From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

Unpacking our HSC Results

Each year, our Year 12 students and their parents must navigate the complexity of the Higher School Certificate results and subsequent ATAR rankings. In NSW, our media networks seek to simplify this system through a School Ranking List based on the percentage of Band 6 performances. The whole-cohort performance of each school will fluctuate every year, depending on both the depth of talent and their level of preparedness.

Whilst we were delighted with many aspects of our HSC results last year, it is evident that there is still room for improvement. Whilst our percentage of top performers (ATAR 98+) remained consistent across the last four years, the number of students achieving an ATAR above 90 declined. On a positive note, the number of nominations for the HSC Showcases and students who finished in the top 20 in State (three this year) remained consistent.

What can we do to improve our HSC Performance? 

Our HSC results undergo an in-depth analysis each year, through an external specialist organisation, which provides this service to many Independent Schools. The analysis package, highlighting both strengths and areas requiring further development, is presented to Executive and then to the Board every year. The analysis also included NESA data, providing the results in every question across every subject, including the State average. This detailed data provides excellent information for our Heads of Department (HODs) to develop new strategies, annually. Each HOD meets with the Head of High School and the Director of Studies to identify strengths and weaknesses and to present their individual action plans. Parents can be assured that areas requiring further development are identified and strategies developed to drive improvements. In short, we always take our need to provide high quality academic outcomes very seriously and seek to develop a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Please be assured that we will continue to make every effort to support every one of our students to achieve the best results of which they are capable, and to drive improvements, where required, in individual subjects, using measures that include and go well beyond the current HSC ranking list.

Why do we need to view the School HSC Ranking list with caution?

It is important for parents to understand the limitations of the Sydney Morning Herald HSC School Ranking List. This ranking system, resembling a league table, was developed by the media rather than schools or NESA. It is a very useful tool for letting you know how the ‘top’ (Band 6) students performed but it is a blunt instrument for gauging the success of a Year 12 cohort or the School as a whole. This league table provides no indication of the character or attributes of the students, nor do they provide any information on students’ results below Band 6. Perhaps most importantly, the league table does not provide key information around whether the school has ‘value added’ – i.e. whether each student has improved their performance, and to what degree. This is the most important measure: for students across all ability ranges – did they perform below, at, or beyond expectations/potential? Parents are advised to recognise the limitations of this basic ranking system and to adopt a more holistic view of their child’s education.

As you would be aware, the cohort performance in every school changes every year, depending on the various ability levels within the cohort. The 2023 cohort contained a larger number of students who struggled academically, yet who wished to complete their senior studies – for reasons other than simply attaining an ATAR. One convenient way to improve league table results would be for a school to dissuade their struggling students from completing their HSC year, thus improving the percentage of Band 6 performances. This is not the Emanuel way – we are prepared to support all students throughout their academic journey, to obtain the best result of which they are capable. For many this will not result in a Band 5 or 6 in any subject. Thus, a ranking system based on Band 6 results alone will not favour this approach.  Please feel free to reach out to our High School Director of Studies, Julian Abelson, if you have further questions.

I encourage you to read our HSC brochure and watch our HSC student video below, both of which was shared last year. Our students’ voices are very powerful and are representative of the wide range of interests and achievements of the Class of 2023. 

Enjoying nature, friendships and challenges

This week, our Years 7 and 8 students found themselves separated from their devices and connecting with their peers amid a beautiful, remote setting. The camp program is designed to grow connections through shared experiences, where students eat together, sleep in tents and share in a wide range of outdoor activities. Their Peer Support leaders and House tutors provided magnificent 24/7 care and support throughout the camp program, joining in activities and working with the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre leaders. Our students will return feeling proud that they engaged with some challenging physical and problem-solving activities – and still thrived!

A huge shout out to those students who struggled with anxiety or a physical ailment on camp, yet still turned up. For those who made it part way, please know that you showed courage, and your next outdoor experience will be that little bit easier, if you continue to persevere.  Our students will carry with them many great memories from their time at camp.

