023:

• Dolphins – Leia Lewis (Mum of Ethan)
• Starfish – Sarah Robuck (Mum of Edison) and Ellen Stuart (Mum of Joseph)
• Seashells  – Lisa Greenberg (Mum of Samara)

High School Swimming Carnival

Head of PDHPE & Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator

Congratulations to all the students who competed at the High School Swimming Carnival last Friday.

It was a glorious day at the Des Renford Aquatic Centre and there were some fabulous performances in the pool.

Well done to everybody who entered events and supported their respective Houses on the day.

The 2023 carnival produced our closest ever result, with just 18 points separating eventual winners, Rabin House, from the second placed Rashi House.

Many congratulations to Rabin House and to our 2023 Age Champions:

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Inter-House competition results

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Gifted and Talented Extra-curricular Opportunities

Craig Moss – Co-ordinator of Gifted & Talented 7-12

Extra-curricular opportunities
Offered by the Gifted and Talented Department in 2023

The Gifted and Talented Department offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to High School Students. The table below is a summary of possible competitions and programs that can be organised this year, if there is enough interest. 

If a student is interested in taking part in any of the competitions and programs below please ask them to complete this Expression of Interest Form. These opportunities are open to all students and they can express interest in more than one. 

If you have any questions please email Craig Moss.

Music Competition 2023

Coordinator of Music Events | Music Teacher 5-12 | Tutor

A reminder to all students, parents, and the Emanuel School Community!

The Music Department is currently accepting submissions for the Music Competition. The competition is for individual performance and composition & is open to all K-12 students. 

If you would like to submit a recording to the Music Competition, please use this link, or if you have any questions, please email Mr Owen or come down to the Music Department. 

Next week we will announce our panel of amazing adjudicators for the showcase event, so keep a lookout!

Welcome back!

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

I could dedicate my whole page this week to the Year K students whose parents are Emanuel alumni but I do want to let you know about other news too.

We love that all our Year K students are settling into life at Big School. Here are just some photos of a few of our alumni who have returned this year as new parents, with children in Year K. Twins Jordan and Kobe de Melo are part of this Year Group. Their mother, Claudia Maman, was in our very first Year 12 cohort in 1989 and their big brother, Ethan de Melo, finished Year 12 in 2020 and is now one of our Sports Coaches.

Claudia says, “I always feel very comfortable walking my boys into school. Being a past student from long ago, I have seen Emanuel grow from very humble beginnings. A very new, very small school with lots of dreams to becoming an incredible Jewish Day School. At the time the PAC was just an empty space and I eventually saw it become the High School Library.

Returning for a school tour, when I was considering Emanuel for my son Ethan, I remember walking into the MPH and literally being blown away. All the dreams the School had talked about when I was there had eventuated, too late for me but right on time for my son. I knew immediately that this was the right school for him. Ethan had an incredible experience at Emanuel, so much so that although he graduated in 2020, you can still find him on campus coaching futsal and soccer to students from Years 1 – 12. He wants to pass on his knowledge to other Emanuel students and I think that is the best compliment a school can receive. Now I have the incredible joy of starting again with my twin boys, Kobe and Jordan, starting Kindergarten – they are so very proud to attend the same school as their mum and brother and nothing excites them more than seeing their big brother at their new school. So, my journey at Emanuel continues and I look forward to watching it grow from strength to strength.” 

Ethan sent me this quote: “For me, the best quality of Emanuel is that it truly feels like a family. From the moment I arrived in Year K, the warmth and support from the students and staff was special; a feeling I still experience today as a Sports Coach. Seeing my brothers in their new school uniforms the other day brought back so many amazing memories from school. Now it is their turn to join the Emanuel family, and to make lifelong memories and friends just as I did.”

Other children of alum to start in Year K this year include: Noa Greenblo whilst his brother, Asher, started in Kornmehl Pre-School. Their father, Shaun Greenblo, who was Head Madrich in 2003 says: “Walking through the Emanuel School gates with my son Noa on his first day of Kindy, 20 years to the year after I graduated, was an overwhelmingly beautiful experience. I’ve been blown away by the love and support of the staff, parents and students and it’s only re-affirmed to me that Emanuel has retained the magic it had during my time at the school.”

