From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Our first week of school was marked by a bustle of activity, as our students settled quickly into the daily rhythms of school life. Lockers were allocated, lunch orders submitted, teachers for 2024 were greeted, expectations set – and, for some, the first homework tasks were distributed. We are, however, still struggling to change the post-COVID, more relaxed attitude towards punctuality, appearance and uniform. We would appreciate support from home, in sending your child(ren) to school on time, in the correct uniform, neatly presented and without the array of rings, necklaces, bracelets, hoop earrings and make up. We would prefer that our energies be directed towards driving both wellbeing and academic outcomes, rather than the follow up of uniform infractions! Our hope is that this will be a positive and productive year of engagement, growth and learning for our student community.

Keeping up with the Emanuel School News

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 (including embarrassing clips of the Principal dancing at assembly) with parents, grandparents and alumni, through our social media pages.

Instagram

My watts.up_at_emanuel Instagram account currently has 1 050 followers who access my (almost) 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. For security and privacy reasons, your account must 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 also Emanuel School parents! Please join our Facebook page dedicated to graduate news  – Emanuel Alumni.

Communicating with the School 

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.

High School Swimming Carnival

Our High School Swimming Carnival is always a highlight of the start of Term 1 and this year was no exception. I was impressed by the level of student participation and House spirit. Kol ha’kavod to all those who swam to the best of their ability, those who placed in a race and those who broke long-standing records. I am particularly grateful to Heath Morley, Director of Sport K-12, and his team, for their seamless organisation and to all staff who helped ensure a successful day. 

IMG_5177 Large

IMG_5172 Large

IMG_5238

IMG_5229

IMG_5227

IMG_5153

IMG_5167

IMG_5152

IMG_5241

IMG_5242

IMG_5439

IMG_5455

IMG_5995

IMG_5422 2 Large

IMG_5392 2 Large

IMG_5381 Large

IMG_5622

IMG_6096

IMG_5147

IMG_5148

IMG_5143

IMG_5233

IMG_5234

IMG_5232

IMG_5224

IMG_5244

IMG_5396

IMG_5399

IMG_5402

IMG_5409 2

IMG_5426 2

IMG_5430

IMG_5216 Large

IMG_5218 Large

IMG_5778

Safe and Efficient Traffic Management

Please remember to stick to our published traffic plans, including the use of Go With The Flow (GWTF). This week we have noticed parents using Market Street to drop off and pick up or to do U turns, and learner drivers in the GWTF, which can significantly hold things up. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Mazal Tov

Mazal tov to Willow Gellin, Year 12, who will appear in an independent short film called In the Before. Read more about the film on Ms Bauer’s Drama page. 

Quote of the Week

“I’d rather regret the risks that didn’t work out than the chances I didn’t take at all.” ~ Simone Biles, Gymnast

From the Head of Jewish Life

Adina Roth – Head of Jewish Life

Adar and the Dance that Changes Everything

I am a great fan of children’s stories. One of my best is called, I love it when you smile, by Sam McBratney, which tells the story of a little joey who wakes up in a bad mood. His mama tries to cheer him up by doing all sorts of happy making things, but to no avail. Eventually, he and his mum run down a hill and fall into a muddy pool. The inversion from being upright to lying in a pool of mud catalyses his mood and he ends up laughing. I’ve always loved this story because although I am a psychologist and certainly believe in the concept of putting in years of work to assist with mental health, I also have seen how bad moods and feelings of darkness can sometimes shift in an instant.

Today, Friday marks the beginning of Chodesh Adar. Adar is the happiest month in the Jewish year, the month of Purim! Tractate Ta’anit teaches us, Mi’shenichnas Adar Marbin Be’simcha, when we enter the month of Adar, we increase our joy. What’s more, we are in a Jewish leap year. Unsurprisingly, the Rabbis chose Adar as the month to double up. This year, Adar extends for a glorious eight weeks and we will celebrate Purim in the second month of Adar.

On the one hand, we all love to feel joy! But on the other hand, what happens when Adar comes around and we just aren’t feeling the vibes!? The Breslover Rebbe, Rabbi Nachman lived in the eighteenth century and had his own very insightful conceptions about sadness and joy. He called sadness the marah shechorah, the dark bitterness. Relying on pre-modern modes of healing, he wrote: “Regarding happiness…sometimes people are happy and dancing in a circle and they grab a person who is on the outside and is sad and filled with the dark bitterness and then enfold him into the circle and dance with them and engage them in the dancing, they too will also become filled with happiness”.

Mr Watt and I celebrate Adar at High School assembly

In our modern world, we tend to think of and treat sadness on an individual level, but Rabbi Nachman understood that mood is at least in part linked to our social wellbeing. Here he articulates that the circle of community can enfold a person and bring healing. These last few months it hasn’t been easy to be happy. But one of the greatest sources of comforts has been the supportive communities in Sydney, and, at Emanuel School, circles of people who hold each other through these very hard times.