Enjoy this gallery of photos below from across the week.

The Speedy Sloth

At last year’s 3-6 Graduation Assembly I used the children’s book, The Speedy Sloth, as a reference and inspiration for my speech. I was delighted to recently receive a signed copy of the book from the author, Rebecca Young, who had heard about my application of the principles that she so wonderfully reinforced. Our Primary Library gratefully received the gift of both books, along with several books, beautifully illustrated by Emanuel parent, Carla Hoffenberg.

Mazal tov

ASSISA Representative Tennis Trials

• Taal Ismin, Year 6, d Taal won all his matches in the final stage of the competition and his remarkable performance made him the number one player to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.
• Emma Kaplan, Year 6, also showcased her talent and competitive spirit on the tennis court. Emma emerged as the sole female representative selected to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.

Quote of the week

“Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” Julie Andrews ~ Actress

Gallery – Somerset Camp Highlights

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Primary News

Stevie Levenston – Director of Primary Operations

Starting well, continuing well and ending well

Jose Bergamin said it perfectly, “Tradition simply means that we need to end what began well and continue what is worth continuing.” 

Within a school context, many masterful minds are combined to generate the best policies and procedures and Emanuel School has the premier people to create and guide the process. It is with this in mind that I remind you of a few very important policies and procedures, which will see us start the year well, continue well and end well. These are the Emanuel School traditions.

Late student sign-in at reception

Students who arrive late to school have been recorded as ‘absent’ by staff taking the roll in the morning. In order to note a students’ arrival time and mark their presence on campus, students are required to sign in at Reception in the main Saunders Building. Students then receive a late slip, which they present to their teacher, which denotes that procedure has been followed. 

Thank you for reminding your child/ren to sign in at reception. This assists us in keeping our records as accurate and up to date as possible.

Canteen recess and lunch orders – Flexischools

Please ensure that when placing recess or lunch orders at the canteen via the Flexischools App that students are inputting their correct names. Lately, we are seeing an increase of celebrities placing orders, which whilst creative, makes it very difficult to distribute the correct order to the correct student. We don’t want anyone running around with empty bellies!

Orders are to be placed via the app by 8.30 am.

Go With The Flow (GWTF)

It is wonderful to see how efficiently we are going and flowing every morning and afternoon at drop off and pick up times on Avoca Street. Thank you very much for your efforts to make the process as harmonious as possible. 

Please may I remind you that there are consistent protocols in place for pick up and drop off.

• Drivers are to remain in their cars at all times.
• Bags are to remain in the car. Students cannot retrieve or deposit bags in the boot.
• Students are to enter and exit the car from the passenger side of the vehicle.
• Students are unable to enter and exit cars unless the vehicle has passed the power pole, denoted by the orange marker hats. 

Students of Years 3-6 have a strict GWTF collection time of 3.30 pm. For parents and carers collecting their child/ren, please adhere to staff requests to move out of the line and drive around the block. Whilst this may be an inconvenience, we ask that our community complies and is respectful to staff members as they are working to ensure safety and efficiency for all. If cars for Years 3-6 students remain in GWTF, it blocks the system for all and creates a bottleneck.

High School students exiting via Avoca Street gate at dismissal

High School students without a Primary School sibling are required to exit the school campus via the Waxman Gates. The reason for this decision is based on student welfare and safety. Our little people are unable to efficiently exit the Avoca Street Gate during GWTF when they are entwined with senior students. They are also left feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Further, teachers’ visibility of the exit is also affected, so leaving the space open and clear for our younger students is of the utmost importance. 

Please speak with your High School child/ren and remind them to exit via Waxman if they are not accompanying a Primary School sibling during dismissal times. 

Playground areas before and after school

Our playground areas are closed and should not  be accessed before and after school, even with parent supervision. This is due to the school’s requirements for duty of care. We are unable to supervise these areas prior to the 8.00 am bell and after 3.20 pm. We ask that you do not allow your child to play on the equipment at these times if you are with them. Please share this information with others who are involved in your arrangements.

