From the Principal

Andrew Watt – Principal

My commitment

Whilst I have flagged my retirement at the conclusion of the 2024 school year, I remain committed to maintaining a strong focus on both our key strategies and school operations until my departure. Much of the year remains and there is much to do to ensure that we finish the year well with strong academic, wellbeing and co-curricular outcomes. I am very thankful for our warm, connected and inclusive Emanuel School community and will conclude my time with many warm memories and a great deal of satisfaction with what our Board and leadership team have achieved over the past six years.

Parent Code of Conduct

Each year our parents are encouraged to access and read our Parent Code of Conduct. The Code is revised regularly and provides important information on how best to respond to our leaders, staff, other parents and students. Adherence to this Code is important to promote positive and productive relationships within our School community and to support the School’s values and ethos. Parents need to be always mindful that they are role models to their children and should act accordingly. Parents are expected to behave as appropriate role models at all school events and excursions.

Parent Lounge: Your Gateway to Streamlined School Communication!

By now you should have heard about TASS, our new student management system (SMS) that will, in time, completely replace Edumate. We will be rolling out the new features of TASS in regular updates in Ma Nishma. We will include the answers to questions that are relevant to you and which will take you on the journey to smoother, streamlined communication with the School.

Why TASS?

We know that you are time poor, receive far too many emails and want clear and timely communications from the School. While Edumate, our current SMS, has served us well, it is not able to provide the features that will enable us to respond to these needs.

TASS is able to provide many features that will give you more time to focus on the things that matter, and less time on keeping track of correspondence, your child’s academic progress and extra-curricular permissions, to name a few.

I’ve heard of the Parent Lounge. What exactly is it?

To use an analogy, TASS is the engine that drives the Parent Lounge. The Parent Lounge will be the one place you will need to go for all your electronic interactions with the School. In short, the Parent Lounge will be an efficient, smooth and simplified way to keep track of your children’s academic lives.

Next week we’ll share some new features of the Parent Lounge and how they’ll help us all to communicate more efficiently. 

Our Kids Giving Back

Our students were among 1 200 young people who assisted in providing over 11 500 hot and cold meals, breakfast boxes, snack packs, care packs, writing empathetic, positive messages to 15 charities around Sydney. The following students demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, compassion, and a strong sense of civic responsibility, embodying the spirit of giving back: Levi Abitz, Evie Brodovcky, Jesse Churnin, Mika Churnin, Aaron Eisenberg, Allen Feldman, Noam Greenberg, Koah Holloway, Goldie Israelstam, Joa Israelstam, Ivy Kery, Leo Marishel, Sam Levitt, Ava Lotkin, Isabella Lotkin, Guy Oken, Mai Oken, Amelia Samuel, Katya Sandy, Nathan Shammay, Eli Stern, Eve Wicks and Stevie Zurnamer.

Kids Giving Back would love to see many more of our students involved in ‘giving back’ through serving in any of the following opportunities:

• Service-Learning Programs – Incursions and Excursions
• Little Helpers Saturday Program – K-2 students
• April School Holiday Community Programs

Detailed information can be found at https://kidsgivingback.org.

Gifted & Talented Information Evening

All parents who are interested in the School’s Gifted & Talented programs should attend the Information Evening on Wednesday 13 March 2024 from 6.45 pm – 8.00 pm. Visit the Gifted & Talented article in this week’s Ma Nishma to access the booking site and further information.

‘You’ve never mattered more’

Coming together as a community has never mattered more. JCA invites you to join the community at JCA’s 2024 Campaign Event on Sunday 7 April 2024. The event will commence at 3.30 pm with guest speakers, Nova Peris OAM OLY, and international antisemitism authority, Dr Sharon Nazarian. Other prominent members of our Jewish community will join them. 

Tackling antisemitism and the hate that has enveloped our community since the October 7 attacks in Israel is more important than ever.  To book, click here.

Mazal tov

Mazal tov to the following students on their success:

• Our firsts Basketball team defeated Moriah 85-76. Always a fantastic afternoon of great spirit and team work! Next week we play Reddam. Watch this space.
• Dylan Pal and Aviv Smily were selected to the ASISSA Boys Football Representative team and Jake Chesler was selected as a shadow player. Vitaly Miron narrowly missed selection in the ‘Probable v Possible’ game and must be congratulated for being a good sport on the day.
• Riley Carr and Aviv Farhy were selected into the Junior Girls 2024 CDSSA Touch Football team that will be competing at the AICES Touch football championships later this term.
• The Emanuel Open Girls Touch Football Team were crowned Easts Oztag Champions.
• Amelie Trope was selected into the Open Girls 2024 CDSSA Touch Football team and Ashley Urbach was selected as a shadow player.
• Jonah Rafael was selected as a shadow player for the U15 Junior CDSSA Touch Football Team.
• Encouraged by her marathon last year, Year 11 student Leah Grunseit, along with Ashleigh Gold, also Year 11, took part in the True Grit 10km Obstacle Challenge, running through the bush and getting very muddy!

