Sports Day
On the chase for personal bests and school records
Plus:
Careers Fair
Asking the big question: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Poland Visit
Grade 11 and 12 students visit places of historical and spiritual significance
The Carmel Chai
Sports Day
Elsa High School was back at Wong Chuk Hang Sports Ground for Sports Day, looking for personal bests and school records to be broken and bringing even more House spirit!
Channukah and Other Celebrations
A look back at some of the High Holidays which fell during the past term. 3
The Addams Family
On Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 December, Elsa High School presented The Addams Family!
News and Events
13
Poland Visit
Grade 11 and 12 students visited Poland as part of their experiential learning journey, visiting sites of historical and spiritual significance
Achdut Experience
Grade 6 students embarked on an adventure in Hong Kong’s outdoors with the aim of learning survival skills and building unity
14
Careers Fair
The annual High School career fair saw professionals from various industries meet with students and discuss their career paths
IB DP Results
Results and highlights from the May 2023 IB exam session
Elsa High School Open Day
In October guests were taken on student-led tours, met with faculty and the PTA, and learned about all the exciting programmes on offer
Student Work
HK Young Writer Awards
The winning peice from last years HKYWA
A FAMILY AFFAIR
THE CARMEL SCHOOL COMMUNITY WAS INVITED ALONG FOR A SPOOKY DINNER PARTY AS HOUSE GUESTS FOR THE WACKIEST FAMILY IN TOWN: THE ADDAMS FAMILY
This year’s performance of ‘The Addams Family’ was a highly anticipated event. Every poster and rehearsal only enhanced the excitement. Safe to say, this rendition of ‘The Addams Family’ surpassed everyone’s wildest expectations.
The Addams Family is a spooky musical that focuses on the importance of love and family. It is weird, at times gruesome, but also lighthearted - and moving - as the family members search for independence while also remaining very loyal to each other. As Gomez says, “Living or dead, family is still family.” The musical is an unconventional love story featuring lying partners, unhappy marriages, and teen romances. But it is also a story about an acceptance of differences, an openness to change, and the need to stay true to yourself.
Wednesday Addams (played brilliantly by Isla Smith) has fallen in love with the seemingly ordinary Lucas (the charming Noam Maskalchi) and they plan to marry. She confides in her father, Gomez (played with particular flair by Yair Domnitz), making him promise not to tell his wife, Morticia (the irresistible Casey Yong), but Gomez is an honest man who cannot fathom keeping secrets. When the Addams family decides to host a dinner for Lucas and his mum and dad (played with heart and soul by Trisha Raval and Jack Diestel), things start to unravel.
The music and some of the solos were also very impressive. Adiella Wosner, playing Wednesday’s little brother Pugsley, sounded phenomenal singing the macabre song “What If,” in which he mourns the loss of his sister and the torture she always used to put him through. The song is extremely gruesome yet hilarious and somehow heartwarming at the same time. Akiva Zion played the role of Uncle Fester brilliantly, leaving the audience
wanting more after lighting up his jetpack and flying to his beloved - the moon.
While watching the musical, everyone was absolutely in awe of each individual's talent. We could see a different side of each student; it was truly incredible to see such talent across the whole school and there were some surprises to see how excited and enthusiastic so many students were to perform.
This event was truly a display of the achdut within our community and demonstrated the best of what Carmel School staff and students have to offer. Thank you to every single individual who made this outstanding performance possible. Encore!
Lili Jang Abergel, Sadie Diestel and Mr. Adam Darell
There was plenty of colorful costumes, spooky set peices, and slick dance moves throughout the two-night run
Carmel Elementary Campus News
Grade 4 and 5 go on a Virtual Adventure
Grade 4 and 5 students had an incredible day of immersive learning with VR in our elementary school STEAM curriculum! Our Grade 4 and 5 students explored the wonders of underwater ecosystems and soared through paragliding adventures, gaining new perspectives and engaging in hands-on experiences that sparked their curiosity and critical thinking.
