School News
‘Minute to Win it’ in Year 2
Our Maths time unit for Term 3 began with a Minute to Win it extravaganza which saw the students attempt various challenges with a minute time limit. There was a rotation of 5 different challenges to participate in, some were more
Welcome to our Israeli Madrichim!
Our dynamic Israeli madrichim (educators and leaders), arrived recently and are already making an impact on the Jewish experiential learning programs across the School.They are Ofer, Snir and Yael and they are very motivated to share their love of Israeli
The Olympic Spirit shines at KDS!
Olympic fever has arrived! Students at the Junior School have been enjoying their own Olympic Week, starting with an Opening Ceremony on Monday. Prof John Zeleznikow (past parent) attended the Ceremony and brought the torch that he carried in the
Circus skills workshop – a great learning experience
This week, Year 9 Nitzan students visited the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) and participated in a series of circus skills workshops. This unique experience allowed the students to learn various circus disciplines, including juggling, acrobatics and aerial skills.
Pre-Kinder Family Day – a special time
We had a delightful morning today of families joining us for our Pre Kinder Family Day. Together, we participated in Kabbalat Shabbat, filling the room with music, warmth and a sense of community. The children and families worked together to
A focus on innovation and creativity
This week, our Year 7s were immersed over two days in a Project Based Learning initiative, Project Slingshot, with a focus on innovation and creativity. Students hone the valuable skills of collaboration, critical thinking and communication. One of the highlights
Year 9 Present: Artivism
As part of their Nitzan program, this week our Year 9 students presented Artivism – art for social change. Raising funds for Magen David Adom, families heard slam poetry, bought student-designed fashion, coasters and keyrings, watched a student documentary about
Learning about brain plasticity in the ELC
In Gan Gefen, we have been learning about the brain over the last couple of weeks. Reading the book, ‘My Fantastic Elastic Brain’, we discovered how our brains grow and stretch when we face new experiences and learn from our
Celebrating the novel ‘Holes’
Our Year 6 students recently celebrated our annual ‘Holes Day’ event with great enthusiasm. To embrace the spirit of the occasion, they dressed up as their favorite characters from Louis Sachar’s classic novel, Holes. Throughout ‘Holes Day’, our budding readers
BDPSSA Round Robin success
Students in Years 5 and 6 competed in the Winter Season Round Robin of the Balaclava District this week. It was a frosty morning for all as all sports were played outside in various locations. Football, Soccer, Netball & Teeball
Helping the hungry with Mazon
In the lead up to Shavuot, students and staff at the Magid Campus bought non-perishable foods and toiletries to donate to Mazon Australia. Mazon Australia contributes to alleviating food insecurity in Australia through their street pantries, soup bags, and partnerships with
Our generous community
Our community came together to fundraise for school programs and scholarships for our annual Giving Day this Wednesday. We reached our fundraising goal – our Giving Day this week raised $159, 979! Thank you to every one who gave their
Exploring the meaning of Shavuot
The Junior School celebrated Shavuot today by exploring the Luchot Habrit ( the two tablets containing the 10 commandments ), Shivat Haminim (7 species) and Zman Matan Torateinu (the giving of the Torah ) at Har Sinai through a variety of creative activities. Our celebrations
Outdoor adventures on Year 8 camp
Our Year 8 students had a camp adventure in Gariwerd (the Grampians) recently. Here are reflections from students on the camp: Last week, I went on a Year 8 camp, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. During camp, we went on
National Reconciliation Week at School
It’s National Reconciliation Week and our students from ELC to VCE have been engaging in meaningful activities. In our Kindergarten students have learned Boonwurrung words, the symbolism of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags, and stories from the Dreaming.
Ruby Moon captivates
Our VCE Theatre Studies students performed Matt Cameron’s Absurdist Black Comedy, ‘Ruby Moon’, over three nights this week. This production invited audiences to enter a nightmarish world where the boundaries between reality and illusion become increasingly blurred. As part of
Year 4 step back in time at Polly Woodside
On Wednesday last week our Year 4 students went on an exciting excursion to the historic Polly Woodside, a beautifully preserved ship from 1885. This visit was designed to give the students an immersive experience of life aboard a convict
Senior Boys Basketball finalists
This week our Senior Boys’ Basketball team competed in the Grand Final of the Victorian College Championships. Unfortunately they did not defeat Box Hill Secondary College in this game, however they played excellent basketball throughout the season to warrant their
Stepping into the past at Como House
Our Year One students recently had an exciting excursion to Como House, where they experienced a fascinating journey into the past. The day was filled with engaging activities that brought history to life. Students played olden days games like croquet,
Alumni share their career pathway insights
Thirteen alumni returned to King David this week to share their career advice with Years 10-12 students. From working on the lunar space rover to researching cancer cells, alumni in a wide variety of industries explained their career trajectories and
Commemorating Yom HaZikaron together
On Yom HaZikaron, Magid Campus staff and students gathered together to remember the 25,033 fallen Israeli soldiers. This year’s commemoration concentrated particularly on victims of October 7 and IDF losses in the ensuing war against Hamas in Gaza. Prayers were
Celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut
Our school community celebrated Yom HaAtzmaut together on Tuesday. Students at the Magid Campus travelled to the Kinneret, saw the Kotel, went to Shuk HaCarmel, and climbed Masada as they entered the school. After an Assembly, the students had a
KDS shines at the EISM Athletics Carnival
This week King David School proudly sent 60 students to compete in the EISM Athletics Carnival, showcasing their athletic prowess on the track. We were awarded the prestigious ‘Most Improved’ award, surpassing last year’s performance by an impressive 689 points.
