Latest News

First T'filah of the Term

First T'filah of the Term

We had our first student-led t'filah (led by our Vaadat Yahadut, Year 12 Jewish Life Committee) for the term at recess today. We learned a new song together, 'Mikolot Mayim', led by Year 12 student Hugo Black and our Coordinator of Experiential Jewish Learning, Josh New.

Year 12 student Gabe Halperin delivered a meaningful drash on Parashat Acharei-K'doshim, focusing on the message of loving your fellow humans as we love ourselves. Gabe reminded us that Rabbi Akiva said that this is the heart of Torah, its preeminent message. Gabe said we can remember the words 'love your fellow as yourself' throughout our daily lives, and especially when we need to be more patient with people!

Thank you to our Vaadat Yahadut for a wonderful start to our Shabbat.

09
MAY

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Year Levels: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Parashat HaShavua: Acharei Mot-K'doshim

Parashat HaShavua: Acharei Mot-K'doshim

Candle lighting 5:05pm

Havdalah 6:04pm

One of this week’s parshiyot, K’doshim, includes the verse “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest” (Leviticus 19:9), which talks of two important agricultural mitzvot called peah and leket. Peah teaches us that we should leave the corners of our field’s unharvested, so that the poor - of any religion - will be able to work and collect food for themselves. Our Rabbis teach us that this should be at least 1/60th of one’s field, but more is encouraged. Leket teaches us that if one or two ears of corn fell to the ground during harvest, the owner was not to collect them, but rather leave them to the poor. 

There is also the mitzvah of shichecha, which teaches that if you forget one or two sheaves of wheat in one’s field, one can’t go back to get them but must leave them for the poor. 

These three mitzvot are perhaps most symbolic of tikkun olam - commanding us to help the poor - those without resources,

09
MAY

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Insights: Free and Fair elections

Insights: Free and Fair elections

Dear Community,

On their visit to Canberra for Year 6 camp last term, our students were able to explore Parliament House in order to gain a hands-on understanding of the workings of our democracy. 

Parliament was not in session but they were able to learn about the various layers of government and the safeguards that are in place to ensure fairness and accountability in decision-making. I have heard positive feedback that as a consequence of their visit, many of our Year 6s were avidly following the election. 

Every year, our Year 9s are treated to a unique experience as part of their Nitzan unit on Tikkun Olam and advocacy. They are able to meet with a panel of local state and federal politicians who present to them about their motivations for political involvement and the issues that they see as key to the future of Australia. This always proves to be instructive and it is so admirable that our politicians are prepared to make themselves available for such important events. 

Over the past week, I, like many, have frequently been visiting the Australian Electoral Commission website to obtain updates on various seats since last weekend’s elections. It goes without saying that we have absolute faith in these results. It would not occur to any of us that any of these results have been tainted or corrupted. 

Yet in all the commentary about the election results, one thing seems to have been overlooked and that is just how extraordinarily fortunate we are to live in a nation that provides for free and fair elections. 

09
MAY

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An ideal day on the water for Year 4

An ideal day on the water for Year 4

The Year 4 students at Sandringham Yacht Club enjoyed their second sailing experience of the year in fantastic conditions. With good wind filling the sails and clear stretches of water, it was an ideal day for learning. Please click here to see photos from the day.

Although the water was a bit chilly, the students eagerly continued to build their sailing skills, getting the exciting opportunity to actually sail the boats themselves. Throughout the session, they demonstrated great teamwork, resilience, and persistence as they tackled the challenges of learning how to track and steer their vessels, and they are already looking forward to their next sailing adventure in September.

Awatif Davies

Junior School Teacher

09
MAY

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Year Levels: 4

A magical day at Bush Kinder

A magical day at Bush Kinder

This week Gan Seorah went on another exciting Gan Tevah/Bush Kinder adventure—and what a magical day it was!

The children were bursting with curiosity as we explored the natural environment. We climbed over logs, balanced on rocks, and discovered all sorts of hidden creatures in the bush. One of the highlights was when the children worked together to build a “forest cubby” using branches and leaves. It was wonderful to see their teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills in action. 

Bush Kinder days are a special part of our week. They help develop resilience, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the environment. We’re so proud of how our Gan Seorah explorers engaged with the natural world! 

Marni Friede 

ELC Teacher

08
MAY

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Year Levels: K

Yom HaAtzmaut - Our Junior School singers shine

Yom HaAtzmaut - Our Junior School singers shine

You may have seen our video of our Junior School Yom HaAtzmaut tekes (assembly) on social media, accompanied by 'Rise Up' sung by our amazing Junior School choir and soloists Ilona Temin, Audrey Winter, Maddie Winter and Georgie Mermelstein. If you haven't seen this beautiful video yet, please click here to watch it. Am Yisrael Chai! 

Thank you to our Junior School Jewish Life and Learning, Hebrew and Music staff for this meaningful Yom HaAtzmaut tekes.  

08
MAY

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Year Levels: P, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Seen 'Adolescence'? New wellbeing resource to help

Seen 'Adolescence'? New wellbeing resource to help

Our myKDS Wellbeing page has a variety of resources to help parents navigate their children's changing worlds. One of these resources is 'SchoolTV', which provides video guidance on topical issues. 

In the wake of the TV show 'Adolescence', SchoolTV has produced a special video on shaping healthy masculinity. Please click here to watch the video.

