Principal's Welcome
Bruchim Habaim - Welcome to the King David School
Our values of community-mindedness, equity, and social justice ensure that students develop emotional intelligence. Students are encouraged to use their achievements to create a better Australia.
From celebrating our Chagim (holidays) to debating Jewish ethics to researching Jewish history, our students experience Judaism as a rich and moving tradition that is relevant to their lives. Our Jewish Life team facilitates hands-on learning that strengthens our students' Jewish and Zionist identities.
As you look on the website, I encourage you to discover our educational philosophy and the extraordinary opportunities on offer both in and out of the classroom. From exceptional outdoor education, to musicals, debating, coding contests and more, our students are able to challenge themselves in a range of environments.
Our School's founders, Isador Magid AO and Rabbi Dr John Levi AC, stand as role models for our students and teachers alike by virtue of their dedication to learning and enlightenment. The school environment they created continues to this day, promoting critical inquiry, positive relationships and the embracing of difference.
It is a privilege to lead Australia's only Progressive Jewish school. I invite you to book a tour and learn more about the King David difference.
Marc Light, Principal
Insights - Principal's Blog
Each week our Principal, Marc Light shares his insights into current events and educational pedagogy, highlighting how these inform the educational programs and culture at The King David School.
Working together to curb smartphone use
“Gen Z became the first generation in history to go through puberty with a portal in their pockets that called them away from the people nearby and into an alternative universe that was exciting, addictive, unstable, and… unsuitable for children and adolescents.” This quote from renowned thought leader Jonathan Haidt’s The
Free and Fair Elections
On their visit to Canberra for Year 6 camp last term, our students were able to explore Parliament House in order to gain a hands-on understanding of the workings of our democracy. Parliament was not in session but they were able to learn about the various layers of government and
Celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut
This week the School moved from the sombre commemorations of ANZAC Day and Yom HaZikaron to the celebration of Israel’s 77th Yom HaAtzmaut. Our Jewish tradition impels us to recognise the complexity of human emotion and I feel that this is especially the case this Yom HaAtzmaut. We are reminded
Hinenu – Connecting to our ancient story together
Over the past weeks we have been busy across the School preparing for Pesach. This has taken on many forms. Our Kibbutz David Hamelech gardeners have harvested horseradish which has been sold to grateful families by volunteers from the KDSPA. We have conducted a series of model s’darim where parents
Our dedicated and caring staff
Renowned American rabbi, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, spoke of the vital role educators play in shaping the lives of young people. He argued that separate to the content of what is being taught, educators are teaching students personal attributes that help them develop. He wrote: “What we need more than
Holistic learning experiences
Renowned early 20th century educator John Dewey stated that “All genuine learning comes through experience.” While there is always a place for theoretical knowledge, there is no doubt that practical experiences in which our students are challenged to apply a range of skills and develop their understandings in real
Our exceptional Early Learning Centre staff
There has been significant discussion across Australia this week about early childhood education. An ABC Four Corners’ investigation identified serious cases of abuse and neglect at a number of privately operated centres. This has led to a proliferation of further examples and media coverage which highlights the vast differences between centres
Obtaining value from NAPLAN
Across Australia, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 began undertaking their NAPLAN tests this week. NAPLAN is an acronym for the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy. It is a series of four annual tests that serves as a means of benchmarking national performance in the domains
Mitzvot as a map for happiness
Mishenichnas Adar marbin b’simcha. When the Hebrew month of Adar comes it is said that we increase our joy in the lead up to the delights of Purim. This makes it an opportune time to discuss happiness and what we can do to ensure that our young people are experiencing
All of Israel is responsible for one another
Since the horrors of October 7 2023 and the ensuing devastating war, we have all experienced the full gamut of human emotions. There has been shock, rage and despair, as well as the brief moments of hope and jubilation, such as when we have seen hostages reunited with their families.
From Lomza to Melbourne
I hope that you will allow me the indulgence of using this column for something personal this week. Tomorrow is my Bubby (grandmother), Helen Light Senior’s 100th birthday [To avoid any confusion, my late mother, Dr Helen Light, and paternal grandmother Helen Light shared the same name]. While we celebrate
Small steps lead to big changes
Yesterday we held a wonderful Back to School Service. I would like to share with you an extract from the speech that I offered to our students to welcome them to the event. “Students, one of the great things about being in a school is that each year you are