Girls Football
STEAM WEEK
Full STEAM ahead from Kindergarten to High School!
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Elsa in Concert
Sheer joy for musicians and audience at the incredible Carmel School Elsa in Concert
Celebrations
A look back at some of the festivals and celebrations this term.
STEAM Week
Design takes centre stage during STEAM week, where students participated in a range of design and STEAM related challenges
News and Events
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Early Learning Campus Updates
Learning Through Fun
The cognitive benefits of making a mess
Elementary Campus News
MYP Exhibition
Grade 6 students embarked on an adventure in Hong Kong’s outdoors with the aim of learning survival skills and building unity
9 Football News
Girls U12 Football team take home ISSFHK Silver Championship
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Senior Robotics Team
The journey to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Texas
Book Cafe
Re-live our reading wonderland - a two day literary festival featuring books, wellness, music and more!
Holly Rofe Early Learning Campus News
Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten students wowed the audience with their spectacular performances at the Greatest Purim Show...a fabulous way to begin our Purim celebrations!
More Celebrations on Page 22
Pre Kindergarten Graduation
In June, Pre Kindergarten students were celebrated for stepping up to Kindergarten at their Pre Kindertargen Graduation Ceremony. Parents and stakeholders had the pleasure of watching our PreKindergarten students shine on stage during their graduation performance. The kids worked for few weeks to prepare for their special day and their hard work was evident as they confidently took the stage and delivered an amazing show - they absolutely blew us away! Huge congratulations to all of our Pre-K Graduates!
Messy Play Learning Through Fun
Messy play is essential for young learners, allowing children to explore, create, and play collaboratively in a vibrant, shared environment and offering a fun sensory-rich experience that sets it apart from other types of play.
It’s not just about making a mess; it’s about learning to think critically, adapt to challenges, and embrace discovery.
For our youngest learners in our Holly Rofé Early Learning Afternoon Unaccompanied Programme, we integrate this type of activity regularly, hosting big messy play sessions monthly. We also make each experience immersive and engaging with the addition of themes. During a “Supermarket” themed session, children explored fruits and vegetables, squishing, sorting, and engaging their senses. In a “Dinosaur” session, they crafted volcanoes and dug up toy dinosaur bones, playing with them in thick 'muddy' water made from chocolate, cornstarch, and water. This approach ensures that messy play is not only fun but deeply connected to their learning.
Children had a blast exploring a world of textures, especially enjoyed the tactile sensations of playing with oobleck, a unique sensory experience.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Messy play nurtures developing brains by encouraging nerve connections and stimulating curiosity through the manipulation of unique materials. It’s more than play—it’s a vital part of early learning that enhances fine and gross motor skills, helping children develop coordination, spatial awareness, and control. Fine motor skills are developed when children pinch, scoop, and squeeze materials like slime or dough, actions that translate into everyday tasks like holding a pencil, using utensils, and buttoning clothes. Gross motor skills are engaged as they pour, stomp, balance, and stretch, which are essential for climbing stairs, running, and maintaining balance.
Creativity and Problem Solving
Messy play encourages early scientific thinking as children experiment, hypothesize, and explore creatively, for example during one of our themed sessions students had to devise methods to build sandcastles that don’t collapse, and formulate ways to transport water without spilling.
Language Development
At Carmel we offer small-scale sensory play daily, ensuring every child is regularly exposed to new vocabulary and concepts that describe their sensory experiences such as “slimy,” “crunchy,” or “gooey.” Our teachers play an active role, guiding children as they articulate their observations and learn to communicate their feelings and ideas. Children learn to express their needs clearly, describe what they see or feel, and engage in conversations with peers and adults. This builds their confidence in social interactions and overall communication skills.
Building Relationships
Messy play is a fantastic way for children to build relationships and a great group activity where playing alongside or together with others becomes a valuable social experience. Children learn to share space, objects of interest, and experiences, which are key developmental skills. These interactions translate into daily life as children learn to take turns, collaborate on tasks, resolve conflicts, and communicate effectively with friends and family.
During messy play students explore sensory bins filled with a variety of sensations including fruits, vegetables, jelly and chocolate.