Grade 2 visit Hong Kong Park
Grade 2 students visited Hong Kong Park as part of their "Who We Are" unit, focusing on respect. They collected data on animals and plants, fostering an appreciation for the environment. Taichi and yoga sessions led by Ms. Neha and Ms. Esa promoted self-respect and mindfulness. At the playground, the students engaged in cooperative play, emphasizing respect for others. This experience instilled a sense of responsibility and compassion in the students, connecting their learning to the broader theme of respect in their lives.
Grade 2 and 3 Biodiversity Field Trip
Grade 2 and 3 students went on a field trip to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum as part of their Unit of Inquiry on Sharing the Planet. During the trip, they learned about the significance of insects in our ecosystem and their impact on the environment. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities helped the students gain a deeper understanding of insect habitats, life cycles, and their crucial role in maintaining biodiversity.
Elementary Musical Assembly
The Carmel Elementary assembly was a symphony of excitement and music where as students dived into the fascinating world of musical instruments, from the captivating sound of the violin to the thunderous beats of the drums.
Elementary Campus Refurbishment
We are thrilled to announce the opening of a fully renovated and upgraded brand-new playground at our Carmel Elementary campus (BRC)! Designed with safety and a 21st century education in mind, our new playground is a haven for fun, exploration, and learning. This fantastic play and learning space was made possible by a generous donation from a Carmel family.
Holly Rofe Early Learning Campus News
Early Learners visit Elsa High School Campus
As part of their ‘Who We Are’ unit of learning, our Pre School students visited the Elsa High School campus in Shau Kei Wan to learn about and experience life on campus. Tours were led by students from Grade 8, who share their reflections below.
Touring Nursery students at our Elsa High School campus was an experience that left me in awe. It was fascinating to see how interested and engaged they were during the whole experience. The highlight of touring them was going to the science labs because of how curious they were about everything. They constantly questioned: "What's that?", and I was more than happy to give them an answer. During the experience, I felt like a little kid and a teenager at the same time. When I was in Grade 1, I looked up to high school students and I was inspired by them, so I hoped that I could inspire them as well. Katarina Grade 8
As we walked into different classrooms, I learned to look through a toddler’s eyes: everything was exciting, adventurous, and new. My highlight of touring the children was when we went into the SMART Room. We thought it would be a cool and creative learning experience for them to draw on the board. I asked them which colour they wanted to use on the board and they all had different ideas. I used the IB learner profile of problem-solving to make them take turns. Hopefully, when they use the SMART Room in the future, they’ll remember to take turns. I felt so happy when I saw the looks of joy and curiosity on their faces. Jemaiah Grade 8
“As we walked into different classrooms, I learned to look through a toddler’s eyes: everything was exciting, adventurous, and new.
Parent Storytellers
The children are always so excited and engaged when their parents visit classes and brighten their day with stories. You can feel the joy as little children soak up the enchanting words and creating memories.
Mandarin Lesson Fun
Children in our Early Years programme engage in their regular Mandarin sessions, immersing them in Chinese language and culture. Designed to ignite curiosity and a love for languages, interactive classes encourage children to speak Mandarin and gain confidence in both English and Chinese. With the option of Mandarin as part of Extended Day Programme for our morning session children, or as part of their day in our afternoon programme, children are engaged and as they learn Mandarin in a fun and interactive setting.
Each week we welcome the Sabbath in a traditional and loving way. We prepare challah bread the day before and eat it during our weekly Shabbat party where we light candles, sing songs and welcome the Sabbath.
You cannot beat a good birthday party and we make sure that we enjoy each child’s special day with song, dance and celebration, making it a day to remember!
Extended Day Programme
Nursery and Pre-K enjoyed the first term of Extended Day Programme (EDP), running from 1:00-3:00pm. Children/parents can pick from various classes each day. This term the selection included Mandarin, Hebrew, Arts and Crafts, Sensory Play, Soccer, Judo, Music & Movement, Yoga, and French.