In the morning, supervision commences at 7.30 am on Waxman and after school activities are supervised by extra-curricular staff. Thank you for adhering to our Playground Closure Policy.

Sport and Recreation Camp survey results

Towards the end of Term 3 last year, a survey was conducted for parents and carers of students who went to Years 3 to 6 Sport and Recreation Camp at Narrabeen. We wish to thank the many people who submitted their thoughts and feedback. We received overwhelming positive support for camp. We are thrilled that the energy and efforts that our teachers put into camp are acknowledged and appreciated and that this rite-of-passage is encouraged by our community. We have already started planning for our 2024 camps and are heartened that parents and carers feel secure with the level of communication, organisational and wellbeing aspects of camp.

From the Director of Jewish Life

Adina Roth – Director of Jewish Life

Parshat Tetzaveh, Making Space

I’d like to share three anecdotes from my week which all are connected, believe it or not, to this week’s Parsha. Firstly, at home, we have had a major immigration graduation moment; we are bringing in a cleaner once a week! I am beyond excited. I mistakenly thought she was coming in yesterday and I dreamed of returning home to see our space transformed, clothes put away, a spotless kitchen, no more laundry for days. You get the picture. Setting up a home as a space of calm, an oasis from the busy life is a sacred activity, but it is not one that I always have the time, energy or even finesse, to make happen!

My second story is this – one of my students was talking to me this week. She said she has been wanting to observe Friday night Shabbat with her family. “It should be easy,” she said. “I know all the blessings,” (this made me happy). “Also, we don’t need a fancy dinner like potatoes and chicken. We could do pizza and ice-cream. We just need candles and grape juice and challah.” She is right. Shabbat food should really just be food that you enjoy eating, but candles, wine and challah are the small but powerful details that transform our home and space on Friday night from the busy mundanities of the week to the warmth and sacred upliftment of Shabbat. 

My third story – I am moving offices at school and had a meeting this week to talk about the vision for my new office. I am not a person with a good eye for these things but I do have a sense of the feel I want to create which is warm, welcoming and with imagery around Jewishness and spirituality. We spoke about colours and chairs to host visitors.

It  doesn’t matter whether it is your home, your work space or the space of family on a Friday night – our environment and space matters!   

Having just received the Torah and gearing up for some more time in the desert, Parshat Terumah details God asking the people to construct a finely detailed home for Godself, known as the Sanctuary, or Mishkan in the desert. One third of the entire book of Exodus is dedicated to what is essentially an engineering and interior decorators manual for this Holy Home. The materials and proportions of the holy table, the holy candelabra, the holy basin and the holy curtains are all elucidated. In the middle of the instructions manual, God explains the reasoning: Make me a  sanctuary, and I will dwell among them. The Kedushat Levi, a 19^th century Hassidic commentator says ‘among them’ means in the hearts and minds of the people. In other words, God is saying, “create a space for me and my consciousness and wisdom will enter you”. The profundity of this insight is immense. Create outer space and your inner consciousness will shift! Interestingly,  the Mikdash or Sanctuary of God started off as a centralised space in the desert and eventually in our Temple in Jerusalem. But when the Jewish people were exiled, we developed the concept of a mikdash me’at, a small, decentralised holy space wherever we travelled in the world. On the one hand, this was simply the concept of the shule but it has also become the idea of a home, a room, an office, even a cupboard, where we can transform the mundane into the sacred.

When God says make me a sanctuary and I will dwell among you, we are being told, give care and attention to your surrounding space, and you will benefit internally. This isn’t about guilting us to tidy up more! It is rather an invitation to do one small thing to transform our space, it could even start with lighting of Shabbat candles on Friday night or (speaking for myself) just putting away the laundry…

Shabbat Shalom!

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

To begin this year of Jewish learning, Year 5 have explored a text from the Mishnah, Prike Avot 4.1 and the questions asked by the sage Ben Zoma. His questions provoked interesting discussions and amazing ideas from the students, whose ideas are captured below. The depth, insights and sensitivity of the student responses are impressive.