However, Rabbi Nachman is not only referring to the power of being invited ‘in’ to the circle of community. It seems his preferred form of therapy is quite simply the power of dance. On many shabbats in the late afternoon I walk from Bondi to Bronte. I love seeing a group of dancers who assemble on the promenade at Tamarama beach and sashay as the sun sets. Rabbi Nachman understood what many of us know; dancing is linked to wellbeing.

Many students cite ‘ruach’ as one of their favourite times at Emanuel and this past week, in an Adar skit, Mr Watt expressed some sadness that, as Principal, he had not been given an opportunity to participate in the ‘circle’ of ru’ach dancing. Very bravely, with Mr Majsay, he performed a ru’ach dance on stage (taught by yours truly.) Not only did the dance fill him with much needed smiles but everyone in the MPH was kvelling by the end of his dance.

Rabbi Nachman seemed to understand that sometimes moving the body with music and some rhythm can dispel the clouds of a dark mood. I like to think that the slip, trip and messiness of the little joey was almost a forced dance, a shift in movement!

As we enter this eight week period of Adar, in the midst of a time that has been and continues to be very hard for our community and our people, let us give ourselves permission to find joy, to return to joy. I am taking this on as a personal challenge. So, see you on the dance floor!

Chodesh Tov and Shabbat Shalom

From the Deputy Principal

Margaret Lowe – Deputy Principal

Traffic

The amount of traffic around the School during drop off and pick up times is considerable. For our traffic to be manageable, we need to reduce the number of cars dropping off and picking up.

Here are some ways parents can help:

1. Students can take the school bus or public transport
2. Students can walk if they live close enough
3. Students can cycle to school (wearing a helmet)
4. Parents can organise a carpool roster.

The dedicated school bus routes that service our School provide an excellent means of transport to and from school for the majority of students at Emanuel. Parents and students are encouraged to use these services instead of driving children to school. Our very young students do need to be dropped off and picked up but, by Year 3, it is recommended that children use the bus service, if possible. Students younger than Year 3 could be on the bus with an older sibling. Information about the school bus service can be found on the parent portal or below. Please check the maps carefully to see if your child could use the bus service. Perhaps you can drop your child to a bus stop rather than bring them all the way to school.

The other important aspect of our traffic management is compliance. When parents comply with our Go With The Flow System, the traffic flow and safety of the students is maximised. Alternately, we experience significant issues, particularly with our neighbour relations, when parents make their own arrangements such as: 

• asking their children to meet them a block away
• dropping students outside the Go With The Flow area
• stopping in driveways
• making U turns
• turning right from Stanley Street
• driving south (up) Chepstow Street. 

Please be familiar with our procedures and ensure you are complying with them. Go With The Flow  Please also remember to ensure your children’s names are clearly visible ideally on the dashboard in your car.

Lastly, please co-operate with our traffic wardens who may need to remind you about our procedures or ask you to move away from an area. These staff members deserve the respect and courtesy of our parents, grandparents and community.

Emanuel School buses

• 683e
• 697e
• 704e – to Maroubra, only in the afternoon

Bus routes

Please click on the links for the bus route.

683e – Watson’s Bay to Emanuel School
697e – Dover Heights to Mount Sinai College
704e – Moriah College Queens Park to Maroubra Beach (afternoon only) 

From the Head of High School

Adam Majsay, Head of High School

Reflections on the New School Year

As we move along with the rhythm of a new school year, I find myself reflecting on the energy and enthusiasm that has characterised the High School experience during these initial weeks. The first fortnight has been a whirlwind of activity, marked by significant opportunity for students to consider their personal and academic growth.

Our recent Student Leadership Day stands out as a day of inspiration for our High School Madrichim. Led by our Head Madrichim, Kian Hamburger and Amelie Trope, it was a testament to the power of peer leadership. Our student leaders embarked on a journey of self-discovery, guided in part by anecdotes and pearls of wisdom gleaned from the experience of Mr Watt, Ms Lowe, and myself. 

Equally significant were the sessions with our Years 11 and 12 students, led by the High School Executive, Mr Abelson. Mr Ezekiel and I underscored the importance of setting oneself up for success in the final years of High School. With added responsibilities and expectations, our senior students are primed to embrace the challenges ahead, equipped with the tools to excel – if they put their mind and their energy to it! We sealed the ‘senior student status’ of our Year 12 cohort this week, with the awarding of the senior ties at Tuesday’s High School Assembly.

As part of our commitment to parent engagement, our annual series of Parent Information Nights took place this week. Covering myriad of topics pertinent to each High School cohort (Years 7-11), these sessions served as windows into our educational and wellbeing programs. Parents were offered insights into our curriculum, extracurricular opportunities, and avenues for support.

For those who couldn’t attend, fear not! We will be sharing slides, resources, and video recordings of the Parent Information Nights via the Parent Portal in the coming week. It’s our aim to ensure that every member of our community feels informed and empowered to support our students on their educational journey.

As we navigate the inevitable ups and downs of the school year, I look forward to working with our families in our commitment to the nurturing, supporting and challenging of each of our Emanuel students – encouraging them to be the best that they can be. 

Primary News

Hagit Bar-On, Head of Primary Jewish Studies

Welcome to 2024! We hope the year has started smoothly for you and your children.

