Inspirations The King David School's Magazine - September 2019 Elul 5779
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Inspirations The King David School’s Magazine September 2019 Elul 5779
It’s where I...
Contents
Our King David students are passionate Our passionate educators have It was deeply gratifying to witness the engagement of
about their future and the world in continued to provide dynamic and our students, from Pre-School through to Senior School
which we live. The School’s core values innovative curricular and co-curricular in Science Week. In the face of significant global issues,
of social justice and Jewish values programs for our students this term and motivating our students to deepen their interest in science
of tikkun olam (repairing the world) some of these are featured in this issue has become essential.
encourage this mindset, and are of Inspirations.
02 School Council President evidenced time and again through
Supporting our students to explore and develop through the
At King David we value the wonderful creative and performing arts, Jewish Life, outdoor education,
many and varied student led initiatives.
impact our teachers make on our sporting competitions and curricular and co-curricular
Protecting our environment ranked high on the list of student students’ lives. We employ educators who are invested in programs offers them so many opportunities to thrive.
03 Message from the Principal priorities in this space - a passion shared by the School, to our students’ successes. We recognise that the teacher-
Wishing our community a Shana Tova and a year ahead
ensure a sustainable future, with a reduced carbon footprint. student relationship is the key one in ensuring positive
filled with meaning and purpose.
student outcomes and so we prioritise developing our
To this end, we have recently completed the installation of
04 Jewish Life solar panels so that 80% of the School’s power now comes
teachers’ capacities to support student wellbeing though our
conferences, professional development and programs.
from the sun. While the significant cost savings for the School Marc Light
Principal
will be felt in about four years time, the educational benefits We offer outstanding learning opportunities for our students
06 Outdoor Education begin immediately, with students learning about alternative which inspire curiosity and questioning and we open their
energy and future proofing for a sustainable future. eyes to the fantastic possibilities that can come through
approaching the world with wonder.
Another recent Council-led initiative I am extremely proud
07 Israeli Madrichim to support is the NCJWA Gender Equality Pledge where
Jewish organisations – including The King David School are
committing to finding a more equitable gender balance in
07 Wellbeing leadership structures. The aim of the pledge is to ensure there is
a more balanced representation of Jewish women in leadership
and positions of influence across our community, and this
certainly aligns with our School’s core value of egalitarianism.
08 STEM
As we enter a new Jewish year, I am proud that King David
continues to be a School that moves with the times and is
at the forefront of positive change for a better future for our
10 Performing Arts young people.
Shana Tova,
12 Visual Art
Lahra Carey
School Council President
Dr Nichole Barry, guest speaker at a special Science Week assembly Year 4 Kabbalat Tanach ceremony
13 Sport
14 KDSPA
15 Foundation
16 Alumni news
Anna Fink, Head of Sustainability Committee, Ella Freeman and Year 7 students engage in a discussion regarding Senior Kinder Grandparents' Shabbat
‘Inspirations’ is published by The King David School Community Relations Office Freya Boltman, School Captains and Marc Light with the newly installed the solar panels installation
(03) 9527 0103 or admin@kds.vic.edu.au
All material is Copyright © to The King David School and may not be solar panels at the Senior School
reproduced without permission.
Front Cover: Talia, Freya and Rachel (Year 12)
2 The King David School’s Inspirations 3 The King David School’s Inspirations
celebrate my
It’s where I... It’s where I...
Jewish identity XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Year 4 Celebrating
Kabbalat Tanach Kabbalat Shabbat
Students from Pre-School to
Year 2 had the opportunity to welcome
grandparents and special friends to a
Kabbalat Shabbat where they showcased
their learning of the beautiful Shabbat
rituals and songs. Their enthusiasm
showed they have clearly been engaged
throughout their Jewish Life learning.
