Dear Community,

In 1947, punters didn’t quite get what they were hoping for when a boxing match between Mike Collins and Pat Brownson lasted just four seconds before Collins was victorious. 

In 2022, Mitchell Starc made the perfect start to an Ashes series when he bowled out Rory Burns on the very first ball. He followed this up in the recent series by bowling out Zac Crawley in the first over.

In AFL terms - and I will blatantly show my bias here - I was lucky enough to attend the 2022 Grand Final. I was full of nerves but these soon settled into ecstasy as my beloved Geelong Cats went on an opening quarter rampage against the Swans, scoring 6.5 to 1.0 which set the momentum for a stunning performance that would lead to a big Premiership win.

The point of all of this, is that starts are important. They can set the tone, establish attitudes, instil confidence and lay the groundwork for our success. And that is why I am so thrilled by the start we have achieved at King David.

The beginning of the year has seen happy and settled students, a large number of new families being welcomed to the school and the ruach and enthusiasm of the class of 2026, taking on their role as school leaders.

In the Lead-in days before students started, our staff worked hard

Candle-lighting 8.10pm | Havdalah 9.10pm

Our parashah, Yitro, named for the father-in-law of Moshe (Moses), can help inform our understanding of our ancestors’ spiritual journey. Although we traditionally learn that Avraham (Abraham) was the first ethical monotheist, in reality, we know that our ancestors’ journey toward ethical monotheism was more circuitous. Although Yitro is not a Hebrew, his statement that “Now I know that Adonai is greater than all gods” (Exodus 18:11) symbolises the idea of monolatrism or monolatry – that there exist many gods, but only one that is worthy of devotional service. Perhaps we can even understand the second commandment “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3) in this context – not that other gods do not exist, but rather that they are not to be worshipped. The spiritual journey that our ancestors embarked on – from polytheism to monolatry to ethical monotheism does not come about as a result of an individual or national epiphany, but rather through a very gradual process. In today’s world we might sometimes feel pressure to achieve instantaneous results; this parashah can teach us that real change takes place over an extended period of time and through intense identity work.

The spiritual mission with which we are tasked is to “be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:6) Even though as a Progressive Jewish institution we do not believe in kehunah (priesthood) in the traditional sense, this verse still resonates with us. How we refine ourselves to act with the same mythical kedushah (holiness) of our ancestor priests and spread this as a collective is still our job today. The spiritual

Our Years 6-8 students have had an excellent first few days settling into the 2026 school year. With many new students joining our school, launch experience is filled with activities designed to allow students to get to know one another and create year level cohesion. 

From climbing at Up Unlimited, to ice skating, to splashtastic, students enjoyed exciting outings together. Please click here to see photos from Launch Experience. Please note there are many more photos on the myKDS Photo Gallery.

As well as this, students learned organisation techniques, the myKDS system, communication skills, our school values, and had a taste of Kindle and elective subjects, before beginning their full academic timetables. What a wonderful start to our year together!

The Junior School welcomed the new academic year by wishing everyone a joyful “Happy New Year to the Trees!”

Students marked Tu BiSh'vat across a range of Jewish Studies lessons, enjoying a delicious fruit feast while exploring different Jewish perspectives on this special day. Together, we reflected on how celebrating Tu BiSh'vat helps us recognise our people’s enduring connection with the land of our ancestors, Eretz Israel.

Today the celebrations continued with games and hands-on activities as we began to build our Jewish “toolkit” for the year. Students created a Mitzvot Tree, filling it with meaningful ways we can practise Tikkun Olam and care for our world.

Chag Tu BiSh'vat Sameach!

Sophie Oppenheimer, Team Leader Jewish Life P-5

This week in our ELC, we have been learning about Tu BiSh'vat, the Jewish celebration which is often called the birthday of the trees. This is a time when we celebrate nature and start to build the children’s understanding of trees, nature, and why trees are so important in our world.

In Gan Gefen, we went on a nature walk in our garden, where the children collected leaves, bark and twigs. Using these collected leaves, the children were invited to create their own tree craft. We traced their arm and hand to form the tree trunk and branches. The children added their leaves to their trees. 

Throughout the week, we have been discussing why trees are important. The children shared ideas that trees grow food and fruit for us to eat and provide homes and shelter for animals. We spoke about animals that rely on trees, including koalas, and how they need trees for food and safety. These discussions supported the children’s developing understanding of caring for the environment and living things.

During our Hebrew session the children were introduced to the Hebrew word for Tree - “Etz”

As Tu BiSh'vat is a celebration of trees and growth, over the last few days the children were also introduced to The Seven Species, and tasting some of these foods for the first time.  These fruits and grains are special to the land of Israel. They are:

The dedicated and talented cast of our 2026 Magid Campus Musical - 'Beauty and the Beast' - spent four days at SHIR camp, prior to the start of our school year. The cast participated in a series of workshops and bonding activities as well as choreography, vocal and staging rehearsals. We are so very proud of their wonderful efforts. Please click here to view a selection of photos from SHIR camp - please note there are more photos on the myKDS Photo Gallery. Many of the students also attended a performance of 'Anastasia' at the Regent Theatre. Watch out for further updates about our musical in our Harp magazine. Tickets to our production of 'Beauty and the Beast' will go on sale later this term. 