We’re excited to share some news about the ongoing enhancements to our Hebrew language curriculum at Emanuel School.

This year, once again, we are integrating the iTaLAM program into our Hebrew studies. iTaLAM continues to use a “blended learning” model, weaving together Hebrew literacy and Jewish Heritage curriculum. Harnessing the advantages of technology, iTaLAM remains at the forefront of adaptive and personalised learning for our students.

What sets iTaLAM apart is its dynamic multimedia environment, featuring engaging elements like games, animated stories, and songs. These interactive activities not only make the learning process more enjoyable but are also significantly more effective. We’re pleased to inform you that students can complete these activities either in the classroom or from the comfort of their homes, as has been the case in previous years.

Your children have already received their usernames and passwords, enabling them to access the iTaLAM program from home. Compatible devices include iPad Air 2 (or later), Chromebook, PC (using Chrome browser), or MAC.

For Chromebook and PC users, please visit iTaLAM. For iPad Air 2 (or later) and MAC users, iTaLAM is accessible via the Safari web browser, with the latest update. Make sure to upgrade your iOS to the most recent version.

Should you encounter any technical issues, iTaLAM’s dedicated support team is ready to assist you. Feel free to reach out to them.

iTaLAM continues to feature a Learning Management System (LMS), empowering our teachers to tailor the learning experience based on each child’s level and Hebrew language skills. The LMS also allows us to track and report your child’s progress through an intuitive and user-friendly interface.

While we understand that some parents may have reservations about screen time at home, we encourage students to use iTaLAM as a valuable learning and practice tool. It offers a unique opportunity for your children to enhance their Hebrew language skills.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me. We are here to support you and ensure a positive learning experience for your child.

Coordinator of Innovation (K-6) | Experienced Teacher, Mentor

Happy Safer Internet Day

In a world where the internet plays an integral role in almost every aspect of our lives, ensuring the safety of our children online has never been more crucial. As we marked Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 6 February 2024, we are reminded of the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding our children’s online experiences.

At Emanuel School, we recognise the significance of online safety education and its impact on our students’ well-being. Through a collaborative effort between our school and your homes, we strive to cultivate a safe and supportive online environment for our children. 

Why Safer Internet Day Matters:

Safer Internet Day serves as a global initiative, bringing together communities, families, schools, and organisations from over 160 countries. It presents an invaluable opportunity for us to promote online safety education and advocate for the benefits of responsible internet usage.

Our Commitment to Online Safety:

• Integration of School Values: We uphold our school values of safety, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of our students’ education, including their online interactions. By instilling these values, we empower our students to make informed and responsible choices online.
• Comprehensive Education: Our curriculum incorporates dedicated lessons on online safety, seamlessly integrated into both PDHPE and ICT classes. Utilising resources from the Online Safety Commission website, we equip our students with research-based strategies to navigate the digital landscape safely.
• eSports Gaming Club: Recognising the popularity of online gaming among our students, we have established an eSports gaming club. This platform not only fosters a sense of community but also serves as an opportunity to reinforce the importance of online safety practices during gaming sessions.

The Home-School Connection:

While we are committed to fostering a safe online environment within our school, we recognise that ensuring online safety is a collaborative effort. Your involvement as parents is paramount in reinforcing the lessons learned at school and extending them into the home environment.

Here are some ways you can actively contribute to promoting online safety:

• Open Dialogue: Initiate conversations with your children about their online experiences. Encourage them to share any concerns or questions they may have, and provide guidance when needed.
• Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for internet usage at home, including screen time limits and appropriate websites and applications. Monitor your child’s online activities while respecting their privacy. Some serviced to help with this include:

1. QuStodio is an American based company also operating out of Europe with a tight Privacy Policy meaning they won’t sell your data. This App can be downloaded onto 5 devices for $83/year or on a monthly subscription. It will allow you the features of filtering content on devices and apps, monitoring screen time and activity, setting time limits, location services including geofence alerts (be notified if your child leaves school or home) and tracking calls and sms to keep informed on scam alerts. 
2. Google Families is a free Google Application that will link your Google Account to your child’s google account. With this app you will be able to set screen limits, manage and secure your child’s device including locking content and see where they are located. Whilst this has limited capability, it is a great start to track how your child is using their device. 
3. Family Safe Accredited Services – There are many services that allow you to set up family filters on your home internet system. This website offers many of those products which you can explore. Each has been accredited and provides families with more control over their home internet settings and applications. 

• Lead by Example: Model responsible online behaviour for your children by practising good digital habits yourself. Show them how to navigate the internet safely and responsibly.

Access the esafety commissioner’s website. Here you can download a plethora of great fact sheets, sign up for a parent webinar or learn how to have some hard conversations with your child about their use of technology. They also have great information on age restrictions for different apps and games that students use include a really wonderful search tool for all Apps so you can find out more. 

As we reflect on Safer Internet Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a safer online environment for our children. Together, as a school community and as parents, we can empower our children to harness the vast potential of the internet while navigating it with confidence and caution.