Quote of the week

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” Serena Williams ~ Tennis Champion

From the Director of Jewish Life

Adina Roth – Director of Jewish Life

Tay-Tay Torah, Vayakhel

Over the last two weeks, I watched what can only be described as a profound expression of devotion and religiosity as Swifties prepared with love and excitement for the Eras concerts. The truth is, I am interested in most things that pull people away from Tik-Tok and Netflix. Although more of a Tori than a Tay-Tay fan myself (this gives away my age), when something moves people this much….I pay attention.

In this week’s Parsha Vayakhel, the Jewish people are pretty moved too! After their unfortunate debacle with the golden calf, they want to make good. It is time to build the house for God in the desert and the Israelites come forward with all kinds of offerings, jewellery, silver and copper, their finest yarns. They are so enthusiastic to make contributions to the Temple that eventually Moses has to say, “we are at our limit guys”. Then the builders get to work, using these contributions to construct this Ikea-type home for God in the desert. It contains a copper basin, a table and at its centre, a room called the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies is the Aron, the epicentre of Jewish sacredness and above the Aron we are told, were two golden angels. These angels or keruvim were understood to reflect the moral and spiritual state of the Jewish people. Because Judaism is about cultivating relationships, both human and Divine, the angels were built to face each other. In the Talmudic tractate of Yoma, we read that when the Israelites would come to the Temple on holy days, the Kohanim would pull back the curtains and everyone would see the angels, looking at each other in an embrace. At the heart, of the heart of Judaism, are two beings looking at each other, in love.

While Judaism is not a naïve love story, it is powerful to consider that love is at the spiritual and physical epicentre of our tradition. But, as Taylor teaches us, love can be…well…complicated! In the Talmud we learn that sometimes the angels loved each other, and sometimes they didn’t. If the Israelites were being kind to each other and connected to God, the angels faced each other. But if we were being unkind to each other and completely disconnected from God, then the angels turned away. These angels were a kind of ancient phone app, reflecting to us our ethical and spiritual status.

We are told that loving your neighbour is the main principle of the entire Torah. These angels reflected that value. But what does it mean to love? The root of the Hebrew word Ahavah is Hav which means to give. From a Jewish point of view, love is not simply a feeling (even one described very eloquently in a Taylor Swift’s love song). Love is an action, love grows from giving. In our relationships, we can imagine how this works. But even in our relationship with Judaism or with God, the more we give, the more the relationship can grow or deepen. The more we show up, in our own ways, for Shabbat, for prayers, to visit the sick or learn about Judaism or Israel, the more we commit to Tikkun Olam, the more the love grows.  

Which takes me back to Tay-Tay. Tay-Tay inspired people to make bracelets, which they exchanged with complete strangers, at a massive gathering, in a spirit of friendship and love. Her songs are all about love, seeking love, losing love and finding it again. Her songs mirror the longing of a grand spiritual journey. Sometimes we will feel connected to an Infinite presence, to our tradition and our people, and there are times we may feel distant and alienated. But if we keep seeking, looking and longing, we may find one day, that our Jewish journey is a grand love story. Nothing more and nothing less. ‘It’s You and me, that’s my whole world…it’s You and me there’s nothing like this.’

Shabbat Shalom

From the Head of High School

Adam Majsay – Head of High School

Cultivating student voice at Emanuel

One of the characteristics of our approach to learning and wellbeing at Emanuel is the cultivation of student voice. We believe that empowering our students to express themselves and the things that matter to them fosters their individual growth and strengthens the fabric of our community.

A prime example of this commitment to student voice is our ‘What I Feel Like Expressing’ (WIFLEs) segments during High School Assemblies. These segments provide students with a platform to share their thoughts, ideas and passions with their peers and teachers. It’s heartening to see our students embrace this opportunity with enthusiasm, sharing perspectives that inspire and challenge us all, or sometimes just make us giggle! We’re keen to see even more students take up the opportunity to take to the microphone at assembly, with Amelie Trope and Kian Hamburger, our Head Madrichim, inviting students to reach out to them with their WIFLE ideas.

Just this week, Kian and Amelie utilised their ‘Spotlight On…’ segment at High School Assembly to speak to the students about today’s International Women’s Day. They shed light on the remarkable achievements of two women, Christina Koch and Claudia Golbin, pioneers in the fields of aviation and economics, respectively. Their presentation celebrated these unsung heroes and set the scene for an assembly filled with meaningful conversations about gender equality and the importance of recognising women’s contributions across various domains. At Emanuel, our commitment to fostering inclusivity and equality extends beyond special occasions like International Women’s Day. By engaging with such topics year-round, we hope to emphasise the enduring importance of equality in our community.

