School News
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
Our successful Stationery Drive for Israel
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated stationery supplies that will be shipped to children, families and educators in the Arava Council region to assist with supporting evacuees from the southern region. By doing so, you have made a
The great Year 4 Egg Drop
This week our Year 4 students conducted an egg drop experiment and it was a complete hit! Using their knowledge of competing forces, including gravity and air resistance, their task was to use a range of materials to build a
Baking for Israel
The Year 7 cohort decided to hold a bake sale to raise money for Israel. This took place at the back of the mansion on Friday, 27 October 2023. A setup team consisting of a small group of enthusiastic year
Developing brilliant future cities
hroughout this semester of Year 7 Humanities, students worked very hard tackling the difficult problem of climate change and how our cities can be designed to sustainably manage the needs of a growing population while reducing our carbon footprint. In
Puffing Billy and sustainable tourism
Last Friday the Year 11 Geography class made their way to Belgrave and visited Puffing Billy as a part of their case study on sustainable tourism. They spent the morning with Education Officer Peta Howard and Marketing Executive Ashley Woodrow
Our letters have reached the IDF
We have been holding letter writing sessions in the J-Life space where students can write to IDF soldiers and/or to the residents of the communities near Gaza. These letters show our love and support for the people of Israel. We
Bring them home
We have set up an empty Shabbat table at the Magid campus. This Shabbat table has been constructed as a reminder of the more than 200 hostages currently being held in Gaza by Hamas. We leave the seats empty as
Successful appeals for MDA and The Joint
Thank you to our extended King David community who generously raised more than $26,000 in just a few days for The Joint and Magen David Adom (MDA), who are doing vital work in Israel. In total, we raised $11,386 for The
Activities to support Israel in our Junior School
Today our Junior School Jewish Life staff came together to give a meaningful day of Israel-related experiences for our students, helping them to feel they have made a tangible contribution of support at this time. The day was an opportunity
Our incredible Year 12 students
Today was our Year 12 students’ last day at school before preparing for their upcoming VCE Exams. The Class of 2023 is a selfless, respectful cohort of young people who have been outstanding role models for all King David students.
Tkasim for Israel
This morning we held a special tekes at both campuses in support of Israel. Our ELC and Junior School students wore blue and white, and sung songs showing our love for Israel. At our Magid campus we held a Shabbat
Regen Week!
Regen Week comes back with a bang for its second year with creative and fun activities to raise awareness and celebrate sustainability, all led by a passionate group of Year 11 students. Regen Week is one full week of exciting
A rich cultural heritage
It was a joyous day today in Gan Zayit (Junior Kinder) as children learned the meaning of Simchat Torah, examined a mini Torah scroll and proudly waved their handmade flags. Chag Sameach! RETURN TO SCHOOL NEWS
Celebrating Sukkot together
As Term 4 has begun, we find ourselves full of happiness and joy in our festival, v’samachta b’chagechah. Returning to school during Chol haMoed Sukkot (the interim ‘regular’ days of the chag) students have been experiencing and exploring the mitzvot
Our annual Spring Concert delights
What a thrill to be part of this week’s annual Spring Concert, this year showcasing musical talents of students in various choral and musical ensembles from Years 1 to 12. The Percussion Ensemble gave a dramatic introduction to the performances
A happy and sweet New Year
Excitement was buzzzzzing in the Junior School from the moment the Year 2 students blew their shofarot in the Prep – Year 5 classrooms in the morning. The annual Rosh HaShanah Festival ensured every student was involved in engaging hands-on
Arendelle comes to Orrong Rd
Our Years 6-9 students shone as they brought the iconic movie, Frozen, to life this week with their performances of Frozen Jr., the musical. This had one of the biggest casts in KDS’s history. We were happily taken to Arendelle
Bees visit the ELC in time for Rosh HaShanah
This week Fiona Marantelli the Beekeeper came to visit King David to give the ELC a chance to learn more about bees, answer all our interesting questions and see them live and up close. Fiona is a Beekeeper of five
