From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

A warm welcome to our new Emanuel families, and welcome back to all within our school community. The 2024 school year commenced with a series of new staff induction, leadership development and whole-staff professional development programs. However, the undoubted highlight was the return of our reinvigorated and energetic students! It was lovely to observe the strong engagement amongst our students and the warm reception that our staff received.

Term 1 promises to be both a busy and productive experience. Some of the highlights include our whole school photo day, our swimming carnivals, our Year 7 and Year 8 Camps, our Year 6 Leadership days, NAPLAN, Purim activities, Duke of Edinburgh Camps, our Pesach activities from Kornmehl to Year 12 and so much more. We will encourage our students to strap themselves in and enjoy the ride!

On a more sombre note, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel remains close to the surface and in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to send support to Israeli families, in terms of care packages and messages of encouragement, and we will continue to commence our formal occasions with a Psalm, a prayer or a time for reflection. We are praying for the release of all the hostages and ultimately, for peace in the region. Am Yisrael Chai.

Welcome to our returning staff

Last year, we farewelled six permanent teachers and two permanent administration staff, a relatively small number. However, nine staff members were also returning from long service leave, medical leave and parental leave, resulting in the departure of their temporary replacements. I understand that some parents would have viewed a total of 17 departures with some concern, so it is hoped that this will provide clarity. We welcome back to the following staff:

• Debbie Cohen, Primary School SLC Coordinator and Coordinator Teacher Assistants
• Annie Turrall, Primary School teacher Term 1, Acting Director of Students Terms 2-4
• David Bartlett, HSIE teacher and Senior Teacher Mentor
• Ellana Costa, HSIE teacher (PT)
• Denise Goldman, HSIE teacher (PT)
• Ray Francis, Head of PDHPE
• Claire Pech, Careers Advisor
• Remi Owen, Music teacher, Coordinator Music Events
• Becky Goldberg, High School Hebrew and Jewish Studies teacher

Welcome to our new staff

Our new staff members have been well prepared for the commencement of their teaching at Emanuel. They have settled quickly into their new roles, and we are fortunate to have employed a competent and caring group of teachers, leaders, and administrators.

• Shaun Clarke, Maths teacher
• Avital Melman, Maths teacher
• Eamon Prendiville, Maths teacher (replacing teacher on leave)
• Tom Cotillard, Science teacher
• Louise Clark, English teacher (replacing teacher on leave)
• Maeva McCabe, Coordinator of French
• Lisa McCowage, Assistant Director of Music (Extra-Curricular) K-12.
• Corinne Ellul, Music teacher
• Jasmine Landers, Primary School teacher (replacing teacher on leave)
• Aimee Lanning, Primary School teacher
• Annemarie Dalag, Primary School Teaching Assistant
• Mikki Ilieff, School Nurse (replacing nurse on leave)
• David Chan, Strength and Conditioning Coach (PT)
• Tommaso Parisi, Technical Production Manager
• Tomer Belkin, Teaching Assistant (PT)

Australia Day 2024 Honours

Each year, a number of our Emanuel School community members receive recognition for their outstanding service to the Jewish and/or broader community. Mazal tov to the following Emanuel School grandfathers and their families:

Vic Alhadeff OAM

For service to the Jewish Community and Media. Vic is grandfather to Amelie and Adam Gavshon and Noah and Zara Selikowitz.

Gary Inberg OAM

For service to the Jewish community of New South Wales, and to business. Gary is grandfather to Nellie and Etta Pillemer.

The late Jonathan Solomon Pinshaw AM

For significant service to business, and to the Jewish community. Jonathon was grandfather to Leo and Jesse Pinshaw.

Mazal tov

OFF IT is an out of school rock band featuring Years 10 and 11 students, Ben Fram, Ella Bortz, Maya Hersch and Ariel Solomon. On Wednesday night they played at the opening of the new music studios at the Bondi Pavilion. A number of of the musical and political VIPS in attendance expressed their enjoyment of their music, many of which are OFF IT’s own songs.

Quote of the week

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” ~ William James, philospher and the ‘Father of American Psychology, 1842-1910

From the Head of Jewish Life

Adina Roth – Head of Jewish Life

The ‘ah’ of potential

The year begins with excitement, groans (the shock of a 6.30 am wake-up is real), anticipation and ‘little hopes’. I don’t think any parent is exempt from little hopes that we have for our children: the hopes that they will thrive socially, engage in some sport, perform to the best of their academic capability and read (do we ask for too much?). When our kids comply, and actually behave like conscientious, active, curious and socially astute little beings, isn’t it just the best?! Except, when they don’t (to quote Dr Seuss). A friend of mine this week confided in me that her very smart son is just not interested in schoolwork. She shared, rather vulnerably, that it bothers her that in her mind he underperforms. Academics are an important value in her family of origin and it bemused and dismayed her to see her son snub the opportunity to do some good homework and reap the results.