High School Students Perform for Pre School Students
Nursery and Pre Kindergarten students had a special musical treat when Elsa High School student musicians visited their younger peers for a mini-concert, displaying their musical talents and playing a variety of instrumental pieces. The performances came as a follow-up to the Elsa in Concert musical performances which you can read more about on page 8
Nursery and Pre K Sponsored Walk
February saw our Nursery and Pre K children participating in a Sponsored Walk at Happy Valley Racecourse. The children, along with their parents/helpers, walked around the racetrack and along the way were asked to execute different animal movements. The money raised will be used to sponsor a wild animal for each class. During the term each class will spend time researching their chosen animal and learning about their amazing characteristics.
Carmel Elementary Campus News
Grade 5 Go Outdoors for their Residential Educational Visit
Grade 5 students spent three days and two nights at Tai Mong Tsai basecamp on their residential educational visit. This trip was a wonderful opportunity for them develop responsibility, camaraderie, self-reliance and teamwork. Through personal challenges like the jetty jump and vertical ropes course, team activities involving survival skills like raft building and a 5km hike, and an outdoor camping experience in the wilderness, Grade 5 students pushed their own boundaries and challenged themselves to reach new heights!
Grade 2 Visit the HK Science Museum
Grade 2 learned about natural disasters as part of their "How the World Works" Unit of Inquiry. Students, with parent volunteers, visited the Earth Science Gallery at the HK Science Museum where they learned about where disasters occur and the science behind them. The students engaged in hands-on activities to explore different types of natural disasters, which helped them understand the interconnectedness of the natural world.
PYP Exhibition
On Friday 10 May, Grade 5 showcased their completed PYP Exhibition at our Elementary campus (Borrett Road). This year’s transdisciplinary theme was ‘ Sharing The Planet ’, with four groups of students observing the Central Idea ‘Human actions impact communities and the environment,’ each exploring different avenues such as fast fashion, climate change, food waste, and virus prevention.
The parents and faculty who attended were treated to a number of excellent activities and performances including; drumming, song, mime, video, drama and a fashion show.
The students worked incredibly hard throughout the exhibition process and their efforts paid off: they went above and beyond to produce a very high standard end result, showcasing all the skills they have developed throughout the Primary Years Programme.
Summer Art Gallery
Carmel Elementary students showcased their marvellous art works at our first pop-up Summer Art Gallery! The show presented units of work on the themes of Abstract Expressionism, Sea Creatures, Character Design, Storyboard, Identity and Portrait, Migration, and Year 5’s PYP Exhibition of Sculptures on Fast Fashion, Virus, Climate Change and Food Waste. We also celebrated this year's Art Competition winners, short-listed works, participants and after school Art Club Sculptures and Paintings.
Mandarin Speaking Competition
Congratulations to Joanne (Grade 6) for winning Upper Primary Runner-Up in the 26th Putonghua Public Speaking Competition for Primary and Secondary Schools 2024!
Elsa High School Campus News
ELSA IN CONCERT
An evening of enjoyment and sheer joy for musicians and audience alike took place at the incredible Carmel School Elsa in Concert event held in December at the Elsa High School Auditorium.
The sheer talent and diversity of performances was simply breathtaking. From the powerful orchestral pieces to the soulful choir performance, each act showcased the skill and passion of these young artists.
The evening featured performances by the Girl's Choir, Staff Student Ensemble, Elsa High School Orchestra, Clarinet Ensemble, Grade 7P Ukulele group, Grade 9 Class Band, and Strings Ensemble.
This concert was a testament to the hard work and commitment of these young musicians. If you have the chance to attend the next high school concert, don't miss ityou're in for an unforgettable experience!
Scan to watch highlights from Elsa in Concert:
We Are The Champions!
U12 Girls Football team wins ISSFHK Silver Division!
Our U12 Girls team participated in the ISSFHK Silver Division Finals Tournament in June. The team has achieved amazing results in their first season as a football team, winning their division. Read on for Aline's (Grade 7) report of the Finals Tournament.