Year 1 Beit Knesset visit
As part of our Beit Knesset (Synagogue/Shule/Temple/Congregation) unit, the Year 1 students went to visit TBI and St Kilda Shule. Students had a chance to consolidate their learning and make a connection to what was discussed during our Jewish Studies
Winter wonderland at our Years 7-10 snow camp
With icy snow, rain and slushy conditions “nothing [was] gonna stop us” (Heart, 1987) from having a great time! Each day began with a downhill walk to the run and then lessons atop Halley’s Comet Chair. After lessons and a
Gan Seorah visits Emmy Monash
This week Gan Seorah embarked on a heartwarming visit to Emmy Monash, spreading joy and connection across generations. Their visit was timed with upcoming Rosh HaShanah. Please see some images from the visit here. The children engaged in a variety
Years 3-5 students present ‘The Next Chapter’
The Next Chapter, written and directed by Nissim Ben-Salamon, Music Teacher and Head of Productions Jr School, was brought to life this week by our talented Years 3 to 5 students. They took us on a journey with Billie through
Mazal tov to our Director of Jewish Life and Learning
We are thrilled that our Director of Jewish Life and Learning, Sidra Moshinsky, has been awarded the Sylvia Gelman Award by the National Council for Jewish Women Australia (NCJWA) Victoria. The award is presented annually to an outstanding woman educator
Year 5 write a book in a day
Ghost-like slugs inhabiting the moon, emotional journeys of healing broken hearts and an intriguing title, Switch Back, were just some of the ideas that materialised in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ event. On Tuesday 22 August, Year 5
BDPSSA Athletics Champions!
Just when we thought the sporting year couldn’t get better for our students in Years 4-6, it did! Our students have been crowned champions in softball, soccer and football and, after an amazing performance at the athletics track this week,
Science Week at our ELC
This week is National Science Week where we got the opportunity to celebrate science and technology and encourage the children to become fascinated by the world we live in. Children are naturally equipped to learn through observation and investigations. Developmentally,
Year 5 camp adventure
On Year 5 camp we did some amazing things and I am going to share with you one of my favorite activities that we did! We were at Sunnystones camp with the whole grade, our amazing teachers plus Michelle, one
A meaningful Kabbalat Mitzvah
Kabbalat Mitzvah, our annual ceremony for Year 7 students, celebrates our B’nei Mitzvah and their coming of age. Students and their families gathered on Tuesday night and heard from members of three generations about their relationship with Shabbat. Families then
Former Israeli Ambassador visits KDS
On Tuesday afternoon, our VCE Global Politics students came together to listen to and participate in a discussion with Mark Regev, Israel’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2016-2020, who kindly offered to run a session with our students. This
Student-directed learning in our ELC
Last week student Asher was washing his hands for morning tea and he noticed the reflection of a rainbow on the sink, and he ran off to show his friends. Soon the bathroom was overcrowded with children wanting to see
Eleh HaShemot – These are the names
We shared a meaningful and memorable experience with families this week as our Year 4 students participated in the Eleh HaShemot ceremony. Eleh HaShemot means ‘these are the names’. In their Jewish Studies classes this year, students have been discovering the meaning behind
Celebrating Tu b’Av in Gan Te’ena
Love is in the air, as the Hebrew month of Av brings us the ancient Jewish holiday of Tu B’Av. The holiday occurs on the 15th day of Av, and it presents a time for expressing love to others. In
Year 1 explore sound and light
Year One students embarked on a captivating incursion on Monday. They were given the opportunity to experience hands-on interaction with a wide array of materials, each demonstrating the fascinating properties of sound and light. The incursion was designed to foster
Our AFL Champions!
The jewels in the KDS sporting crown this year are the Year 6 boys. Yesterday the boys brought home yet another championship to the KDS trophy cabinet as they won the AFL 9s Jewish Schools’ Cup. KDS had one boys’
Welcome to our Israeli Madrichim
We are thrilled to welcome three remarkable Israeli Madrichim – Noya, Ron and Shahaf – to our school community this term. Their arrival has already left a significant impact as they passionately lead Jewish experiential and Hebrew classes as well