In the same breath, she told me that her son had many friends, was the ‘jock’ of the family and had caused a viral, social media sensation at a certain national sporting event on the weekend by inscribing the letters of a sports team whose name shall not be mentioned, on his torso. I listened to my friend and said to her, your kid has friends, he loves sports and he’s killing it on social media, what more do you want?! What if our kids were just fine, exactly as they are! What if we could release our expectations?

This week’s Parshat Yitro recalls the famous moment when we receive the Ten Commandments, beginning with the famous declaration, “I am the Lord your God”. The Rabbis in our tradition pay careful attention to openings. The Torah itself in Genesis opens with the second letter of the Aleph-bet, ‘bet’ ב, Bereshit, in the beginning. According to a Midrash (ancient rabbinic interpretation), the letter Aleph, א felt overlooked and superseded by Bet at the time of creation. God comforted the Aleph by saying, “When I give the Torah at Mount Sinai, I will open with you, by saying Anochi…I am the Lord your God”. This is supposed to have mollified the Aleph who imagines ‘her’ grand entrance on Mount Sinai, wearing a silver boa! However, the Israelites are so frightened to hear God’s voice that at the time of the Ten Commandments, the Aleph barely emerges. God begins to utter the “ah” of “Anochi”, and the Israelites beg for God to be silent. Talk about anti-climax! According to this Midrashic reading, God says “ah” and Moses says the rest.

Aleph may not outshine the other letters with a grand sound, but the “ah” bears the distinction of being the only sound actually uttered by God. Therefore, the Aleph’s so-called under-performance acquires its own potency. The Aleph’s exhale does not come with pre-determined ideas. It is the exhale of potential, the surrendering to the universe of pre-conceptions and expectations so that what needs to unfold, can unfold. It is the sound of infinite potential.

At the beginning of each year, we arrive with expectations of ourselves and our partners, and also the ‘little hopes’ for our children. These expectations (I speak from experience), can sometimes hamper our kids, not allowing them to be who they need to be and filling ourselves with unnecessary disappointment, as they don’t meet some imagined ideal.

The little Aleph from which everything else comes seems underwhelming. But the Aleph becomes the foundation on which the rest of the Ten Commandments and indeed the entire Torah stands. The silent exhale of the Aleph is the permission to be upon which all true self actualisation depends, the permission to be who we are!

Shabbat Shalom

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Welcome to an exciting new year of Jewish learning, living and experiences. I look forward to using the Ma Koreh article in this newsletter to share with you what we have been doing and learning during Hebrew lessons, Jewish Studies classes and in the Jewish Life of the Primary School. 

In this week’s Parasha Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-Law Yitro (Jethro) notices that Moshe is struggling with the changing demands of his leadership role, now that the Israelites have left Egypt. Moshe alone is unable to meet the needs of the Israelites by being the sole leader and doing it all himself. So, Yitro suggests to Moshe that he appoint capable people and train them to be judges, so they can help him lead and support the Israelites. Moshe listens to Yitro and heeds his advice and, by expanding the leadership roles and opportunities, life for everyone is improved.

It is in this spirit that we approach Jewish Life and student leadership at Emanuel School. Our enthusiastic and passionate new team of Year 6 Jewish Life leaders rely on the support of the Madrichim and the Year 6 student leadership body to help lead and create the Jewish Life and ruach of the School, supported by student helpers and leaders across the rest of the Primary School.

The Year 6 Jewish Life leaders for 2024 are:

(Left to Right in the photo): Sienna Kery, Raphaela Abraham, Juliet Salek, Oscar Grynberg, Zen Rolfe-Nassi and Annie Krusin

As a team they are looking forward to:

• Working with Years K-2 student and Morah Bar-On
• Creating Shabbat ruach
• Leading morning tefillah and teaching students prayers
• Creating plays and movies for festivals
• Planning holiday celebrations
• Working with Lyv and Noah (Informal Jewish Life Educators) to plan, lead and run Jewish Life activities.

Primary News

Natanya Milner – Head of Primary School

Welcome to 2024! It has been wonderful to welcome our children and families for the start of the year. I’ve heard amazing stories about some of the holiday adventures and I look forward to hearing more! I spoke to the children this week about setting goals for the year.

