Dear Community,

This week I had the great privilege of attending the Australian Council of Jewish Schools (ACJS) conference in Sydney. This was a unique moment for board members and Principals from every Jewish school in Australia to come together to collaborate, support one another and discuss the future of this vitally important aspect of our Jewish communal life.

The conference was hosted at Kesser Torah College in Dover Heights. The Kesser Torah community was devastatingly impacted by the Bondi Massacre with a number of community members murdered or hurt, a significant number who lost their parents and a very large number who were attending the Chanukah event when the terrorists struck. As such, the ACJS decided that facilitating our congregation at Kesser Torah would be an important act of solidarity and support for a community that is still reeling with the consequences of December 14 2025.

An extremely moving point on the Conference agenda involved a memorial walk led by Rabbi Dadon who is a Bondi Massacre survivor. Rabbi Dadon shared his testimony and described in detail the events of that terrible day. Rabbi Dadon’s daughter, Chaya, was one of the incredible heroes who was shot while risking her life shielding other young children. We then joined together to recite an emotional tehilim in honour of those who were lost.

The Conference covered important topics of addressing antisemitism and our role as Jewish schools in ensuring that despite the unprecedented rise of antisemitic events in Australia that we continue to promote a joyous and positive experience of Jewish life for our students and their families.

Beha'alotcha*

Candle-lighting 4.52pm

Havdalah 5.53pm

This week’s parasha describes Moshe (Moses) as being anav me’od (extraordinarily humble) (Numbers 12:3), more so than any other person on earth. But what does that actually mean?

Usually, when we hear the word humble we might imagine someone quiet, passive, and perhaps even weak. But the Rabbinical commentators push us to think much more deeply than that. Rashi (France, 11th/12th century) explains that being anav means being not just humble but also patient. Ibn Ezra (Spain, 12th century) says that Moshe did not seek honour or greatness over others. Ramban (Spain, France, Land of Israel, 13th century) explains that Moshe did not feel the need to respond to every insult or provocation directed at him.

What emerges is a very different picture of humility. Being anav is not about never speaking up. It is not about letting people walk all over you. Rather, it is about choosing when and how to respond in a meaningful and principled way, instead of reacting automatically out of ego, anger or pride.

Our Year 2 Strings' students (violin and cello) rehearsed for their assembly performance today.  The piece they are performing is "Manhattan Blues".  View their rehearsal here

 

Year 12 students were privileged to hear from Liora Miller and Moran Dvir from NCJW and Project A on Wednesday this week. They spoke about the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Students learned about the Royal Commission, heard some of the testimonies, and were given tools to write a submission of their own, should they decide to do so.

The Middle School assembly was a fantastic celebration of student life, brilliantly emceed by Year 9 students Joss O, Kira P, Leor L, and Sarah V. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize student contributions across the board—whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, or in those quiet, everyday moments that matter most.

This term’s theme is Community Minded, and Jayne Wise highlighted the deep connection between leadership and collective culture: "When we think about community, we naturally begin to think about leadership, because leadership is one of the most important ways communities are shaped. At its core, leadership is influence—the impact we have on the people and spaces around us."

She challenged the assembly to consider their daily interactions, reminding everyone of our shared responsibility:

"Every one of us contributes to the culture of a community through the way we speak, act, respond, and relate to others. We shape the community around us, and in turn, that community shapes us."

On Tuesday night, the Years 10, 11 & 12 VCE literature classes had the privilege of seeing an adaptation of Tennesse Williams renowned play, The Glass Menagerie, at the Melbourne Theatre Company. The play is a haunting, poetic portrayal of the languishing Wingfied family, set in St Louis, Missouri in the 1930s. The play follows Amanda Wingfield, a hopeful mother who clings to the past, while trying to control the future. She sets out to obtain stability for her reclusive daughter Laura, and her son Tom, who is an ambitious writer with plans to abandon the family. When an anticipated ‘gentleman caller’ arrives for dinner, he brings promise and hope, yet also deception. We all thoroughly enjoyed the excellent acting that provoked many laughs and much thoughtful reaction from the audience. 

Thank you to our teachers, Jessica Chakman, Dean Goldstein & Hayley Rosenbaum, for taking us to indulge in some fine literature!  

This week in Gan Chitah room, the children showed great interest in pretend doctor play, using language and role-playing to help others feel better. To extend this interest, we created a veterinary clinic experience where children explored caring for animals and other living creatures. Through this imaginative play, the children developed empathy, communication skills, and an understanding of kindness and responsibility towards animals and nature. These experiences also supported their social development as they worked together, shared ideas, and negotiated roles during play.