Year 4 students were presented with
their personal Tanachim by their
families in a special celebration,
Kabbalat Tanach in Term 3. The Tanach
is a compilation of our foundational
stories, guiding our personal, familial of divine inspiration when naming
and communal ethics, values and their baby. Judaism considers a name
beliefs. It is the history of the Jewish to be the conduit of divine energy
people and this ceremony is a handing and in bestowing a name on each
down of heritage and tradition. of our children we pass on attributes,
characteristics and the essence of what
Recently the students have been
makes each of us unique individuals.
learning Jewish Studies through a lens
of understanding character analysis. Our Year 4 students shared their
Who a person is, what motivates them reflections on their own names and
and what forms the core of their truest character traits. They created unique
self. In striving to learn more about artworks and discussed how they feel
themselves, the Year 4s discussed their connected to our rich Tanach heritage.
own Hebrew name, its meaning and Each child spoke beautifully and
why it was chosen for them. We are touchingly. Kol Hakavod!
told that parents are given a glimmer Justine Kaicer and Louise Lowinger
4 The King David School’s Inspirations 5 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where I... I...
It’s where It’s where I... It’s where I...
challenge myself
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX thrive
Israeli Cultural Immersion
Our dynamic visiting
Israeli Madrichim
have engaged
students in various
activities involving
Israeli culture.
These informal
education programs
complement the
Jewish Studies
curriculum.
Indigenous Camp Student reflection "... our students were Staff Wellbeing Program
engaged in learning the
The Year 8 students were immersed We have been trying all sorts of new
various art traditions At the beginning of Term 3, all staff amputee. Marc Light in one of his
in experiential learning on the things including sleeping in tents,
Indigenous camp to Kakadu. meeting all types of people and
taught by local students ..." participated in a Student Wellbeing Insights blogs conveyed that
Conference that focussed on the theme “Mike’s powerful message was that
The camp has a strong focus on experiencing a new culture. One of called The East Alligator river. It hosts “Friendship”. Led by highly qualified we cannot predict the vicissitudes of
developing cross cultural connections the most challenging things has been over 4000 crocodiles! On that cruise presenters including psychologists, life but we should do what we can to
and looking at Indigenous Australia leaving behind modern conveniences, we learnt about the animals and trees educators and people working in the prepare our students to develop the
through the eyes of other children. For including phones and TV. Not to that surrounded us and were given a area of resilience, they addressed skillsets to cope when things do not go
this we partner up with Jabiru Area mention that we have been sleeping powdered rock called “ochre” which we friendships in the cyber world, bullying their way and to be better prepared to
School to have activities taught to in tents with the temperature at 23 mixed with water to make paint, that and the complexity of changing embrace the subsequent challenges so
students from both schools. degrees despite it being Jabiru's winter! we could paint onto our skin. Another friendships. The sessions explored how that they can thrive regardless”.
Some of my highlights of the trip highlight was seeing the sunset at dusk. our educators can assist students with
Across the School, wellbeing sessions
"One of the most include when we went to a local river We saw it on top of a huge rock call their friendships which clearly helps
are an integral part of the curriculum
challenging things has Ubirr, and we could see the land for them at school, but also later in life.
and educators plan age-appropriate
been leaving behind miles on end. In between we have been
One of our keynote speakers was programs.
modern conveniences, going to the local pool, meeting the
Mike Rolls, a motivational speaker and
including phones and TV." people who live here and and eating
youth counsellor who is also a double David Opat, Vice Principal - Wellbeing
delicious meals. We all enjoyed our
We invited members of the local stay in Jabiru, and are extremely happy
community to our Shabbat service to be escaping the cold in Melbourne.
Year 10 Wellbeing Program
during which various students from Samuel Want (Year 8)
King David led and explained the Early this term, Year 10 students that they have each faced. They left and they helped each other build a
significance to those present. experienced a full day wellbeing the program feeling supported by their 'tool kit' for tackling these challenges.
program with male students engaged mates and knowing that they can The young women left the day feeling
Then our students were engaged in
in sessions run by The Man Cave and depend upon each other. supported by one another, and
learning the various art traditions
female students attending Flourish Girl. empowered to be the best version of
taught by local students, had the Flourish Girl is an organisation that
themselves that they can be.