The first match of the day was versus Nord Anglia. The game started out strong with Tali scoring 2 goals in the first half and Talia scoring 1 goal. By halftime our spirits were high because we were winning 3-0. This gave us a chance to rotate our players and give other players a go at playing in a different position. At the final whistle, we had won 5-0.
The next game against West Island School started off well with lots of chances for us but their goalkeeper was amazing and kept our shots out. Eventually, we broke them down and Tali scored a goal to take the lead. The game was still tight as we finished the half 1-1. If we didn’t score another goal the game would go to extra time and then penalties. So we tried our very best, ignoring any sense of tiredness or exhaustion from the heat and humidity. As the second half of the match began, we pushed forward and one of the West Island school players hand-balled in the penalty box, the referee gave it, penalty to ELSA! Bela wanted the penalty kick, she placed it well and scored but the referee wasn’t happy about the goalkeeper and made her take it again, but she kicked too soon so had to take it again. Third time lucky, she scored! With the score at 2-1 and still 20 minutes left to play, it was all about defending and wanting to win. The final whistle blew and we had won the match and the championship!
All the players on our team rushed onto the field, and our celebrations filled the field with joy as we realized we were the undefeated team of our season. Even then, the concept of being champions didn’t process through our minds. We couldn’t believe we won the entire finals - we were so excited. Sweat was running down our faces as we ran around the pitch, singing our chant for the last time this season. We were jumping on each other screaming ‘WE WON’.
We were all exhilarated and in total shock as we had been the first-ever U12 Girls' football team to go undefeated and win the finals. Although we were winning 2-1 against West Island School we had not given up, we were determined to score more goals and did not let anyone through. We were all feeling immense joy as we were rewarded with the gold medals.
MYP Personal Project Exhibition
The MYP Personal Project is the culmination of student efforts during their Middle Years at Carmel School. We are incredibly proud of how Grade 10 tackled this challenge -- demonstrating a clear appreciation for the lessons they’ve learned throughout their MYP journey.
The students all chose projects which played to their strengths, interests and passions in life, many of which embodied their aim of becoming internationallyminded citizens with a goal to make the world a better place. From travel guides, recipe books and student newsletters, to viral videos, 3D designs and photography books - these students surely are the future leaders and content creators of our interconnected world.
Since their initial ideation phase, through to the Workin-Progress Exhibition and the write up of their final report, students worked really hard to implement suggestions and comments and build on advice from their supervisors and peers. Juggling the IB learner profiles of being a risk taker and being balanced, Grade 10 have learned some valuable lessons about realistic time management and organisation. We hope that these experiences will stand them in good stead as they begin their DP journey.
I want to thank the Elsa High School faculty who have been amazing in their roles as Personal Project supervisors. Their expertise has been invaluable; and the time, effort and patience required for the role has been so appreciated by the students.
Thank you to Mrs Friedmann for your support and to our Admin Team for all of your hard work. Thank you to Orli Maskalchi for the program design, to Alasdair Ong for the photographs and to our caretakers for setting up the auditorium for this exhibition.
Grade 10 – congratulations! You showed grit and an admirable determination to grow and improve yourselves and support one another. It has been a pleasure working with you - from my first class as your Grade 6 English teacher until now - how you’ve grown!
Mr. Adam Darell
MYP & Personal Project Coordinator
Road to the World Championships
Our Senior Robotics Team traveled to LA in March to take part in the FIRST Robotics Ventura County regionals. Last year, the event brought together almost 1,000 of the best FRC teams, from 58 countries, and over 46,000 attendees. In Ventura County the team achieved the Rookie All-Star Award, which celebrates teams exemplifying a young but strong effort. The team also won an invitation to the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship in Houston, Texas in April.
VENTURA COUNTY REGIONALS
Day 1 (Hinako, Grade 11)
For some of us, it was our very first time in California, which made everything even more exciting. We were all looking forward to the competition starting on Friday, and couldn't wait to showcase our skills, collaborate with other talented teams, and make the most of this amazing opportunity.
Day 2 (Ariel, Grade 9)
On Day 2 we had the wonderful opportunity to visit Ventura High School, home of veteran team 3925. The school is very big with over 2000 students enrolled. Their robotics team showed us their advanced industrial equipment in their metal workshops which helped their robotics program immensely. We were impressed with their large workspace that held a mock FRC game field. We were so overwhelmed with their hospitality and to experience how a veteran team operated up close. It made us aspire to be like them someday.