Next Friday, the Tikkun Olam Va'adat is hosting The World's Greatest Shave, a nationwide fundraiser that raises money for people affected by blood cancer, encouraging participants to shave or cut their hair as a sign of support and solidarity. This year, King David is hosting the event on Friday 5 June, giving students the opportunity to get involved, take a stand, and make a visible difference. Donations play a vital role in funding research, treatment, and support services, so even if you’re not shaving or cutting your hair, contributing financially can still have a powerful impact. Supporting these students means supporting hope for those facing blood cancer - every donation counts. We would appreciate any support from anyone in the School!  Link to donate

Tikkun Olam Va'adat (Giselle B, Tali B, Raquel F, Leo G, Timnah G, Mimi L)

From the King David stage to the professional spotlight! A huge mazal tov to KDS alumna, Freya Boltman, Class of 2019, on her upcoming professional theatre debut as Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof.

It feels like yesterday when Freya was the star of our school productions, and watching her succeed in the world of theatre is incredible.

Kol Hakavod, Freya!

This week, our Year 1 students had the exciting opportunity to take part in a fire safety education incursion led by our local fire department. The 45 minute interactive session was designed specifically for young learners and helped students build awareness around fire safety in a way that was both engaging and easy to understand.

During the session, students were introduced to a range of important safety messages. These included understanding that Firefighters are Helpers—trusted adults in the community who are there to keep us safe. The presentation also explained the difference between good fires and bad fires, helping children recognise that while fire can sometimes be useful, it can also be very dangerous if not handled safely.

The firefighters also taught students what to do in the event of a fire at home, including the strategy to Crawl Low in Smoke to stay below toxic fumes, and the importance of having a Safe Meeting Place where family members can gather safely if they need to leave the house in an emergency.

Finally, students learned what an emergency is and when it's appropriate to call 000 (Triple Zero), Australia’s emergency number. The firefighters guided students through simple steps they can take if they ever find themselves in a situation where they need help.

The Year 7 boys' team just missed out on a Grand Final win in the EISM Soccer Championship this week.  After 0-0 at half time, a number of chances by KDS went missing and Oakleigh managed to score 3 times before the end of the match. A fantastic season for our team we look forward to the new season of EISM sport.

For some photos from the competition, please click here

Shavuot-Naso*

Candle-lighting (for chag) 4.57pm

Candle-lighting (for Shabbat) 4.56pm

Havdalah 5.56pm

As we reach Shavuot, Zman Matan Toratenu (the time of the giving of our Torah), and we reenact the experience by hearing the 10 Commandments read in temple/synagogue on the festival, we might consider how we can receive our Torah with kavanah (intentionality). Perhaps we can do this not only through ten commandments but also through five questions.

Shavuot comes after we as individuals count 50 days since Pesach. “And from the day on which you bring the sheaf of elevation offering – the day after the sabbath – 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) Where on the individual vs the collective spectrum will we choose to place ourselves? Where will we position ourselves on the spectrum of corporate and self Jewish identity?

In a modern era where individual rights are often seen to trump communal obligations, how can we balance our commitment to others with our own sense of self? On the spectrum of rights vs obligations, how will our position shape our behaviour?

In an ever more fractious Jewish world, with an increasingly particularistic, parochial Judaism emerging in Israel, and an increasingly universalistic non-Orthodox one emerging in the Diaspora, where on the spectrum will we choose to place ourselves?

Last week, eight excited Geography students headed into the field to explore the Yarra River, travelling from the Upper Yarra Reservoir to the fish ladder at Dights Falls in Kew, with several stops along the way.

The aim of the trip was to put our classroom learning into practice by observing how river characteristics change from the upper reaches to the lower reaches. We also conducted a range of water quality tests to help determine the overall health of the river.

At the Upper Yarra Reservoir, which provides around 70% of Melbourne’s drinking water, it was clear that dam levels were low, sitting at only 51.6% capacity. We were lucky enough to see large gushes of water being released from the bottom of the dam as part of an environmental management strategy. While this release of fresh, clean water affected some of our downstream water quality results, it gave us a fantastic opportunity to see an important river management strategy in action.

Faculty and staff members spent the final hour of the Teaching and Learning day held last Thursday learning Torah together, just hours before the start of Shavuot, which marks the giving of the Torah. Participants chose from different study workshop options including: A Serious Discussion: What the Coen Brothers' A Serious Man can teach us about the Jewish condition; Rupture and Repair strategies learned from the Sin of the Golden Calf (AKA: How to get back on track after students immediately break your number one rule); SinAI: How does the shift from Sinai to AI challenge us to rethink what it means to teach and learn?; King David’s Harp: exploring the deeper meaning of music in prayer, and Teaching the Questions: Cain, Creation, and Critical Thinking - teaching and learning layers of text.

Thank you to Jewish Studies Learning Area Leader 6-12 Corinne Apelbaum, Coordinator of Jewish Experiential Education (JEE) 6-12 Josh New, JS teacher Avigal Weizman and JEE and JS teacher Ike Curtis for leading these incredible sessions.

