Term 2 Week 5

25 May 2017/29 Iyar 5777

Shabbat Commences 5.05pm/Shabbat Terminates 6.02pm

From the Principal

There is a story told in the Talmud, Masechet Makkot, that describes the reactions of 4 Rabbanim to the devastation of the destruction of Jerusalem. Rabban Gamliel, Rabbi Elazar ben Azaryah, Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabbi Akiva were standing on what is now Mount Scopus, beholding the ruins of the Holy City , watching foxes run on the temple mount, weaving between the rubble and smouldering fires.

Rabbi Elazar ben Azariya, Rabbi Yehoshua and Rabban Gamliel were inconsolable. The City of Gold had become a City of Ash and in their minds, the future of the Jewish people had gone up in flames with it. But Rabbi Akiva’s reaction was different. Like the others, he too was crying; crying with tears of joy. The inconsolable sadness of the others was matched with uncontrollable laughter from Rabbi Akiva.

When questioned about his insensitivity and inappropriate reaction, Rabbi Akiva quoted 2 prophecies.

‘The prophet Uriah visioned that ‘Zion will be plowed like a field’. He prophesised death and destruction. That Jerusalem would become a wasteland.

But the prophet Zecharya stated that one day Jerusalem will be the epicentre of life itself.

עֹד יֵשְׁבוּ זְקֵנִים וּזְקֵנוֹת, בִּרְחֹבוֹת יְרוּשָׁלִָם; וְאִישׁ מִשְׁעַנְתּוֹ בְּיָדוֹ, מֵרֹב יָמִים.

ה וּרְחֹבוֹת הָעִיר יִמָּלְאוּ, יְלָדִים וִילָדוֹת, מְשַׂחֲקִים, בִּרְחֹבֹתֶיהָ.

‘Yet again, old men and women will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, and each will have a staff in his or her hand from old age. And the streets of the city will be full of children, playing in her streets.’

Until I saw the fulfillment of Uriah’s prophecy, I had some doubt as to whether Zecharya’s prophecy would come true. Now that I have seen Uriah’s prophecy fulfilled in full detail, I know that Zecharya’s prophecy will also be fulfilled.’

At that moment, Rabbi Akiva knew that someday in the future the city of Jerusalem would be the home to young and old. A vision that saw the Jewish people merit old age, a blessing that neither war nor sickness took them in their youth. It would be a city of vibrancy and colour, with the racket of playfulness filling the streets and alleys. He knew that there would come a time where Jews, and other religions too, could visit and pray at their holy sites in peace and security.

Rabbi Akiva was joyful in the knowledge that Jerusalem would one day be unified and rebuilt.

This week we marked 50 years since the Six Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem.

We still marvel at the miraculous victory and are constantly grateful for the opportunity to daven at the Kotel. As Rabbi Sacks says "Jerusalem is the place where all the prayers of all the Jews across all the centuries and from all the continents meet and take flight on their way to heaven”

From everyone at Carmel School, we wish Jerusalem a happy jubilee! May the next 50 years be years of peace and blessing.

Shabbat Shalom

Shula

Yom Yerushalayim - A message from Simon Lawrence

Mazal tov to Yerushalayim, 'The City of Jerusalem', for reaching the milestone of 50 years since the reunification of the city after the Six Day War of 1967!

Of course the city is far older than 50 years - it dates back over 3000 years. The first Biblical reference to Jerusalem is in Bereishit (Genesis) which talks of a King called 'Malki Tzedek , Melech Shalem' - (the King of a place called Shalem), which is understood to be Jerusalem. The Torah provides further hints of this city, for example the place that Avraham and Yitzchak went to for the Akeida (Binding of Isaac) as well as the spot where Yaacov had his famous dream with the ladder. However, it is later on in Jewish history that the city takes on further significance for our people. King David makes it the capital of his kingdom and builds his palace there and his son Shlomo, King Solomon builds the First Temple there in the 10th century BCE. Together they make this the centerpiece of Jewish life, the focal point of Jewish literature, poetry and song for centuries as well as the focus of dreams and desires for future generations.

Visiting Jerusalem today is like taking a step back in time, as one walks along the cobbled stones of the old city and visits the archaeological digs and tunnels of yesteryear. and of course the Kotel. It is difficult to picture the turmoil of the destruction of both Temples and the countless sackings that took place there. Jerusalem today is a hustling and bustling city full of vibrancy, life, love and laughter.

So this past week, as we celebrated this special day of Yom Yerushalayim at school and in the community, we contemplated the distant past - both the glory days and the pain.

We remembered the more recent history of the miraculous victory of 1967 and the terrible sacrifices that took place in the Six Day War.

And we thank God each and every day for the miracle that is YERUSHALAYIM!