Thank you for your continued support in promoting online safety at Emanuel School.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

During these first two weeks at the start of the year, we have been busy re-establishing the routines and rhythms of Jewish Life in the Primary School.

Here is a snapshot into some of what has been happening during Hebrew and Jewish Studies lessons and throughout the week:

• Year K-6 coming together at the end of lunch to say Birkat HaMazon and express gratitude for our food. Our goal for this year is to teach and learn more of this. 
• Morning tefillah, with a focus on the Shema prayer, its meaning and significance.
• We welcomed Leo Fisher on the guitar to our Years 3-6 Friday Shabbat, adding beautiful music and ruach to our celebrations.
• The enthusiastic Year 6 Jewish Life Leaders helping Morah Bar-On with K-2 and leading prayers and Shabbat celebrations.
• During Hebrew, Kita Aleph (Year 1) have begun their learning of letters of the Aleph-Bet, starting with Aleph. Learning through song, art, writing and movement by creating the shape of the letter with their bodies.
• During Jewish Studies, Year 4 is focusing on Jewish Stories and their importance in shaping Jewish identity and values. Students have spent time in class listening, reading and discussing a range of Jewish Stories.  
• In Year 5, students have been engaging with a classic ancient Jewish text, Pirke Avot, where the teacher Ben Zoma asks: “’Who is wise?..” ,  “Who is mighty?.. ” , “Who is rich?.. “, “Who is honoured?.. “. These questions provoked interesting discussions and thoughtful responses from the students. 

Year 1 – Kita Aleph

Year 3 Morning Tefillah

Year 4

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 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 visual schedules helps to reduce anxiety. Educators 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 and what is coming next. They can refer to the visual schedule during the day to reassure themselves and help them feel regulated.  

Although parents 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 will be back after sleep or rest time. 

At Kornmehl it is our intention to provide children with the social skills they will carry for life. The daily greeting between an educator and a child is a special moment. It is a key transition of the day and one to be carried out with respect, care, and consistency. During morning meeting, we speak to the children about this routine and role model it. We also invite the children to come and practice.

The routine goes something like this…

As the children arrive, the children are encouraged to do “their jobs” e.g. lunch in the fridge, snack and drink bottle in the basket and trolley, backpack, and hat in their locker.

The child, along with their parent/carer, goes into the classrooms and finds one or both of their teachers for that day, to say good morning. Children are encouraged to maintain eye contact and say good morning with a warm smile. Educators will always greet children back warmly and assist in getting them settled with an activity of their choice. Please don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teachers for help in the mornings with separation.

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. This will 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 begun learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year. We will be exploring this special celebration through the languages of drawing, painting, craft, stories and imaginative play.

2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which is associated with the element of wood. The combination of the animal sign (Dragon) and the element (Wood) designates the year as the Year of the Wood Dragon. The Lunar New Year will begin on Saturday 10 February 2024. 

The Dragon is an auspicious symbol of strength and power. It is associated with good fortune, wisdom and success. Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.

We have learnt that red is a lucky colour and role play in the home-corner has been a huge success. 

Parent Club and Class Parents

I am thrilled to have six 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 2024:

• Dolphins – Lisa Greenberg (mum of Samara) and Sarah Robuck (mum of Edison)
• Starfish – Melanie Yudasin (mum of Noah) and Jessica Sikar (mum of Amelia)
• Seashells – Leia Lewis (mum of Ethan) and Chloe Brookman (mum of Quentin and August)

Dr Judith Locke – Parent Talk

Dr Judith Locke will be talking to parents on Wednesday 14 February 2024 from 7.45 pm – 8.45 pm in the Millie Phillips Theatre at Emanuel School. We will be combining with parents from Mount Sinai ELC and Mount Zion ELC for this worthwhile event.

Judith will be talking on: Helping your Pre-school child become confident and capable.

Dr Judith Locke is a registered clinical psychologist, former teacher and school counsellor. She speaks to parents, teachers  and students throughout Australia and internationally, on topics related to modern parenting, family wellbeing, and academic environments. 

Judith is the author of two best-selling parenting books, The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student, the first of which has also been published in China. She has a clinical private practice and consults with families in Australia. Judith uses latest research and her clinical experience to show positive and effective strategies parents can use to help their children start their first year with confidence.  

The session 

• Explores strategies parents can start to use now to build resilience in their child to cope with the typical ups and downs of school life.
• Assists parents to cope better with children who tend to be sensitive or worry about things.
• Gives ideas to manage tricky child behaviour.
• Explores common parenting approaches and gives tips on fine-tuning strategies parents already use.

Please RSVP to Terry Aizen by Monday 12 February 2024.