Day 3 (Peter, Grade 9)
On the first day of our competition we made an early start, waking up at 6:00am to make sure we would have as much time to set up at the
competition as possible. Once we got to the competition venue we were given a designated location known as “the pit”. The pit was our space to fix and tend to any problems our robot came across during the next few days.
Our first practice match was a loss, but we were reassured by the other teams, telling us their experiences with their rookie years. We comforted ourselves with the fact that our robot was able to get onto the field and score points, an absolutely huge milestone from where we had come from only six months ago when we knew nothing.
Day 4 (Ayla, Grade 8)
Today the students in the International Stream competed in the first round of the qualification matches. Throughout the day our ranking varied from 17 out of 48 teams to as high as 8 th .
A surprising element of this competition is how willing everyone was to help other teams and opponents. Not only did other teams spare us extra parts but they also came to our station to work on our robot in times of
need. We gained friends, mentors, and lessons from these people. For example, one of the coaches from an advanced team told us about the journey of his own robotics team, and how the value of our small achievements should not be underestimated as compared to the big accomplishments of other teams. He said the purpose of this competition is ‘not for students to build robots, but for robots to build people’ With every mistake, we learn to find solutions and with every achievement, we learn to find how to improve.
Day 4 (Mr. Sunny Ma, Robotics Director)
The qualification matches in the competition with the team were unforgettable. We faced a grueling schedule of matches and our robot really took a beating. After each match, we had about 30 minutes to make repairs. As these 125lb robots crashed against us throughout the day, little by little, defects started to appear. We suffered a shooter misalignment, loose electrical connections, piston pivot failure, and our frame column almost ripped out from the vibration.
What stood out to me the most was that all other teams were incredibly helpful throughout the whole competition. They were willing to offer help by giving spare parts, tools, and advice. There truly was a sense that the other teams wanted us to perform at our best. The students took their generosity to heart and it didn't take long for them to make connections with other teams, ask for help, and share design ideas. We really experienced their motto 'gracious professionalism' to the fullest.
Day 5 (Caleb, Grade 9)
On the final day in Ventura, our team had just three matches left before the playoffs. Initially ranked 18th, we maintained a mild sense of optimism. After two tough games resulted in losses, our rank dropped to 29th. Despite this setback, Mac and Hinako delivered an incredible performance in the last match, leading us to a victory that bumped us up to rank 23rd. We had put in so much effort and dedication and were thrilled.
As the announcer called out "9...4...2...1!!!"—our team number—the previously silent stadium erupted in cheers and shouts. Overwhelmed with joy, we rushed from our seats to the center of the arena to accept the Rookie All-Star award. The excitement continued to build as we were informed that we were also invited to participate in the World Championships . We are so excited and determined to cherish and make the most of this rare opportunity.
Today, one of the coaches from an advanced team told us about the journey of his own robotics team, and how the value of our small achievements should not be undermined by the big accomplishments of other teams. He said the purpose of this competition is ‘not for students to build robots, but for robots to build people’
The Rookie All-Star Award trophy
Elsa High School Airboat Design Challenge
For this year's Elsa High School Design Challenge Students were presented with the following scenario and were tasked with designing and crafting solutions to the challenge:
Step into the shoes of real-life heroes in this Design Challenge centered around disaster relief operations! A devastating flood has left an entire community stranded, with no means of transportation. Your task is to design and construct an airboat capable of navigating through floodwaters, debris-filled streets, and reaching isolated areas to provide essential supplies and rescue stranded individuals. In this challenge, you will create a First Person View (FPV) remote control airboat using only reused packaging materials as the building material. This eco-friendly approach not only demonstrates your engineering skills but also promotes sustainability by repurposing materials. Your airboat will be capable of navigating a treacherous obstacle course, made up of land and water!
STUDENT REFLECTIONS
What were your first reactions to the Design Challenge brief?
When it was revealed that we were meant to build an Airboat, I was surprised. I expected it to be difficult: how were we going to be able to build a vehicle that goes both on water and on land and can transition between them?