Through this activity, students learnt the power of questioning and its key role in Jewish thinking and learning and the importance of listening to different ideas and interpretations. After sharing their own responses to Ben Zoma’s questions, students learnt Ben Zoma’s answers to his own questions and reflected on the wisdom of our tradition that gives everyone the potential to be wise, brave, rich and honoured. 

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Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

Self-regulation

As parents and educators, it is important to understand what self-regulation means. In order to be able to learn and play, children must be able to maintain alertness and focus at the right level for a task or situation. Self-regulation involves being able to recognise if our alertness is at the right level, knowing how to maintain it and knowing how to change it if is not at the right level.

The children are learning strategies to adjust their level of alertness when it is not at the right level for the task they are doing, for example, when sitting at morning meeting, when transitioning from one activity to another, when following instructions, when having conflict with a peer. For us as adults, we have learnt many strategies that help us to adjust our level of alertness, for example, getting a coffee, having a shower, going for a run in the morning or to gym.

We are learning two different programs: The Alert Program, and The Zones of Regulation Program. We also practise different breathing techniques using visuals to support the children to regulate.

In The Alert Program, we used the story “How does your engine run?” The story uses the analogy of our bodies being like a car engine, to help children become aware of their own level of alertness. So, when our engine is running high, it means the child is hyperactive and overstimulated, and in a high state of alertness. In these instances, the child may have difficulty focusing and attending to tasks. But when our engine is running low, it means that the child is lethargic and may be in a low state of alertness. In these instances, the child may have difficulty getting enough energy and focus to attend to tasks. What we want is an engine that is just right, which means the child is in an optimal state of alertness, so they will be more likely to attend to and succeed at the tasks they are trying.

The story is about recognising when our engine is running, high, low, or just right. And what to do to keep our engine ‘just right’.

The Dolphin children made their thinking visible through the language of drawing.

Lulu: I feel green cause I’m happy to see all my new friends. 
Tamar: I feel a bit nervous and a bit happy. My engine is running green.
Leo: I’m happy because I can play with Jesse and Nellie so much. My engine is running green.
Jordan: I was sad when I came here because I didn’t want Mum to leave. I am happy now because I can play with my friends.
Liev: I feel super good because I’m happy about Kornmehl. My engine is running green.
Jesse: Happy because we don’t have to rest. My engine is green because I’m happy.
Gabriella: I feel good but blue because I miss my mama and my sister. I miss my family. I’m feeling blue.
Edison: ‘m happy because it’s my first time in the Dolphins. My engine is running green.
Ruby: Happy, because I’m in my new Kindy, meeting my new friends.
Alfie: Drew a line down the middle of his page. He painted the left half green and said, the green one is fun. The right half was red, the red one is scared.

Dr Judith Locke Parent Talk

On Wednesday night the Pre-school, combined with parents from Mount Zion ELC and Mount Sinai ELC, gathered in the Millie Phillips Theatre for an informative talk from Dr Judith Locke. Dr Judith Locke is a registered clinical psychologist, former teacher, and school counsellor. Judith is the author of two best-selling parenting books, The Bonsai Child, and The Bonsai Student.

Judith spoke on Helping our pre-school children to become confident and capable.

The session covered:

• Strategies parents can start to use now to build resilience in their child to cope with the typical ups and downs of Pre-school life.
• Strategies to assist parents to cope better with children who tend to be sensitive or worry about things.
• Ideas to manage tricky child behaviours.
• Common parenting approaches and tips on fine-tuning strategies parents already use.

We had a lovely turnout of 55 people from all three schools. A huge thank you to Dr Locke, Mrs Thomas, IT and everyone involved in making this happen.

Library visits   

This week the children all participated in their first visit to the Primary School library. Going up to the big school is an adventure. The walk up the hill is always very exciting. The children are learning to walk in pairs, not to run and to stay on the path. Starting to build a sense of connection to the big school is part of laying the foundation for the future when the children will transition to the school. 

The Librarian, Mrs Rogart played some games.