IMG_1221

IMG_6882

IMG_7425

IMG_0305

IMG_6920

IMG_0317

A17ED9E4-6174-4F14-A2E4-7AD340EEE846_1_105_c

IMG_1206

IMG_7482

157766FC-67DC-4FC0-B2C9-989097F85322_1_105_c

IMG_0316

IMG_0312

IMG_7346

IMG_0319

IMG_0303

IMG_0306

64B43109-A620-480A-8BBF-932173D8D650_1_105_c

IMG_7415

IMG_0309

3A2FC612-F45D-4EF9-839F-5B266AACA63A_1_105_c

IMG_7353

70370129-CB17-4B83-A04E-EF25C6434C97

IMG_0310

IMG_0315

5B1FBA04-1E7B-4CF1-B51C-CE1441C5ECA4

IMG_0311

Teens, parties, alcohol and vapes

Adam Ezekiel – Director of Students

Paul Dillon – Parent Event
Monday 19 February 2024

We are excited to announce that Paul Dillon will be delivering a presentation to parents entitled Teens, Parties, Alcohol and Vapes: What do Parents Need to Know? on Monday 19 February 2024 commencing at 7.00 pm in the Millie Phillips Theatre. Bookings can be made here.

Paul has been working in the area of drug education for more than 25 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he gives regular updates on current drug trends within the community. 

During adolescence, teens develop a biological need to be around friends and it is important to provide them with opportunities to socialise with their peers whenever possible. Using the most current data available this presentation will examine the use of alcohol and other drugs by school-based young people. Simple strategies will be provided to help ensure teens are able to interact with friends on a Saturday night and, at the same time, reduce the risk of underage drinking and the potential dangers associated with such behaviour. In addition, up-to-date information will be provided on vaping, particularly in relation to young people. It aims to empower parents with a positive message and assist them in having open and honest family discussions in this complex area.

Relevant Links

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

Happy Families Membership

Adam Ezekiel – Director of Students

Happy Families Membership

Our School has subscribed to Happy Families. Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources.

We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Webinars. You can also access your resources at any time using the below URL (unique to our school) and password.

URL: https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/es
Password: happyes

We recommend bookmarking this link. You should only need to put the password in once and the website will remember you.  

Insights Articles

A new Insights article is released weekly during the term and we will include these with the school newsletter. Insights articles are written by Dr Justin Coulson and other leading experts and provide parenting education and support for a wide variety of traditional and contemporary parenting challenges. You can also access 300+ previous Insights articles on our school’s URL.

Parent Webinars

You have access to four live webinars a year (one per term). We will announce upcoming webinar details in the Insights articles. You’ll have access to the recording via our school’s URL but as the webinars are live, we recommend you watch them in real time so that you can ask Dr Justin and / or the guest presenter any questions you may have.

We hope you enjoy the Insights and webinars!

Webinar – Breaking Point 

Unpacking the crisis in youth mental health –  our children are not ok
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 8.00pm
Access Webinar via this link 

Latest national statistics indicate that mental health challenges are at an all-time high in Australian children and youth. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders are wreaking havoc in our schools and families (not to mention the amplification of these challenges if your child is neuro-diverse). Suicide and self-harm are rising. And finding the right support and good help is increasingly challenging.

Our kids and our families are at breaking point

How do we know if our kids will be ok? What can we do to support their mental health and resilience? What’s going wrong, and how do we fix it?

Join Dr Justin Coulson, Australia’s leading parenting expert, as he unpacks the mental health crisis enveloping our kids. He’ll cover:

• The root causes behind the deteriorating state of mental health, and who (or what) is responsible.
• The tools you need to reverse this trend for your children.
• Science-backed, relationship-focused strategies to remedy school refusal.
• Realistic approaches for managing screen time in a way that protects your child’s wellbeing without completely alienating them from their peers.
• Creating margin in your home and family life to protect and promote mental wellness.

The Next Generation…..

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Camp Sababa 2023

Whilst most of us were getting ready to relax for the summer holidays, four members of the Class of 2023 – Sophie Freedman, Lucy Menczel, Gahya Cesana and Phoebe Narunsky – were preparing to volunteer at Junior Camp Sababa last December. This camp was started in 2007, to facilitate a range of programs, including an overnight holiday camp for young people with disabilities aged 7 – 24, to encourage social inclusion for all abilities and provide support to families who provide year-round disability care for their children. Run under the auspices of JewishCare, it is funded by JCA, with support from The Sony Foundation and Wolper Jewish Hospital Foundation.

Sophie Freedman – Camp Sababa 2023

Camp Sababa 2023 – Lucy, Gahya and Phoebe

Camp Sababa 2023 – senior camp volunteers

Renee Levenson, a Specialist Learning Centre (SLC) teacher here attends the camp year in year out as the Emanuel School staff representative. She says: “We had another successful camp in 2023. We are extremely grateful to the four Emanuel Year 12 students who attended, and we also had a number of past students returning to join the Lagamba Group, which is for older children and young adults with disabilities”. Renee is pictured here in a photo from the 2022 Camp with Wendy Milston, an Emanuel grandparent, who was Head of Volunteers at the camp from 2008 until she retired in 2022, and teacher-representatives from Masada College and Moriah College.

Camp Sababa 2022 – Wendy Milston with Renee Levenson plus Moriah and Masada staff representatives

The Next Generation of Emanuel students

This week I feature four families who returned to School last week as their own children began their Emanuel journey. It was such a privilege to chat with them.