As we continue to nurture a culture of respect, understanding, and dialogue, it is my hope that the important issues expressed through the student voice at Emanuel enrich the conversations our students engage in at School, in the classroom and in the playground, as well as the conversations that our families have over their dinner and Shabbat tables. By amplifying student voices and embracing diversity, we not only enrich our wider school community but also empower our students to become compassionate, informed leaders of tomorrow.

Primary News

Katie Brody – Director of Students K-6

NAPLAN
Year 3 and Year 5

NAPLAN gives teachers and parents a picture of several aspects of students’ learning. These include: their performance under test conditions, their basic use of punctuation, grammar, spelling, numeracy skills and their ability to write a persuasive text or an imaginative text (Narrative). This timed assessment experience is an important snapshot of each student’s literacy skills, numeracy skills and writing ability at a point in time. These tasks provide teachers with data relating to student progress and it helps to inform next steps for teaching and learning. This type of task isn’t reflective of the rich learning that occurs throughout the weeks. Classroom life is a mix of independent and collaborative learning, creativity, scaffolding and support, problem-solving and discovery methods. All these are essential in the process of developing a breadth of knowledge, deep understanding and a wide range of literacy, numeracy, language, creative, technological, physical and interdisciplinary skills. In addition to this, learning is about equipping students with the self-management skills and interpersonal skills that make them successful, well-rounded young people. 

Our class teachers have been supporting the students to prepare for the tasks they will face and to recognise the effort needed for NAPLAN amongst the myriad of other tasks, assignments, tests and assessments we do throughout the year. We have explored the NAPLAN demonstration site to recognise the various question types and we have continued with our explicit teaching of knowledge and skills in all key learning areas, encouraging students to engage and persevere. 

As NAPLAN approaches, some students may feel some trepidation about working under test conditions. Please know that we aim to create a sense of calm in the structures required and whilst we will certainly encourage students to do their best and utilise sound advice in relation to test taking, they do need to keep the purpose of NAPLAN in perspective and feel proud when they have completed each task.   

Four tips to help your child in the lead up to NAPLAN

Prepare for the day

Good preparation is the key. Going to bed early the night before, having a healthy breakfast to start the day. Keep stress levels low and arrive at school a little earlier. Don’t forget to wish them good luck! If you wish to spend time with your child further exploring the NAPLAN demonstration site, see below.

Discuss their feelings and concerns

Tests commonly bring out feelings of anxiety, so let your child know that these feelings are normal. Listen to their concerns, show empathy and maintain a caring and positive attitude. More often than not talking about their fears can help to lessen these feelings.

Encourage them ‘to give it a go’ and ‘try their best’

NAPLAN is not supposed to be a test of the students but rather a check to make sure that Australia is providing the best educational outcomes for children. Encourage your child to give it a go and try their best.

Keep NAPLAN in perspective

Remember that NAPLAN is just one assessment and that teachers and the school use this information, in conjunction with numerous other data, to determine a students’ academic level. It is important for your child to understand that their success is not determined by this one test.

Note: Catch up testing opportunities will be in place for students who miss a NAPLAN task due to illness. This will take place at school during lesson times. The NAPLAN testing platform closes after Monday 25 March 2024.

Additional information for parents about the National Assessment Program can be found on these websites:   

1. Click here for the parent information brochure.
2. Click here for the public demonstration site mentioned above.
3. Click here to access further parent and carer information.
4. Click here for further information about the adaptive nature of NAPLAN online.

Ma Koreh

Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary

Making a Difference Project

Year 6 students’ Making a Difference Project focuses on building intergenerational connections within our community. We have begun this project with visits to The Burger Centre to chat, connect, play board games and do other activities with the clients who come to the Centre. Our students have shown great interest in being part of this and we will rotate through the students after a couple of visits to give as many as possible the opportunity to visit. The walk back to school is always filled with interesting conversations and reflections for our time there. 

This week we gave a concert for the clients, encouraging them to sing and clap along with us. With Leo Fischer on guitar, students sung some of our favourite Hebrew songs and taught the hand movements to Kol HaOlam Kulo. 

Kol HaKavod to the students involved for being so engaging, responsible and enthusiastic during their interactions with The Burger Centre’s clients and staff. 

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2024 Primary School Madrichim

Shabbat Shalom le’kulam

We are the Primary School Madrichim for 2024 and we are incredibly excited to take on this role. Year 6 has just taken part in the annual Leadership Development Training week and we have learned skills to assist us with teamwork in school and later in life.