Marking Yom HaShoah together
Each year at King David, it has become a tradition for students across Years 10-12 to volunteer their time to write, organise and present the school’s annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. From writing the script, to teaching the Year 6 cohort
Gan Zayit Scoot away!
Gan Zayit’s scooter/bike riding this week was so much fun and everyone was so excited! Before we went, we spoke about a few rules and shared our preconceived thoughts. Then afterwards, we reflected and shared our thoughts again, talking about
Excellent student-led T’filah
After our break for Pesach, we had a packed T’filah at the Magid Campus this morning! Students from across the school crowded into the Tzev Lev Jewish Life space as we sung, davened, and listened to two drashot. Year 12
Celebrating 10 Years
This week marks (excuse the pun!) 10 years since Marc Light was appointed Principal of The King David School. He followed Michele Bernshaw, who as Principal for over 15 years, made a significant contribution in shaping the School. Marc came
We’re all 13!
There was no shortage of talent as our audience delighted in watching our Senior School musical, ’13’ as Evan Goldman (aka our mesmerising Year 11 student Jules S) mastered the complex social circles of his new school as his Bar
Celebrating Pesach in our ELC
At our Early Learning Centre, the children are clearly very ready to participate in their family Pesach Seders. This week our Junior and Senior Kinder students showcased their Jewish learning to their adoring families during model s’darim, replete with songs,
Our little Matzah makers
Across the Junior School the sounds of Pesach are in the air as children explore, sing and act their way through the Haggadah. On Seder night we will position ourselves in the footsteps of our ancestors, retelling the story of yitziat
Surfs Up at Year 7 Camp
Our Year 7 students had an excellent time camping at Anglesea.Here are two student reflections: “In the last week of March, we went to surf camp. I loved surf camp because it was near the shore and we got to
The whole Solar System comes to Year 5
As Year 5 gets to the end of their long journey through the solar system, we are finishing our unit with a Big Bang! In groups, we have been researching a planet of our choosing and learning about what life
KDS visit the home of the Blues
This week our Year 8 and 9 students enjoyed a trip to IKON Park, home of the Blues. Year 9 student Ethan S. reports: On Monday, the Year 8s and 9s went on an excursion to IKON Park to watch
A Wonderful Purim
What an amazing day of Purim celebrations! The school was a whirl of colour, costumes, and music as we celebrated the bravery of Esther and the triumph over Haman (booo!). We had a incredible day of activities and food, including
Sh’ma for the hostages
As Jews around the world marked the Fast of Esther, students and staff at Magid Campus remembered the 19 female hostages and 115 male and child hostages still in captivity. Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Ilan Bloch said today
Gan Chitah officially opened
We were delighted to welcome Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah MP, Member for Higgins, to officially open our Gan Chitah room at our Early Learning Centre this week. Chitah (wheat) is the seventh ELC room to be named after the seven species
Preps explore identity through Hebrew
This term our Prep students embarked on an enriching Hebrew journey with the introduction of the “Hashem Sheli – My Name” unit. Designed to foster a deeper connection to Hebrew names and Jewish identity. Through various engaging activities, students connected
An amazing inaugural family fun day
What a fun day! Our inaugural KDSPA Fun Day held at Caulfield Park Bowling Club on the weekend was filled with family, fun, friends and fantastic activities. Thanks to all who came along and contributed to its success. A special
All three DAV teams win their rounds
On Wednesday, students in Years 10 to 12 participated in Round 1 of the DAV Debating’s Schools Competition. The students demonstrated dedication as they prepared and rehearsed their speeches. They presented outstanding speeches and excellent teamwork. The A Grade (Years
Gan Rimon explore the Urban Forest
On Thursday there was a buzz of energy in the Gan Rimon classroom. The children gathered to read ‘A Walk in the Bush’ by Gwyn Perkins. We discussed the many different types of animals that we might see when in
Year 5 Blast Off!