ELSA HIGH SCHOOL SECTION SPORTS DAY
Elsa High School was back at Wong Chuk Hang Sports Ground for Sports Day, looking for personal bests and school records to be broken and bringing even more House spirit!
The energy and enthusiasm throughout the day was something to behold. Here, students report on the events of the day.
Akiva House Report
This year’s Sports Day was truly one for the record books. Throughout the course of the day, there were runs, jumps, and throws and it is evident through this year’s Sports Day performances that each and every student brought their A-game.
I had the opportunity to speak with Hinako (Grade 11) who was taking part in her second Sports Day at Elsa High School. Hinako enthusiastically participated in a variety of events, including the 1500m race, 100m sprint, high jump, and javelin throw. “Sports Day is such a great day out for everyone, there is so much to enjoy by spending the day with our classmates and the immense happiness we feel when we see our peers cheering us on during the events. It makes us want to give our all.”
Despite the high-pressure circumstances during the events, there was a remarkable sense of camaraderie and support among all participants.
Gabriel
SPORTS DAY CUPS
Sports Day Cup
Akiva House Spirit Shield
David House
Hillel House Report
This year’s Sports Day was like no other, with incredible vibes that radiated from the very first to last minute of the day. Lightning-fast speeds and record-breaking moments are an annual sight, but the buzzing atmosphere is what set this year apart.
From the vibrant house cheers to the excellent athletic performances, the enthusiasm was constant and spirits remained high. Cate, a terrific runner from Grade 11, summarised the day in one word: “community.” For her, the highlight of her day was seeing genuine support among participants — whether competing with or against each other — all competitors demonstrated true sportsmanship while cheering and lifting one another up.
Elsa’s characteristic sense of community and the team spirit that shone through was what made this Sports Day a resounding success.
Tali
David House Report
This year’s sports day was especially notable for me. It was my first sports day as a House Captain for David. Stepping into this new leadership role allowed me to gain multiple perspectives and truly learn the importance of togetherness.
I have never excelled or been too interested in sports. I have always thought that I would not be good at anything sport-related because I was not good at certain events, such as running, throwing, etc. I would never be good at anything related to sports. Leading up to this year’s sports day, I allowed myself to be more open-minded and practice failing well. This new sense of open-mindedness meant I could participate in more PHE classes and put in significantly more effort than usual.
This year, a strong sense of community and my newfound desire to participate led me to win my firstever event and my first gold medal - for the high jump! It may seem like winning a medal may have been the highlight of my Sports Day, but the feeling of pride and gratitude for the fantastic community at Elsa completely overtook anything else.
Lili
POLAND EDUCATIONAL VISIT GRADE 11 AND 12
Our Educational Visit to Poland was a life-changing experience. During our visit we learned about how before the Holocaust the Jewish life thrived in Poland for over a thousand years and how Jewish people created a culture that is still part of Poland, indeed the whole Jewish world, to this day. When we learned about the rich history of Jewish life in Poland, the gravity of the death brought by the Nazi regime really hit home. Seeing the death camps, gas chambers, crematoriums, piles of shoes and hair; and hearing the stories of cruelty - were horrific reminders of the brutality of ignorance and hate.
Returning to Hong Kong we came out of this visit with a sense of mission - to pass on the stories and to celebrate life as much as we can. Mr. Achiya Eliav
Day 1 - Hinako and Elya
Our first day in Poland started at 8:00am after a long flight from Hong Kong. We started off by visiting a cemetery containing graves of Jewish people who passed away in Poland. We got to experience a sense of how Jewish life thrived in Poland. Through ancient architecture, buildings, graves and statues, we got to connect with our own ancestors, marking the beginning of the story of the Jews in Poland.
The most significant part of the day was the visit to Treblinka, a death camp operated by the Nazis during WW2. At Treblinka, the Nazis recorded the highest number of deaths in the shortest amount of time. It was around a 2 hour drive from Warsaw, and I could feel the change in atmosphere the moment I got off the bus. Walking through the camp remains, I realised how lucky
and privileged I was. Leaving the camp, I felt changed.