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Playball

The Early Childhood years are the ideal time for children to form healthy lifestyle habits, such as physical activity. Playball is a valuable program that teaches, encourages, and supports several fundamental movement and physical skills.

These include jumping, running, galloping, hopping, catching, kicking, and throwing, not to mention balance and co-ordination, fine motor, and small muscle development also. The children have the opportunity to learn how to use different pieces of equipment such as hockey sticks, bat, and balls etc. Other skills such as listening and following directions, being part of a team, sharing, and sportsmanship are also being taught. Life skills such as independence, persistence, goal setting, respect and co-operation are supported and promoted.

A key to any physical activity is enjoyment. When children are having fun, they are more motivated and want to keep doing it. The Playball Program is about fun, being active and giving things a go. Skills and learning experiences are taught in a way that is fun and positive and tailored to the individual experiences, needs and abilities of each child.

The children were introduced to their wonderful coaches: Al and Rama. 

The children engaged in various exercises that involved crossing the midline, balancing, bouncing, and catching the ball, and obstacle courses.

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Happy Birthday

We wish a very happy birthday to our special educator Laura Meltzer. We also wish happy birthday to Gabriella Epstein (5), Gia Kogan (5) and Jude Silver (3). We hope you all had a lovely day.

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It’s all about our sustainable future

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

We are so happy to know that two more hostages are now safely back in Israel this week and reunited with their families after 128 days in captivity, having been rescued by the IDF in a daring raid on Hamas in southern Gaza, but there are still many more hostages who must be also released from the clutches of Hamas. We continue to hope and pray that all remaining hostages will be safely back in Israel soon.

An interesting read on top tips to cope with the Israel-Hamas war.

NEVER AGAIN IS NOW
Sunday 18 February 2024

A message from the organisers of this event: “If you have not already registered to attend it is not too late to do so. Please register here and make sure to be at this very important event this coming Sunday.

“They want to know where the Jews are? Let’s show them. We are ALL standing up together, with our Christian friends, AGAINST the rise in anti Semitism #neveragainisnow. Every single one of our voices (and bodies) is important. We need to show our politicians and our fellow Australians that we stand strong together against anti Semitism in our country. We are being targeted and we will not tolerate this. There will also be a PRE EVENT – Youth Exclusive.”

NEVER AGAIN IS NOW pre event for youth

The next generation of Emanuel students

Dean Vigdor with Ortal and Scarlett

Alumnus Dean Vigdor says: “In the year 2000 I walked out of the Waxman School gate with my ‘big daddy’ customised Emanuel School Year 12 jumper (Yes, I still have it!) with little knowledge of what the future might hold. After a 24 year hiatus, ‘daddy’ returned to School but this time with the absolute pleasure of walking our daughter Scarlett through those same school gates to her first day of kindergarten. It truly felt like a walk down memory lane as I experienced flashbacks of the wonderful memories, lifelong friendships and personal accomplishments over the course of my school years. I think I lost Scarlett during my pep talk when I said ‘I came I saw I conquered’ in reference to dominating lunchtime basketball and the athletics carnival but that’s OK – she will carve out her own path, I have the outmost confidence in her.

Walking into the School gates, there is undoubtedly a level of familiarity, particularly as you bump into old friends and old teachers (excuse the pun). I’m still waiting to bump into my first PDH/PE/Geography teacher, Mr Francis, and my first Music teacher, Ms Lowe!

Worth mentioning, I was really impressed by the on-campus developments that took place over the years and yet still very much relieved to see much of the old façade retained. We can’t hold ‘The Emanuel School Cup’ anymore (the race around the School) but I don’t think anyone will be complaining. I am truly excited for Scarlett as she embarks on her journey at Emanuel and if her big smile is anything to judge by, we are off to a good start!”

Friendship Circle (FC)

Friendship Circle says a huge “thank you” to Emanuel School for hosting them during their tweens and teens camp last month. If your High School children are looking to volunteer, FC has some amazing opportunities for their upcoming holiday camps as well as for one-off events and their ongoing weekend programs. Please see below for some of these volunteering opportunities.