This week, Year 5 blasted off to the Victorian Space Science Education Centre (VSSEC) to further their exploration of our solar system. After an early start and a bus trip to Strathmore, Year 5 participated in a range of amazing
Former Ambassador visits King David
This week the King Davd community were fortunate to hear from Dave Sharma, former Ambassador to Israel and current Senator for NSW. Senator Sharma answered questions posed by Dr Katie Allen, as well as from attendees. Sharma shared his views
Parents partner in the learning to read process
This week our Prep parents attended our annual Prep Reading education evening where they were given practical evidence-based advice about helping their children learn how to read in partnership with our teachers. Prep teachers Rebecca Rudstein and Bec Fiala explained how
Year 3 students receive their special Siddur
On Tuesday, our Year 3 students and families gathered for a meaningful and special Kabbalat Siddur ceremony. This was the first time the students officially received and used their Years 3-5 siddur which they had previously taken home to decorate
Negev House triumps in thrilling Gala
Negev House emerged victorious in the annual KDS House Swimming Gala, showcasing exceptional house spirit and teamwork. It was great to see so many students completing the 25m races, 50m races and the novelty events. Well done to Year 6
Introducing our new Director of Jewish Life and Learning
This year, we welcomed Ilan Bloch as our new Director of Jewish Life and Learning. Ilan has been extensively engaged in Jewish education in Israel for the last 20 years. Ilan embarked on his teaching career at KDS in 2002
Our Beautiful Back to School Service
Our Middle and Senior School students participated in a beautiful Back to School Service yesterday, run by our Jewish Life Va’ad (Year 12 student committee). This year’s theme was based on the lesson taken from the film ‘Inside Out’, which helps
2024 is off to a flying start!
We had a phenomenal day yesterday welcoming students to King David – both returning students and those who are brand new. As they entered the school, students were greeted with music and ruach. We marked the start of the year
Tiyul b’Yam – a journey of connection & adventure
In lieu of the traditional Year 10 Israel program, Yesh, students embarked on an unforgettable experience on Tiyul b’Yam in Anglesea. This unique camp aimed to fortify year-level connections and push students beyond their comfort zones, fostering a meaningful Shabbat
Junior Kinder End-of-year Kabbalat Shabbat
In celebration of a year of incredible learning and personal development, our Junior Kinder children hosted a Kabbalat Shabbat today with loved ones, where Shabbat songs and age-old rituals were performed. In acknowledgement of Chanukah, a candle was lit and
2023 Presentation Evening
Last night we came together to celebrate the achievements of our Years 6-12 students this year. It was a magnificent evening, althought it was bittersweet to say goodbye to the Class of 2023. As well as honouring our students, awards
Celebrating our Senior Kinder students
In celebration of all the learning and personal growth our Senior Kinder children have achieved this year, a family celebration was planned at the children’s beloved Bush Kinder location, Urban Forest Reserve, earlier this week. However, a rainy day meant
Kiera wins the Victorian final of The Voice – UN Speech Competition
Year 10 student Kiera recently won the Victorian final of the UN Youth individual public speaking competition, called The Voice. Competitiors are given just a few days notice to create their arguments. After making it the Victorian semi-final, Kiera won
Prep to Year 3 showcase Hebrew
Throughout the past year, the Junior School has been immersed in the excitement and busyness of studying Hebrew. In the final term, students from Prep to Year 3 collaboratively engaged in active practice for a special performance featured during Monday’s
Science comes alive for Gan Seorah
Our visit to Science Works this week was amazing and we had so much fun! When we arrived we went to the sports exhibition, where we delved into a variety of sports, immersing ourselves into each sport. We then went
Year 6 Changemakers – Living Museum
In a burst of enthusiasm and creativity, on Tuesday night our Year 6 students dazzled us with their ‘Changemakers Living Museum’ evening as part of our Human Rights and Activist unit. Picture this: an event brimming with vibrant energy, where
Innovative solutions to real-world problems
On Monday we were fortunate enough to experience the next wave of technological innovation, viewing projects by our Units 1&2 Applied Computing students. Working in small teams to identify and analyse a problem, our students designed and developed an innovative
Our stationery lands in Israel
The stationery we collected for displaced families in the Arava has arrived! Coordinator of the drive, teacher Shiri Peres, shared this message with us: Dear King David community, Our hearts are bursting with pride and joy as we pack your
Year 4 challenge themselves on camp
On a sunny Monday morning 41 bright eyed Year 4 students gathered at school with their huge bags, ready to embark on an adventure. What an adventure it was! After three train rides, including Puffing Billy with its steam engine
A glorious day for Athletics
Monday was a beautiful day for our Junior School Inter-House Athletics Carnival. It was wonderful to see the students’ excitement, especially from our Preppies who were participating for the first time! Relays encouraged our students to work together as a