Dear Community,

“Learn to make new things that will improve the world and do things that make you happy.” This was the simple, yet inspiring recipe that characterised what the focus of an education system should be as presented by Péter Halácsy to our senior students and staff.

Péter is the co-founder of the online presentation infrastructure, Prezi, which has 75 million users worldwide and has been used to prepare more than 260 million presentations. He is also involved in a project to improve Hungary’s education system. He presented to our students in a wide-ranging discussion that covered the story of Prezi from startup to global giant as well as his views on education and what constitutes a fulfilling life.

Péter spoke of the importance of teaching Design Thinking in education as an approach that fosters creativity. He disputed the fixed views of intelligence, creativity and leadership and explained that each of these areas can be developed and strengthened t

On Thursday students from the Year 12 Biology class attended a workshop at the Gene Technology Access Center in Parkville. The students have been studying the tools and techniques involved in the manipulation of DNA.

As part of their workshop, students examined how bio-technologies are being used to investigate the claim that "vampire therapies could reverse aging". It was a fascinating insight into the real-world application of the theory learnt in class.

"It's the best production we've ever done!"; "I'm speechless!", "it was so much fun to be in the audience"; "hard to believe it's a school production!". These are just some of the comments heard as our euphoric audience exited at the end of the performances of our Years 9 to 12 musical, Hairspray. What a way to end this term!

This iconic musical was brought to life in magnificent fashion by the skillful Laura Rickhuss and Adam Yee and their team of production assistants, musicians and of course our unbelievably talented student performers. Bravo to you all!

Please read Laura's Director's note below which was included in the program (attached for reference):

Throughout history, theatre has served as a catalyst for change. It has the power to mirror society and present audiences with an alternate, and at times, radical solution to a collective psyche.

Inspired by the 1988 film, Hairspray the Musical is a social commentary of the injustices taking place in parts of American

Years 7 and 8 students enjoyed a colourful and exciting incursion today. A group called ‘Medieval Education’ visited us for the morning to give students some hands-on demonstrations of aspects of Medieval life as well as some Ancient Greek Olympic Games. The Year 8s attended sessions on ‘Weapons and Armour’ and ‘Crime and Punishment’ and then participated in a Medieval Tournament, as a summary of their history studies this semester. The Year 7s, with some assistance from the Year 12 Ancient History class, participated in a session on ‘Sports and Status’, looking at the early Greek Olympics – how topical. A fun and educational way to wrap up the semester!

The Year 1s have been learning how to write Procedures this term. To conclude this writing unit, they all made Fancy Face Cookies.They then wrote up the procedure, including the title, ingredients/materials and steps taken. They especially loved eating their cookies at the end!

Prep to Year 3 students were involved in a road safety incursion facilitated by by the RACV. The Preps learnt about being safe on the road and how to cross safely when walking with an adult. They learnt about needing a booster seat and using a seat belt safely. They were shown how to wear a helmet correctly.

Year 6 students studied interactive electives during this week’s classes. Part of the interactive electives that were taught included cooking and baking. In one of the studied texts, the protagonist baked a cake and instead of sugar used salt. As an activity, students decorated cupcakes in class and added extra sugar to make up for Tamar’s mistake.

The class was very enjoyable and delicious. Students were super creative with their decorating and enjoyed the cupcakes. We are very thankful to Yirmi and Rachelli who made this all happen by baking us the cupcakes and always being willing to help out. Have an enjoyable and safe holiday!

Year 1's have been learning about animals and their habitats in their Inquiry unit 'Habitat Heroes'. In pairs, they researched a chosen animal and made their animal's habitat in a shoe box. They also made their animals out of Plasticine.

The King David School was privileged to have the co-founder of Prezi, Peter Halácsy, visit our School to speak to the Senior students about his life and journey on the pathway of kick-starting his company, which has revolutionised the way that we deliver presentations. Since launching in 2009, Prezi has skyrocketed to 75 million users worldwide. Members of the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV) were in attendance, along with Dr Therese Keane an educator with Swinburne University.

This was a wonderful opportunity to hear and learn from a very successful innovator in the field of STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics), who is passionate about encouraging students to develop their STEM skills, not just to remain competitive in today's global workforce, but to unleash their creativity and help build the world around them. Not surprisingly, Peter is now overseeing the re-design of schools in the Hungarian education system. While at our School Peter had an opportunity to walk ar

On Tuesday, children's author, stand-up comedian and teacher Oliver Phommavanh spoke to Years 4 & 5 students. Below ois a reflection form Clare and Michelle, Year 4.