Whilst all students have their own individual goals, I have set collective goals in the Primary School which are:

• Be kind
• Try your best

As I explained to the children, if we are all doing this, we will have a fantastic year together.

Important Information

There are three important ways that you will receive information for the start of the year. Firstly, the letter I sent in the final week of the holidays includes a lot of information about the procedures and dates for 2024. Shortly, you will receive your Term Overviews and Contact Lists. This includes the main Learning Programs for this term as well as information relevant to your child’s grade. Finally, we will have our Meet the Teacher event on campus on Wednesday 14 February 2024. On this evening, you will hear from your child’s class teachers as well as the School plans for the year ahead. We are very excited to also have a guest speaker at this event. Dr Judith Locke spoke to a small number of parents last year and we received such fabulous feedback that we decided to bring her to begin the year for us. Judith is a registered psychologist who has worked with children and families for over 20 years. She has written The Bonsai Child which provides advice and practical strategies for parenting today. Please ensure you diarise the date and times:

Meet the Teacher – Wednesday 14 February 2024

• 6.00 pm – 6.30 pm: K-2 parents in their child’s classrooms 
• 6.35 pm – 7.35 pm: K-6 parents in the Lehrer Multipurpose Hall (MPH) to hear from our team and Judith Locke
• 7.40 pm – 8.10 pm: 3-6 parents in the child’s classrooms
• 8.15 pm – 8.45 pm: Northern Territory Parent Information Session (optional for Year 6 parents who would like to know more about the Year 6 trips to the Northern Territory)

Parents & Friends (P&F)

I would like to thank the P&F and parents volunteers for a fabulous start to the year. The P&F organised a staff welcome lunch on our Staff Development Day. Thank you for your generosity and support. I would also like to thank Yaffa and Ariel from our canteen for the delicious food. 

We are so grateful for the second-hand uniform sale which is an incredible service to our community as well as a wonderful environmental and time saving initiative. 

Date Change

For those of you who diarised information from my letter sent last week, it mentioned that Tisha B’Av is in September. Please change this as it was an error and is on Tuesday 13 August 2024. It is important to note as the canteen is closed on Tisha B’Av.

The K-2 Swimming Carnival on Friday 12 April 2024 will be for Years 1-2. Kindy will remain at school on this day.

Achievements Folder and Certificates

All students are given an Achievements Folder when they begin at Emanuel School. New students will receive theirs in the coming week or two. We ask students to collect any certificates and special mementos from their time in the Primary School. We hope this folder will become a cherished possession for your child and family, as well as a celebration of your child’s progress and journey.

Students will receive ‘praise certificates’ from their teachers to acknowledge various achievements at school. Please remind your child to take part in our Kavod System for certificates by bringing them in to be traded. They should be dropped into the tray in the Primary School office.  Please note that certificates are the responsibility of each child and unfortunately lost certificates cannot be replaced. 

• Five Praise Certificates = 1 Merit Certificate 
• Three Merit Certificates = 1 Distinction Certificate
• Three Distinction Certificates = 1 Medal of Honour
• One Additional Distinction Certificate = Bronze Mensh Badge
• Another Distinction Certificate = Silver Mensh Badge
• Another Distinction Certificate = Gold Mensh Badge

We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our children.

A sustainable team effort

Adina Roth, Head of Jewish Life

A Sustainable Team Effort

Our Staff Development Day fell fortuitously this year on Tu B’shvat, the Jewish environmental holiday which commemorates the birthday of the trees. As part of our leadership development, the entire staff of Emanuel School spent the afternoon at Our Big Kitchen (OBK), making an environmental contribution to our world through the ancient art of vegetable pickling.

The OBK staff explained the pickling process, as well as its sustainable and health benefits. We ‘saved’ vegetables which had been decreed for landfill due to their odd shape or size, by mixing them with vinegar, salt, sugar and spices and then bottling the resulting mix.

Our environmental efforts were linked to social welfare as the bottles of pickled veggies were earmarked for a First Nations community, linking our environmental pickling with issues of social and economic justice. It was a very hot day, and yet the staff showed great enthusiasm for the cause.

We cut, shredded, pickled, cleaned and even made cookies to be sent to Ronald McDonald House, all in record time.

Importantly, every staff member attended the event – our Principal, our teachers, our administration staff and our maintenance team. As every individual played their part on the day, so do they play an essential role in creating the warm and welcoming school that is Emanuel.

Staff chopping and shredding veggies in preparation for the pickling process and creating fun cookie shapes for families at Ronald McDonald House.