The Class of 2004 is well represented in the new Year K parent group this year – Gabi Keen (nee Rein) was Head Madricha in 2004 and her daughter, Mila Keen, has just started in Year K, along with one of her best friends Lily Stern, whose parents Danny and Georgia (nee Snow) are also from the Class of 2004. Gabi says, “I feel like I’ve come home again! Coming back to Emanuel and being able to share it with my daughter has been so special for me”, whilst Georgia Stern says, ” I’m very excited to be back at the School now as a parent. Lots has physically changed but it is heartwarming to still feel all the love and community that I remember!”

Della Shandler (nee Einfeld) from the Class of 2005 works part-time at School as EA to the Director of Finance and Operations, and she is also a new parent this year.  Della says, “It has been really special having my first son start Kindergarten at my school. I have loved going from being a student and alumni to a staff member and now a very proud parent. Jacob has settled in well thanks to the warm and nurturing Year K teachers. Emanuel School holds a very dear place in my heart and we look forward to many more years being part of the Emanuel community.”

Shaun and Noa Greenblo

Shandler family

Gabi Keen with Mila and Georgia Stern with Lily

Claudia Maman and sons

As we welcome new families to Emanuel School, that of course also includes new grandparents. If you would like your children’s grandparents to receive Ma Nishma each week as well as our bi-annual Grandparents and Friends newsletters, please ensure we have their email contact. Many of our grandparents live interstate or overseas and do not have the opportunity to come visit their grandchildren on campus but through reading our newsletters they are still able to know what is happening here at our amazing School. One new grandparent I want to introduce is Louise Glaser, whose has two grandchildren here – Sebastian Larsson who started last week in Year 2 and his sister Isabelle, known as Bella, in Year 3. Listen to this wonderful interview with Louise and another Emanuel Grandparent Nitza Lowenstein, Executive Producer and Senior Broadcaster/Journalist at SBS Radio, Australia. In this podcast, Louise talks about her passion as a Volunteer Guide at the Sydney Jewish Museum for the past 12 years.

Nitza Lowenstein and Louise Glaser

WorldPride/Mardi Gras Parade 2023

Dayenu is the Sydney’s Jewish LGBTQ+ Community, a not-for-profit group that provides social events, advocacy and support to the diverse needs of Jewish LGBTQIA+ people in Sydney, as well as their partners, friends, families and communities, across the whole spectrum of religious observance, from Secular to Reform and Orthodox. They do not conform to any political ideologies. Dayenu was born in 1999 as a co-operation between local Lesbian and Gay Jewish groups to enter a combined float in the 2000 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. Emanuel alumnus Toby Evans (Class of 2006) is an official photographer for Dayenu and many members of our extended school community are part of this group.

Emanuel Synagogue takes pride in its long history of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and they will hold their annual Dayenu Mardi Gras Kabbalat Shabbat Service on Friday 24 February 2023 followed by dinner.

Mardi Gras 2023 Shabbat Dinner

Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM) and World Pride

SJM has an exclusive tour on Thursday 23 February 2023, where you will learn about the symbolism of the pink triangle used to oppress the LGBTQIA + community during the Holocaust. The experience will leave you reflecting on the shared persecution of both LGBTQIA+ and Jewish communities during the Holocaust, whilst celebrating their triumphs in human rights made in the years since.

Gennarosity Abroad

Whilst many of our readers will know the name Genna Radnan, an Emanuel alumna (later known as Genna Onuchukwu following her marriage to Peter). Genna returned to School as our School Nurse Emanuel until recently and she is the founder of Gennarosity Abroad, a registered charity with DGR status that focuses on improving living standards of future generations through education of girls and women and providing health services to those living in remote and disadvantaged communities.  Over 90% of funds raised are applied to the development of projects on the ground in Kenya. If you would like to know more about Genna and the amazing work she and her team do, along with future fundraising events, check out her website.

Genna Onuchukwu and family

Don’t forget!
Register for the 2023 NSW Maccabi Swimming Championships

There is still time to register for this event on Sunday 5 March 2023.

2023 NSW Jewish Swimming Championships

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 and have a great weekend.