I have also included the very first School photo taken towards the end of 1983, along with names of the students and their teachers. We are still missing five names from the list – perhaps some of our new readers can help us fill in these gaps?

Emanuel School in 1983 with names

Jenny Spinak came to the School when it first opened in 1983. She says: “As a founding student of Emanuel School, it was extra special walking in with my son, Remy, on his first day of Kindergarten last week. The unique Emanuel School spirit, which gave me and my brothers so many wonderful memories, has endured the decades. I’m thrilled another generation of our family will be continuing the connection and legacy we have with the school.”

Jenny’s mother Margaret Spinak says: “Sending my children to Emanuel School when it first opened was indeed an act of faith at the time. It certainly paid off and it warms my heart to see how the School has become so successful and, even more so, to see my grandchildren following in the footsteps of their parents and being so happy to be part of the Emanuel School life.”

Jenny Spinak with Remy and Rhiannon with Grace

The Streimer family has also been part of the School from the very start. Jeanette Streimer was one of the original teachers here and her eldest daughter, Jasmin, was a student in the first intake, whilst Jeanette’s father, the late George Fried, drove the School bus for many years. Jacqui Perl, the middle of the three Streimer girls now returns to school, this time as a parent, with her daughter in Year 5. Jacqui says: “It has been such an emotional experience to see Stephanie join the Emanuel community, where I received so much wonderful support throughout my school years. My husband, Adam, was also a student here from 1985 -1988. We were in the same Year 2 class – our teacher was Ed Manson. He was an eccentric, unconventional teacher. He taught us how to meditate, we had many class pets and he taught us how to look after newborn animals and how to grieve when a beloved pet died. We even flooded the bottom of the School, where Kornmehl is now, and played in the mud for several weeks! Adam and I both have the most wonderful memories of that magical year. It is a joy to be back and we know Stephanie will flourish here. My mum wanted to share this: I am bursting with pride that my granddaughter Stephanie is part of the Emanuel School family.”

Jacqui Perl (Streimer) and family

The Faludi family also has a very long history with Emanuel School, with siblings and cousins on both sides of the family here as students over the years. Many are back now as new parents, including Daniel Faludi (Class of 2002) and his wife Lana (nee Krongold, Class of 2006). Lana writes: “It felt like a full 360 moment returning to Emanuel School with our son Eden last Thursday for his first day of Year K. Daniel and I bumped into at least five teachers we remembered teaching us when we were here as students, and they are still here today. They remembered us the moment we locked eyes. It feels amazing to be able to bring our children back to the environment we were in and where we created such happy memories for all those years. When Daniel and I were thinking about schools for our two boys, it wasn’t a hard decision for Emanuel to be the only one. As students here, we both felt part of a beautiful community and wanted the same for our children. Knowing Eden is happy while at school and in the best care puts us at ease. He not only woke up at 6.00 am wanting to put his school uniform on ASAP on his first day, he left his first day so happy, content, no tears and excited to come back for more. This is a testament to the School and has signified why it was such an important decision to have our kids here. If only he is this excited to put his uniform on in seven years’ time too!” Daniel’s Mum Ruth Faludi says: “I have fond memories of when both my boys were here – Daniel’s brother David finished Year 12 in 1999. I loved the School back then as a parent. I was part of the P&F, worked in the tuckshop – I think it’s now called the School Canteen and I was a host for the School through the JCA Woman’s Campaign for many years. My husband Robert and I can’t wait to be involved now in our new role as Emanuel grandparents.”

Eden Faludi and family

Oleg Feldman another past student who has returned there this year says: “Thank you for the warm welcome! Victoria and I are thrilled to have all three boys starting at Emanuel School this year. It is just over 27 years since I finished Year 12 here in 1996. Returning to my old school, this time as a parent, feels like coming full circle. It’s a nostalgic journey filled with fond memories, and I’m excited to watch Allen, Samuel, and Joshua create their own experiences here.”

Oleg Feldman and family

Watch this space next week for more new parent insights and photos.

Maccabi Life Walk 
This Sunday 11 February 2024

In conjunction with Save a Child’s Heart, participants can walk or run 5km or 10 Km to look after your 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.    

Maccabi Life – 11 Feb 24 event

Jewish Swimming Championships 
Sunday 3 March 2024

Come and challenge yourself at the 74th Annual Jewish Swimming Championships. A great day of racing, prizes and socialising. For young and old. Maccabi Swimming Club president and organiser of this event, Emanuel parent Elan Miller says “From as young as 7 to over 70’s we have a race for you. We hope our Emanuel students, parents and grandparents will come along and support this community event brought to you by Maccabi Swimming”. 

You can email entries and enquiries here. 

2024 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, 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.

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

This week, we are back with a bang, to the usual notices, information evenings and business that we do so well at Emanuel School.

In the information evenings to senior students this week, I have outlined the need to start engaging with careers external sources to help get some ideas, trigger some thinking and start the planning process.

Two great resources that we have at school are subscriptions to:

• StudyWorkGrow  (register with “emanuel” password – small e)
• Jobjump          (register here “EMS0219” password)

 Please set yourself up with these subscriptions for regular interest-based updates.