Primary Extra-Curricular

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

Primary Extra-Curricular for Term 1, 2024

The Primary School Extra-Curricular Program offers a variety of sporting, music, and recreational opportunities for students of all ages. Extra-Curricular activities are those that are pursued in addition to the curriculum. Emanuel School’s Extra-Curricular Program encourages students to develop their interests and excel beyond the classroom. Our extensive range of Extra-Curricular activities enables students to learn new skills, discover and develop talents and interests, and nurture friendships with others. Emanuel students are encouraged to make the most of the opportunities on offer. 

Our Term 1 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 enrol your child early to avoid disappointment.

Emanuel teachers offer a range of free Extra-Curricular lunchtime opportunities for students throughout the year. These are currently being revised; therefore, our complete list of Term 1, 2024 Extra-Curricular activities will be available in Week 4, 2024. Teachers will also advertise these activities to students and students can choose to enrol in these classes by approaching the teacher in charge. Paid activities are confirmed and information about these can be found by clicking on each link in our schedule below.

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 have any additional questions.

The Term 1 Extra-Curricular Schedule is available now on the Parent Portal.

Primary School Instrumental Program (IP)

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

Primary School Instrumental Program (IP)

Welcome back to school and welcome back to the Instrumental Program (IP) for 2024. For those new to IP and for those returning to IP, we can’t wait to see you down in the Music Department with IP beginning in Week 3. If you’ve done IP before, you’ll know most of the information below, and if you haven’t, be sure to read it twice! 

What is it?

IP runs alongside the Primary School Music classes, and involves the learning of an orchestral instrument in small groups, from Years 3 – 6. The students learn from professional musicians who are experts on their instruments, and have many years of performing and teaching experience. Students will have Music and IP on the same day, and must bring their instrument and their music to every lesson. 

When is it?

Music and IP classes take place on the following days:

• Years 3 and 5: Tuesday
• Years 4 and 6: Wednesday

IP starts in Week 3. If you have not been allocated an instrument for IP, I will be in contact with students to do an instrument trial before then.

What about your instrument?

In IP you use an instrument every week. You have to bring it to school every week, and take it home to practise every week. Looking after your instrument is kind of like looking after a pet, except don’t give it food! You need to make sure you clean your instrument, be gentle with it, and play it! Your IP teachers will show you exactly how to clean and look after your instrument, so pay close attention to them. On every school instrument there is a tag with your name on it and a serial number. If you notice that either the name tag or the serial number tag have gone missing, please bring the instrument into the Music Department so that we can replace the tag. If you have your own instrument that you are using for IP, you still have to bring it to school every week, and look after it too! 

Who am I?

I’m Mr Owen and I’m the IP Coordinator this year. That means that you’re going to be seeing me every week at IP, and I’ll also be the person that you come to with any IP questions. If you need to get in touch, feel free to email me. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: My instrument is too heavy, can I just leave it at school?

A: You have to take your instrument home so that you can practise and get better! Ask an older sibling, a friend, or a trusted adult to help you take it home and bring it back in each week.

Q: Can I leave my instrument in the classroom?

A: We have instrument cubbies in the Music Department for you to leave your instrument in during the school day. Bring your instrument to the Music Department in the morning when you arrive, use it in IP, put it back in the cubby, then take it home at the end of the day.

Q: I don’t have time to practise my instrument! What do I do?

A: Speak with your IP teacher about some tips to find time to practise. My favourite tip is to use a big planner and write on it when I’m going to do some practise. I put the planner on the fridge so everyone can see it!

Q: Can I keep learning my instrument after IP?

A: Yes! If you’re interested in doing private lessons on your instrument, send an email to the Music Department or look for the Music tile on the parent portal and you can find more information about signing up for lessons.

Q: Should I buy my instrument from Aldi?

A: No. The instruments from Aldi, despite being cheap, are not great quality instruments to learn and develop technique on. We recommend using one of our school instruments that is regularly tested and checked for its quality. However, if you’d like to purchase an instrument, we’d be happy to recommend certain models, brands and shops in Sydney.

Q: Should I buy a music stand from Aldi?

A: Yes! Unlike the instruments from Aldi, the quality of the music stands has nothing to do with your playing technique and development. We can highly recommend the Aldi music stand.

World Film Festival

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Welcome back for the start of the new school year. We hope you all had a relaxing summer break! 

The second half of 2023 was an especially difficult time for our community, both in Israel and here, following the start of the war in Gaza on Saturday 7 October 2023 and loss of innocent Israeli lives, along with the rise of anti-semitism in Australia and all around the world. We continue to thank the Community Security Group (CSG), the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and our very own Parent Security Group (PSG) here at school, along with all volunteers for all their work to help keep us safe.