Environmentally friendly start in 2023

Lisa Starkey – HSIE and Design & Technology Teacher | Co-ordinator of High School Sustainability Programs | Tutor

Getting off to an environmentally friendly start in 2023

As school begins for another year, the scramble is on to get children ready for a year of learning, excursions, sport and after school activities. Planet Ark’s newsletter invites us to consider small changes your family could implement to make a positive impact and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone. Some of their suggestions are below:

1. When shopping for lunch box snacks, check packaging for the Australian Recycling Label (ARL) and choose items with recyclable packaging. You can share what each ARL logo means and what coloured bin it goes in with the kids. There’s a great diagram here explaining how it works, that you can review together.
2. There are many different lunch boxes on the market to choose from. Stainless steel containers offer the advantage of durability, recyclability and reduced weight compared to glass. However, the best lunch boxes are those you already have in the cupboard that can be used again and again. Small clean jars and bread bags emptied of crumbs, can be reused as separators, containers and food wrapping.

School uniforms

1. Before buying new uniforms don’t forget to check in with friends with older children to see if they have outgrown their own items. 
2. Many uniforms can last longer with simple maintenance. When children are old enough, involve them in the process and teach them basic sewing techniques like how to sew a button back on. Mending can help children value the work that goes into making clothing and encourages them to take better care of their belongings. Best of all, they will have learnt a helpful life skill!
3. When clothing, underwear and shoes finally reach their end-of-life, check Recycling Near You for companies in your area to help keep items out of landfill. There are a number of recycling options for old uniforms and shoes available.

Pencil cases and books

1. Encourage your learners to check that their pencil cases haven’t been depleted from holiday art sessions. A scavenger hunt around the house to locate missing rulers, sharpeners and pencils will help stop the purchase of double-ups.
2. When you need to buy new supplies, choose products made with recycled materials and recyclable packaging.  Your consumer dollar has enormous power to reduce interest in products made from virgin materials and create a viable market for those using recycled materials. 

Travelling to school

1. Find a safe low carbon emitting way to reach school. Could you walk, ride a bike or catch public transport to school? Or connect with parents living near you to organise a carpool and share lifts.

Over the last few years we’ve all seen the devastating impact extreme weather events, particularly flooding, can have. While sometimes it may seem as if these events are completely out of our control, there are small actions we can all take to make a positive difference. Adjusting our habits now to find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle will help make better use of precious resources and start the new school year in a greener way.

Additional Emanuel tips

1. Send your children to school with as little (or no) packaging as possible. Please remind them to put all their food waste into the Emanuel School FOGO bins.
   To be even more economical and reduce single-use plastic waste, choose larger packets of healthy snacks instead of the individually wrapped snack packs. These can be transferred into re-useable snack containers for school.
2. BYO clearly labelled refillable water bottle to school.
3. Remember to clearly label everything!
4. Remember: there is an opportunity to use the Re-Collect App to have your recyclable bottles and cans collected at your convenience. The proceeds of this are donated to Our Big Kitchen (OBK). Emanuel has saved an impressive 800 cans/bottles from landfill and the money raised will benefit OBK.  Please email Lisa Starkey if you would like simple instructions on how to book a collection.
5. The Emanuel Uniform Shuk Facebook group is a great place to find second hand items and Mr Ezekiel often has unlabelled lost property which students may access.

Cely Malki

Dr Lynn Joffe – Director – Specialist Learning Centre

Cely Malki After-School Program
Commencing Term 1, Week 3

We are delighted to be commencing the Cely Malki After-School Program for 2023 on Monday 13 February 2023. For new students and parents, the Program is kindly funded by Mr Albert Malki and Ms Sandra Malki, esteemed grandparents of an Emanuel student. The program is named and run in honour of Mr Malki’s late sister, Cely, who placed very high value on children, education and inclusivity. We are grateful to the Malki’s for their on-going support for another year.

This successful program is open to any students from Years 5-12, who would like a structured environment in which to receive additional help with their learning and/or to complete homework, projects and Performances of Understanding (PoUs). Having said that, the classes are not formal in a conventional sense and part of the dynamic that is encouraged encompasses mutual support and positive social interaction. Teachers and recent alumni of the School are available to assist with the above.

Students arrive with their own classwork to focus on (work is not provided unless by prior arrangement with a class or subject teacher). The staff circulate to monitor students and to provide input, assist with any queries, questions or lack of understanding and suggest improvements.

Students should bring a book/information 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; compliance, courtesy and good behaviour are expected. Students register at the beginning and end of each session and detail work being completed/ completed. A biscuit and fruit break is included.

Sessions run on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 3.40 pm – 5.30 pm in i32 in the Innovation Building. Students are not required to stay for the whole session, though attendance for at least an hour is encouraged. This is not a venue to be used as a time filler for late pick-ups.