FC is currently is seeking:

FC Social Club Coordinator (part-time) – paid role
FC Social Club is a social program for adults aged 18+ with and without disabilities who get together regularly for fun activities, such as bowling, karaoke, pizza dinners, yoga and more.
You can download the position description here, and please email hello@sydneyfc.org.au with any questions.

Friendship Bakery mentors – paid role(s)
As Capacity Building Program at Friendship Bakery continues to grow, they are seeking passionate mentors. The program provides opportunities to young adults with disabilities through hands-on experience in the hospitality industry with the goal of gaining employment in future mainstream settings. This casual paid role is perfect for anyone who is motivated by working with people with disabilities and keen to be hands-on in the kitchen. They are currently looking for mentors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information, download our flyer and email your resume to kerenklein@sydneyfc.org.au.

In December, Friendship Bakery was honoured to collaborate with Macquarie Bank, providing delicious doughnuts to help staff celebrate Chanukah. Bringing together Jewish holidays with Jewish values was a great way to provide a relevant message that engages people across cultures. The Bakery would love to support your next business event. Contact them at orders@sydneyfc.org.au.

FC volunteering opportunities for our High School students:

Junior Sunday Circle
Our Junior participants (ages 5-11) and buddies enjoy arts and crafts, sensory games, music, and a range of other fun activities. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: Sundays, 9.30 am – 12.00 pm (fortnightly)
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Gabriel         
Register here  

Teen Sunday Circle
This program fosters friendships and personal growth through shared experiences. Our Teen participants (ages 12-18) and buddies engage in a variety of fantastic activities, such as yoga, drumming, sport, and arts and crafts. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: Sundays, 10.30 am – 1.00 pm (fortnightly)
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Gabriel   
Register here 

Sunday Sports Club
Participants and volunteers come together to practise their sport and teamwork skills, hang out together, and develop new friendships. This is a great opportunity for sports teams, friend groups or Bar/ Bat Mitzvah groups. Contact us for available dates.
When: Sunday, 10.00 am – 11.30 am (one-off opportunity)
Email: Lara   

Friends at Home
During weekly home visits our buddies and participants spend time together playing sports and games, drawing, baking, and engaging in other shared interests. Open to volunteers in Years 7-12.
When: 1 hour per week
Minimum Commitment: 1 year
Email: Abby             

It’s all about our sustainable future
Jewish Climate Network (JCN)

Alumnus Mitch Birnie (Class of 2011) who was the founder and director of Adamama, the first Jewish Urban Educational Farm Project in 2019 is now Head of NSW, JCN a not-for-profit organisation that supports the Australian Jewish community to tackle climate change. Read more here.

Mitch Birnie

Past parent, Dr Judy Friedlander, is CEO and Founder of the not-for-profit organisation Planting Seeds Projects, an environmental protection and sustainable education initiative, whilst her husband, Anthony Kahn is a Director. Judy is also the instigator of the B&B Highway (Bed and Breakfasts for Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Biodiversity)

Dr Judy Friedlander

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. Entries and enquiries here. 

Jewish Champs flyer 2024[71]

International Women’s Day High Tea
Sunday 10 March 2024

One of the founders of The Angel Network, Emanuel parent Simone Joffe, and Board member Galia Durbach, who is also an Emanuel parent, invite all women in our community to celebrate International Women’s Day for High Tea – bring your mother, your sister, your daughter, your women friends – you will hear from Allanah Zitserman, award winning Australian film maker and film producer talk about The Business of being a Woman. For more information please email here. 

International Women’s Day 2024 High Tea

B’nai B’rith (BB) players and community singers

Past parent, Vivienne Radomsky, Marketing and Growth Manager at B’nai B’rith NSW, invites our community who like theatre and/or singing, or just like being part of a wonderful group of people, to join one or both BB groups. Emanuel grandparent Moira Blumenthal, theatre producer and director, will guide the players group to learn new skills, stretch your imagination and rehearse for the next production.