The Black Beanie Project, spearheaded by Emanuel grandparent Pam Wertheim, gave members of our own community the opportunity to knit beanies that were then sent to Israel, to keep over 6,400 IDF soldiers’ heads warm in the cold winter months. Pam would like to say a very special “thank you” to everyone who helped make this project such an amazing success. Kol Hakavod to Pam and all the knitters.

Emanuel School joins the Australian Jewish community in mourning the loss of Rabbi Dr Raymond Apple AO RFD זצ”ל, the esteemed Emeritus Rabbi of The Great Synagogue, Sydney. He was beloved and respected by all. Our thoughts and wishes for Long Life are with his wife Marian, as well as his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May his memory be a blessing. Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

Welcome

We welcome many new families to school this week, including a number of alumni who return now as parents – the second generation. Look out for my page next week where I will feature just a few of these families. Ma Nishma is a wonderful newsletter that allows readers to stay in touch with what is happening at school. We encourage grandparents to be on the mailing list too, so whether they live locally, interstate or overseas, they can still read about our wonderful School and might even see photos of their own grandchildren. We also have a bi-annual Grandparents and Friends newsletter that gets emailed – available here. Please send me your children’s grandparents email so they can stay also connected.

Australia Day Honours List

We wish a huge mazal tov to our grandparents on their awards announced last week on Australia Day, Friday 26 January 2023. Please check Mr Watt’s page for the list of the three grandparents who were honoured. 

Whilst not a member of our School community, Rose Temple is a name many of us know very well and we also wish her mazal tov on her award. Rose has been a volunteer at JCA for over 30 years. She is the power behind their telephone campaigns and continues to engage with the community to ensure each JCA campaign is successful. She received an OAM for service to the Jewish community.

Winners: Cannes World Film Festival 2023 and Flickerfest 2024

Mazal tov to multi-award winning film producer, Emanuel parent Dan Goldberg, whose film The Jewish Nazi? won best documentary at the Cannes World Film Festival 2023. Another Emanuel connection to this film is alumnus Ben Strum (Dux, Class of 2009) who was the co-producer, co-writer, motion graphics designer and director’s attachment on Hitler’s Jewish Soldier?, the TV version of the film which will be screened on SBS on Thursday 8 February 2024. Some of our readers may have seen the original film at the International Jewish Film Festival here in Sydney last year.

Dan Goldberg

The Jewish Nazi? winner’s poster

Ben Strum

Hitler’s Jewish Soldier?

Mazal tov to alumnus Sam Weiss (Class of 2012) who was awarded Best Original Music at Flickerfest 2024 for his score to GORGO! Sam is pictured below with Director Ven Gia and Producer Katie Amos. Sam says “GORGO, a film about Danielle Stamoulo’s and Ven’s Greek migrant grandmothers with souls of iron, is one of my favourite short films I’ve ever worked on. It’s masterfully directed by Ven, who brought his and writer Danielle Stamoulos‘s family histories to the screen through the lens of Ovid’s Medusa myth. To our knowledge, this is the first film score featuring the aulos instrument as a lead – and we had to scour the globe to find the best out of a handful of players – Max Brumberg all the way over in Cevannes (France). The aulos was recently unearthed in archaeology, and was a big part of classical Greek musical tradition. So there were natural synergies with the subject matter and the choice of instrument. Could not have done it without Max and his amazing work rediscovering this ancient instrument, and recording it for us over in the French Alps. I’ll have more to say about the process – so if you’re interested, jump onto my instagram to keep across all things film scoring! If you want to listen to the GORGO soundtrack, it’s available wherever you get your music.” GORGO heads to Santa Barbara International Film Festival this month and maybe some more awards!

Sam Weiss

Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM) 
The Maccabean Hall celebrating 100 Years

Our School community has many connections with SJM and I encourage you to visit this special place, which was established in 1992 by a group of Holocaust survivors to give history a voice through collecting and preserving historic objects, commemorating and educating, with a mission to challenge visitors’ perceptions of morality, social justice, democracy and human rights.

Did you know the building that houses the Museum was a cherished Jewish community centre for much of the 20th Century? In the post-war era, the building was the site of 90% of Sydney’s Jewish community’s activities and functions from weddings, to bar/bat mitzvahs, dances and mixers. Find out more about its fascinating history in the current feature exhibition celebrating 100 years of this iconic Darlinghurst institution. I am sure many of our readers have their own special connection with ‘The Macc’ as it was affectionately known in its day. Emanuel grandfather, Max Freedman, is featured in this exhibition, having celebrated his Barmitzvah at The Maccabean Hall, together with his twin sister Judith in June 1962. Past parents Jackie and Tony Weiss have their wedding photo featured too and I’m sure if you visit this exhibition, you may see a photo of you or at least many familiar faces.