Eli Erez, Head of Performance

Last Friday the High Potential team were thrilled to launch the new R.I.S.E Room to staff. The Rise Room has come to life in the form of a unique learning space that encourages students to stretch and reach their learning goals. The name R.I.S.E, as selected by a group of students in 2025, stands for the cornerstones of High Potential learning: Research, Innovate, Strive and Excel. In this space, students will be given the opportunity to meet with like-minded students, mentors and guest speakers. They will have the freedom to explore and engage with Enrichment and Extension programs across the subjects including STEM, Humanities, Literature and Mathematics. The room will also serve as an inclusive space where all students will have the opportunity to gather and converse about matters pertaining to thinking, learning and experience, starting with a Meeting of the Minds Breakfast Club.  

As the new year begins, we are thrilled to witness the rise of a space designed specifically to support, inspire and encourage the unique learning needs of High Potential students.  

Robyne Bowering, Coordinator of R.I.S.E

The RMC hall was filled with excitement on Monday as Years 6-12 students started the new school year together with an assembly led by our Hanhagah (Year 12 student leaders). We welcomed many new faces and started the year with a spirited rendition of our school song and the Monkees/Smashmouth's 'I'm a Believer' by our senior band 'Funky Sediment'. 

As is our is our tradition, a Year 6 student (Ayalah) and a Year 12 student (Daniel) lit the lamp of learning together, symbolically readying us to learn, illuminate the dark and drive away ignorance. 

Principal Marc Light spoke about our school symbols of the wattle and King David's harp, reminding us of our unique position as Jewish Australians.  He asked us to think about the how we can build the community we want to live in and what our goals are for the year. 

Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Ilan Bloch, spoke to us about investing in our Jewish learning and deepening our love of Judaism, particularly after the events of Bondi. 

We celebrated the bittersweet release of the last hostage, and Tu BiSh'vat, marking these both as the start of renewal.  

We heard from Year 7 student Ben Lewis, Maccabi Golf Men's Matchplay Champion and Golfer of the Year (2025). Each Rosh - leader of an Hanhagah Vaad - spoke, getting students excited for the upcoming Back to School Service, Swimming Carnival and our Years 6-12 musical, Beauty and the Beast. 

It's going to be an amazing term and a year of excellence!  

King's Carnival is back this year as a twilight event. Make sure you've got Sunday 22 March, 3-7pm in your calendars! It'll be an afternoon of fun and community at our Magid Campus, 517 Orrong Road.

Don't miss the incredible Purim Carnival! A fun-filled day of costumes, activities, songs and treats. Dress up, come along and enjoy festivities including petting zoo, jumping castle, circus workshop, bubbles, arts and crafts, BBQ, fairy floss and more!
Details: 10am-1pm Sunday 1 March at Temple Beth Israel
To register or for more info, including TBI's other Purim activities (performances, service and more!), please visit tbi.org.au/purim/

With Bar Mitzvah year on the horizon for many families, Stand Up is inviting fathers and sons to mark this milestone together. 
Stand Up’s Father & Son B’nei Mitzvah Retreat on the Mornington Peninsula offers a nurturing Jewish space where families can slow down and connect with their values in a unique environment that empowers B'nei Mitzvah age boys to deepen their exploration of social justice and responsibility.
Led by an incredibly skilled team of facilitators, participants will journey through guided activities outdoors. Grounded in Jewish values, like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the retreat helps turn this important moment into a meaningful and memorable journey for sons and their parents alike.
Father & Son Retreat Details:
Who: Year 6 & 7 Boys in 2026 and their fathers or carers
Where: Victoria's Mornington Peninsula (approx. 1 hour from Melbourne)
When: 5.00 pm Friday 13 March  - 5.00 pm Sunday 15 March
What's included: 2-night glamping accommodation, all meals and programming. Also includes pre- and post-retreat workshops.
Find out more - Spots are filling up fast. https://www.standup.org.au/parent-child_retreat_melb_13-15_march_2026_payment

Please join the Jewish Museum Australia for two events:
Lygon Street Walk
15 February 2026, Sunday 10.15am (10.30am start) - 12.30pm
Meeting Place will be provided with your ticket
Discover the Jewish history of Lygon Street. This tour through Melbourne’s Italian heartland will visit locations such as Carlton United Hebrew Congregation site, Chevra Kadisha, Herzl House, Monash House, Smorgon’s Butcher Shop, Stone’s Synagogue and more. Please click here for more information. 
Weaving Workshop with Kim Abrahams
22 February 2026, Sun 10–1pm at the Jewish Museum of Australia
Create your own Tammy Kanat: Circle of Her-inspired fibre art with artist Kim Abrahams. Guided by Kim’s expertise, learn the skills over three hours to weave your own tapestry work. Experiment with colour, materials and patterns to create your own weaving on a mini frame loom. Please click here for more information.