We are incredibly proud of the School's bold new wellbeing program, Ctrl Alt Del, that was officially launched lthis week to a capacity audience of parents with children ranging from Kindergarten to Senior School.

This innovative program is aimed at giving parents a strength-in-numbers approach to “taking back control of their kids’ childhoods”. Families listened to a stellar panel comprising Charlie Pickering and Elise Bialylew in conversation with David Opat and Wellbeing Coordinator Chanie Stock. By all accounts, families left feeling very inspired and ready to sign up to the program. For those families who missed the opportunity to attend the event, a video recording is available here. 

We encourage all families to come onboard with this program.  You can sign up here. The link is also available on the myKDS Homepage.

The launch also attracted lots of media attention.  If you missed it, here are some of the links: 

Candle lighting: 5:00pm

Havdalah: 6:00pm

Our parashah, Emor, includes the verses: “And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering – the day after the Sabbath [that is, on the second day of Pesach] – you shall count off seven weeks. They must be complete: you must count until the day after the seventh week – fifty days; then you shall bring an offering of new grain to God” (Leviticus 23:15-16). We are, in fact, in the middle of the period these verses describe - Sefirat HaOmer (the counting of the omer). The omer is a measure of barley and, when our ancestors were farmers, this period marked the beginning of the barley harvest, and the countdown to the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. 

Today we mark Lag BaOmer, the thirty-third day of the counting of the period between Pesach and Shavuot, positioned between the pleasure of physical liberation and the privilege or perhaps yoke of spiritual responsibility. On each day of this period, as we count, we might reflect on how we are improving ourselves - in regard to our middot (personal characteristics), our “spiritual fitness” (maybe this can be seen as a parallel to a period of increased visits to the gym to work on our physical fitness), and on how we treat others. 

In fact, how we treat others is an important principle of Judaism,

Dear Community,

“Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable, and… unsuitable for children and adolescents.”

This quote from renowned thought leader Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation summarises why Haidt believes that early and unfettered access to social media has caused a huge spike in anxiety, depression and other mental illness in young people.

Parents of The King David School agree. In our recent survey, 90% of parent respondents worried about how much time their children spent on their devices. 70% worried about what they were accessing and more than 50% believed that their children were spending more than 3 hours per day, outside of school time, engaged with their device. Another disturbing response was that 70% of parent respondents suggested that conflicts around device usage were occurring regularly within their families.

This week The King David School launched our new program, Ctrl Alt Del, which is designed to assist our families in taking steps to protect their kids’ childhoods, to improve their mental health outcomes and to enhance their family units.

The power of the program is that it harnesses the strengths of the King David community to create an inclusive and collective model of action to address this vital social issue. The program involves parents in a particular year level signing a pledge to withhold providing their child with a smartphone until at least Year 7. We will offer parent education to facilitate the drafting of Family Charters which determine the rules around usage. We offer tips and training on using technology to limit and monitor children’s screen time. We also provide discounts to family-oriented activities that take their children away from their screens. 

The program was launched at a booked-out parent evening where we were privileged to hear from

After placing fourth during the Round Robin competition, the King David Year 8/9 boys' basketball team came up against undefeated Huntingtower School in the grand final this week. Previously Huntingtower defeated King David by 19 points during the regular season but on grand final day, it was King David's time to shine. The game was close the whole way with a lead never getting more than four points. As the game drew closer towards the end, it was King David‘s teamwork, resilience, pressure and skill that got them over the line against the previously undefeated Huntingtower team. We won by three points in an absolute gutsy win. Mazal tov! 

Drew Solewicz

Sport Manager

This week our Year 1 students took part in an exciting local walking excursion to explore the places and spaces that make up our community. This special outing is part of our Integrated English Unit: Community Places and Spaces, where students are learning all about the features and functions of important places in the world around them.

Armed with their community checklists, students walked through the neighbourhood spotting key locations such as the train station, doctor’s office, playground, and many more. They eagerly ticked off items as they identified them, using their observation skills to connect what we’ve been learning in the classroom with the real world.

This hands-on experience helped students think about the different services in our local area and the people who help make the community a safe and supportive place. The excursion also encouraged discussion around some of our key guiding questions:

This year, Lag BaOmer begins at sunset on May 15th and ends sunset the next day. It takes place on the 33rd day of the Omer. Today we will be celebrating Lag BaOmer in the ELC where we will have a (very safe and supervised!) bonfire, and Inbal will help us roast marshmallows as Nissim plays his guitar for Lag BaOmer and Shabbat songs.