The afternoon session served as a wonderful opportunity for staff members of all backgrounds to come together with colleagues to explore the ethos of the School in an open, fun and inclusive context, and to enjoy the opportunity to gain greater understanding of Jewish texts and traditions in these engaging sessions.

Our Year 8 students spent several weeks exploring their family histories in the signature Kabbalat Dorot project and came together last week to share their projects with families.

Please see a copy of the presentation made by Andrea Gore (Jewish Studies teacher) below at the ceremony:

“We are excited to share with you the outstanding achievements of our students in their Dorot projects.

Over the past few months, our students have embarked on a remarkable journey into their pasts, delving into the rich tapestries of their lives and their family histories. This project was not just an “assignment”; it was an important exploration of identity, and heritage. The dedication our students demonstrated was truly inspiring. They researched, interviewed family members, and uncovered stories. Through their hard work, they brought to life the vibrant cultures and traditions that shape who we are today.

One of the most moving aspects of this project was witnessing our students' sense of pride as they presented their findings. They didn't just learn about their ancestors; they connected with them, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles, triumphs, and values that have been passed down through the years.

Year 2 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Melbourne Museum and IMAX Melbourne recently to further explore their unit of inquiry on dinosaurs. The day was filled with curiosity and wonder.

At the Museum, students eagerly explored the dinosaur exhibition, marvelling at the huge fossils, towering skeletons and interactive displays. A major highlight was seeing the famous Triceratops, Horridus, up close. Students were amazed by its enormous skull, sharp horns and the incredible fact that 85% of the skeleton is made from original bone.

The day also included a spectacular IMAX documentary that transported students back to prehistoric times. Watching the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex - the 'tyrant king' - on the giant screen was a memorable experience for all.  Students spent the day asking insightful questions, making strong links to their classroom learning and enthusiastically discussing their new discoveries with classmates.

Please click here to enjoy a collection of photos from the excusion.

Rebecca Rudstein and Miranda Price

Last week, we were visited by the Malvern unit of the State Emergency Service(S.E.S).  We learnt that the S.E.S are volunteers who are incredibly busy. Last year during a storm in Armadale, this unit received over 15 000 callouts in just 5 hours. This was amazing since the whole state of Victoria only has 5,000 members!

The S.E.S showed us a slideshow with real life photos of disasters they have experienced. We played some games to show us what to do in a real emergency situation. They showed us what to pack in an emergency pack and how to be prepared. They recreated some flood water for us to experience which was dirtier than we expected!

Some comments from Year 5 students commented below:

While most students enjoyed their recent student-free day, 25 dedicated Year 10 volunteers were at school completing their final leadership training before attending the Flying Fox camp.

Flying Fox exists to create social opportunities for young people with disabilities, building connection, confidence and a sense of belonging. The organization believes that fun is a human right and everyone deserves the chance to belong, engage and thrive.

The excitement for camp continued to build on Sunday afternoon when our Year 10 leaders met their campers, sharing icebreakers and forming early bonds. This weekend, the Year 10s and their campers officially head off for their camp adventure.

We are incredibly proud of these 25 students for donating their time, empathy, and energy to support the community. We wish our Year 10 leaders and their campers a safe, rewarding, and truly unforgettable weekend!

ELC and Junior School students had an action-packed day celebrating Shavuot.

Students were dressed in white, with flower accessories to connect with the receiving of the Torah at Har Sinai.

Some of the activities they enjoyed were making Har Sinai crowns, creating Ten Commandments handprints and a yummy experience - making ice cream in a bag in the science lab.

Year 3 students decorated Shivat Haminim (The Seven Species) tiles, while the Year 4s were visited by JNF and learned about tzedakah before decorating their own tzedakah boxes. Year 5s visited the ELC, and helped create a Lego Mount Sinai, and place flowers on it.

All students joined for an assembly to witness Moses receiving the ten commandments from Mount Sinai! 

As part of their Jewish Studies learning, Year 9 students heard from three Melbourne Rabbis representing different streams of Judaism in the community.

We are grateful to Rabbi Allison Conyer (Progressive Judaism), Rabbi Yonatan Sadoff (Masorti-Conservative) and Rabbi Sammy Brygel (Modern Orthodox) who presented their movements' views on Revelation/authorship of the Torah, Halacha (Jewish Law) - is it binding and to what extent can it change, egalitarianism, and other topics.

Special thanks to our Jewish Studies Learning Area Leader Corinne Apelbaum for coordinating this important event.

Almost fifty Middle and Senior School students came together last Tuesday evening for a Pre-Tikkun Leil Shavuot Jewish learning event, celebrating the tradition of all-night Torah study on Erev Shavuot. The custom commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and symbolically “repairs” the mistake of B’nei Yisrael (the Israelites), who are said to have overslept before receiving the Torah.