 As detailed in the Information nights, I use lots of links when I am talking with students.

Here are some very helpful sites I use regularly to do research, compare different institutions, find out more about the job outlook. There are also some quizzes at the end:

Parents – it would be a great idea if you subscribed to updates from UAC (University Admissions Centre) – who give reminders for closing dates, and a variety of schemes they administer. If you click here you can enter in your details and keep track.

Here are helpful links for students/parents from UAC about Dropping HSC Courses in Year 11 and HSC Subject Selection in Year 10.

I look forward to working with parents and students to pursue their own personal career goals.

Gifted and Talented

Sabrina Hards – Coordinator of Gifted & Talented K-6

New Gifted and Talented Office Space

The Gifted and Talented Department have moved offices and are now located on the Blue Ocean. This new space allows for a welcomed drop-in environment for all K-12 students, teachers and staff. There are a vast array of resources available for students, which include books, games and drawing/writing materials. Students can also pop by for a chat or to meet with their peers or mentors. This also serves as a hub for students to find out what’s on in the Gifted and Talented Space. 

IMG_5422

IMG_5418

IMG_5419

IMG_5420

Gifted and Talented – What’s News?

High School
Term 1 Weekly Lunchtime Sessions – High School Extracurricular 

Drop-in Time with Coordinator of Gifted and Talented 7-12
Recess , Monday to Thursday

All students are welcome to drop-in to L18 (new Gifted and Talented office next to the entry to the High School Library) at recess on Monday to Thursday to meet with Mr Moss. This time is available for students to ask questions about the gifted program and what the Gifted and Talented Department offers. It could also be used to receive assistance with work for extracurricular activities and competitions or to ask questions about their learning. Alternatively you can email Mr Moss to arrange a meeting. 

Primary School

There will be a range of lunchtime clubs on offer this Term. Please refer to next week’s Ma Nishma for more information. 

Competitive Chess Coaching 

Competitive Chess Coaching with International Master Vladimir Feldman begins this Friday 9 February 2024 at  lunch time. Students learn a range of skills in preparation to participate in both internal and external competitions. Numbers are limited for this club, with attendance required on a weekly basis.

What’s Coming Up in Term 1?

Primary School (K-6)

• Friday 15 March 2024 (Week 7): Years 3-6 Maths Cup

High School (7-12)

• Monday 19 February 2024 (Week 4): Critical and Creative Thinking Session One 
• Monday 4 March 2024 (Week 6): Critical and Creative Thinking Session Two 
• Monday 11 March 2024 (Week 7): Senior Ethics Olympiad Training Day 
• Monday 18 March 2024 (Week 8): Debating Round One 
• Wednesday 27 March 2024 (Week 9): Mock Trial Round One 
• Thursday 28 March 2024 (Week 9): Mock Mediation Round One 
• Thursday 4 April 2024 (Week 10): Future Problem Solving – Global Issues Problem One 

Whole School (K-12)

• Wednesday 6 March 2024 (Week 6): Gifted and Talented Parent Information Night 

Cely Malki After School Program

Dr Lynn Joffe – Director – Specialist Learning Centre

Cely Malki After School Program
Commencing Monday 12 February 2024

We are delighted to be commencing the Cely Malki After School Program for 2024 on Monday 12 February 2024. For new students and parents, the Program is kindly funded by Mr Albert Malki and Ms Sandra Malki, esteemed grandparents of Emanuel students. 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 Malkis 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). Teachers and recent alumni of the School are available to assist with the above. The staff circulate to monitor ongoing study and to assist with any queries, questions or lack of understanding, and to suggest improvements and students collaborate when appropriate.

We look forward to the start of a very productive 2024 Cely Malki Program – please join us!

Drama – Congratulations!

Samantha Bauer – Head of Drama

Congratulations to Willow Gelin!

Over the summer break Willow was successful in her audition to appear in an independent short film called In the Before.

What is the film about?

 “In this symbolic, dark, and psychologically intense short film, teenage Nelli sets out along a moonlit beach haunted with memories. As they travel, they are taunted by flashbacks of a past friendship with teenage Ida. Starting out as sweet and warm, these memories quickly turn cold and dark. Past and present collide to ask Nelli a simple question, loneliness over life or love over death?”

What character does Willow play?

Willow: “I have been cast as Sarah. Sarah is ‘a refresher to the intense chaos in this short film’, and she is a kind and genuine friend to the main character, Nelli, and I feel she reflects my natural personality, and so is perfect for me. In the Before is an independent short film which will be put into film festivals, and I am so excited to be a part of it!”

We are excited too and wish Willow much success and fun in this adventure!

Watch this space for more information.

Willow Gelin

Maths Word of the Week

Roisin McGrath – Acting Head of Mathematics | Mathematics Teacher

Maths Word of the Week

Each week, the Mathematics Department will present a new mathematical term to enhance your understanding of mathematical literacy. In your own time, explore the meaning and applications of each term in both mathematical contexts and everyday life. 

Consider creating a list of these words, and by the end of the year, you’ll have your own mathematical dictionary! (How cool!!)