In the lead up to Lag BaOmer, we shared with the children that this is a time we remember Rabbi Akiva, a great wise man and kind teacher. He became a great leader who taught the Jewish People how to love and be kind. One of his most important lessons was: “Treat others how you would treat yourself.” One of the most special traditions of Lag BaOmer is lighting bonfires, which remind us of the warmth and light Rabbi Akiva shared with others.

This week we have been exploring the idea of fire in creative and safe ways. Today, we did a fun science experiment to make our own pretend “fire”!

The Year 10 Science of Elite Performance students visited the St Kilda Football Club on Thursday to see what life is like as an elite athlete. They were able to experience the recovery methods they have been learning about at the Danny Frawley Centre. They immersed themselves in ice baths (some longer than others), infrared saunas and used normatec boots. They had the opportunity to hear from a footballer who taught them more about nutrition and recovery methods used by footballers (both AFLW and AFL players) to enhance their performance. 

Belinda Wester

VCE Coordinator & 11/12 Year Level Coordinator

As part of their Year 9 Geography elective, a small, but enthusiastic group departed School at 7:30 on Monday morning for a full-day of fieldwork tracing the journey of the Yarra River, from its forested upper reaches to its urbanised lower course in Melbourne. The trip offered a valuable opportunity to observe firsthand how river systems change, naturally and through human influence.

Our first stop was in Warburton, where the Yarra flows as a cool, fast-moving stream through native bushland. Students conducted water quality tests and recorded observations on river flow, channel shape, and surrounding land use. After our first fieldwork session (and a quick stop at the bakery), we travelled to the Upper Yarra Reservoir. At the base of the 90-metre dam wall, students witnessed how water infrastructure can impact a river system. Just downstream, we recorded the clearest water, fastest flow, and narrowest channel of the day — a reflection of the controlled and protected environment upstream. Water quality was excellent, with low turbidity and no detectable nitrates.

Our next stop was Warrandyte,

This week Year 7 Art students and Year 8 Hebrew students went to the NGV where they extended their vocabularly and analysis. 

In the NGV

"On Friday, my classmates and I had an awesome time at the National Gallery of Victoria for an art workshop. The moment I walked in, I was blown away by the stunning paintings and sculptures. One piece that caught my attention was an incredible eight-armed statue of a man who looked like he was meditating! Some of my favourite parts were when we wrote down words describing the sculpture of St Barbara and looking at myself in the reflection of the big octopus! But honestly, the best part was just hanging out with friends and teachers, sharing laughs and ideas while having fun. It turned out to be a fantastic day filled with creativity and connection that I won't forget!" - Eli Field Collins, Year 7

Year 12 students participated in an Israel Programs Fair on Wednesday, which offered them a glimpse into post-Year 12 gap year possibilities in Israel (often including educational side trips to other countries). We thank the Zionist Federation of Australia (and Masa Israel Journey) for offering this opportunity to our students. We encourage students (and their families) to consider attending the Masa Gap Year Fair which will take place on Wednesday, 28 May at 7.30pm. Please click here for more information or to register.

Ilan Bloch

Director of Jewish Life and Learning

This week, our Year 5 students participated in a special "Hat Sorting Ceremony," an event that marks the next step in the leadership journey this year. Much like the Sorting Hat at Hogwarts, our ceremony is designed to match each student with a Vaad (committee) that aligns with their interests and strengths.

The Vaadot are:

Yahadut (Jewish Life): Focusing on enriching our school's Jewish culture and traditions.

Echut HaSviva (Sustainability): Promoting environmental awareness and eco-friendly practices.

Tikkun Olam (Charity): Engaging in acts of kindness and community service.

Ruach (Spirit and Kindness): Fostering a positive and inclusive school atmosphere.

Yipui Beit HaSefer (Beautification and Communication): enhancing the physical area of our school and promoting upcoming activities and events

During the ceremony, 

During the first week of April, staff from the Junior School travelled to the Sunshine Coast to participate in the inaugural Science of Learning conference, hosted by Matthew Flinders Anglican College.

Over the span of two days, experts in the fields of neuroscience, executive functioning and learning presented their most recent findings and what this means for education. Schools across Australia, New Zealand and the U.S, including King David staff, participated in workshops and lectures aimed at utilising modern scientific research to inform their teaching practice.

Even the oppressive Queensland humidity couldn’t stop The King David Staff

Students in Year 9 began their practical sessions of sport coaching with the Junior School this week. It's excellent to see how well they are already leading students. Over the previous weeks, all units had the opportunity to nominate as a future Sports leader. These students sat a group interview and then presented their lesson plans. Once they completed an online coaching course students were broken into pairs and they have been allocated students from the Junior School from Prep to Year 4. They will have four practical lessons with the students and they will all participate in the Junior Sports Day and Junior Swimming Carnival later in the year. 