Day 2 - Yoav and Mac
Today was a day full of emotions and new experiences. We began the day at our hotel, which previously served as a yeshiva. We looked around the synagogue and were educated about the different figures that emerged from the yeshiva and its importance, not only to the city of Lublin but to the Jewish community worldwide.
Then we went to Majdanek, a concentration camp to Jews and to Poles. It was shocking to see the harsh living conditions. We also saw the process prisoners went through when they entered the camp. The "strong" people got the chance to live and work, while the "weaker" ones would be killed in the gas chambers.
We got to experience a sense of how Jewish life thrived in Poland. Through ancient architecture, buildings, graves and statues, we got to connect with our own ancestors
We then went on a long ride to the burial site of a catholic Jew and were told the story of a young child who was saved by a heroic Catholic family. As a way of saying thank you to the catholic side of himself he served as a priest, but even though he lived Catholic he decided to die as a Jew. Only recently passing, this individual taught us a lot about the importance and strength of Judaism as a religion.
After lunch we were off to truly the most beautiful and unique synagogue we have ever seen. Situated in a small Polish town which faced destruction from the Nazis, this synagogue filled with colour was a great way to end the day.
Day 3 - Aarussh
On Friday we visited a forest where Jewish children were murdered in the war. The atmosphere was nothing short of how the forest was described to be, totally grim. There, Mr. Eliav read out a letter from a mother to her baby, whom she had to give away during the war. The touching letter was a segue to reading letters that our parents had written to us before the trip, which was an emotional experience. I think experiences such as this are important - since life moves so quickly.
Day 4 - Alex
On Day 4 we traveled to Krakow and explored the city. Through the rain we walked around and visited the main castle and learned about Jewish influence in Krakow.
learning about Jewish life and the impact of the Holocaust.
Day 5 - Tali
On the final day we went to Auschwitz. Auschwitz would always come up when discussing the Holocaust - whether that was through school, movies or books - but seeing it in person, stepping on the grounds, was an entirely different experience.
“ I think experiences such as this are important - since life moves so quickly.
Though the majority of the Synagogues in Krakow are out of use, we had the privilege to do the Shabbat evening service in a synagogue which has been around since the 18th century. The prayer was filled with dancing and singing. This joyful prayer was a nice way to end the day after difficult days of
As we walked around the concentration and death camp, and read about the harrowing events that took place less than a century ago, I was horrified. We saw how inhumane humans can be: clothing, belongings and Jewish symbols of the prisoners burnt and tossed in ditches. These gruesome remains showcased the hatred toward the Jewish people as the Nazis did anything and everything they could to stop the Jews from feeling human. This reminded me that it is our duty to honour the previous generations by passing on their stories, embracing our identities and staying united so that we can live not just for ourselves, but for the 6 million lost souls.
Grade 6 Achdut Experience
Achdut means togetherness and unity. The Achdut Experience is a three-day part-residential programme, and is a vital element in enabling students to develop their IB Learner Profile attributes whilst also helping the class to form strong bonds as they begin their high-school journey.
Trip Report
6-7 September
Day 1
Grade 6 students started their Achdut trip with an exciting and educational adventure filled with various activities at the Tai Tam reservoir.
Gorge walking brought students close to nature whilst also providing a physical challenge. Students carefully navigated the gorge, climbing over rocks and going through part of the forest. Here, students were taught how to start a fire safely and how to filter water to be safe to drink: valuable survival skills.
As Mr. Kreizel said “ארגא ארעצ םופל” ”L’Fum Tza’ara Agra”: “According to the pain equals the reward”, which could summarize our experience. It was an incredible day that combined adventure, education, and safety. It was challenging and truly worth it.