If acting is not your schtick but you like to sing, perhaps you might consider joining the community choir with choir master and voice coach, Andrea Catzel, who is one of our music tutors here at School. For more details about both these groups, please email or phone: 9321 6300.

LOVE TO SING with BB

BB Players

The Nomad String Quartet

Here is a message from past student, well-known violinist Ben Adler: “The Nomad String Quartet is beyond excited to be collaborating with one of Australia’s most significant Jewish artists, the extraordinary jazz saxophonist Mark Ginsburg, on Sunday 25 February 2024 at VJs, North Shore Temple Emanuel, Chatswood.”

Ben Adler promo for 25 February 2024

Mark is a breathtaking musician and composer, and his Oceans Together ensemble has recently released their gorgeous album – have a listen here.

It’s already received rave reviews. As Eric Myers wrote: “It’s comforting to know that there’s room in Australian jazz for such an exquisite album.

Ben continues “My string quartet will be playing fresh string arrangements of this music, plus some of our beloved Danish Folk Songs. Have a listen to Mark and me talk about this show here. This is a one night only meeting of musical worlds, so it’s worth dusting off your passport if you’re schlepping across the bridge from the eastern suburbs!”

Get tickets for Sunday 25 February 2024 @ Chatswood

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.

K-12 Sport

Mateusz Rabenda – Head of Tennis

Stuart Taylor – PDHPE Teacher

 ASSISA Representative Tennis Trials
Taal Ismin and Emma Kaplan shine!

Last Friday, the Snape Park Tennis Centre in Maroubra witnessed an intense display of talent as Taal Ismin and Emma Kaplan participated in the ASSISA Representative Tennis Trials. The event brought together highly skilled students, resulting in competitive matches and impressive performances.

Taal Ismin, Year 6, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament’s group stage, securing victories in all of his matches. Taal won all his matches in the final stage of the competition, where he continued to excel. His remarkable performance made him the number one player to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.

Emma Kaplan, Year 6, showcased her talent and competitive spirit on the tennis court. Despite facing tough opponents, she managed to win all her matches. With her impressive display of skill and determination, Emma emerged as the sole female representative selected to represent ASISSA in the upcoming CIS Tennis Championships.

We wish Taal and Emma the best of luck as they represent ASISSA on the regional stage and continue to inspire their peers with their passion for tennis.

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Teen, parties, alcohol and vapes

Happy Families Membership

Adam Ezekiel – Director of Students

Happy Families membership

Our School is subscribed to the Happy Families School Membership! 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 and Password

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

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

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.

Parents 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!

Breaking Point – Webinar
Unpacking the crisis in youth mental health

Our children are not ok
Tuesday 27 February 2024, 8.00 pm 
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.

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

Join our Team

Music Competition 2024

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

Light on the Library

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

Welcome classes!

It has been exciting to see High School classes start to use the Library space for a range of activities.

Most recently, the Jewish Studies Year 10 classes used the space to explore our collection of Holocaust-themed fiction titles for their book review assessment. We have also had our English classes as part of their Wide Reading Classes. The Senior Library team looks forward to having Year 8 History classes in the coming weeks, who are learning about Medieval Europe and need to research different aspects of this period of history to write articles for a newspaper-style task.

Opening hours

A reminder that the library is now open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 5.00 pm. All other days we close at 3.30 pm.

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Gifted and Talented

Emanuel’s Gifted & Talented Program

The Gifted Program at Emanuel School includes a vast array of evidence-based approaches and models, with the purpose to meet the unique needs of all high potential and gifted learners. A committed team of experienced and informed teachers play a vital role in ensuring that talent development is achieved both in the classroom through quality differentiation, and through a range of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities. These carefully designed provisions to ensure high degrees of intellectual challenge and rigour is provided for gifted learners from Years K-12, through curriculum compacting, acceleration, enrichment, extension, mentoring and a range of grouping structures. In order to achieve this, our teaching staff are continuously up-skilled in gifted education, both internally and through external courses at GERRIC UNSW. 

A variety of identification methods are used to identify the high potential and gifted learners at Emanuel, including those with a learning disability.