option to learn the local language, Through a series of activities, the male works to empower teenage girls to
Kunwinkju, participate in various students had an opportunity to think "become unstoppable women in Jayne Wise
sporting activities that have an about the qualities they wish to possess today's world". The female students Senior School Wellbeing Co-ordinator
Indigenous practice, as well as going as they get older. They had a chance participated in discussions and
out on country to spend time learning to examine the perception of men in activities that helped them open up
from the Elders, Auntie Violet and society and then they spoke about to one another, and they began to
Auntie Elizabeth. heroes, happy times and hard times address and break down the barriers
in their lives. It was beautiful to hear they often face when trying to express
Russell Newman
Camps Coordinator so many boys talk about their heroes themselves and navigate the world.
being their own fathers. The day broke The group worked together to unpack
down many barriers between students some of the negative thoughts that
who spoke about a series of travails stop them from being their true selves,
6 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where I... I... explore
It’s where the It’s where I...
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
wonders of science XXXXXXXXXXXXX
A Passion for STEM
Our educators at King David recognise
that a passion and aptitude for Science
and Technology opens many doors for
future jobseekers. As such, our youngest
students in Pre-School through to
our Senior School students have
been engaged in innovative Science
programs and activities this term.
In support of national Science Week,
Pre-School children engaged in
experiments using milk, food colour
and detergent to explore shapes
and patterns. In the Kinder, Jonah’s
Dad, Leon came into Gan Te’ena to
do Science experiments including “a
colour symphony”, “blobs in a bottle”,
“coloured flowers” and “foaming
mountain” experiments.
In the Junior School, Years 1 to 5
students are learning coding and
robotics including Scratch programming
and the sophisticated Python chatbots.
These will be essential foundational
skills needed for a future in digital Year 8 students participated in a
technologies. live stream from the International
Space Station.
The Senior School celebrated Science
Week with a smorgasbord of choices Year 7 students hosted an Earth in
for students to actively engage in Space Expo. They presented their key
Science. This year’s theme was: knowledge and 3D models to very
“Destination Moon: More Missions interested Year 3 students!
More Science” in celebration of the A Planetarium Science Dome gave
50th anniversary of the moon landing. Year 7 students a chance to visually
Observational cosmology and radio explore the earth’s moon and beyond.
science speaker, Dr. Nichole Barry,
gave an inspiring presentation at a
Senior School assembly.
8 The King David School’s Inspirations 9 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where I... It’s where I... It’s where I...
XXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXX love to perform
42nd Street
The magic of Broadway came to
our School at the end of Term 2 in
the form of its biggest dance show,
42nd Street. One had to continually
remind oneself that it was a school
production because it felt so much
more. The catchy tunes and large
dance numbers made it such an
entertaining production, but it was
the cast that took this musical to
new heights. Director Laura Rickhuss
expertly cast each member into the
perfect role and they shone. Many
of the cast had never tap danced
before but you wouldn't have known
that! Alumni mentors, Jamie Fink
and Hannah Cohen (Class of 2017)
worked tirelessly to choreograph and
rehearse routines with the cast.
Our Year 12 Performing Arts
superstars Talia Benson, Freya
Boltman, Avishai Conyer, Jacob
Moulton and Rachel Silber performed
for the last time in a KDS production.
They have been an integral part of
the success that is our Performing "One had to
Arts program and they will all be continually remind
greatly missed. oneself that it was
a school production
Music Director, Adam Yee and his
musicians provided an unforgettable
because it felt so
music accompaniment.
much more."
Kol Hakavod to all involved in
bringing this magnificent production
for all of us to enjoy.
10 The King David School’s Inspirations 11 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where
It’s where
I... I... It’s where I...
can be creative
XXXXXXXXXXXXX love to compete
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Art competitions are a
great way to foster the
artistic abilities of young
people ..."