Jackie and Tony Weiss get married at The Macc

Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Maxwell (Max) Freedman and his twin sister Judith, at The Macc, June 1962

Maccabi Life Walk – Sunday 11 February 2024

A message from The Maccabi Life team:

Please join us and help to promote our first Maccabi Life event for 2024. 

In conjunction with Save a Child’s Heart, we will walk or run 5km or 10km to look after our own heart and help those who are struggling with theirs.

This fabulous event is planned in a central Sydney location.

Date: Sunday 11 February 2024
Time: 8.30 am – 10.30 am (8.15 am registration) 

There will be stalls and great prizes and participation ribbons for the kids. The event will be kicked off by the renowned and tremendous Heather Hawkins who is a marathon runner, cancer survivor, author and mother! Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting your running journey, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun ! There are many event options for you, your family and friends.

Register here 

Hope to see you at the start line!

Maccabi Life – 11 Feb 24 event

Writers Among Us

Emanuel parent and past student Marina Kamenev is a journalist, a medical writer and a non-fiction writer, having written in a wide range of publications including Time, The Atlantic, Marie Claire, Sunday Life and The Monthly. Her book “Kin: Family in the 21^st Century” has already had amazing reviews and will be published on Friday 1 March 2024.

Marina Kamenev

Marina’s book

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, as we hope and pray for the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza and for peace to be restored in Israel soon.

Gifted and Talented

Welcome from the Gifted and Talented Department 

We’re back and we are very excited for another stimulating, engaging and fun-filled year in the Gifted and Talented (G&T) Department! Before jumping into our first weekly G&T update, we would like to officially introduce the G&T Team – Craig Moss, Sabrina Hards and Julia Tritsch. We are also very fortunate to be surrounded by a variety of experienced teachers, who deliver quality and comprehensive gifted programs across K-12. 

Sabrina Hards – Coordinator of Gifted & Talented K-6

Hello, I’m Sabrina Hards and it’s been wonderful getting to know and become part of the Emanuel School community over the past year. Over the holidays it was lovely visiting my family in Victoria, where we enjoyed a camping trip to Port Fairy. There was lots of delicious food eaten, many coffees sipped, lots of books read and many new Parkrun locations ticked off. I’m looking forward to supporting, challenging and guiding all the students in our space this year, working alongside their teachers and families. Bring on 2024!

Teacher of Gifted & Talented K-12 | Debating Coordinator

Hi, I’m Julia Tritsch and I have taught in a number of different roles at Emanuel School over the years. I enjoy spending time with my family, travelling, cooking and listening to music. I was lucky enough to be able to do all of these over the summer break. One thing that I love about Emanuel School is the opportunity to be part of our student’s educational journey from Kindergarten through to Year 12, building relationships to support and nurture them. It’s great to be back and I am looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

Craig Moss – HSIE Teacher, Coordinator of Gifted & Talented 7-12

I’m Craig Moss and I have been the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented 7-12 since 2020. I am passionate about providing opportunities and creating the best learning environment for students to show their full capabilities. I am particularly interested in developing students’ critical and creative thinking and problem solving skills, as well as encouraging students to express themselves and pursue their passions. My own passions range from history, politics and philosophy to football and music. I love the outdoors, the Aussie sunshine, and most importantly enjoy working with the amazing students at Emanuel School. 

Extra-curricular Opportunities offered by the G&T Department in 2024

The G&T Department offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities to both Primary and High School students. The tables below are an overview of the vast array of academic competitions and programs on offer this year, and will be organised providing there is enough interest. 

High School

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

If you have any questions please email Craig Moss.   

Primary School

Please see below the academic opportunities on offer this year in K-6. There will be more information to follow, but if you have any questions please contact Sabrina Hards.     

Music Matters

Diana Springford – Director of Music P-12

Welcome to our Music Matters page! 🎶

We are so looking forward to the new year in Music: We have new teachers with us, and our department structure has changed a little bit too so even those of us who haven’t moved on, are in for a fresh beginning. You know that we, sadly, farewelled Mr Danny Burley at the end of last year. Below is an introduction to our new teachers and the new roles we are taking on.  