Peter, Grade 9
This is the first time I’ve ever taken part in a Design Challenge. I was quite excited to collaborate with students across grades to learn about each other's strengths and interests. I think I was anticipating the end of the challenge, just to see how well we could do in the challenge.
Trisha Grade 9
I was really excited and eager to participate in the challenge and push myself and think outside of the box.
Cedric, Grade 9
How did your team go about starting the initial process? How did you divide your team’s roles?
Initially, no one had a clue about Airboats. We quickly figured out everyone’s strengths, researched the boat, and made a couple of sketches with teammates, and we gave them to the others to build. Overall, we had a great balance between the building, researching and presenting parts of the project.
Trisha, Grade 9
My team and I split the tasks and made sure everyone was working and busy with their provided tasks. We all pushed ourselves to do our best and be the best out of the 20 other teams we were competing against!
Cedric, Grade 9
Knowing that we would be collaborating for the next three days, I took the initiative as the eldest student amongst us to organise the team. For example, I asked for each team member's preferences and talents and assigned roles accordingly. This allowed us to establish clear responsibilities and ensured that each team member could contribute effectively based on their strengths.
Ethan, Grade 10
Teams were given a base kit to build upon, and had to earn credits to obtain parts and supplies through numerous activities and games.
Despite the wet weather, all teams brought ingenuity and intensity to each race in the racing round, which took place on the astro-turf.
"Everyone had unique ideas and we were challenged with coming up with the best design for us with our limited time and resources."
Cedric, Grade 9
What were some of the challenges your team faced at the beginning of the week? How did you overcome the challenges?
We had a specific layout for the bottom of our boat, but didn’t have enough cards to purchase the inflatable plastic. To overcome this, we calculated the minimum number of cards we’d need for tweaks and studied even harder in order to win them for in the Mini Challenges. We earned more cards in both the rounds, and could buy all our “upgrades” with ease.
Trisha, Grade 9
A challenge my team specifically dealt with was weight. Our airboat has an elongated front and pontoons on the side, like a catamaran. However, due to the use of lots of material, our design was significantly heavier than other teams' airboats. We changed and modified our airboat to have a slicker bottom and removed unnecessary weight from the front of the boat to counteract this conundrum.
Peter, Grade 9
We faced several challenges including our boat's load design and our pitch not being detailed enough. Our group took time to communicate and assign roles to solve problems, which helped us create a boat that we were proud of and brought us all closer together as a team. Lili, Grade 10
What was the highlight of the week?
I think it’s safe to say that my biggest highlight was seeing the finished product. I was predominantly involved with the pitch as well as research for the Mini Challenges. When our final design was brought inside the auditorium, freshly coated in spray paint, I felt nothing but pride. My team had really pulled it off!
Trisha, Grade 9
The highlight of the week for me was the second day of our build and testing day. I was really excited and nervous about testing our airboat for the first time but it turned out way better than we expected! We were the fastest on track and the only one that managed to get over the pond.
Cedric, Grade 9
My highlight was seeing our work culminate into a final product. Seeing our airboat being able to slip and slide on the track and float on water has been amazing. With all projects, seeing our vision finally come to life is an amazing feeling!
Peter, Grade 9
My personal highlight of the week was the first test of our boat, as the suspense and slight worry only made the boat's success in being able to move all the more exciting.
Lili, Grade 10
Teams were required to brand, market and pitch their designs to a panel of potential 'investors'.
"Our group took time to communicate and assign roles to solve problems, which helped us create a boat that we were proud of and brought us all closer together as a team."
Lili, Grade 10
Design Challenge recap:
As part of STEAM Week, Elementary students from Pre-K to Grade 5 participated in a challenge centered around disaster relief operations, in line with their High School peers. This engaging activity allowed students to showcase their creativity and problemsolving skills.
Ready, Set, Design with Grades 2-3
In early January, Grade 10 and 11 Design students had the opportunity to spend time with Grade 2 and 3 students when they visited the Elsa High School campus for some inter-section learning.