Today, Oliver Phommavanh came to talk to us about his books and how his career came to be. He told us about his school days and some of the most memorable things he did. He also asked three students to come up and act out some Thai phrases. He read us a little bit of his new book, The Other Christy. He has written five other books which are as follows: Thai-Riffic, Punchlines, Thai-No Mite, Con-Nerd and Stuff Happens-Ethan. He is now working on a third book in the “Thai” series. It was an exciting and memorable experience that the class won’t forget anytime soon!

Recently our Year 11 YIP (Youth in Philanthropy) team set out to visit the three charities that had been assigned to our school.

Together with our mentor Allan Kaufman, we left for the first charity, the Andrew Dean Fildes Foundation which represents a specialist school in Port Melbourne. The Principal and a current student explained how this school runs programs to assist children with special needs to succeed in completing school.

The Winter Season for the Balaclava District has seen fantastic results for Years 5 & 6 students. All teams performed very well throughout the season, improving each week. The T Ball Team in particular saw a lot of improvement, with their recent narrow loss to Gardenvale their best result.

The girls netball and soccer teams were very impressive Both of these teams finished in equal first position. Unfortunately, due to the grand final being a wash out, our teams failed to go through to the next round based on goal difference.

This week, a team of King David School Leaders volunteered to participate in the 2016 King David Community Appeal Phoneathon. The team did a fantastic job, raising nearly $4,500 to support the refurbishment of the Junior and Senior School Mansions.

Last Saturday the Year 4 students and their families came to school to engage in Hebrew activities connected to the themes of ‘Excursions and Pyjama Parties’recently covered in class. The Havdallah candle was lit, a blessing for the end of Shabbat and the beginning of a new week was recited. Then after solving a few clues, we met the Moon (ירח) and the sun (שמש) who introduced themselves and taught us some new games.

On Friday 17 June, a group of budding philosophers from Years 4-6 attended the Primary School Philosothon at NGV Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square. Our students had a great day capturing the heart of the ‘Four R’s of Philosophy: Responsive (responding to an issue); Reflective (contemplation of the nature of issue); Reasoned (guidance by critical reasoning skills) and Re-evaluation (open thinking considering views of others).

The Maths Department invites all students from Prep to Year 12 to participate in the 2016 Maths Challenge. Have fun resolving weekly Mathematical problems and win a prize at the end of the school year. Please e-mail your full solutions to yulia.dozortsev@kds.vic.edu.au .

Gan Rimon students have been introduced to ‘real tools’ such as wood, hammers, nails and clamps. They are learning how to use tools correctly, as well as creating fun sculptures.

Year 2 students are enjoying a new addition to their learning resources. LEGO MoreToMaths kits give students a hands-on way to build their numeracy skills. The kits are being utilised by the Prep to Year 2 staff and have been integrated into the students' regular Mathematics lessons. Feedback from our students have shown that they have developed more productive ways of working and solving problems individually and collaboratively.

Wednesday 15 June saw the second KDS Ensemble Soiree for the year. The ensemble music program at King David is now offering a full concert every term. The concert featured String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Stage Band, Senior Choir and Piano Club. Two soloists were featured as a result of their extraordinary performances in the recent Assessment Soirees: congratulations to Daniel Freidgeim and Camilla Burrows on their expressive performances. Thanks also to the ensemble teachers on their dedication and artistry. We look forward to seeing you all at the Winter Concert on 24 August.

Calling all Millennials! You're invited to an exclusive Make-A-Wish Australia and Make-A-Wish Israel event, hosted by Temple Beth Israel. Let's put our heads together and brainstorm fundraising ideas that will help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Our Years 8 & 9 students present a Science Fair. Students from all year levels and families are warmly invited to attend. There will be robotics demonstrations as well as interactive Science-based activities appropriate for students aged 8· I 4 years.

KDSPA invites you to join them for a special screening of the film Chasing Asylum, followed by a Q & A session with Director Eva Orner. Chasing Asylum exposes the real impact of Australia’s offshore detention policies and features never before seen footage from inside our offshore detention camp, revealing the personal impact of sending those in search of a safe home to languish in limbo.