Miss Corinne Ellul is our new Kornmehl – Year 8 Music Teacher. Miss Ellul is an accomplished oboist, having graduated from the Guildhall School of Music with a performance major in oboe, and is also an excellent player of cor anglaise, flute, saxophone, clarinet and piano. (I believe she would like to work on her bassoon playing!) She is an experienced and highly regarded instrumental tutor and ensemble conductor and has already built a rich, interesting, and creative resume as a music teacher and leader at the British School of Amsterdam and The Henry Box School in Oxfordshire UK.

Ms Lisa McCowage is our new Assistant Director of Music (Extra-Curricular) and, as her title implies, she will be our leader for the Extra-Curricular side of the music program. She has built an admirable reputation as High School teacher and Head of Bands at St Catherine’s in Waverley, where she managed their extensive band program and conducted their most senior ensembles. In previous moments of her life, she has been a successful professional clarinetist, performing regularly with Opera Australia and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Please see Lisa’s separate article titled “Message from the Assistant Director of Music (Extra Curricular) 2024”.

Mr Remington Owen, having returned from a term of paternity leave, will be back with us doing his usual Music teaching and support of our event organisation. What is new is that he will now be our Years 3-6 Instrument Program (IP) Coordinator for 2024. (Please see his page in Ma Nishma for his inaugural piece in this role.) He is also further expanding upon, and sharing, his choral expertise this year, taking on the conductor role for both Senior Choir and Senior Chamber Choir. He will also be our Music Director for the forthcoming (and top secret) Primary School Musical so therefore quite busy in 2024!

Mrs Sarit Spira will continue her usual Tuesdays and Wednesdays with us, but for 2024 will be taking on the (massive) role of Producer for the forthcoming (top secret) Primary School Musical. She is already incredibly busy, and you may hear from her over the coming weeks with an important announcement.

We are also happy to announce that the wonderful pianist, Mr Antonio Fernandez, is back with us to teach piano and accompany many choirs.

Extra-Curricular Music

Lisa McCowage – Assistant Director of Music (Extra Curricular) K-12

New Assistant Director of Music (Extra-Curricular) 2024

I am excited to join the Emanuel School community in my new role as the Assistant Director of Music (Extra-Curricular). As we embark on this journey together, I look forward to getting to know each of you and creating memorable musical experiences. 

You will find announcements here about our busy Music Program, so please check this and the Music Portal Page on a weekly basis. Please read all about our Years K -12 Music Competition this week in a separate article in this newsletter.

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

• You will find the rehearsal schedule here for all our ensembles and choirs, which we will continue to update as necessary. On the second tab of the spreadsheet, you will find ensemble descriptions and the level expected to join.
• Most ensembles begin rehearsing in Week 3 even though Years 7 – 8 are on camp. 
• If you are already in an ensemble or choir you don’t need to audition again, just turn up. 
• For new members, check the schedule for how to join. Be aware that some ensembles require auditions. These auditions are in Week 3 and 4 and the sign-up sheets have been on the music block wall for this week. If you have not signed up, please do so now! Scroll down for a table of audition time information. The musical content required for the audition is on the sign on sheet and also in the second tab of our rehearsal schedule.
• If you have been in an ensemble or choir for Terms 1 and 2 and are in Years 4 – 12, you will be eligible for Music Camp which is also a lot of fun.

IP classes and Extra-curricular Music Ensemble Rehearsals both resume in Week 3 in 2024.

• Year 3 and Year 5: The first day of IP is Tuesday 13 February 2024
• Year 4 and Year 6: The first day of IP is Wednesday 14 February 2024

Private Music Tuition and Infant Strings Program for 2024

Private Music Tuition will resume in Week 2 (from Monday 5 February). Schedules for this term have been emailed to parents (on 31 January 2024) who enrolled before the end of last term. Late enrolments will be processed when we can, and parents will be contacted when we can phase new students into private lessons. Please see the music tile on the Parent Portal here for information on how to sign up.

K-2 Infant Strings Program classes will also resume from Week 2.

Instruments repaired and ready for collection 

All instruments that went off site for repairs over the summer are back and ready for collection from the cabinets at the bottom of the stairs into the Music Department.

Music Camp 2024

Music Camp is in Term 2 this year, Week 9, Monday 24 June 2024 – Thursday 27 June 2024, with an approximate cost of $600.00. Only core ensemble/choir members are eligible to come, and you must be a member of one of these in Term 1 to get the information. 

Please note there have been two changes to Music Camp this year, which we hope will give more depth to the experience, but perhaps less range! Firstly, and sadly, Mt Sinai College are not coming with us. 