The Elementary students' current Unit of Inquiry is the topic of Inventions, and so the DP Design students were asked to prepare a short presentation on our Internal Assessment investigations. This was an opportunity to show the level of inquiry and thinking required for the internal DP assessments and to present the exciting opportunities that await them as they delve into the world of invention design. All students were enthusiastic and engaged during the presentations.
Following the presentations, we delved into a fun activity called Ready, Set, Design. The purpose of this activity was to solve an open-ended problem, a problem for which there are different solutions, using only the given materials and in a limited amount of time. The students were divided into groups and each group was given a different challenge card. The group to which I was assigned was given the challenge to create a way for blind people to safely navigate the city. As time was of the essence, it was crucial to think quickly and think outside the box. Each group then presented their own prototype in response to their challenge card and I was very impressed with their young creative minds.
Ella, Grade 11 DP Design Student
Reverse engineering is the process of carefully taking apart something to figure out how it was made and how it works. People do this to understand how things function, make similar products, fix old equipment when there's no support available, come up with new ideas, protect their inventions, and learn in school.
Grade 10 students led groups of Grade 2 and 3 students. Each group took a product, for example a bubble machine or a hot glue gun, and disassembled it to see how the product works and what components it is made of. Each group was then given a new user and had to change, edit or modify the product to appeal to that user.
It was a rewarding experience working with young children - we worked well together and it was a valuable learning experience for everyone!
Annabelle, Grade 10 DP Design Student
Scan to watch Design Collaboration recap:
Grade 9-10: Introduction to the College Application Journey
Casey, Grade 10
Speaking on behalf of most of my Grade 10 peers, I profess that the prospect of University applications is daunting. After Mr. Ford's college preparation briefing, however, I think I speak for everyone when I say we now have more of an idea of how to start thinking about the process.
The talk was comprehensive, touching on topics on more than simply how to apply to university. Mr. Ford gave us advice on what elite schools are usually looking for in students, letting us in on the elusive "wow factor" and how our grades are not the only factor at play. He also told us what we should take into account while organizing our portfolio for applications. One point he particularly emphasized was to make the most of our summer. It hadn't occurred to me that a period I presumed was for resting could be so valuable for my future, which along with Mr. Ford's recommendations of extracurricular college-level classes and internship programs, made me consider what my moves should be going forward.
All in all, this college briefing was an invaluable experience in helping me figure out first steps in this process. We are very grateful to Mr. Ford, Elsa section College Counselor, and we are all looking forward to our journey through the process.
Chinese New Year
Elsa High School CNY Assembly highlights:
Elementary CNY Assembly highlights:
Chinese New Year Banquet
This years CNY PTA lunch banquet was held at the JCC and guests were treated to delicious Chinese lunch, a wonderful raffle and silent auction, as well as lively entertainment from Elementary students. A big thank you to our wonderful PTA for organizing the event and thanks also to the sponsors and supporters of the event.
Joint
Marcelle
Julia
Chun
Sze
Auction prizes generously donated by NY Times
Dynamics Evolve
Wosner
Cohen
Ko and the Sham Sui Po Football Club
Lam (Celine) Kwok
Raffle prizes generously donated by Rachel Sebban
Kwun Hei Lee and FC Barcelona
Sze Lam (Celine) Kwok Conf3tti kidswear
Elementary students perform at the CNY Parent Lunch held at the Holly Rofé Early Learning campus
Purim in the Elsa High School Section
"It was a magical celebration where the Elsa High School community and tradition intertwined, creating memories that would last forever." Cedric
On Friday 22 March, Elsa High School celebrated Purim! Purim celebrates the biblical story of how a plot to exterminate Jews in Persia was foiled. Purim is now embraced as an affirmation of Jewish survival throughout history.
In the lead up to the event, students from Grades 9 and 10 wrote an abridged version of this story - The Megillah - and created an illustrated booklet. On Friday morning, all
students and teachers used this text to tell the story through mime, dance and song. This was followed by a Purim ‘carnival’, organized by the Jewish Studies department, and our traditional Catwalk, where each grade got to strut their stuff and show off their amazing themed costumes. After a picnic lunch outside on the Astro, the much anticipated Elsa High School Talent Show took place in the auditorium. It was an amazing celebration of
the School, our students and staff, and of our Jewish heritage.