Our Jewish Experiential Educators led engaging sessions for Middle School students, while Years 11 and 12 students facilitated sessions for Senior School participants, creating a meaningful atmosphere of learning and connection.

Embracing the dairy traditions associated with Shavuot, students enjoyed delicious pizza for dinner followed by ice cream. The evening was a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of Jewish tradition, strengthen year level, sub-school and campus connections and celebrate the spirit of Shavuot together.

Our third "Storytime with Savta" session of the year took place on Sunday, with stories, games, songs and other activities - in Hebrew - for toddlers, whether from Hebrew-speaking families or those with less Hebrew proficiency, and whether from King David families or those not yet enrolled. 

Ten toddlers come each time and we invite you to join us at our next session which will take place on Sunday, 21 June at 1030am in the junior school library. You can already register here

Special thanks to our Savta - Hani Ron, Hebrew Learning Area Leader (6-12).

Year 6 students were given an assessment recently in class, with the primary objective of the assignment being to conduct an interdisciplinary investigation that bridges the gap between science and scripture.

By overlaying paleoclimatology dates (c. 13,000–9,500 BCE) onto biblical texts, the task challenges you to demonstrate how the foundational narratives of Bereishit—such as the Garden of Eden and the curse of labor—serve as a profound cultural memory of the Younger Dryas climate collapse and the forced transition of the Neolithic Revolution. Through an exegetical lens, you are meant to analyze how traditional commentators like Rashi and Ramban decode the text's hidden environmental anxieties, while using modern scholars like Professor Jared Diamond and Dr. David Rohl to debate whether this shift was a geographic trap or a historically traceable migration. Ultimately, by comparing the TaNaKh to the Sumerian myth of Adapa, the project aims to show that while ancient empires suffered from the ecological fallout of early farming, the Hebrew narrative uniquely reframed a terrifying environmental catastrophe into an enduring moral blueprint for ethical earth stewardship.  

Twelve students attended our fourth session of the Parsha and Pizza club on Friday, during which we discussed sources related to Yerushalayim/Jerusalem, and ate delicious pizza! Our next session of Parsha and Pizza will take place on Friday, 12 June at lunchtime in M1.04 (opposite JLife). You can already register here.

Congratulations to our EISM Athletics team on a fantastic effort at Lakeside Stadium last Friday. Despite last-minute injuries and illness in some year levels, the squad showed incredible resilience. A special thank you goes to the athletes who stepped in at the last minute to fill vacant events.

Carnival Highlights:

Girls Competition: 3rd overall

Boys Competition: 5th overall

Overall Placing: 6th (narrowly missing 5th)

Last Thursday, the Prep students enjoyed an excursion to Scienceworks where they explored weather, building and how things work through hands-on activities and play.

One of the highlights of the day was the What’s with the Weather? exhibit. Students learned about different types of weather including wind, rain and storms, and enjoyed exploring the interactive displays and experiments.

Students also visited the Ground Up: Building Big Ideas, Together exhibit, where they had the chance to build, create and test different ideas. They explored pulleys, gears, light walls and construction activities, while working together to solve problems and try new things.

The excursion linked closely with our learning about changes in our world and gave students the opportunity to explore science in a fun and engaging way.

When you're both a member of TBI and a KDS family, you can enjoy discounts across both that add up to make TBI membership essentially free for KDS families!
Membership with TBI offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities to connect with youth programs and other Progressive Jewish families.
Join a fantastic, welcoming community, with an engaging B'nei Mitzvah Program, monthly Shabbat services, and family events for the High Holy Days and other chagim!
For more information, call TBI on (03) 9510 1488 or email info@tbi.org.au.

The Jewish Agency for Israel is hosting an insightful evening exploring post-school opportunities in Israel. Hear directly from young Australian Olim and an Israel Student Authority representative about study options, programs, career pathways and life in Israel. A valuable opportunity for students and parents to ask questions, hear personal stories and explore future possibilities.
Register here: https://lln.tfaforms.net/2906

Held once every five years, the Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have made a lasting contribution to sport and have a strong connection to Maccabi Victoria.
This includes athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers, many of whom have given years of service to their communities.
If someone comes to mind, take a few minutes to nominate them.
Nominations close 31 July.
Submit a nomination: https://maccabi.com.au/hof-nominate-26

Join Kedem and Netzer for a joint Kabbalat Shabbat service!
DATE: Friday 5 June
TIME: 5.30PM
LOCATION: Ormond (in a private home)
The drash will be given by Rabbi Micky Boyden.
To confirm your attendance, please book here

Calling all students from Years 3-12! Join Netzer's Winter Camp  (30 June 5 July).
Sign ups open now: register here
See attached for detail or contact campvic@netzer.org.au