Dear Community,

There’s a great Jewish joke that I think of every Yom Kippur. I am not sure of its origins and apologise to those who have heard it before.. 

Shlomi was a devoted golfer - some would say obsessive. He woke up early every morning to drive to the golf course and would play with the same group of his Jewish friends. Rain, hail or shine he was on the golf course. 

The morning of Yom Kippur arrived and Shlomi woke up and thought about starting to prepare to go to shule. However, deep inside him he had a yearning to go and play golf. He knew this was wrong and began getting dressed for shule but ultimately decided that a quick 9 holes wouldn’t hurt. 

Shlomi sheepishly arrived at the golf course wearing a big hat and sunglasses so no one would recognise him. He teed off on the first, and for the first time in his life, got a hole-in-one. The same happened again at the next hole and the next.

In heaven, an infuriated angel addressed this with God. “Why aren’t you smiting him? He is defiling the holiest day of the year? Instead you are rewarding him with hole-in-one after hole-in-one! How does this make sense?” 

God responds with a wry smile and says ”Aha! But who will he tell?” 

Haazinu

Candle lighting 5.55pm

Havdalah 6.53pm

Our parasha reminds us, in beautiful poetic language, of our covenantal relationship with God, and challenges us to find our place in this historic -- and living -- connection.

It teaches us that God found Israel “in a desert region, in an empty howling waste.

Then He embraced them protectively, watched over them, guarded them as the pupil of one’s eye. Like an eagle who rouses its nestlings, gliding down to its young, so did [God] spread wings and take them, bear them along on the tips of wings." (Deuteronomy 32:10-11) The text teaches us that Adonai cares for us and nurtures us, guiding, supporting and protecting us throughout the ages. 

How might we emulate these divine characteristics of care, compassion and kindness in our ongoing relationships with our friends, members of our families, and the King David and wider community?

How might we, like God, learn not to give up on others (and on ourselves) even when they (and we) do not live up to expectations? Our portion continues teaching us that even when Biblical Israel failed in its responsibilities "God will vindicate this people and take compassion on these servants when God sees that their strength is gone.” (Deuteronomy 32:36)

Our VCE Biology Years 11 and 12 students recently enjoyed an exciting field trip to Melbourne Zoo, bringing their classroom learning to life through hands-on scientific investigation. Year 11 students collected primary data on reproductive behaviours and structures, while evaluating enclosure conditions in relation to animal welfare and bioethical principles. Year 12 students investigated structural features and behaviours shared with humans, exploring their biological significance in adapting to ecological niches and using their findings to construct phylogenetic trees and interpret evolutionary relationships. After 35 years of annual Biology excursions to Melbourne Zoo, this experience remains a highlight of my teaching career.

Watching students engage with the natural world, think like scientists and make meaningful biological connections has made every visit memorable.

A wonderful day of discovery and lasting memories!

Sun, smiles, and a whole lot of spirit as our Senior Kinder students and their loved ones teamed up for their Senior Kinder Family Day earlier this week.

The morning was filled with super fun activities which included Fruit Salad, Tug of War, and dynamic ball sports.

It was a magical day for our students that highlighted the importance of staying active and being outdoors.

Please enjoy some photos here

Year 8 students arrived by train without issue to the amazing site of Tadara Campsite at Hall's Gap on their Year 8 Outdoor Education camp this week.

After settling in, they did group building activities. The next day groups were on rotations of a high ropes course, the short hike to Boronia Peak, and overnight hikes to campsites Stoney Creek and Bugiga. A chilly night with some gourmet "wokstar" meals. After this groups hiked to one Australia's best Abseiling and rock climbing sites called Bundellear.

Then groups swapped over. 

It is amazing to see children challenge their limiting self-beliefs, expectations and choose to climb or abseil down the rockface. Each activity is an option to develop resilience and seeing children develop this is a privilege. 

Year 10 student leader Ari Z said "from the first day where students were not sure, then they motivated each other to get through it".