Students from all faiths and backgrounds reflected on the activities and events of the day.
The Megillah
This year, to celebrate Purim, the school organised a structured day of celebration with different events. In the morning, there were a series of performances by the students and teachers depicting each chapter of the Megillah. A raffle took place assigning each class a type of performance (drama, opera, mime, standup, rap, etc) and chapter. Students and teachers were then given 15 minutes to prepare their performance with costumes, props and style. This was a funny and creative way of engaging all the students in the story of the megillah.
Annabelle, Grade 10
Last Friday the whole school participated in a high spirited Megillah show. 15 minutes before the show, each class was assigned a specific chapter to act out. In preparation we thought of funny lyrics and choreography. Our class was assigned ‘beat-box’. As we started the crowd was silent, but as we went on with the show the crowd was getting louder and louder which gave us more energy to perform. I want to thank the Jewish Studies department for coming up with this unique way of entertainment and learning at the same time.
Noah, Grade 8
The Carmel Elementary campus celebrated Purim with colors, costumes, and joy. Throughout the week, students enjoyed hat and pajama days, movies, and a grand celebration. The highlight was a lively parade showcasing vibrant costumes and exciting activities.
Carnival
The Purim carnival holds great significance for me academically and culturally. It allows me to celebrate and embrace my heritage, deepening my understanding of Jewish customs. This carnival not only showcased the cultural traditions of Purim, it emphasized the significance of making connections and building a strong sense of community. This celebration reminded me that education extends far beyond the classroom.
Lyora, Grade 8
The carnival was such an exciting experience for all of us. Activities included face painting, archery, bingo, creative pipe cleaner designs and so much more. Each student had an incredible time doing these activities while eating their popcorn and cotton candy and singing to the music on the speakers.
Liora, Grade 10
Talent Show
Although I’d performed on the Carmel stage not too long ago, I was nervous to do it yet again. My friend Amanda and I were going to sing, and I was going to play a piano accompaniment. We signed up at the very last minute and had only two days to rehearse, all the while preparing for the upcoming summatives. Our Grade also did a cover of “Hakuna Matata” which we performed together before Amanda and I were called onto stage for our performance. All in all, it was a fun-filled day and the Talent Show was the perfect way to end it.
Trisha, Grade 9
Passover Pesach
In April Elsa High School students celebrated the Jewish holiday of Pesach, or Passover. During the festival it is customary to eat matzah, unleavened bread, and to read the Hagaddah at the Seder (order), the story of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
In school we have been taught the story of Pesach. We also had the opportunity to have a Pesach Seder. I think it was great fun because the whole school got together in the auditorium and enjoyed the Pesach environment and vibe. The part I enjoyed the most that we were each given a role in the Seder and we had to read a blessing on the food or sing a song. It was fun and taught us more about Jewish culture.
Ori, Grade 7
As a Grade 6 student this was my first time doing a Seder in high school. It was also very special for me because I got to participate in it and because I was with my friends which was fun. The thing I liked the most was when we sang Ma Nishtana because I got to sing a part of it and the whole school also sang which made it even better. Overall I really had fun - it will be a Seder I will remember for a long time. I hope we will do this again next year.
Omri, Grade 6
This year I had the opportunity to be a part of my first Seder ceremony. I was curious to know about the traditions that have been followed for so many generations and felt truly privileged to be included in this kind of a sacred ceremony. My favorite aspect of the Seder was coming together and dancing to celebrate the coming of the festival.
Trisha, Grade 9
Elementary Seder highlights: The Elementary community came together for a truly special Demo Seder to celebrate the timeless traditions of Passover.
Pre School students also celebrated with a Seder of their own.
The PTA hosted Book Cafe at the Holly Rofé Early Learning campus in May. Featuring a book sale and activities for all ages, the two-day literary festival included guest speakers, wellness sessions, science activities, guest readers, and more.
Photos clockwise from left: Students browse the books and literary items for sale, Reading time with Ms. Hagit, Face Yoga with Khanh-Linh, A Suzuki music demonstration from Seed Music.
Book Cafe Highlights:
