Emanuel School’s future has never been brighter – the increased demand for pluralist education, combined with an impressive track record has led to enrolments peaking at an all-time high. With all 920 students on one campus, space is at a premium. Cleverly repurposing existing structures, Emanuel School will soon begin the redevelopment of an existing building to deliver an additional centre for educational excellence and innovation.
Emanuel School launched its Capital Appeal in October with a substantial target of $10 million. Following its recent online community fundraising event, the School is already two thirds of the way to its target. Emanuel B’yachad – Emanuel Together – was attended by over 1000 people – families spanning multiple generations, alumni, staff and members of the wider Jewish community tuned in for an evening that celebrated all that is so special about the ‘School on the Hill’.
Skillfully hosted by the School’s four Head Madrichim, the evening was a resounding success. A 3D tour of the planned new building took the audience on a journey into the three-story learning centre, featuring capacious classrooms, a substantial Imaginarium, a Kindergarten library, smaller breakout rooms, larger collaboration spaces and impressive outdoor play spaces.
David New, President of the School Board shared an important message with the community: “This Capital Appeal campaign is an opportunity for all of us to leave a legacy for our children and our children’s children – to further build their connection to Israel, their Jewish heritage and identity. Emanuel has emerged after almost 40 years to become an indispensable asset in the NSW Jewish education landscape. The continuity of our community is now in our hands.”
There are many opportunities for donors to be recognised through naming rights of various spaces, ranging from classrooms to leadership and collaboration spaces, from breakout rooms to the impressive Imaginarium which will be a hub of creative activity.
Whilst the School needs to raise an additional $3 million to reach its target, Andrew Watt, Principal of the School, shared his thoughts about the importance of other types of giving, that are integral to the School’s culture: “Tikkun Olam is not just a concept at Emanuel, it’s a way of life for our students – it’s an intent to help repair what is broken, be a voice for those who are silenced and selflessly give of themselves as contributing members of our Jewish and wider communities. It really is the cornerstone of our philosophy, which permeates all aspects of a student’s experience.”
He continued by paying tribute to the School’s many graduates who have benefitted from previous Capital Appeals and gone on to give back to the community: “Our graduates are the best advert for our School. They step out into the world as contributing, thoughtful and expressive young adults, many of whom have made a significant impact on communities, both locally and abroad.”
Myles, High School Head Madrich, complemented Mr Watt’s words with his own experience: “I know that when I leave Emanuel School I will be equipped with the tools and skills needed to be an engaged citizen who will be able to contribute in a meaningful way to society.”