Day 2
The second day of our Achdut trip found the group in Sai Kung. Once at Hoi Ha beach, students were given a briefing on marine life and safety. One of the main activities of the day was raft building where students learned how to tie knots and were given the task of constructing rafts using logs, ropes, and tires. This activity was centered around promote teamwork and problem-solving. Another exciting activity that the students participated in was snorkeling. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they learned the basics of snorkeling and had the opportunity to explore the underwater world.
“ This trip taught me a lot of things, especially teamwork
Student Reflections
The Achdut trip was very unique and there were a ton of highlights that I will never forget. One of them was building a raft at the beach. After we finished it we started rowing the raft, and in every team of four people there was always one person that would be scared of the little jellyfish in the ocean.
Abigail
The highlight of my Achdut trip was when we climbed the mountain on the first day. It was really fun and I liked the amazing view of the nature around me.
My highlight for the Achdut trip was snorkeling. It was my first time actually looking at a fish in the sea and it was a very fun experience. This trip taught me a lot of things, especially teamwork.
Zoe
The highlight of the Achdut trip for me was the second day of the trip. I enjoyed the water activities. The most challenging part of the trip was the gorge climb. Lots of rocks were slippery and there were a few hard climbs but I was very careful with where I was standing. With teamwork, I learned that you need to listen to other’s ideas and opinions and if members of the team have different ideas then we can try to combine ideas.
Aliyah
I learnt about teamwork; that you need to have good communication with your team and you need to let people share their ideas and what they want to say. You should also always help the people that need help with something like a task or an obstacle.
I developed my thinking skills because I was thinking more about what I should do and what I need to say.
Omri
Achdut Experience Recap: youtu.be/FHjeHgXIDHM
Careers Fair
On Tuesday 21 November Elsa High School students from Grades 9-12 attended the annual Careers Fair. The fair consisted of a series of sessions for students to talk with the over 20 professionals from a range of fields and disciplines including business, science, services, entertainment, art, and design. The event was kicked off by an inspiring and thought-provoking keynote speech from Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of the Lan Kwai Fong Association. There was a palpable vibe in the air, with discussions running on until past closing.
Mr. Adam Darrell, MYP Coordinator
Speaking to so many people from such diverse fields evoked a sense of drive and made me realise just how quickly I’d have to make some major life decisions. I particularly enjoyed speaking Ms. Tom Porat Cohen, an architect. She told me about how she knew she wanted to incorporate her love for drawing into her profession, and knew instantly that architecture was “her calling” and that her life’s work doesn’t even feel like a job, but more like a passion that she gets to work towards everyday. This made me realise that there is no “set time” to work towards a goal, and having a career doesn’t necessarily mean having a nine to five work day. It means creating a life while doing the thing you love the most.
Trisha, Grade 9
This year's Careers Fair provided us with a wealth of information about a wide range of professions for our future. Each booth showcased unique occupations, including a stand-up comedian and a conductor, allowing us to delve deeper into understanding the responsibilities, values and training needed associated with each job.
This event broadened my horizons and presented us with many opportunities, such as potential internships, and taught us valuable life lessons that will help us in shaping our professional journeys.
Nili, Grade 10
The Careers Fair was an amazing opportunity for the students of Carmel’s Elsa High School section to be exposed to different careers and get to know what a day in the life of different careers would be like. We were able to explore a plethora of career options that they may or may not have an interest in. I think everyone gained vital advice from this event and hopefully, it inspired many people like it inspired me.
Isabella, Grade 10
“His stories opened my eyes and showed me an entire world of flying which I have never seen or heard of before” - Yair
One person that stood out of the crowd for me was Dr. Allan Zeman, a well known real estate developer. Being a student aiming to go into the real estate industry myself, I was greatly intrigued by what Dr. Zeman had to say. My next step is to do what I need to do right now to the best of my abilities, to ensure a wider variety of careers for me to choose from in the future.
Richard, Grade 11
A highlight of the Careers Fair for me was meeting Mr. Nicholas Tong, a Cathay Pacific captain. I was able to listen to him explain the different experiences of danger and the different flights he has taken in his 15,000 flighthour career. He talked about the thrill of flying an aircraft and the behind-the-scenes of preparing for take-off and landing. His stories opened my eyes and showed me an entire world of flying which I have never seen or heard of before.