Simon Lawrence

Director of Jewish Studies

Ecumenical Service

On Tuesday 23 May Carmel School hosted it's first ever Ecumenical Service for the Independent Primary Schools in Western Australia. Over 400 students from 22 different schools attended this non-denominational service to achieve an improved understanding of the religious and cultural practice of Orthodox Judaism and its place in Carmel School. Mrs Lynda Fisher, Mr Simon Lawrence and Morah Debbi Benn produced and ran the programme which was particularly well received by the schools and their secular and religious leaders. Our student leadership team was exemplary in their welcoming conduct and collaborative skill as they connected with students from other schools and explained their world. We thank Mrs Debbie Bolton, Mrs Jacqui Freedman, Mrs Susan Higginbottom, Mrs Bonita Muir and Morah Michele Galanti for the roles they played in preparing and supporting our students.

The promise of tomorrow rests in the shared understandings and collaboration brought about by students who are steeped in experiences such as this.

IPSHA Ecumenical Service

Year 4.2 Assembly

On Friday 19th May, Year 4.2 presented a celebratory assembly based on Yom Yerushalayim. The students’ were involved in writing the script, with Morah Galanti and Morah Benn’s guidance, and spoke about the places they would like to visit in Jerusalem, whilst building a part of the ‘Jerusalem wall’. There was singing, dancing and even a poetry recital. Many thanks to all staff involved in putting together this assembly. And a huge congratulations to 4.2, for honouring Yom Yerushalayim so wonderfully!

Year 4.2 brought the story of Jerusalem to life in Assembly

Yom Yerushalayim 50 years reunification.

The Primary School were educated on Yom Yerushalayim on Friday by the Year 4.2 class at an amazing assembly item. On Wednesday students painted stones in honour of the 50 anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem which will be part of a display at the front of the school.

Year 2 Kabbalat Siddur

On Yom Yerushalayim the Year 2s were super excited to receive their first Siddur. After walking into the hall with pride they received the new Koren Siddur in front of adoring parents and grandparents. They davened Modeah Ani, Ashrei and Shema using their siddurim for the first time followed by songs celebrating Yom Yerushalayim. Rabbi White addressed the students with an inspiring story about the importance of using a Siddur . We finished the amazing morning with Rabbi White giving all the students a beautiful and heartwarming bracha.

By Naomi Doven

Mazeltov to all the wonderful Year 2 children who received their First Siddur on Wednesday in a beautiful ceremony dedicated to Yom Yerushalayim. The students davened and sang beautifully. They were lucky enough to be presented their Siddurim by Mr Lawrence and Rabbi White who told them about a Siddur’s life at the Kotel. The students learned to always treasure their Siddurim and that more than they will look after their Siddur , their Siddur will look after them. Parents watched a delightful video clip made by the children reflecting on why they pray to Hashem and what they would ask Hashem for. After a delicious morning tea provided by the canteen the students and their parents sang Birkat Hamazon together using their Siddurim. Parents wrote a special message to their children which were pasted in the front of the Siddur for always. It was a very special day for Year 2’s and we wish them lots of health and success as they embark on a new learning journey using their Siddurim. MAZELTOV!!

Morah Debbi Benn

Shavuot

Carmel Primary School will be celebrating Shavuot next Tuesday. Students from Kindy to Year 3 are asked to bring baskets of Bikkurim in to celebrate the Chag. Year 4-6 students are asked to bring in a can of fruit or vegetables to give as their bikkurim. These tins and fruits will be going to the needy in our community.

Year 5 Community Project

Year 5 students Noa and Taya are raising money for Cystic Fibrosis, for their part in the Year 5 Community Project. On Friday 26th May, Noa and Taya will be selling cupcakes and brownies for $1 each, paper roses for 50c and hair ties for 50c. This will take place outside the school gates, so please bring some coins and support their wonderful cause.

Noa and Taya raise money for Cystic Fibrosis

Advertising Gurus in the Making

Our very own Carmel marketing guru Suze Wills-Johnson dedicated some of her valuable time this week to speak to the year 5/6 Opportunity Class about advertising. This group have been exploring the ad world in great detail and are becoming most adept at using their critical thinking skills to make judgements regarding its effectiveness. Mrs Wills-Johnson provided a first hand perspective on how marketing works and was bombarded by a raft of thought provoking questions by the students. Her responses were enlightening and the advice she provided will be utilized by the students in an upcoming opportunity to design their own ad.

NEWS FROM THE PRIMARY LIBRARY

• Thank you Oliver of Year 4.2 for your donation of Animals Behaving Badly by Nicola Davies and The Stinky Street Stories by Alex Ratt in honour of your 9th birthday.

• Thanks also goes to Amelia of Prep 2 for her donation of The Leaky Story by Devon Sillett and Don’t Think about Purple Elephants by Susan Whelan in honour of her 5th birthday.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Wednesday 24th May was the 17th annual National Simultaneous Storytime, a campaign from the Australian Library and Information Association which aims to encourage more young Australians to read and enjoy books.

