From the Principal’s Desk: Joy & Sorrow

As we celebrate Simchat Torah, the happiest day in our calendar, we also find ourselves reflecting on the grief of October 7th, a day marked by tragedy. How do we hold both joy and sorrow in our hearts at the same time? This is one of the great challenges of life, but our tradition provides guidance in managing such paradoxes.

Two spiritual giants, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, offer profound insights on this. Heschel speaks of the importance of radical amazement—finding awe and beauty even in the most difficult moments. It’s not about denying our pain, but recognising that even in darkness, there is light. Schachter-Shalomi, similarly, teaches us to embrace life’s contradictions, understanding that renewal often comes when we hold both joy and sorrow together.

For our young people, these ideas are invaluable. Life will always present us with complexity, and the ability to embrace both the sweet and the bitter is key to growth. Simchat Torah reminds us of the continuity of our tradition, even in times of uncertainty. As we finish reading the Torah and immediately begin again, we are reminded that life moves in cycles and that with each ending, there is hope for renewal.

This year, as we dance with the Torah, we carry with us the memories of those we have lost. We honour them not by turning away from our grief but by celebrating life, community, and the values that sustain us. In holding both joy and sorrow, we find resilience and meaning.

We will be holding our College memorial for October 7th on the 1st November, providing our students with a space to reflect, remember, and honour those who were lost. In our daily prayers, we also fervently hope for the imminent and safe return of the hostages. May we all be blessed with peace and the wisdom to find strength in both joy and heartache.

Shanah Tovah U’Metukah – wishing you a sweet and meaningful year ahead.

Warm regards,

Raquel Charet
College Principal

The Benefits of Learning Beyond the Classroom

Learning outside the traditional classroom setting provides students with opportunities to engage, explore, and develop essential life skills. Outdoor play during recess and lunch is an integral part of this experience, allowing students to engage in various activities like quiet conversations, handball, ball sports, dance, climbing, and playing on equipment. These activities not only keep students physically active but also help them develop cooperation, communication, and decision-making skills. By allowing students to choose how they spend their free time, they can take ownership of their play and learning experiences, promoting independence and self-motivation.

In Term 4, the school's commitment to outdoor learning continues with structured events for all year levels. The ELC to Year 2 students will participate in an Outdoor Classroom Experience Day, where natural surroundings become a space for hands-on, integrated learning across the curriculum. This experience allows young students to learn about the world around them through play, exploration, and guided activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment. The focus is on helping students build a positive relationship with nature and encouraging sustainable practices.

The Year 2 Day Camp further extends these opportunities by immersing students in a more extended outdoor learning experience. The camp emphasises teamwork, exploration, and practical skills development. By engaging with nature, students can broaden their understanding of different environments and the importance of conservation while enjoying activities that build resilience and self-confidence.

For students in Years 3-6, the two-night sport and recreational camp at the Hawkesbury region offers an exciting program of activities designed to challenge limits, build leadership, and foster cooperation. With a variety of recreational options such as crate climbing, abseiling, canoeing, raft building, and strategic team games, students have the chance to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. The camp also teaches essential social skills, such as communal living, self-reliance, and teamwork. Through these experiences, students not only learn to enjoy the outdoors but also acquire strategies for maintaining a healthy, safe, and empowered lifestyle.

Outdoor learning provides a framework for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. By participating in outdoor activities and structured programs, students gain valuable life skills and develop a sense of responsibility toward their environment. The benefits extend far beyond the classroom, as students build lifelong habits of physical activity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

Karen Gunasekara
Head of Junior School

Here at the ELC we love learning about the Jewish traditions and chagim so we have been very busy with all the Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot celebrations.

During our Hebrew lessons, Morah Belinda read books and showed pictures of the Jewish people celebrating Rosh Hashanah. Our Rosh Hashanah celebration included eating apples dipped in honey, round challah, honey cookies and pomegranates. Each day a Rabbi visited us to blow the shofar.

In the Rainbow room we focused on craft experiences for the children, making bee crowns, painting apples and honey and making a giant pomegranate for display.

We also had a visit from Andy the Beeman. He showed us how bees collect the pollen from flowers and how they then make honey. Our favourite part of the whole presentation was when we got to taste the delicious fresh honey.

As we are now celebrating Sukkot, Morah Belinda is talking about a very special structure called a Sukkah, one has been erected in our car park and we will be celebrating Sukkot by eating meals in it. In the meantime we are taking the opportunity to visit the Sukkah and look inside and can’t wait for our turn to enjoy our morning tea in it. We have learnt about an etrog and a lulav the special meaning of each of them. We have danced the lulav shake and the children have had so much fun, they have laughed and danced with all their hearts. Learning special songs for Sukkot helps us remember how special this time of the year is.

Congratulations to Mrs. Lauren Heliwell and her husband, Ross, on the arrival of their first son, Oliver. We also extend our congratulations to Mrs. Bonnie Morgan and her husband, Nick, on the birth of their second child, a daughter named Xanthe. We warmly welcome both babies, Xanthe and Oliver, to the Masada extended family. Please join me in congratulating the families on these wonderful additions.

At the end of last term, our Year 4 and 5 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Chinatown. The day began with a guided tour through the serene landscapes of the garden, where students immersed themselves in the history and beauty of Chinese design. They also learned about the rich heritage of Chinese immigrants in Australia, deepening their understanding of our multicultural society.

Following the tour, students participated in a hands-on paper dragon-making activity. Their creativity shone as they crafted colourful dragons, and the day culminated in an energetic dragon dance using their creations. It was a day full of learning and fun, making this cultural experience both engaging and worthwhile.

At the end of last term, Year 5 students joined their peers from Emanuel School to celebrate their Hebrew knowledge through an immersive and experiential journey across Israel during the Hebrew Day event, aptly named ‘Bisli.’ The students ‘travelled’ to various cities and kibbutzim, exploring the unique characteristics of each location through art, games, quizzes, and photo exhibitions. This day not only strengthened their language skills but also deepened their understanding of modern Israel and its people.

The activities were led by Israeli madrichim and teachers from both schools. Undoubtedly, it was a memorable day for everyone involved.

In Term Three, the Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in the Hebrew Public Speaking Competition. Each student presented a one minute speech in Hebrew about one of the following topics: בית הספר שלי מיוחד כי (My school is special because); השיעור שאני הכי אוהב (My favourite lesson is); המשפחה שלי (My family) and מה מעצבן אותי (What irritates me). The students delivered a high standard speech and spoke confidently. We were fortunate enough this year to have two categories for the finals: Hebrew background speakers and non Hebrew background speakers. Mazal Tov to Isla C, Daniel L, Anton B, Ariel S and Maya G for making it into the finals!

Kindergarten put on a delightful performance based on the beloved children's book, "Pete the Cat: I love my white shoes." The children were so excited to share the important message with the school that “No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song because it’s all good…...”.

Our SRC visited the nurses at the SAN Hospital to personally deliver beautifully crafted cards made by students from ELC to Year 6. Steve from St Ives Greengrocer generously donated a large hamper of fruit for the nurses to enjoy. We were fortunate to speak with Professor Gavin Marx and some of his nurses, who kindly answered many of the SRC’s questions.

With Rosh Hashanah approaching, our SRC has been encouraging their classes to perform as many mitzvot (good deeds) as possible. Our goal of expressing gratitude to the nurses and sharing messages of love and support to the many patients was certainly achieved.