Yair, Grade 9
Career Fair Highlights: http://youtu.be/gpVBPQ0SBGM
IB Diploma Programme Results
The May 2023 IB Examination session saw a return to a pre-COVID-19 assessment model for the IB Diploma, with candidates taking a full suite of examinations in each subject. It has remained a turbulent two years for our Class of 2023, and we are delighted to report on the high-level attainment and personal achievement of our students.
The Class of 2023 achieved an excellent overall cohort average of 37.3 out of 45 points, with 33% of students achieving 40 points or more and 66% of students achieving 35 points or more. The cohort also received pleasing Core results, with 33% of students obtaining an "A" grade in their Extended Essays and 33% of students earning a maximum 3 out of 3 points.
Elsa High School Campus Open Day
Principal Mrs. Rachel Friedmann: “Congratulations to the Class of 2023 - the first post-COVID graduating cohort to sit a full complement of examinations in all subjects. We are extremely proud of the personal achievement of every one of our graduating class”
On Thursday 19 October Carmel School hosted its Elsa High School campus Open Day. Guests were taken on student-led tours, met with faculty and the PTA, and learned about all the exciting programmes on offer. It was a vibrant and informative event that showcased the very best of our school, providing a glimpse into the exceptional educational opportunities and nurturing community we offer. Check out our website for future Open Days (carmel.edu.hk).
The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah
For the month of Elul, Elsa High School students participated in a Shofar-making activity with the help of Rabbi Mendy. It was a creative activity that encouraged the students to get together, socialize, and work toward a common goal. Seeing our custom-made shofars come to life was wonderful. It was so much fun blowing them, and we all took turns. We enjoyed learning from Rabbi Mendy and creating lasting memories while feeling proud of what we had accomplished. Hillel Elbaz
During the activity, we learned about the different animals you could take horns from to turn into shofars. This experience was a fun class project, working together and seeing how the shofars turned out, in the end, was super cool, especially when we got to try and blow the shofars. Liora Rebibo
Blowing the Shofar is one of the big mitzvot of Rosh Hashanah. During this special lesson it was exciting to watch how to drill through the horn and to have the opportunity to sand and polish it. Itay Levi Why Do We Perform Taslich? youtu.be/_y5N57guan8
Rosh Hashanah around Carmel School
Nursery and Pre K children had a wonderful first school trip
Tashlich at Aldrich Bay
On Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September, Elsa High School students went to take part in our annual Tashlich at the Aldrich Bay waterfront. Tashlich is the custom of symbolically casting our sins into the water on Rosh Hashanah.
Students sang, had a minute of silence to recite Tashlich with Hamoreh Achiyah, and reflected on what they wanted to get rid of for new year. They finished with hearing the shofar and a sweet treatour traditional Tashlich ice lollies!
to Sun Yat Sen Park for Tashlich.
THE FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS
Celebrating Sukkot
Sukkot is a Jewish festival that celebrates the fall harvest and commemorates the Israelites’ miraculous protection upon their freedom from slavery in Egypt. Sukkot is a very experiential festival. Some time before the holiday the Sukkah is built under careful supervision to ensure it is a kosher Sukkah. The Sukkah decorations are then crafted and hung up. Meals and gatherings are planned.
Here at Carmel we love experiential learning and so Sukkot at school is a wonderful treat. Carmel students from all three campuses visited the Elsa Sukkah to participate in a Sukkot activity and have snacks.
Student Reflections
I fulfilled the mitzvah of dining in the Sukkah which allowed me to connect to my Jewish heritage. This experience not only reminded me of my Jewish roots but also deepened my appreciation for our people’s resilience — from slaves in Egypt to a flourishing independent nation.