This is frequently reviewed and monitored to ensure programs and learning opportunities are delivered to meet each child’s individual learning needs. Furthermore, gifted learners at Emanuel feel part of the School community, where not only their academic needs are met, but they are supported socially through wellbeing programs, mentoring and study skills. Working in partnership with families in an integral aspect of the program, ensuring a nurturing environment where the individual excels.

We look forward to sharing more about our program and gifted education throughout the year. 

Term 1 lunchtime sessions

Primary School extra-curricular clubs

Please see the below timetable for lunchtime clubs available from the Gifted & Talented Department in Term 1. Visit the Gifted & Talented tile on the Parent Portal for more information here.

High School Extra-Curricular Clubs

The most up-to-date version now available on the Gifted & Talented tile of the Parent Portal here.

What’s coming up in Term 1?

From your Gifted and Talented team:

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.

Polyomino means…….

A geometric shape formed by joining one or more squares edge to edge. One square is a monomino, two squares a domino, three squares a tromino.

Volunteer call out

Volunteer call out now open for registrations

One of the reasons many families choose Emanuel School is because of the sense of community that permeates the school. The best way to contribute to this unique Emanuel feeling (and the quickest way to experience it yourself!) is to get involved in the many events on our calendar.

The P&F extends a warm invitation to anyone with a spare 30 minutes to get involved this year. Come one, come all! Please visit the following link to register –  P&F 2024 Volunteer Registration

For those of you with particular skills, talents or business connections – we’d also like to talk with you about ways you can contribute to or support through involvement or even sponsorships. For any questions or contributions, please reach out to us via email.  

If you can’t do any of the above, please just come along to our events. Be friendly and welcoming to someone new. Share that lovely Emanuel community feeling that is in all of our hands to uphold and nurture.

Dates for the Diary

• Fridays in Term 1: P&F Friday Chills from 3.30 pm. Bring $1.00.
• Wednesday 21 February 2024: P&F Termly Meeting (7.00 pm. All welcome – note corrected time)
• Friday 15 March 2024 – Sunday 17 March 2024: Emanuel P&F Family Camping Weekend
• Friday 10 May 2024: P&F Mother’s Day Morning (7.00 am)

Shabbat Shalom

PSG

Thank you to our volunteers from the last week.
(Monday 5 February 2024 – Friday 9 February 2024)

Saul Berkowitz, Nicky Abitz, Ricky Friedlander, Danielle Jaku-Greenfield, Ian Doust, Tammy Been, Tony Gellert, Zoltan Waldner, Peter Nothman, Joel Nothman, Corinne Franks, Daniel Butt, Lara Levin, Nicolas Meer, Mia Kalinko, Brandon Gien, Nicky Stiassny, Vitali Karievsky, Rochelle Hersch, Kim Samuel, Bob Kummerfeld, Alan Nathan, Brett Churnin, Daniel Greengarten, Alex Hart and Leon Kantor.

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

Important Dates

What’s Happening Next Week 

High School

Monday 19 February 2024

• Year 10-12 Paul Dillon Presentation 
• Paul Dillon Parent Presentation 
• AICES Opens Girls Tennis Championships

Tuesday 20 February 2024

• Year 11 Jewish Studies Guest Speaker Series
• Year 7-11 Allwell Testing Late Enrolments

Wednesday 21 February 2024

• Year 10 Chavayah Information Night
• NSW CIS Boys Football Cup
• Year 11 Jewish Studies Guest Speaker Series

Thursday 22 February 2024

• CDSSA Touch Football

Friday 23 February 2024

• Year 10 Careers Avenue Testing
• AICES Schools Basketball
• NSW CIS Girls Football Cup

Primary School

Tuesday 20 February 2024

• Year 6 to Burger Centre

Wednesday 21 February 2024

• Year 3 Science Excursion to Centennial Park

Friday 23 February 2024

• P&F Friday Chills

 Kornmehl

Thursday 22 February 2024

• Parent Information and Social Evening

Community Notices