Wings of Hope, created in the memory of Livnat Kutz Z’’L and the members of Kibbutz Kfar Aza who lost their lives on October 7
Parent Rebecca Abraham with daughter, Goldie
Emanuel School has always been more than just a place of learning it is a community, a home, and a foundation for lifelong growth But our school didn’t simply happen It has grown over the past 42 years through the determination, generosity, and vision of those who came before us, driven by a deep belief in the power of Jewish education
Right now, at this moment in history, it has never been more important for our Jewish community to come together to reconnect, to invest in learning, and to strengthen the bonds that tie us to our shared story Jewish education is not simply about academic success It is about resilience, continuity, and leadership It’s through education that we cultivate identity, values, and the next generation of leaders who will stand tall in the world
As author and Jewish community leader Dan Senor recently shared, “If you want to strengthen Jewish communities, invest in Jewish education.” I highly recommend everyone take the time to listen to his State of the World Jewry Address if you haven't already (Listen here).
At the Foundation, our mission is clear: to ensure our students have access to the very best academically, culturally, and spiritually so they can thrive today and help shape the world of tomorrow. I am proud to be an ambassador of this work. There’s a beautiful Jewish teaching that says, “As my ancestors planted for me, so do I plant for those who will come after me ”
As my ancestors planted for me, so do I plant for those who will come after me
Talmud Ta'anit 23
It was my grandparents, who taught me that giving takes many forms It’s not just about money, but about showing up, offering your time, sharing your skills, and using your voice to strengthen and protect our community They led by example, teaching me that giving is ultimately an act of love: Love for community and for the future we hope to build together
The Foundation Board, the School Board, and the School Leadership team are deeply committed to this work And already, there is so much to celebrate: exciting new programs bringing learning to life in meaningful ways, and a growing culture of giving within our community
This newsletter is one way we’re opening doors and to keep you connected to our Emanuel family. I hope it gives you a sense of the energy, ambition, and heart driving everything we do and how much we want you to be part of it
Together, we can ensure Emanuel continues to be a place of excellence, inspiration, and belonging, for now and for generations to come
Warmly,
Lisa Pillemer Foundation, CEO
Learning. Leading. Giving Back The Cely Malki Program
Where learning becomes leadership, and giving back becomes second nature.
In Term 2, the Cely Malki Study Centre launched its newly expanded learning program, and it’s already making a meaningful impact across the school
Now running four afternoons a week after school, the program offers free tutoring, study support and extension opportunities for students in Years 7–12 Learning support is provided by a unique combination of Specialist Learning Centre staff and our high-performing Emanuel alumni, creating a supportive environment for all learners whether they need extra help or are ready to stretch further
With our own graduates returning to mentor the next generation, the program reflects the values we instil, where learning becomes leadership, and giving back becomes second nature
Thanks to a matched funding partnership between the Emanuel School Foundation and the Malki family, the program is nurturing a culture of self-directed learning and peer support A quiet form of leadership that is steadily growing throughout the student body
“I returned to tutor through the Cely Malki program because I’ve always appreciated Emanuel’s nurturing learning environment
It’s been great to see familiar faces, meet new ones, and return to the close-knit, welcoming community that once helped bring out the best in me, both academically and socially This program gives alumni a chance to give back, and I hope to support current students in the same way I was supported.”
Jordy Stein, Alumni 2021, Dux
“Seeing so many students in our community benefit from the Cely Malki program fills me with delight. It provides the students an extra layer of support in learning that encourages them to keep improving.
No doubt this will enhance the already strong culture of learning and academic excellence at Emanuel To any family whose child hasn’t been to the Cely Malki program, I’d encourage them to come along and give it a try!”
Sil Malki
The Study Centre is open to all, with no registration required Sessions run Monday to Thursday afternoons, with dedicated spaces for junior and senior students.
This initiative is about more than academic supportit’s a whole-of-community commitment to helping our students thrive It’s an investment in their future, made possible by the shared vision of families, alumni, educators, donors, and students past and present
Thank you to every member of the Emanuel community and to the entire Malki family for helping bring this vision to life Kadima! We’re just getting started
Want to get involved, learn more, or encourage a student to join? [CTA]
A Universe of Learning Cosmic curiosity and hands-on discovery
“It’s about more than subject content. It’s about building passion, imagination, and critical thinking — and making those things tangible.”
Emanuel’s new Specialist in Residence Program invites students to go beyond the classroom `and engage with experts, bringing big ideas to life through real-world application The goal is to connect students with passionate people who live and breathe their subject, helping them see where their learning could lead and spark excitement about what they might become
Supported by the Emanuel School Foundation, this four-week initiative brings leading professionals to campus to collaborate with teachers and inspire students across disciplines
This term, the Science Department welcomes Dr Ben Montet, Senior Lecturer from the School of Physics at UNSW and leader of The Nearby Worlds and Their Stars (NEWTS) group, alongside Margo Thornton, a PhD student and Co-leader of the Ambassadors of the Cosmos initiative, funded by the NASA SCoPE grant During their residency, the pair will lead students in exploring data science, planet discovery, telescope-making, and more with workshops, podcasts, and an offsite Stargazing Evening in the works across all year levels and for the wider Emanuel community
Programs like this place Emanuel at the forefront of innovative education They reflect a clear commitment to moving beyond traditional models giving students new ways to think, create, and grow through hands-on experiences, engaging directly with inspiring role models.