Students have been introduced to their leadership roles and their mentors and we have started working on different projects and initiatives. These skills will help turn us into young leaders, as we transform into High School, with larger roles and responsibilities to prepare for further commitments in life. As Madrichim, we work with each other to add initiatives to Primary School, along with leading Years 3-6 in assemblies. Since Year 6 students are now young leaders in our community, you’ll hear more from different Primary Leaders such as House Captains, Jewish Life Leaders and our Chess Leader throughout the year.

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What a term we’ve had so far! With the Swimming Carnival, Clean-up Australia Day and the general excitement of a new year, it sure has been a wonderful experience. For Clean-up Australia Day, we implemented a clean-up Emanuel Week, where we judged different years based on the cleanliness of their assigned areas. Congratulations to the winners! The Swimming Carnival was a blast with the House Captains running the cheering, keeping up the spirit and participation to gain points for their House. Congratulations to Monash House for taking the victory!

The Madrichim are working on different initiatives such as Pesach skits based on The Leader in Me and even a new JCA-athon for this year.

We look forward to sharing these great events with you in the future!

By Levi Brody, Ava Lotkin and Nathan Shammay

K-12 Sport

Mateusz Rabenda – Head of Tennis

CIS Tennis Championships

Last Wednesday 26 February 2024, Taal Ismin and Emma Kaplan took part in the CIS Tennis Championships, facing off against top players from Combined Independent Schools. Spectators watched as these skilled athletes showcased their talents with some of the state’s best competitors in the mix.

Taal Ismin impressed with his courage, winning three out of six matches in the boys’ tournament. He came close to advancing to the playoffs, showing his determination and skill on the court.

Emma Kaplan also displayed great enthusiasm and determination throughout the day. Despite facing tough opponents, she remained resilient, though her journey ended in the group stage.

Congratulations to Taal and Emma on their achievements, who should be proud of their efforts and are encouraged to keep playing tennis to further their skills and understanding of the game.

Emma and Taal

Stuart Taylor – PDHPE Teacher

ASISSA Boys Football Trials

On Tuesday 5 March 2024 at Hensley Synthetic Field, Aviv Smily, Dylan Pal, Vitaly Miron and Jake Chesler represented Emanuel School at the annual ASISSA football trial.

Displaying their football prowess alongside 60 other students from our association schools, the boys participated in a skills session followed by a series of games in a round robin format.

From this, a final group of 20 boys including Dylan, Jake and Aviv were chosen to participate in a ‘Possible v Probable’ game.

The level of skill was very high and the panel of six selectors eventually agreed on the members of the ASISSA representative team.

Well done to Dylan who was selected as the team’ goalkeeper for the second year in a row, Aviv who was stoic in defence in the final game, and Jake who has been selected as a ‘shadow’ (reserve) this year.

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Heath Morley, Head of Sport

CDSSA Touch Football Championships

Junior Girls 

The Emanuel Junior Girls were our most successful team on the day, placing 2nd overall in their division. The girls only narrowly lost one game to Pittwater House and drew against  Reddam House. Congratulations to Riley Carr and Aviv Farhy, for being selected into the Junior Girls 2024 CDSSA Touch Football team that will be competing at the AICES Touch football championships later this term. 

Emanuel Junior Girls Touch Football Team

Open Girls

The Emanuel Open Girls came into the CDSSA Touch Football Championships on a winning streak and as the freshly crowned Easts Oztag Champions. The team were unfortunately a little slow to start and lost their opening match against a fast-paced IGS team. The Open Girls quickly turned things around after this match, winning their next matches against Moriah College but were unable to overcome a strong GOAL team in the 4th verses 1st playoff semi-final. Congratulations to Amelie Trope, for being selected into the Open Girls 2024 CDSSA Touch Football team and Ashley Urbach, for being selected as a shadow player. Amelie (and possibly Ashley) will be competing at the AICES Touch football championships later this term. 

Emanuel Open Girls Touch Football Team

Junior Boys

The Emanuel Junior Boys had a successful start to the day, with an early victory against a tricky IGS team and went on to prove themselves as true contenders for a top three place finish with another win against Moriah College and Kesser Torah. Unfortunately, Reddam House and Pittwater were too well drilled for our team. The Junior boys played well throughout the day and should be pleased with their efforts and the intensity in which they approached each match. Congratulations to Jonah Rafael, for being selected as a shadow player for the U15 Junior CDSSA Touch Football Team. If called on by CDSSA, Jonah may compete at the AICES Touch football championships later this term. 

Emanuel Junior Boys Touch Football Team

Open Boys

The Emanuel Open Boys started the day very positively with a draw against a strong Moriah College team who went deep into the competition. Unfortunately, they let their guard down against Kesser Torah College losing 2-1 and then couldn’t keep up with a well drilled GOAL College team.

In the Plate Semi-final, Emanuel played IGS which went down as the highlight match of the day with the game having to go into extra time “drop off touch”. The Emanuel Open Boys rallied together, showing an abundance of determination and effort to out work the opposition by defending furiously – with full body diving efforts from Yoni Springer to save a certain try. The team displayed their attacking flare when given the opportunity. It was the crafty quick thinking David Winter, who scooted down the side line from dummy half, who provided the match winning asset for the Emnauel Boys to qualify for the Plate Final. Unfortunately Kesser Torah College won this match on the bell with a try in the corner. 

Emanuel OPen Boys Touch Football Team

Portrait of a Rabbi

Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations

Portrait of a Rabbi

Rabbi Ninio

Sydney artist, Richard Rosebery, recently painted this amazing portrait, titled Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, 2024, oil on Belgium linen, 36 x 46 cm.

Jacqueline Ninio really needs no introduction to our School community, but in case you do not know her, she is a current parent at School and in Richard’s own words:

“She has been a Rabbi at Emanuel Synagogue for over 20 years – serving a thriving liberal Jewish community within Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. She is loved by all for her warm and generous spirit. A woman in a traditionally male profession, she highlights the progressive and loving face of Australian Jewry.

This painting is the result of a sitting with Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio in mid-February. I plan more life sessions before commencing a large studio canvas – a figure and seascape painting of Jacqueline on a wild Friday sunset at Little Clovelly Bay Sydney.

Charcoal on paper concepts for a large studio painting of a beloved Jewish identity – Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio. Location – Little Clovelly Bay Sydney. I’m looking forward to several months of work on this combined portrait and seascape. Now to decide which concept!?

Hope you enjoy.”

Happy Birthday to The Great Synagogue

Our School community includes members of a wide range of congregations including Emanuel Synagogue, The Great Synagogue and Coogee Synagogue just to name a few, with Board members from within our parent and grandparent cohorts at many of these congregations and others. We wish The Great Synagogue Happy 146^th Birthday – it opened on 4 March 1878 and was built to replace the York Street Synagogue which was built in 1844. The Great as it is fondly known, is however, not the oldest synagogue building still standing in Australia. That honour goes to The Hobart Synagogue, which was constructed in 1845, whilst the oldest synagogue on the mainland is Ballarat Synagogue in Victoria.

The Great Synagogue

Thank you for keeping us safe

Irrespective of our religious beliefs, we are all devastated by what happened in Israel on Saturday 7 October 2023 and we all continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages held captive by Hamas, and for the return to peace in Israel. We are also devastated by the rise in Anti-Semitism both locally and worldwide. We thank all volunteers with CSG and our own School Parent Security Group (PSG) for helping to keep us safe.

Jewish Food and more at the Entertainment Quarter
Sunday 10 March 2024, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

The Jewish Food Festival celebrates the diversity of Jewish cuisine and culture and is set to delight – food stalls bursting with sweet and savoury delicacies, cooking competitions and demonstrations, food sustainability workshops and a dedicated children’s zone. Stations include a creative station, recycling station, sensory station, reading nook and more.

Shalom Jewish Food Festival 2024

Purim and Friendship Circle (FC)

Visit Friendship Bakery, Laguna Street, Vaucluse every Friday morning where you will find freshly baked challah and a variety of savoury and sweet goodies. Check out their Friday menu – you can order online beforehand. Keep a lookout for their yummy Hamentaschen for Purim.

Friendship Bakery Friday menu 2

A message from Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN)
Month of Miracles loading… 

We are so excited for our big month of miracles. This kicks off with Infertility Awareness Shabbat on Friday 15 March 2024, where we raise awareness for those in our community, fighting to build their families. 

We have activations happening across Sydney and Melbourne in honour of Infertility Awareness Shabbat, including a magnificent family community event in Sydney in collaboration with Rabbi Yossi Friedman Rabbi On Demand and Ilan Kidron.

For our Sydney community – Join us pre-Shabbat for kids activities, inspiring stories and community ruach. Booking is free, but essential.

Stay tuned to our socials over the next few weeks as we navigate our month of miracles to see how you can get involved and make a difference.

AJFN major event 2024

Maccabi Life – Social Mixed Netball

Team sport does not have to only be for our children. Maccabi is seeking players aged 18 to 35 for Monday night netball games at Waverley Courts.

Maccabi Social Mixed Netball 2024

JCA, The Choice Foundation and Jewish Care 
A weekend away

A message from past student Danielle Wakerman, Manager, The Choice Foundation, supporting disability projects: “A Weekend Away” is growing rapidly. We are looking for more volunteers and more homes. Please get in touch if you can help.