Drew Solewicz

Sport Manager

Year 4 had an excellent time on the water last week, learning to sail. Here are some of their reflections:

"Teamwork helps us to sail because my partner controlled the sail while I steered using the tiller. Sailing is challenging but I was persistent. Sailing pushes me out of my comfort zone so I had to be courageous." - Nava

"Teamwork helps when sailing because when I am steering the tiler my partner will need to even out the sides of the boat so we won’t tip over. Sailing is great fun but it takes a while to learn. Sailing is challenging so I will need to practice." - Ravi

"I learn a lot when learning to sail because we have great, fun, nice instructors and we have to pay attention. Sailing is great fun but sometimes it is frustrating to work with your teammate. Sailing is challenging so I am going to try to concentrate and focus." - Sammie

"Sailing is challenging so you need resilience to complete the challenge. Sailing is great fun because you can do it as your own boss without a license. Sailing pushes me out of my comfort zone but is worth the challenge. Teamwork helps you sail so talk to your partner because otherwise you will fall in." - Victoria

"Sailing is challenging because you feel like you are going to fall every second. Sailing is challenging but it is very fun. Sailing is challenging but I still want to give it a try." - Jae

Please see more reflections - 

In the lead-up to Shavuot and with the Federal Election having just run, we invite parents, grandparents and extended families to join Ilan Bloch, the Director of Jewish Life and Learning, for an in-depth discussion about Politics and Leadership in Jewish Learning.  This is a free event but please register your attendance here for catering and security.

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity! 
Join us for the Foundation Brunch featuring the iconic Deborah Conway. Deborah will share insights on her advocacy and activism since October 7th. The morning will include a performance by Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier. 
Friday 20 June 2025, 9.15am - 11.15am. Plesse click here to book your tickets. 
Seating is strictly limited, so be sure to book early. All welcome.
The King David Foundation is grateful to the Parents' Association for releasing the June 20 date from the School events calendar for this event.

Please join Kedem this Shabbat for their 'Service for the Soul'. This month, they are joined by special guest, Reb Cantor Lisa Levine. 
Reb Cantor Lisa is nationally known throughout the US as a cantor, composer, author, poet, recording artist and yoga prayer facilitator.
Please contact Rosi to register: rosi.kedem@outlook.com
Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

Save the date - 2 July - for Artivism, an evening put together by our Year 9 Nitzan students who are exploring the link between tikkun olam and art. This is always an amazing event. In the past it has raised money for Magen David Adom, and the Big Issue. Please keep an eye out for more information. Graphics designed by Nitzan students. 

Netzer has lots of events in May, including a Senior Shabbaton this weekend and Lag B'Omer celebration. Please see the calendar above. Contact melbourne@netzer.org.au for more information. Netzer has also launched Mechane Teva, their Winter camp for Years 3-12 - please see the attached flyer. Please click here to sign up.

King David community member Katia Ariel has written a new book. Please join her for the launch of 'Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Ephraim Finch', a powerful blend of biography, memoir, and cultural history that honours the extraordinary life of Ephraim Finch OAM—deathworker, ritualist, and cultural bridge-builder. Ephraim is the granfather of current King David students.
The book will be launched by acclaimed writer, storyteller and refugee advocate Arnold Zable.
Thursday 12 June 2025 6:30 PM
Glen Eira Town Hall - Please click here to register. 
Light refreshments will be provided.

Join us for some family fun activities to celebrate Shavuot!
Sunday 1 June, 4.30pm-6pm: children’s activities, climb Mt Sinai, 10 Commandments, pizza & ice cream
Please RSVP your attendance here.
For families wanting to stay later, we also have some other Youth options, including:
6pm: For Teens - Screening of "Fiddler on the Roof" with snacks!
Full schedule: https://tbi.org.au/shavuot/

Are you in Year 5?
We warmly invite Year 7 (2027) students (at any school) and their families to discover what makes King David’s Middle School such a special place. Come and experience the vibrant learning environment, meet our passionate educators, and connect with our community.
Please click here to register. 

Parents and Year 12 students – come discover a range of life-changing gap year opportunities in Israel!
With so many incredible programs to choose from, find out how a year in Israel can shape your future.
Wednesday 28 May, 7.30pm (location upon registration).
Don’t miss this chance to explore your options, hear from the experts, and get your questions answered!
Please click here to register.

Children aged 3-5 years old and their families are welcome to join us for Storytime with Savta, where stories are read b'Ivrit (in Hebrew).
When: Sunday 25 May, 10.30am
Where: Library at our Dandenong Rd Campus, 373 Dandenong Road, Armadale
Please register here and spread the word to your Hebrew-speaking friends with young children.