Exceptional
Creativity
The 24th Annual Jewish Youth Art
Competition, organised by B’nai B’rith
Victoria was held in August. The event
exhibited over 300 artworks by artists
whose ages ranged from 11 through
to 18 years. Morrie Gold, a long-
time member of B’nai B’rith and art
benefactor initiated this competition to
encourage the interest and confidence
of children in the arts. Art competitions
are a great way to foster the artistic
abilities of young people and The King
David School is proud to enter the finest Sporting Highlights
student artwork each year. The following We’ve had a very successful year of
King David students received awards: sporting competition thus far. The year
• Y
ear 11 student, Layla Light won began with Arava winning the House
first prize In the category of mixed swimming carnival. Only 6 weeks later,
media for her artwork titled Boy. our Senior Boys Tennis won the EISM
The photograph was of fellow art Interschool Tennis Championship, whole season. In another KDS first, the
student Joel Schyer. Inspired by Frida defeating Alphington to take home the
Kahlo, her artwork aimed to explore Year 8 boys indoor soccer team also
first trophy of the year. won the championship making it five
traditional and non-traditional
definitions of masculinity and Negev once again dominated the championships for the year so far.
femininity to reveal the beauty in all. House Athletics carnival with their 6th Drew Solewicz
• Y
ear 8 student, Tara Rotstein took win in a row. With some individual Sports Manager
out first prize in the painting and brilliance both at Swimming and
drawing category with her pet Athletics interschool competition,
portrait titled Milo. it was the team sports that was
• Y
ear 6 student, Hannah Kausman exceptional. Our teams competed in
won second prize in the sculpture the Winter Season with five teams
category for her paper sculpture qualifying for the Grand Finals and
titled A snail’s colour. three teams winning the championship! "With some individual
A total of 18 exceptional artworks Our basketballers, both Senior boys brilliance both at
from KDS students was entered into and Years 8/9 boys fought valiantly but Swimming and Athletics
the exhibition. Congratulations to all missed out on the winners trophies. The
interschool competition, it
those who were selected to enter this Year 8 girls won their championship in
prestigious youth art competition.
was the team sports that
convincing style. On the same day, our
Years 8/9 boys soccer team won the
was exceptional."
Jacklyn Roberts
Senior School Teacher School’s first ever soccer championship
as they went undefeated across the
12 The King David School’s Inspirations 13 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where
It’s where
I... I...
join with community
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
“He who cares for days sows wheat, he who cares
for years plants trees, he who cares for generations
educates people.”
Janusz Korczak
KDSPA Update Foundation News
Natalie Isaacs, Founder and CEO of I’m very excited to have recently joined In the short time that I’ve been at Share your Simcha
1 Million Women was the guest speaker The King David School family as the KDS, I’m heartened to learn that we
at our annual KDSPA Breakfast which Thank you to Kara Freitag for generously
Head of Foundation. As you may know, are extremely fortunate to have the
was held once again at the magnificent sharing her Bat Mitzvah with The King
The King David School Foundation has generous support of many benefactors
Kooyong Tennis Club. Natalie is a David School Foundation. Kara very
recently undergone some significant within the School community.
climate change activist who began kindly invited her family and friends to
changes which positively impacts its
building a global movement of Our donors are dedicated to the make a donation in lieu of gifts on the
fundraising capacity.
women and girls to “empower women School, have a genuine interest in occasion of her special simcha.
everywhere to act on climate change The Foundation entity has been re- creating opportunities for the students
Principal, Marc Light was delighted to
through the way they live”. structured so that donations raised of today and strongly believe in
present a Todah Rabah, Thank You,
from any source, for example grant investing in the students of tomorrow.
Since 2006, she has recognised the certificate to Kara acknowledging this
funds from trusts or bequest gifts,
power of the individual and as a Please feel free to contact me if you generosity. Over $7,000 was donated
can be accepted and are eligible for
collective, to affect change. 1 Million would like any information about which has been directed to the
tax deductibility. The new entity is
Women is now a movement of special projects available for funding, Scholarships Fund.
in keeping with philanthropic best
900,000+ women and girls. She talked the bequest program or have a general
practice and aligns with the practice of Mazal Tov and thank you again Kara for
about “bite sized changes”, for example enquiry. I look forward to meeting all of
many Australian independent schools. demonstrating the true values of chesed
reducing one’s household energy, our supporters in the coming months.
buying quality not quantity and cutting and tzedakah.