Students in the same grades are encouraged to work together, if appropriate. Computer games are not permitted, nor is Minecraft or similar, even if required for an in-school activities in other classes.

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: i32 and adjacent classrooms, on the top floor of the Innovation Building
Essential: Bring schoolwork to complete, a book to read, a laptop and a charger as chargers are not supplied
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 2023 Cely Malki Program – please join us!

A rewarding career with us

Looking for rewarding work in a caring and nurturing environment?
Are you interested in getting your start in Early Childhood Education? 

We have an opportunity for an Assistant Educator to join our team on a part time basis. Working two afternoons a week, you would be interacting with students and  supporting our talented team of teachers and educators. 

Assistant Educator
Kornmehl Centre Emanuel Pre-School
Part-time, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12.30 pm – 4.00 pm

You don’t need any experience but you will need to have completed, or at least be enrolled in, your Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent qualification. With NSW currently offering Fee-free courses, now could be the perfect time to embark on something new. You can find more information on this course here.

For more information, a role statement and details on how to apply, please visit the employment section of our website. 

The Foundation – building together

Marla Bozic, President, Emanuel School Foundation

As we embark on a new school year, I wanted to take a moment to welcome you to 2023 and share some exciting updates about Emanuel School.

This year brings new beginnings and opportunities for growth and development for the School. Our students, staff, and community are eager to dive into the challenges and adventures that await us.

The School will celebrate its 40th birthday this year and we hope you will be able to celebrate with us through the various community wide events planned.

We are thrilled to be fully immersed in our three-year strategic plan, which outlines our vision and goals for the future. Your commitment has helped us make significant progress towards achieving our mission and providing our students with an exceptional education.

We are really excited to share that the Roth Segal B’Yachad Building has made some good building progress over the Summer. The three storey, state-of-the-art multi-purpose building will provide our students with the resources and technology they need to succeed and reach their full potential now and into the future. We are hoping to commence the move into the new building at the beginning of the 2023 July holidays. 

Your generosity has helped us provide a school of excellence for our students, fostering their love for learning, Jewish values and heritage.

Thank you for your continued support of Emanuel. Your investment in our students and our community is truly invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do!

Connecting as a community

Justine Hofman – Head of P&F

This term has started with a bang. So much on including lots of meet ups with families and kids. This week Friday Chills starts up again. We also launch ticket sales for our Autumn Family Camping on Sunday night.

Friday Chills
3.15 pm Fridays (starts today!)

It’s back for Term 1 and happening every Friday after school. Join us on the Basketball Courts for $1.00 icy poles and catch up with other parents while the kids play (and run off their sugar high). Want to help? We need volunteers to sell icy poles. Please email Melanie Shilbury if you are available. It’s only 30 minutes of your time, it’s a lot of fun and your kids will love you for it!

P&F Autumn Family Camping 
Friday 10 March 2023 – Saturday 12 March 2023  
Tickets go live this Sunday

We are excited to announce that our P&F Autumn Family Camping Weekend will be held once again at Glenworth Valley camping ground. It’s a 90 minute drive from Randwick and we will have a dedicated area for our school group. The site is beautiful, situated within stunning natural bush and scenery. Facilities include toilet, hot showers and a small onsite shop and café with barista made coffee.

Inviting new campers to join (Glamping option) 
If you haven’t considered camping in the past because you don’t have the gear or the idea is overwhelming – there is the option of glamping which is easy and fun. Note that glamping is an additional cost/booking that can be arranged directly with Glenworth Valley’s preferred suppliers, once you have booked your Emanuel camping ticket.

Full details and the booking link will be shared on Sunday night via What’s App groups.

P&F termly meeting
Wednesday 14 February 2023, 7.00 pm, on campus

We will be holding our termly P&F meeting at school this Wednesday evening. All parents and carers are invited and welcome to attend. In this meeting committee heads share updates on initiatives and plans for 2023, as well as an update from Tany Milner. If you are interested in attending, please email Justine Hofman for further details.

Dates for the diary

• Fridays in Term 1 at 3.30 pm: Friday Chills – starts today!
• Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 7.00 pm: P&F termly meeting (all welcome)
• Friday 10 March 2023 – Sunday 12 March 2023: Emanuel P&F Family Camping Weekend (tickets on sale this Sunday)
• Friday 31 March 2023: Primary Community Kabbalat Shabbat from 8.20 am – 8.50 am 

Our canteen needs you

Our canteen operates every school day. We are totally committed to offering a delicious range of options whilst providing fresh and top quality food that promotes healthy eating. 