Tali Meoded, Grade 11
As I experienced the joyful and vibrant festival of Sukkot, one particular activity stood out to me: shaking the Lulav. Shaking the Lulav is rooted in symbolism and spiritual significance. I learned about the Lulav which consists of a palm branch, myrtle branches, and willow branches bound together, symbolizing unity and diversity in the Jewish community.
Aline
Wigisser, Grade 7
The sukkah, with vibrant decorations, created an atmosphere filled with celebration and joy. Surrounded by classmates and teachers, we gathered inside, sharing not only a meal but also stories and laughter. Sitting within the sukkah, I felt a deep connection to our Jewish heritage as the temporary structure symbolized the journey of our ancestors. It reminded us of their resilience and the importance of gratitude.
Lea Rebibo, Grade 8
We understand that it is to symbolize unity between the Jewish People, as the Four Species all have a different combination of having a smell or a taste, which corresponds with the different characters of people from different backgrounds.
Yair Domnitz, Grade 9
For Simchat Torah students got to learn about and see a real Sefer Torah-Torah scroll graciously lent to us by Russell Davidson.
Young Learners Get in the Channukah Spirit
Our Nursery and Pre K children enjoyed many Chanukkah festivities in the week preceding Chanukkah, culminating in an event for parents to celebrate with them. This year, to coincide with the current unit of inquiry on Sharing the Planet, students had a "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" themed Chanukkah event. All the decorations and activities were either made from recycled rubbish or reused from past events.
Celebrating Channukah
One of the events in the day of Chanukkah activities was the doughnut making. These doughnuts (or sufganiyot in Hebrew) are one of the traditional foods of Chanukkah as they are fried in oil which reminds us of the miracle of oil and the menorah. Shai Grade 7
For Chanukkah we created our very own Chanukiah using wood blocks and paint. It brought out our creative side while also being a social experience since we were able to talk with each other during the activity and share our many Chanukkah experiences. Liora Grade 10
Creating my own chanukkiah was an enjoyable and challenging project that allowed me to explore my creativity and develop my organizational skills. One of the highlights of the project was the opportunity to experiment with colors. Abigail Grade 6
Our Tzutzik and Ganeynu children celebrated Channukah with a variety of games and festivities
Hong Kong Young Writers Award
Category Winner: Timeless Gratitude
The most recent Hong Kong Young Writers Award (HKYWA) held its 2023 shortlist ceremony at Cyberport on Hong Kong Island. Amongst the category finalists was Elsa High School's Liora Rebibo (Grade 9), whose poem "Timeless Gratitude" had been selected for the competition shortlist.
The competition theme was "Judge Bao", dubbed the "Sherlock Holmes of China", who lived during the Song Dynasty and was renowned for his uprightness, judicial fairness and ruthless approach to wrongdoers. Liora's poem, a poetic thank you note from Judge Bao to his mentor Lui Yun, was awarded best in her category (Poetry: Group 4) and she took home the prize!
Timeless Gratitude by Liora Rebibo (Grade 9)
Lui Yun, you influenced the worthy me. Like a zhà měng full of nobility and wisdom. As I once said when I received the Duan inkstone: "Those who are incorruptible are worthy of the people; those who are greedy are the thieves of the people".
You are my interpretation of “incorruptible”. Who I am today is thanks to the choices I made yesterday. The birth of my life journey started the first yesterday you guided me. Piloting me into a reality which opened my eyes to the corruptible.
One case reminded me of your mentoring, A businessman was wicked on the strength of bribery. Immense pressure I was under, yet, I held the truth throughout. An image of fearlessness and righteousness flashed, It was always part of me but you helped me embrace it.
I accompanied my parents when I returned to Luzhou. Filial piety for long, all along, but you were still there as magistrate. I was present until the last breath arrived for my teacher. But you mentored me even then, I profoundly thought ‘how?’, How to become a hard-working official and serve the court?
So I ought to Thank You, Not only for influencing the experienced and superior me. For guiding me to be the best zhà měng there is, like I know you are. Whether in terms of knowledge or morality, I extend my thoughts to reach the point of kindness. The kindness of friendship that you have shown me.