On Monday evening our school community was treated to a spectacular display of talent at the VCE Music and Theatre Studies showcase, celebrating the immense dedication of our senior Performing Arts students. The evening was an overwhelming success, serving as a vital dress rehearsal for the students as they prepare for their high-stakes final practical examinations. Family, friends, and staff gathered across two venues to support these young artists, whose passion, professionalism, and resilience shone brightly through every single performance.

The night commenced in the Recital Room with the VCE Music Recital, where Sophia, Emily, Reuben, and 'The Three Amigos' (Zach, Toby, and Asher) performed their performance exam programs, which accounts for a critical 50% of their overall VCE mark. The audience was utterly spellbound by the full, diverse depth of their repertoire. The students masterfully navigated genres ranging from classical Brahms and jazz icon Muddy Waters, to contemporary hits by artists like Stevie Wonder, Metallica, and Demi Lovato, alongside show stopping numbers like “Dead Mom” from Beetlejuice and Der Heyser Bulgar by The Klez Dispensers.

Chodesh Elul is over and time is marching on... We have finished celebrating Rosh HaShanah, are reflecting on our behaviours and trying to become the best version of ourselves we can before Yom Kippur, as well as preparing for oncoming celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah... whew!

Preps had a total blast with The Sukkah Boys this week, learning all about building a kosher Sukkah!

Wishing all our families gmar chatima tova and a meaningful Chodesh Tishrei.

Please enjoy some photos from the incursion here

Term 3 for our Year 9 Nitzan students included circus skills training with NICA. They trapezed, balanced, swung, climbed and even spent some time hanging around upside down!

Early in the term, we also held our Artivism evening, raising funds for Flying Fox, an organisation that runs camps and recreational programs for young people with disabilities. It was a hugely successful evening, and I hope many of you were able to join us and see the incredible effort our students put into making it happen. The mural wall will remain as a permanent reminder of the evening, while the songs, poetry, dancing and music will have to live on in our memories!

The remainder of the term has been dedicated to Community Service. Students helped with food relief programs at C-Care and Kosher Meals on Wheels, spent time working in local op shops including Posh Opp Shoppe and Sacred Heart Op Shop, and supported elderly residents at a number of local aged-care facilities.

We even had some students back at home base, helping out in our Early Learning Centre and spending time in the various rooms with some of the littlest members of the KDS community.

It’s been a busy and rewarding term, with our Nitzan students getting stuck in, trying new things and, most importantly, finding plenty of ways to make a difference.

Our Year 1 scientists stepped into the shoes of real-world physicists for an unforgettable, hands-on Light and Sound incursion! Of course they brought their absolute best thinking caps, bursting with curiosity and ready to test, observe, measure, and ask big questions about how light and sound energy moves in our world.

Throughout the session, students worked like true researchers - hypothesising what might happen next, making careful observations, and sharing their discoveries.

Light, Shadows & Hidden Colours

"Why do some objects let light shine right through while others block it completely?"

Students set out to solve this mystery by testing a wide range of everyday materials against bright torches. They classified each item into transparent, translucent, or opaque categories.

Our Year 4 sailors took to the water for their 3rd sailing session at Sandringham Yacht Club, and the weather could not have been better!  We were greeted by bright blue skies and ideal wind conditions, making for a fantastic day out on the bay. We were even lucky to see a pair of dolphins who entertained us. 

The favorable weather allowed the group to complete two full sailing sessions. Students put their growing nautical skills to the test, practicing key techniques including tacking, managing the mainsail and jib, and steering with the tiller.

While taking the helm pushed a few students out of their comfort zones, we were immensely proud to see everyone demonstrate resilience and courage. Every single student pushed through their initial nerves to complete both sessions out on the water. Their determination paid off, with several students declaring by the end of the day that it was "the best day ever!"

We are so proud of the progress our Year 4s are making and can't wait for our final sailing session in December. A big thank you to the instructors at Sandringham Yacht Club and staff for supporting such a memorable day!

A RISE program initiative - the Staff Lecture Series was launched in Term 3. Below are reflections from three Staff Lectures.

Staff Lecture Series: Disability, Discrimination and Diversity

On Friday 4 September, a group of students gathered in the RISE Room for the very first Staff Lecture Series.