This year’s book, The Cow Tripped over the Moon by Tony Wilson and illustrated by Laura Wood, was read to the Kindies, Preps and Year 1s by Mrs Bolton in the ELC.

The students thoroughly enjoyed her animated rendition of the age-old nursery rhyme with a modern twist and left with the determination to NEVER GIVE UP!

BOOK FAIR! BOOK FAIR! BOOK FAIR!

It’s that time of the year again. Book Fair has been delivered to Carmel School Foyer with a sensational selection of books.

We are open from:

Friday 26th May until Tuesday 6th June

Before and after school and all day on Monday 5th June.

Remember 30% of monies raised returns in the form of books to our Primary School Library.

Hope to see you there!

Year 10 Science compete in State Finals of Brain Bee Challenge

Recently our year 10 students competed in Round 1 of the Australia-New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge. It was a great success with over 5,000 students from 300 schools from every state and territory in Australia and New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

Four of our students have qualified to participate in the Round 2 WA State Final.

Joshua Gild

Lara Posel

Avi Margolis

Daniel Raiter

Round 2, the 2017 Australia-New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge Western Australian State Final, will be held at the University of Western Australia on Monday July 24th, 2017. The day will include team and individual Challenges to determine the 2017 Australia-New Zealand Brain Bee Challenge WA Champion. The Students will also listen to some lectures and have a tour of the UWA Neuroscience research laboratories.

Individual Challenge competitors compete for some great prizes including the chance to progress to the 2017 Australia-New Zealand Brain Bee National Final, held at the Australasian Neuroscience Society Meeting in Sydney in December 2017.

Good luck to our Brain Bee team.

Well done to the Brain Bee team!

Bar and Bat Mitzvah incursion by Indigenous WA

Last Wednesday, the Year 7s were lucky enough to have a visit from Greg who works for Indigenous Tours WA. Greg spoke to us about the Aboriginal culture, and about some equipment that Aboriginals use in the bush. Greg shared with us a few dreamtime stories, which were fascinating. He showed us some items made from kangaroo skin such as the first ever handbag, and some clothing items. Greg also showed the Year 7s some indigenous utensils used to carry tools and tried to teach us how to light a fire in nature. Unfortunately, because of the humid weather, we were unable to get a flame, but it was still very interesting. We also had the privilege of learning how to make very strong, unbreakable string using readily available weeds. It was a great experience for everyone and we thank Greg for educating us on the Aboriginal culture and sharing his knowledge and roots.

By Annael Kawaz and Rebecca Schwarz

Indigenous WA visited Carmel

Mrs Cunningham Receives Scholarship to Attend the National English Conference

Congratulations to Emily Cunningham, Carmel School’s Head of English, for receiving a scholarship to attend the 2017 Australian Association for the Teaching of English conference in Hobart, Tasmania.

The theme for this year’s conference is Cutting Edge: Margin to Mainstream. The focus is on exploring cutting edge thinking and practice, student engagement, creativity, critical and divergent thinking, innovation and collaboration as they relate to high quality English and literacy learning experiences. The four-day conference takes place in the July school holidays and features talks from leading experts in the fields of English teaching and literacy.

Mrs Cunningham was the only WA educator to receive a scholarship to the conference. She looks forward to sharing her newfound knowledge with her team and implementing some new strategies in the classroom.

Congratulations Mrs Cunningham who will attend a PD in Tasmania

KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE

A PARENT EDUCATION SESSION

Tuesday 27 June 6.45pm for 7.00pm start

The world of social media and technology is fast becoming the centre of our children’s universe. It can be a challenging task for parents to stay on top of the dangers of social media and technology, while monitoring their child’s online behaviour and finding balance.

We are offering a workshop for parents to learn more about managing children’s technology use, including an introduction into the most popular social media platforms and practical tips for keeping kids safe online. We will also cover information on setting boundaries around technology, online behaviour management, and tools for managing technology both in and outside of the home. This workshop takes place in conjunction with the Year 1-6 workshops held with children during the day.

If you’ve ever struggled with getting your kids off their games and into bed, worried about knowing what your child is accessing online, or felt concerned that your child was spending too much time in the digital world, this workshop is for you!

It is critical that parents attending register for this event by following the link provided.

This is an important school event for all parents to attend and registration will ensure you receive follow up documentation and support material.

Many thanks

Mrs Lynda Fisher

HEAD OF CARMEL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Uniform Shop News

The weather is cooling down and new items for winter have landed in the Uniform Shop.

The puffer jacket is $60 and the long sleeve sport top is $32.

See Hayley in the Uniform Shop to purchase.

News from the Canteen

The Canteen will be selling soup this term. High School students will need to walk across to the Primary School to purchase.

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