The Foundation may now direct funds
meat consumption by half. She also to educational programs or school Ruth Lew
lives by “less is more”. Head of Foundation
projects as they emerge and can Telephone +61 3 9527 0122
It was a wonderful event where guests respond with greater flexibility to our Mobile 0439 446 444
enjoyed the company, the food, the donor’s needs. Email ruth.lew@kds.vic.edu.au
wonderful speaker and the awesome
raffle and silent auction prizes,
generously donated by the many
school supporters.
A special thank you to our major
sponsors, Bayside European, Beyond
Zero Emissions, Small Giants, Brenniston Sunday 29 March 2020. If you would
and Dental Art. like to be involved in the planning of
this event or any of the other KDSPA
Our hard working KDSPA Committee activities please email us at "I’ve been at King David since the age of
have also been facilitating fundraisers kdspa@kds.vic.edu.au. We would love 18 months so the School has really played
such as Entertainment Books, Art by a big part in my growing up.
to hear from you! Wishing you a great
Kids and theatre opportunities. As Bat Mitzvah is about acknowledging
term break. maturity and transitioning into adulthood,
2020 King’s Carnival planning is also Carrie Kausman I wanted to say thank you to the School
underway so please save the date - President – Parents’ Association for helping me mature."
Barbara Jacobs, Ruth Lew, Viv and Harry Rosenberg at the
Senior Kinder Grandparents and Special Friends' Shabbat Kara Freitag (Year 6)
14 The King David School’s Inspirations
It’s where I...
grew up
KDS ALUMNI NEWS
Births
Jen Brown (1999) & Aaron Hubbard Naomi Rozen (Green) (2005) & Jared Rozen
Nilaya Willow, April 2019 Jack Myer, July 2019
Nicky Dobos (1998) & Trevor Ausbruch Daniel Stiglitz (1995) & Simi Stiglitz (Kaplan)
Hazel Jean, August 2019 Talia Emily, August 2019
Melissa Markov (2006) & Daniel Markov
Kodi Belle, March 2019
Where are they now?
Lauren Midler graduated “Masterchef”, “The Block” and “My Kitchen Rules”, the 2017
from KDS in 2011. With Australian Open, and on a season of the US MTV show “Are
the goal to work in TV you the one?”.
production, she studied
a Bachelor of Media and In mid 2017, Lauren moved permanently to Los Angeles,
Communication at RMIT, California. For her first 6 months she worked freelance on
graduating in 2016. She a number of shows, most notably the 2017 Emmy awards.
took a semester abroad, In late 2017, Lauren landed a full time position as an office
studying at the incredible production Assistant at ITV America who make well
film school at San Diego known reality shows including “Queer Eye”, “Love Island”,
State University in “Hell’s Kitchen” and more. She has worked on a number
California, taking classes in directing & producing of productions over the last 2 years, with the newest show
(and surfing). “Styling Hollywood” released on Netflix at the end of August.
She loves living in sunny LA and can’t wait to see what the
Before returning home to finish her degree, Lauren future brings.
interned for 6 weeks at Bray Entertainment, a
production company in New York City. She worked in Please continue to keep us For information about
the casting and development department on shows informed by sending your The King David School
such as “Pawn Stars” and “American Diner Revival." This news or changes to your contact the
contact details to: Admissions Department on:
experience solidified Lauren’s dreams of moving to the jackie.ellis@kds.vic.edu.au (03) 9527 0102 or
US to work in TV production. admissions@kds.vic.edu.au
We invite all alumni to
Lauren spent her last year of Uni and her first year register with our new online
platform: KDS Connect
after graduating working freelance in reality TV in
www.kdsconnect.com.au
both Melbourne and Sydney on local shows such as
www.kds.vic.edu.au
Modern | Thinking | Judaism
16 The King David School’s Inspirations
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