The first lecture was presented by Lara Silkoff, Educational and Developmental Psychologist, and focused on the history of autism.

The lecture began with some big questions: Do words define us? Do labels limit us, or can they empower us?

From there, students explored how autism has been understood over time. Lara took us through important historical figures, changing statistics and the different words and labels that have been used to describe autism.

The lecture also looked at the darker side of this history, including how language has sometimes been used to stereotype and discriminate against autistic people and their families. But it also looked ahead to a more p

This year’s Senior School Shabbat was a warm and inviting event. It has become a treasured KDS tradition for the Va’adat Yahadut (Jewish Life Leadership Committee) to facilitate an evening of Shabbat prayer and fun for Years 10 - 12 students, and this year was no exception!

The evening kicked off with a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service, filled with soothing and uplifting tunes. The vibes were cosy as we gathered under fairy lights in the J-Life space to reflect, connect, and reset as a Senior School community after a busy week of learning.

A highlight was, of course, the energetic and rhythmic rendition of Oseh Shalom led by our passionate student musicians at the end of the Service. It was amazing to see everyone come together and celebrate their Judaism and friends through prayer.

We would like to thank Gaby J and Zali L (Year 11) and for sharing an amazing drash on the week’s Parsha - Nitzavim-Vayelech!

The Service was followed by a spirited recitation of the brachot and a delicious falafel, sabich, and pita dinner prepared by Esther’s Kitchen. After we were had our fill of falafel, chatting, and ice-cream sandwiches, we gathered around to play some super kef (fun) activities. Students competed in a fierce round of KDS-themed Family Feud and leaned into their competitive spirits for some games of Minute-To-Win-It.

Gen26 – the Australian Jewish Community Survey – is now OPEN.

Gen26 will help guide future planning across Jewish education, welfare, security, religious and communal life in Australia and is vital for the long-term strength and longevity of our community.  This national survey is being carried out by Monash University’s Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation (ACJC) in partnership with the NSW’s Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA), with the JCCV leading the rollout in Victoria. 

The survey is for Jews living in Australia aged 18 and over, and can only be completed online on any device. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete. The time taken to complete it will help shape decisions that impact our community for years to come. We strongly encourage you and everyone you know set aside time to participate as soon as possible because your contribution really matters. The organisations that support us, like community groups, aged care, welfare services, cultural and religious programs, can only plan as well as the information they’re given. Good planning relies on real data. Without that, resources are spread thin and real needs get missed.  

SoccerWise, our school’s long-standing after-school program provider, is offering an exciting School Holiday Program this September and October alongside SportWise.
Please see the attached flyers for complete details.  

After a wonderful Rosh HaShanah together, TBI welcomes you and your family to celebrate our remaining events of this special period! 
For families, we hope you will join us for the following:
Yom Kippur Family Service at TBI - The Call of the Sea - Monday 21 Sept at 9am - RSVP here
Sukkot Family Activities - Shake it Off like Taylor Swiftwitz! - Friday 25 Sept at 4.30pm - Save the date - RSVP here
Simchat Torah Family Activities - Roll around the Torah! - Friday 2 Oct at 4.30pm - RSVP here
Family services are free for all, and our partnership with KDS makes membership also essentially free for KDS families if you'd like to attend any other service!

The annual Creative Arts Expo will be held on Tuesday 20 October at 7pm. This is a free event and all are welcome to attend.
This evening showcases our current Visual and Performing Arts students' work from Years 6-12. Attendees will have the opportunity to view Visual Communication and Design and Media projects by our talented students. On display will also be a selection of Visual Art from Years 6 students through to VCE.

Join Etz Chayim for an interactive family program on Yom Kippur morning, Monday 21 September from 9am to 9.45am.
Come along for some singing, story telling and hear the magic sounds of the shofar.
Parents, grandparents and friends: share this special; time on Yom Kippur with your family.

We are celebrating the contribution to Kedem of Mannie Gross and Sandra Nathani, who have received the prestigious Simchat Torah honours of Chatan Torah and Kallah Beresheet, respectively. Please join in congratulating them at the erev Simchat Torah service at KDS, 7 pm, on Friday 2 October.