SchoolTV: In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in online spaces that present confusing and often harmful ideas about masculinity. Many boys are exposed to messages that glorify toughness, emotional detachment and dominance, while dismissing empathy, vulnerability, and kindness as signs of weakness. These outdated ideals are limiting boys' emotional growth and shaping how they engage with others. The impact is real - and it's being felt across our schools, homes and communities.

07
MAY

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Y7 Sports Science head to the Driving range

Y7 Sports Science head to the Driving range

Year 7 Sport Science attended the Melbourne Park Golf range on Thursday to test out their hitting skills. Students worked with instructor Jamie and were wowed by his amazing shots. The class hit many golf balls one after another, some coming away with sore hands and others becoming very competitive in how far they could hit the ball. This activity ties in with the skill acquisition topic they have been doing in class along with some golf pre and post testing activities at school.

Chelsea Dabner

Sport/PE Learning Area Leader

07
MAY

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Year Levels: 7

Junior Kinder ask where does our rubbish go?

Junior Kinder ask where does our rubbish go?

This week Junior Kinder were very fortunate to have Yasmin from Cleanaway, which is affiliated with the Stonnington Council, visit us and teach us about waste and recycling. Yasmin ran a program called “Know Waste”, where she began her session by showing us posters of the three coloured rubbish bins that everyone has at home and explained the importance of waste reduction and sustainability.

Yasmin showed us a picture of blue Cleanaway rubbish truck. She explained that the blue part is called the hopper. The arm from the rubbish truck, picks up the bins and empties them into the hopper which squeezes the waste in order to maximise space in the truck. Once the hopper is filled, the truck will transport the waste depending on what colour bin is collected. Red bins go to landfill where a big hole in the ground is dug and waste is buried.  Yellow bins will go to various recycling and sorting facilities Green bins go to composting facilities. 

Yasmin shared some pictures with us of littered beaches and marine animals which have been trapped in plastics. She encouraged environmental sustainable practices, by reminding us to never leave our rubbish on the beach or in the park. We also shared how we could be waste warriors by using the correct recycling bins at home. 

06
MAY

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Year Levels: K

Juliet's Powerlifting win

Juliet's Powerlifting win

Year 11 student Juliet Wajsbrem took out first place at the the Australian Powerlifting League (APL) competition last week. Mazal tov! This was Juliet's first APL competition - what a win! Juliet was the youngest female competitor and has now qualified for the APL Nationals, which will be held in August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. B'hatzlacha Juliet! 

06
MAY

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Year Levels: 11

Events

Politics and Leadership in Jewish Learning

Politics and Leadership in Jewish Learning

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.

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Join Etz Chayim and TBI for Lag B'Omer

Join Etz Chayim and TBI for Lag B'Omer

Please join Etz Chayim and TBI for their Lag B'Omer celebration on Thursday 15 May. There will be a BBQ, tasty potatoes and, of course, a fire. 
Bookings are essential for catering and security purposes. Please click here to book 
 

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Join Netzer in May and at their Winter camp

Join Netzer in May and at their Winter camp

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.

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Year Levels: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Book launch: 'Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Efraim Finch

Book launch: 'Ferryman: The Life and Deathwork of Efraim Finch

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.

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Kedem Presents: Death, Burial and Afterlife in the Biblical World

Kedem Presents: Death, Burial and Afterlife in the Biblical World

Please join Kedem for a presentation by Rabbi Jonathan Keren Black on Sunday 18 May at 10.15am. 
Death has been a constant through human history, but ways of marking it and understanding it have changed and have informed what we do and what we believe today. Based on Rachel S. Hallote’s 2001 book of the same name, we will look at ways that death was approached and viewed over the biblical period, and draw some connections to our own beliefs and customs today on this universal subject that we too rarely study and discuss.
Please register  with Rosi: rosi.kedem@outlook.com
Please see the attached flyer for more information. 

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Webinar for Israelis in Australia: Preserving your child's Hebrew while Integrating

Webinar for Israelis in Australia: Preserving your child's Hebrew while Integrating

Please join us for a websinar on 'How to Preserve your Children's Hebrew Language while Integrating them into Australian Society.'
Hear from Hebrew education expert, Prof. Vardit Ringold of the Hebrew Language and Culture Teaching Consortium at Brandeis University, about ways to preserve and develop your children's Hebrew skills while facilitating their integration into an English-speaking context. Please note, this session will be in Hebrew. Thursday 5 June, 8.30pm AEST on Zoom.
Please click here to register. 
Please share this with your Israeli friends.

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ELC Playgroup - Kef Kan in Term 2

ELC Playgroup - Kef Kan in Term 2

Our ELC playgroup, Kef Kan (fun here) continues to run every Friday in Term 2.  We will have three inspiring guest speakers during the term: an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Therapist, and a Nutrition Therapist.
When: Every Friday, 2 May to 4 July inclusive
Time: 10.30am - 11.30 am, at the Junior School library

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Shavuot at TBI

Shavuot at TBI

TBI invites you to join us for our evening full of events and activities for the whole family to celebrate Shavuot.
4.30pm-6pm: children’s activities, climb Mt Sinai, 10 Commandments, pizza & ice cream.
6pm: Shavuot program, including service, potluck dinner, cheesecake contest and Tikkun Leil Shavuot until late.
7pm: While the "grown-ups" are busy, we invite teens to our screening of "Fiddler on the Roof" with snacks!
We will also be holding a Wine and Cheese(cake) social event at 9pm for young adults.
4.30pm onwards, Sunday 1 June. Please click here for more information and to RSVP. 

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