Dr Ben Montet
Senior Lecturer from the School of Physics at UNSW and leader of The Nearby Worlds and Their Stars (NEWTS) group
Margo Thornton
PhD student and Coleader of the Ambassadors of the Cosmos initiative
With subject areas rotating each year, the program is gaining momentum across disciplines. Heads of Department are proposing future residencies with musicians, writers, and elite athletes
There’s a strong vision for the future: to embed specialist residencies as a regular, sustainable part of school life. With Foundation support, the school hopes to eventually host two residencies per year and fund a dedicated role to coordinate, design, and grow the initiative
If you’re interested in supporting this work, recommending someone for residence in a chosen field, or getting involved, we’d love to hear from you.
Alumni Inspiring the Next Generation Careers Space
The Emanuel community came full circle last term, as alumni returned to campus for our annual Careers Sp event.
The goal of this day is to give our students a glimpse possible To help them see that careers rarely follow straight path, and that every step, including the chall and detours, shapes who we become
This year’s alumni panel was a wonderful mix of expe and journeys Financial crime analytics sat alongside post-production Two brothers, one almost a psychol the other in real estate, shared their different paths pair of siblings, an aeronautical engineer and an anat major, spoke from the world of tertiary study at UNSW
We heard from startup founders and business owner of whom have gone from classmates to clients And f medical students at both undergraduate and postgra levels, offering advice from different stages of their into medicine
It was a morning of connection, storytelling, and real wisdom for our Years 10–12 students. The message w Careers can be messy, unexpected, and full of learnin the way And that’s okay
It was heartwarming to see our alumni give back so generously, sharing their time, their wisdom, and their encouragement with the next generation of Emanuel graduates. They are living examples of the community, support, and connection we aim to foster in all our students Take a look at the photo gallery and see some of these inspiring conversations in action
“It’s so important for our students to hear that success doesn’t always follow a straight line. Hearing real stories from people who sat where they are now helps them realise tha there are many paths to a meaningful future.”
Claire Pech, Careers Advisor
Brender Moss A Building Full of Stories
Launching soon: the Brender Moss Refurbishment Campaign
If you’ve ever been a student, parent, or teacher at Emanuel, chances are you’ve spent time in the Brender Moss Building It’s one of the most iconic spaces on campus
Instantly recognisable and home to countless lessons, laughs and life-long memories. But did you know this special building has a story that stretches back long before it became part of our school?
The Brender Moss Building began its life as part of the Sisters of the Poor complex in the early 1900s and came into Emanuel’s care in 1983 It was named in honour of two remarkable community leaders Joseph Brender AO and Sam Moss whose vision, generosity and leadership helped build the foundations of our school community Their names remind us that it is people, as much as places, that shape our story
Today, Brender Moss is a heritage-listed building that holds a special place in Emanuel’s heart …but it’s also showing its age While the beautiful exterior stands strong, the inside needs love and care to meet the needs of today’s students
This is where the next chapter begins The Emanuel School Foundation is proud to be leading the major refurbishment of the Brender Moss Building, transforming it into a vibrant, modern space for learning, collaboration and community. It’s where core subjects like HSIE, Maths, and Jewish Life are taught and where wellbeing, creativity, and critical thinking will continue to grow
This project has been shaped by input from students, teachers and parents, all sharing a vision for learning spaces that inspire and support our children to be their best
Next term, we’ll be inviting our community to help bring this vision to life Whether you studied in Brender Moss yourself, or simply want to invest in the next generation, this is your chance to be part of the story Together, we can give this beloved building a new lease on life honouring its past and preparing it for the future Let’s build something lasting for generations to come.
The original site built in 1887
Ma koreh הרוק המ
Every term at Emanuel is filled with moments worth sharing whether they happen in the classroom, on the stage, or out in the community. Here are some of the highlights from Term 2 that inspired us and captured the spirit of our school.
Kornmehl
Jilkminggan -Emanuel students connect with children from the Jilkminggan community through shared experiences, cultural exchange, and friendships that foster respect and understanding
Gesher– our grandparents and alumni group–enjoyed a private tour of the Archibald Exhibition, sharing art, conversation, and connection across generations.
Thanks to our generous sponsors
TheBortz Family
TheMalkiRoberston Family
Midnight the Musical-Emanuel High School students lit up the stage in Midnight, a musical filled with energy, heart, and incredible talent
The annual high school athleticscarnival was a vibrant celebration of school spirit and community, with studentsembracing teamwork, determination, and connection across year groups
Together, we are creating something extraordinary that will shape generations to come. Any form of giving is important to us. If you can support the Foundation in any way, please contact us. Thank you for your
Adam Pozniak Co-Chair
David Vitek Co-Chair
Derek Pal School Board Representative Head of Building Committee
Alisa Pincus Board Director Head of Governance
David New Board Director and immediate Past President, School Board
Joel Stuhler Board Director Treasurer
Matti Gild Board Director Head of Marketing
Ruby Berkovic
Board Director Head of Donor Engagement
Ashley Rockman School Board Representative
Gary Joffe School Board Representative President, School Board
Lisa Pillemer Foundation CEO
We believe in meaningful giving. Choose a gift that is significant to you and help make a difference to Emanuel foundation.emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au
Emanuel School Foundation +612 8383 7333 foundation@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au Moving Forward Giving