A Weekend Away

Am Yisrael Chai Market 
Sunday 14 April 2024, 10.00 am – 12.00 pm

Register and save the date for this Artisan Women’s Market. Free entry. Bookings now open!

Quilting for Hope – a new initiative for Israel

There has already been an amazing response for this initiative, but places are still available – maximum 20 per class. Please jump online and book in to one of the workshops be a part of this project.

You don’t need sewing experience. We are making quilted wall hangings ,which will be sent to Israel to communal spaces in areas that are being rebuilt. We are wanting to show love and support from Australia. Bring your friends, cousins, parents and siblings. It will be really special if you can join in. For more details contact: council@bbnsw.org.au or call 9321 6300.

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

Kornmehl

Terry Aizen – Director of Kornmehl

Shabbat and the creative arts

Incorporating meaningful art experiences into our Educational Program, allows children to encounter traditional artefacts, which trigger curiosity, inspiration and emotional attachment to their identity. Through such experiences, we give children opportunities to express themselves through creating cultural pieces of art so that they may continue to connect to their Jewish heritage and to Israel. We see such a strong connection in the children from such a young age. 

The Kornmehl Philosophy states: Kornmehl supports and celebrates diversity, honouring our heritage by providing a rich and unique learning experience that values family, history, traditions, cultures and a strong connection to Israel.

Through our daily practice, the children’s knowledge and understanding of the traditions and importance of a Jewish heritage are celebrated and cultivated. Children feel valued as part of a dynamic community. We cherish the opportunity of being together for Kabbalat Shabbat and enjoy the warmth and spirituality that this creates.

Fridays are a time for us to explore our Jewish identity through Jewish artifacts and the creative arts. It’s also a time for us to come together to celebrate Shabbat and to participate meaningfully in the making of challot each week.

Over the past few weeks, we have been looking closely at the symbol of the Chamsa. We use a magnifying glass to look closely at intricate details, patterns, writing and details. We marvel over the beautiful details within the hand-shaped symbol for Protection. 

We wondered what these interesting Chamsa symbols are:

Lulu: It’s to hang up so you can bring good luck to Israel. I want to do a mummy and a daddy and a baby Chamsa.
Nellie: It’s to keep us safe. I’ve got these at my home on the wall.
Lulu: From Hashem, to give you a hand to help you with stuff
Neave: I think it’s to protect your house.
Juliette: Is it precious?
Edison: I have seen a Chamsa before. A Chamsa is a hand. I know about it, that it’s a hand, like for high-five, because it helps people have a good time! There’s writing, Hebrew and gems and lots of buildings, Israel buildings. They look very much like Israel.
Tamar: The only thing I know is that it’s connected to Israel people because it’s for Shabbat. I can see some buildings and some Jewish writing.
Daisy: I saw one at my grandma’s house. It’s for Shabbat. She puts it on the Shabbat table.
Samara: I’ve got some in my room.

We thought about why the symbol for Protection would be in the shape of a hand:

Ruby: Because that’s your hands. It’s to keep your body safe.
Amelia: One is upside-down, and one is like that.
Liev: Because they don’t want to be hurt.
Gabriella: It’s like a stop sign.
Juliette: Because they want everyone to have a life.
Renee: I wonder why it says ‘Chai’ here inside this Chamsa. Why would they write the word ‘life’ inside here?
Gabriella: Because the world never ends.
Nellie: It’s beautiful!

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Music Matters

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

Welcome to our Music Matters page! 🎶

Here and on our portal page, you will find announcements about our busy Music Program, so please check in regularly. 

Thank you to everyone who has submitted an entry for the Years K-12 Music Competition. submissions have now closed.

We will soon be in touch with everyone who submitted, to provide feedback from the selection committee, advise the outcome and to notify those who will be invited to perform at the Showcase Concert on the evening of Wednesday 10 April 2024 (Week 11). 

For your diaries!
Music Camp at Lake Macquarie
Monday 24 June 2024 – Thursday 27 June 2024

All committed members of Emanuel instrumental and vocal ensembles are eligible for Music Camp. Commitment is measured by a student’s attendance at rehearsals in Terms 1 and 2 and their pro-active and attentive focus at rehearsals. Information about Music Camp and how to sign up will be emailed directly to parents of members of core ensembles and choirs. Please look out for that email (and some announcements on the Music Department pinboards) in coming weeks. Monday and Tuesday are overnight in Lake Macquarie, Wednesday night is at home and camp continues at School on the Thursday with a full day of rehearsals for the Music Camp Showcase Concert, to be held in the evening on Thursday 27 June 2024. The cost is to be confirmed but will be approximately $600.