We are a very busy canteen servicing the students and staff. We would warmly welcome someone, who has a passion for food and ideally from the school community, to join our fabulous team. You would be helping our current canteen staff label bags, help make sandwiches and wraps, packing and distributing lunch orders and serving at the canteen window. This is a paid position working term time only.

If this interests you, please email Yaffa from the canteen for further details.

Keeping us safe

Thank you to our volunteers for last week 
(Monday 30 January 2023 – Friday 3 February 2023)

Michael Pollak, Daniela Freed, Saul Berkowitz, Daniel Butt, Elan Miller, Gary Aaron, Adam Symonds, Joshua Bloom, Steven Durbach, Gil Laishevsky, Daniel Butt, Warren Aronstan, Jen Nathan, Richard Miller, Tony Gellert, Ronny Schnapp, Zoltan Waldner, Darren Isenberg, Sol Caganoff, Gary Gordon, David Camiller, Jackie Elias, Martin Becker, Paul Filipczyk and Robyn Solomon.

Important dates

What’s happening next week

High School 

Monday 13 February 

• Year 7 & 8 Camp
• Year 9-10 Parent Information Night (Online)
• Year 10 Careers Avenue testing
• Year 12 Geography Excursion to Bantry Bay 

Tuesday 14 February

• Year 7 & 8 Camp

Wednesday 15 February

• Year 7 & 8 Camp

Thursday 16 February

• Year 7 & 8 Camp

Friday 17 February 

• Year 7 & 8 Camp
• New Parents Welcome Breakfast

Primary School

Monday 13 February 

• Year K-6 Meet the Teacher

Thursday 16 February 

• Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Friday 17 February

• New Parents Welcome Breakfast 

Save the date

High School

Friday 24 February

• High School non uniform day
• Crazy Hat Day 

Monday 27 February 

• Year 10-12 Music to Encore
• Year 10 Chavayah Information Night

Tuesday 28 February

• Year 5-7 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 1 March 

• Year 12 Biology to Macquarie University
• Year 11-12 Drama to Ensemble Theatre

Thursday 9 March

• Year 12 3WLC (online)

Friday 10 March

• Year 9 Science to Powerhouse Museum

Monday 13 March

• Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement 

Tuesday 14 March

• Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement
• Year 111-12 SDD Big Day In (UTS)

Wednesday 15 March 

• Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement 
• Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing
• Year 10 3WLC

Thursday 16 March 

• Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement
• Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing 

Friday 17 March 

• Year 11 Hospitality Work Placement
• Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing 

Monday 20 March

• Year 9 3WLC
• Year 3-12 Cross Country

Tuesday 21 March 

• Year 9 French to Alliance Francaise Cultural Workshop

Monday 27 March 

• Non Uniform Day – SRC BBQ
• Year 10 Careers Avenue Debriefs

Wednesday 29 March 

• Year 11 Geography to Bantry Bay 
• Year 11 3WLC 

Thursday 30 March 

• Year 11-12 Visual Arts to ArtExpress

Primary School 

Friday 24 February

• Crazy Hat Day 

Tuesday 28 February

• Year 5-7 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 1 March

• Year K Pathways Parent Information Morning 
• Year 6 Leadership Day 

Thursday 2 March

• Year 6 Leadership Day

Friday 3 March

• Year 6 Leadership Day 

Monday 6 March

• Canteen closed 

Tuesday 7 March

• Purim celebrations

Friday 10 March 

• P&F Camping Trip Weekend

Wednesday 15 March

• Years 3 & 5 NAPLAN Testing

Thursday 16 March

• Years 3 & 5 NAPLAN Testing

Friday 17 March 

• Years 3 & 5 NAPLAN Testing

Monday 20 March 

• Year 3-12 Cross Country

Wednesday 22 March 

• Parent Teacher Night 

Friday 24 March

• Years K-6 Open Day 

Monday 27 March

• Parent Teacher Night (online)

Kornmehl

Thursday 23 February

• Parent Information and Social Evening

Sunday 5 March

• Kornmehl Family Picnic

Tuesday 7 March 

• Purim Parade and Show

Thursday 16 March 

• Pre-school Open Day

Tuesday 21 March

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk

Wednesday 22 March

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk

Thursday 23 March

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk 

Thursday 30 March 

• Konmehl Pesach Seder

Community notices