Dear Community,

Renowned early 20th century educator John Dewey stated that “All genuine learning comes through experience.”  

While there is always a place for theoretical knowledge, there is no doubt that practical experiences in which our students are challenged to apply a range of skills and develop their understandings in real world contexts, can prove extremely valuable in augmenting their learning and development. 

This is why I am so proud of the diverse and rich learning activities that our school prioritises at each stage of schooling. The holistic learning model which we favour, couples academic progress with social, emotional, sporting, creative and spiritual learning opportunities that are often enjoyed outside the constraints of the classroom walls.

In recent weeks students across the School have been invited to embrace the challenges of testing their mettle in a range of outdoor education experiences.

 Our Year 7s have been away on their water sports camp at Angelsea this week. This comes at an opportune time as we welcome a whole new class into this cohort. The camp is a valuable opportunity for the cohort to bond, make new connections, learn new skills and to develop resilience through failing and ultimately succeeding in the new water-based challenges that they have been set. 

Similarly, earlier this term, the VCE Physical Education students had opportunities to apply the theory and content that formed the basis of their areas of study in the real world setting of a surf-based camp in Point Lonsdale. Likewise, our VCE Geography students were offered the chance to apply their study of “Hazards and Disasters” by exploring the seas off Portsea through snorkelling and boat-based activities.

Pikkudei

Candle lighting 7.02pm

Havdalah 7.57pm

This week’s parsha continues our theme of the building of the mishkan (Sanctuary, or Tabernacle). It reviews the instructions given for making the ritual clothing of the kohanim (priests), including the choshen (breastplate) and the ephod (a “vest” that went over the priest’s tunic), which each had twelve stones corresponding to the twelve tribes. “They were set on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the Israelites—as Adonai had commanded Moses.” (Exodus 39:7) Among the twelve stones, representing the twelve tribes, on the ephod were two shoham (onyx) stones. (In Hebrew shoham is an anagram of Moshe.) 

Kli Yakar (Prague, 17th century) suggests that these stones represented the two tablets of the law (the 10 commandments) which were smashed by Moshe when he saw the Golden Calf. He says this episode frayed the connection between God, Moshe, Israel and the Law but suggests that the twelve stones on the ephod (particularly the shoham/onyx stones) physically represent the repentance of the Jewish people and our return to a relationship with God. 

The Gan Tevah (Bush Kinder) program in our ELC is an amazing opportunity for our children to connect with nature on a regular basis.  

The program teaches children the values of caring for the environment and respecting the relationships between people, animals, plants, waterways, land, and skies. Through Gan Tevah, children engage in spontaneous play, take safe risks, and use nature to expand their imagination and creativity.

This week, all Senior Kindergarten children had an opportunity to explore Yalukit William Reserve (Elsternwick Park) and they loved it!

Click here for a collection of images from this week's Bush Kinder.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Confucius

This powerful idea comes to life in our Junior School as the sounds, sights and experiences of Pesach fill the air. Children are not just learning about the Haggadah — they are living it. Through singing, acting, baking, and hands-on exploration, our students are building meaningful, lasting connections to the story of Yitziat Mitzrayim.

In the lead-up to Pesach, Prep students delighted in a special incursion with the Matzah Bakery. Click here for a selection of photos.

Under the guidance of Rabbi Yossi, they took part in the ancient tradition of baking shmurah matzah. The process began with grinding wheat kernels into flour and continued with a race against the 18-minute clock to mix, roll, and bake their dough into matzah.

As they worked, our students reflected on the powerful symbolism of matzah — the “bread of affliction” that sustained us in slavery and the “bread of freedom” that accompanied us on our journey into the desert as bnei chorin, a free people.

KDS Middle School students are the lucky recipients of yummy afternoon tea, made every Wednesday by some of our Year 9 Niztan students in our Outdoor Kitchen! Each week, a different Middle School year level is invited to enjoy the treats which have included apple crumble and ice cream and chocolate brownies and fruit skewers. A great way to end the school day! View images of some of the bakers and happy recipients of the treats here

Prior to their Year 6 camp to Canberra, students were visited by Josh Burns MP, Federal Member for Macnamara. Josh spent time with the students answering questions about local issues as well as Israeli and Australian politics. Josh also provided an insight as to what to expect when Year 6s visit Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial on Camp.

Please join Kedem for their Pesach services:
A morning service with Aliyot, a Drash, Hallel songs and Kiddish. All welcome!
Sunday 13 April 2025 at 10am at The King David School and on Zoom
Seventh Day Pesach with Service for the Soul
10am on Saturday 19th April at a home and on Zoom
Includes Hallel, Yizkor, Kiddish and lunch.
Please contact rosi.kedem@outlook.com to register.