Private Music Tuition and Infant Strings Program

Thank you to those who have already advised us of changes to private tuition and Infant Strings Program enrolments for next term via the online forms on our Music Portal Page.  The deadline for new enrolments, notification of changes or intention to discontinue for Term 2, is Friday 15 March 2024 (end of Week 7). All students currently receiving private music tuition and students in Years K-2 who are currently participating in the Infant Strings Program will be automatically re-enrolled into tutor schedules for Term 2 along with students commencing lessons for the first time. Please contact music@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au if you have any questions.  

 Please visit our Music Portal Page for information about:

• Private Music Tuition (beginning and discontinuing)
• Ensemble and Choir membership for K-12 students
• Infant Strings Program (ISP) for K-2
• Performance opportunities
• Borrowing an orchestral instrument

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

People who love their work….

I was lucky enough to be able to take Long Service Leave last term and I travelled through Europe with my family. It always helps to step away from your career in order to make you appreciate what you value about it.

Young people are now much more likely to have a string of roles under their belts, working across different industries, potentially with side hustles, whilst also constantly up-skilling with micro-credentials and on-the-job learning. Employees who continually up-skill, are the ones that will remain most employable, especially by incorporating new technologies and AI into their roles. Lifelong learning is here to stay.

I find there are commonalities for those who love their work. I am very lucky to be amongst this group. Many people I know dislike the work they do. They find their jobs tiresome, boring, a means to an end, difficult, stressful and tedious – sometimes all at the same time. Many say if they had their time over again, they would not be in the profession they are currently in.

How do we avoid ending up or finding ourselves in this cluster of negatives?

There are three factors I see in people who adore their careers: 

#1 Skillset match – I feel this is the most important connection to base big career decisions on. In short asking the question: ‘What skills do I like to use?”. The issue is, that at the age of 18, or 20, or 22 onwards, we have not yet been able to identify what those skills are. Nor have we used enough skills to know how wide our skills range is. I know that at age 18, I was clueless. These are the skills that come naturally, easily and comfortably. We feel good using them. And we want to get better at them. They don’t feel like a huge struggle. For example, a customer service person, who is genuinely friendly, and loves helping others. A teacher who loves using their creativity, or problem-solving skills to help their students. A physiotherapist who loves all things to do with biomechanics, having high empathy and great people skills to assist with patients. Or a doctor who is a great problem-solver, communicator and team player. When the skills of a role are matched to the skills a person finds effortless, this is where the magic happens. And it all sounds fairly obvious. But often it isn’t. The more we try out different jobs, groups, societies and activities that allow us to use a range of skills, the further along we are at identifying those ‘enjoyable’ skills.

#2 Reward and benefit – Workers in careers they are happy in, tend to have their career needs met by that job. Almost like finding a good partner. Those needs may be met by the employer, or the job, or the profession. When these needs are met, workers are happier. This can take the shape of a variety of factors. For some it’s the remuneration, for others it’s the recognition. Or it can be the company bonuses, the work life balance, the flexibility, the personal satisfaction, the personal growth, the pride in the work, the perks of the role, but it must have a reward that the worker finds value in. It can be a feeling of being valued by the profession or by peers, customers, a professional body or clients. Feeling valued can even come from a personal internal barometer, e.g. “I matter”, “I have purpose here”, “I have value here”, “I am making a difference”. Now, more than ever, young people are trying to work in areas, where they feel they have purpose.

#3 Interest – This has to be at the core of job/career enjoyment, but is not to be mixed up with passion. There has to be an innate interest in the job, profession or arena. Or at least a growing seed, that can be developed over time. My 18-year-old self would never have had an interest in careers, but I had an interest in people. I think the basis of the interest must be present for real career enjoyment. Unfortunately, people mix up the word passion here for interest. Some feel they have to turn their passion (whatever it may be, art, cooking, music, travel, gardening, their hobby) into their career. As long as that passion is present in life, a career does not have to include that passion. So students have a few things to consider when career-mapping.

Information, dates and notices 

UNSW | Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

Tuesday 12 March 2024
Are you interested in a career in medicine? To register, click here to find out more.

Charles Sturt | Medicine Information Night

Wednesday 20 March 2024 
Find out more here.

AIE | Industry Experience Day

Thursday 11 April 2024 – Wednesday 17 April, 2024
AIE’s Industry Experience Day is for students to find out more in during the holidays about the gaming industry.
Find out more here.

Discover Health Sciences at ACU North Sydney

Tuesday 16 April 2024
This is during the school holidays. This is a great day to find out more about ACU and their courses in this area.
Find out more here.

Discover Teaching and Social Work at ACU Strathfield

Wednesday 17 April 2024
Find out more here.

Financing your studies

For students wondering how the financing of Tertiary study works. Here are some of the terms you need to understand and how it all works.