If you have interesting math words you’d like featured in announcements, please email Ms McGrath.

Zenzizenzizengic means…..

The eighth power of a number meaning “the square of squares squarley”.

Music Competition 2024

If you would like to submit a recording to the Music Competition, please use this link.

P&F – A Big Warm Welcome

Welcome 

A big warm Emanuel welcome back to our Emanuel families — old and new. Hope everyone is settling back into the routines of school life smoothly. As we land into the 2024 school year, we hope it will be a peaceful and beautiful one for our community.

In the coming weeks, the P&F will share a form where parents can register to volunteer at our range of annual events. It’s a great way to make friends, have fun and make your kids proud!

We will also be holding our first P&F termly meeting at the School campus at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 21 February 2024. All are welcome to come along and find out about plans for this year and how to get involved.

Pre-Loved Uniform Sale raises $6,000+

On Monday 29 January 2024 we held our Pre-loved Uniform Shuk and it was a great success! Big gratitude to all our volunteers and thanks to the parents who donated plus made the effort to come and support this initiative! Hopefully you bagged a few useful bargains in the process! $6,000 was raised with a portion going to the Magen David Adom in Israel.

Unknown-17

Unknown-15

Unknown-18

Order your Term 1 Challah Now!
Orders close Monday 12 February 2024

Don’t miss out on getting your Jesse’s Bakery challah from school each week. It’s only $6.00 per week and is super convenient as your child can collect it each Friday between 3.10 pm – 3.45 pm from the walkway above the Basketball Courts.

Order here. 

Friday Challah Volunteers

We are always looking for volunteers to hand out challah on a Friday afternoon between 2.50 pm and 3.45 pm. It is such a lovely way to connect with our school and your children. Please contact pandfadmin@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au if you can help.

Teacher’s Welcome Lunch

It’s always a tradition that we welcome our incredible teachers and support staff back with a P&F sponsored Welcome Lunch. The lunch held last week was served up by our parent volunteers. It was catered for by our canteen who provided nourishing and delicious food for all.

Staff lunch

Departing P&F President

This year we farewell Justine Hofman from the role of President and thank her for her incredible warmth, enthusiasm and passion for our School community and unity initiatives. We are lucky to have Justine still involved and always willing to share advice.

The P&F will be run by a series of committees and we are grateful to have school support from Laura Hamilton, who is the P&F’s dedicated Administrator, as well working together with the School’s Marketing and Finance Teams. Louise Romer and Amy Friedlander will help with the important communications and WhatsApp messages. Please reach out to them if you have any feedback at any stage so they can help filter back to the school. Lisa Strous continues in her role as Treasurer and Lynn Ross as Secretary.

Dates for the Diary

• Fridays in Term 1: P&F Friday Chills (3.30 pm from Week 2)
• Wednesday 21 February 2024: P&F Termly Meeting (7.00 pm. All welcome)
• Friday 15 March – Sunday 17 March 2024: Emanuel P&F Family Camping Weekend
• Friday 10 May 2024: P&F Mother’s Day Morning (7.00 am)

Friday Chills poster Term 1 2024

Camping Save the Date

Shabbat Shalom

PSG

Thank you to our volunteers from the last week.
(Monday 29 January 2024 – Friday 2 February 2024)

Gary Gordon, Daniela Freed, Benjamin Opit, Rami Weiss, John Salamon, Michael Pollak, Gary Aaron, Brad Allen,Alan Epstein, Craig Forman, Paul Biller, Steven Durbach, Alan Arnott, Warren Aronstan, Peter Freed, Shaun Gross, Paul Filipczyk, Neil Shilbury, Jonathan Mervis, Meital Winter, Darren Isenberg, Ron Efrat, Zhuliang Long, Andrew Nabarro, David Camiller, Jackie Elias, Steven Trope, Martin Becker and Leigh Goldberg

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

Important Dates

What’s Happening Next Week 

High School

Monday 12 February 2024

• Year 7 Camp
• Year 8 Camp 
• Year 11 Peer Support Leaders to Camp Somerset

Tuesday 13 February 2024

• Year 7 Camp 
• Year 8 Camp 
• Year 11 Peer Support Leaders to Camp Somerset

Wednesday 14 February 2024

• Year 7 Camp 
• Year 8 Camp 
• Year 11 Peer Support Leaders to Camp Somerset

Thursday 15 February 2024

• Year 7 Camp 
• Year 8 Camp 
• Year 9-12 Drama to OnSTAGE at the Seymour Centre
• Year 11 Peer Support Leaders to Camp Somerset
• CDSSA U16s Basketball

Friday 16 February 2024

• Year 7 Camp 
• Year 8 Camp
• Year 11 Peer Support Leaders to Camp Somerset
• CDSSA Opens Basketball Championships

Primary School

Wednesday 14 February 2024

• Meet the Teacher

Thursday 15 February 2024

• Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Kornmehl

Wednesday 14 February 2024

• Dr Judith Locke talk to parents  (7.45 pm – 8.45 pm in the Millie Phillips Theatre at Emanuel School)

Community Notices