Also, although the larger extension ensembles and choirs will be rehearsing at camp, the rock bands will not be and they will have their own, different, opportunities this year.

Music Competition 2024

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

Music Competition 2024

The Music Department is very excited to bring back the Music Competition for 2024. For many of you, this is not news as you will remember how great it was last year, but for some readers, this is new information!

As you may remember from last year, the Music Competition is a competition in two categories: Performance and Composition.

For High School students, it adds to points towards House Music. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to have their hard work seen and shown.

Here is a quick reminder of how it all works: students submit a recording of their performance or composition and finalists are selected to perform in a showcase concert in front of adjudicators and an audience in Week 11 this term.

Last year we saw some fantastic performances and compositions, with over 55 submissions and the students who participated got a lot out of the feedback from staff, and professional musicians who were our adjudicators.

Submissions for the 2024 Music Competition are now open and they will close in Week 5 of this term.

Note, you can submit a new recording from this year, or a recording from last year. This includes compositions made in 2023.
If you would like to submit a recording to the Music Competition, please use this link.

If you have any questions, ask your classroom Music Teacher, your instrumental teacher, or me! 

We look forward to seeing your performances and compositions!

Drama – 2024 Griffin Ambassadors

Samantha Bauer – Head of Drama

Congratulations to our Emanuel School Drama
2024 Griffin Ambassadors 

Ashley Cohn, Sophie Masnick, Max Salamon, Sam Salamon and Arlo van der Starre have been successful in their applications to become Griffin Ambassadors. Congratulations!

As Ambassadors the students participate in workshops, free performances, and gain access to the country’s leading theatre professionals.

Along with Year 11 and 12 Drama students from all over NSW the students will come together to share their love of Drama. This is a fabulous achievement and wonderful way to engage and connect with theatre practitioners and plays written by Australian playwriters.

Light on the Library

Allison Lee – Head of Library & Information Services (7-12) | HSIE Teacher

Welcome back, everyone, and a warm welcome to our new Year 7 cohort.

Several changes have occurred since your departure in 2023, and upon entering the Senior Library, we hope you’ll discover a welcoming and inviting space for you to enjoy even more.

The senior study carrels have all been relocated to the former Primary School Library (now called K10), providing more space for all of us. We’ve added new shelves stocked with photography, fashion, and art books. Colouful trolleys have been added, featuring books, jigsaw puzzles and Lego sets. Of course, our regular games table is equipped with Cluedo, cards, and much more. We now have two magazine racks with a variety of reads, including the New Philosopher, Marie Claire, BBC History, and Frankie, among others. Feel free to drop by during recess or lunchtime to read a book, play a game with your friends, grab some Lego and build a creation solo or with a team, peruse a music magazine, or flip through a photography book.

We’ve also set up a new book display to capture your attention, showcasing our latest additions to the collection, along with a rotating display based on different themes.

This term, we plan to host more classes for lessons in our library, and we eagerly await the return of our English classes for their Wide Reading Program.

Minecraft Club continues on Mondays and Fridays at lunchtime in L04.

Students can use L04 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for quiet study.

Finally, a friendly reminder that we have a subscription to ebooks and audiobooks through Eplatform, available for all students and staff via the Library website.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Senior Library Team

P&F Challah Subscription Term 1

Friday Chills

2024 School Bus Information

Important Dates

What’s Happening Next Week 

High School

Monday 5 February 2024

• Year 7 Parent Information Evening
• Year 11 Parent Information Evening 

Wednesday 7 February 2024

• Year 12 Biology to Macquarie University
• Year 9-10 Parent Information Evening
• Year 8 Parent Information Evening
• Visual Arts Exhibition – Soft Machine
• ACER Music Scholarship Testing

Primary School

Monday 5 February 2024

• ASISSA Basketball Trials

Wednesday 7 February 2024

• Year 6 ACER Scholarship Testing

Thursday 8 February 2024

• Year 3 Swimming Program

Kornmehl

Monday 5 February 2024

• Playball commences for Dolphins, Seashells and Starfish

PSG

Thank you to our volunteers from the last week of Term 4 2023
(Monday 4 December 2023 – Thursday 7 December 2023)

Paul Berkovic, Gary Nissim, Ariella Moldovan, Daniel Malki, Adrian Gold, Kylie Owen, Gary Aaron, Joshua Bloom, Barry Odes, Rina Michael, Brett Churnin, Ilan Bloom, Nikki Michel, Harley McKenzie, Candy Mervis, Glenn Orgias, Tony Gellert, Roy Leibowitz, Harry Wertheim, David Eliovson and Alan Nathan

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

Community Notices