• FEE-HELP – the way you can pay back your tertiary fees.
• Commonwealth Supported Place – where the government pays for majority of the fees.
• Student contribution – what the students pays after the government have done their contribution.
• Scholarships and supports to make use of too.

UNSW Updates

UNSW gave some relevant updates at their recent Careers Advisors Day. Some of the following areas are covered in the slides provided here:

• UNSW College
• Arts, Design & Architecture
• Business School
• Engineering
• Law & Justice
• Medicine & Health
• Science
• Employability Workshop

Sydney University – and Maths

Sydney University have decided to drop the famous Advanced Maths prerequisites that they launched in 2019. Due to decreasing numbers in certain areas, and access to the courses, they have decided as of next year, to scrap them. This will have an impact on Business, Commerce, Psychology, Economics, to name a few. Read more here.

© studyworkgrow March 2024

Gifted & Talented

What’s on in the G&T Space?

K-12 Gifted & Talented Parent Information Night 

Don’t forget to book here for the upcoming Gifted & Talented Parent Information Evening next week, Wednesday 13 March 2024. 

What’s coming up in Term 1?

Primary School (K-6)

• Years 3-6 Emanuel Chess Cup (Week 7, Friday 15 March 2024)

High School (7-12)

• Senior Ethics Olympiad Training Day (Week 7, Monday 11 March 2024)
• Debating Round One (Week 8, Monday 18 March 2024)
• Mock Trial Round One (Week 10, Wednesday 27 March 2024)
• Mock Mediation Round One (Week 9, Thursday 28 March 2024)
• Future Problem Solving – Global Issues Problem One (Week 9, Thursday 4 April 2024)

  Whole School (K-12)

• G&T Parent Information Night (Week 7, Wednesday 13 March 2024)

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.

Euler Spiral means……

An Euler spiral is a curve whose curvature changes linearly with its curve length (the curvature of a circular curve is equal to the reciprocal of the radius). The curve is also referred to as clothoids or Cornu spirals. The behavior of Fresnel integrals can be illustrated by Euler spirals, a connection first made by Alfred Marie Cornu 1874.

Euler’s spiral is a type of superspiral that has the property of a monotonic curvature function. 

PSG

Thank you to our volunteers from the past week.
(Monday 26 February 2024 – Friday 1 March 2024)

John Salamon, Adam Schwartz, Ariella Moldovan, Danielle Jaku Greenfield, Stephen Silver, Harley McKenzie, Robert Salamon, Warren Satusky, Aliza Werner-Seidler, Bob Kummerfeld, Ella Israel, David Eisman, Darryl Sacks, Adam Tsipris, Adam Berger, Alina Kirievsky, Elizabeth Ben Gida, Rebecca Edwards, Tony Gellert, Daniel Salek, Naomi Hersh, Gil Laishevsky, Graham Hurwitz, Neil Shilbury, David Weinberger, Lisa Bognar, Karen Drutman, Richard Lawton and Natalie Pager.

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

Important dates

What’s happening next week 

High School

Monday 11 March 2024

• Years 3-12 Rosh L’Regal Adar Celebrations 
• Year 11 3WLC – Online Zoom
• Crazy Hat Day

Tuesday 12 March 2024

• Year 9 Jewish Studies Be the Change to Chifley Public School
• Year 11 Jewish Studies Guest Speaker Series
• Reddam Leadership Event
• CDSSA Swimming Carnival 

Wednesday 13 March 2024

• Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN
• Year 10 History – Shane Blackman Presentation 
• CDSSA Opens First Basketball Competition 
• Gifted & Talented Information Evening

Thursday 14 March 2024

• Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN
• Pi Day 
• Year 12 Advanced English to Richard III at the Seymour Centre

Friday 15 March 2024

• Years 7 and 9 NAPLAN
• Year 10 SESLHD Vaccinations 

Primary School

Monday 11 March 2024

• Years 3-12 Rosh L’Regal Adar Celebrations 
• Crazy Hat Day
• ASISSA Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 13 March 2024

• Years 3 and 5 NAPLAN Testing
• Gifted & Talented Information Evening

Thursday 14 March 2024

• Years 3 and 5 NAPLAN Testing
• Pi Day 

Friday 15 March 2024

• Years 3 and 5 NAPLAN Testing (Catch-up)
• Years 3-6 Emanuel Chess Tournament
• P&F Camping Weekend (Friday 15 March 2024 – Sunday 17 March 2024)

Kornmehl

Monday 11 March 2024

• Crazy Hat Day 

Tuesday 12 March 2024

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk

Wednesday 13 March 2024

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk

Thursday 14 March 2024

• Deborah Blackman Protective Behaviours Talk

Community notices