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Yavneh Foundation REPORT 2016

2016 has been a terrific year for our Yavneh Foundation, in fact a record year with committed pledges in excess of $1.6m enabling some of our

major projects coming to life.

Every donation has an impact. Looking back over the year we have welcomed new Foundation members and have had membership renewals.

We are delighted that a growing number of our school and wider community is inspired to invest in our childrens' future. This annual report highlights the lasting impact of your financial support, enabling Yavneh to do great things for our students.

We look forward to welcoming you once again in March to the special Foundation performance of the school musical - Fiddler on the Roof and our pre-cocktail function. This musical masterpiece reminds us of the Jewish value of tzedakah in the old country and serves as a gentle reminder for today. Remember that moment when Tevye walks by the town beggar and hands him a kopek. “One kopek” says the beggar. “Last week you gave me two kopeks.” “I am sorry,” says Tevye, “I had a bad week.” “So,” says the beggar, “if you had a bad week, why should I suffer? There is of course humour and irony in this statement, but this retort by the beggar conveys an important lesson that we should prioritise tzedakah in our lives.

Giving of tzedakah is termed ‘planting’, as in the words of the prophet Hosea it states “Sow charity for yourself and you will reap according to kindness”. A range of giving opportunities provides many choices for you to partner with us in providing an exceptional Jewish and secular education for our students.

Many of you will have noticed the new digital display boards which have been installed in the Foundation foyer of the Lamm Hall. The revamped categories reflect cumulative donations to the Yavneh Foundation since its inception in June 1999 and thus appropriately recognise our cherished donors who have supported us over many years.

We could not continue our work without the assistance of our generous supporters, the Foundation Board and last but not least, our dedicated Executive Director – Tanya Shaltiel. We also express our gratitude to outgoing board member, Roy Steinman and thank him for all his leadership and support over the years. We wish him much hatzlacha in his future endeavours.

We hope you enjoy this report and are inspired to help us go from strength to strength.

Wishing you and your families a Chanukah Sameach.

In signing off as Principal of Leibler Yavneh College, I want to thank all the members of the Yavneh Foundation for their tremendous

support of our College during the past ten years. When I arrived at Yavneh, the Foundation was still very much in its infancy. When I reflect on the past few years, I am overwhelmed by the incredible progress that has been made.

On behalf of the students and their teachers I thank the various Chairs of the Foundation, past and present, for their leadership of the Yavneh Foundation and for the significant improvements to our campus and facilities: Mark Joel (the Founding Chairman), Leon Burman and current Co-Chairs Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer.

However, we all thank the many generous donors who have either contributed to the Foundation in general, or to specific projects that have enhanced our campus. There is much of which we can be proud.

I constantly delight in seeing the expression of those new parents and students who see the campus for the first time.

Since last year’s report, we have named the Lamm Hall, the Reich Primary Staff centre, the Jeanne Pratt Primary Instrumental Programme and the soon to be renovated Prep and Year 1 Centre (thanks to the generosity of the Nossbaum Families and Marion and David Slonim).

I also pay tribute to Tanya Shaltiel, the Foundation’s Executive Director who takes a very personal pride and pleasure in each success.

Indeed, the Yavneh Foundation has ensured the complete revival of our campus and facilities and has given us all a great sense of optimism and passion.

I have loved working with Foundation Board and wish it and all its members much hatzlacha for the future. May you continue to inspire, to build and to grow from strength to strength.

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION CO-CHAIRS Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer

MESSAGE FROM THE COLLEGE PRINCIPAL Roy Steinman

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tanya Shaltiel

It gives me great pleasure to advise of the following major contributions to our school. Old Collegians, parents, grandparents and community members in partnership with the College have helped

us dramatically improve the facilities at the College. The continued growth of the Yavneh Foundation has seen the transformation of the College through many initiatives, projects, naming right opportunities and the establishment of innovative programs.

The Lamm HallOn behalf of the Yavneh family, we express our heartfelt appreciation to the Lamm family for the remarkable financial pledge that has culminated in the naming of the College Hall.Rafi Lamm, alumnus (1994) and his family share a longstanding and meaningful relationship with the College and have a deep

appreciation for the indelible impact Yavneh has had on the lives and Jewish commitment of so many children throughout Melbourne’s Jewish community. Commenting on behalf of the family, Rafi emphasised that the donation is in recognition of the “excellent Jewish and secular education” that he and his siblings David and Kara received throughout their experience at Yavneh. “We are particularly proud to see another generation of the Lamm family experience the Yavneh Difference”.

The Lamm family has a proud history of leadership in various roles across Mizrachi, Yavneh and the broader Jewish community. We wish the Lamm family Mazal Tov on this magnificent dedication.

Prep and Year 1 CentreOur gratitude goes to the Nossbaum Families together with Marion and David Slonim, whose major donation will underpin the exciting forthcoming major refurbishment of the new Prep and Year 1 Centre.

The Leibler Yavneh journey at the Elsternwick campus commences in the Prep and Year 1 Centre where the sound of young voices can be heard and where the characters of our children are shaped. These beautiful modern classrooms will provide the ideal environment to harness our children’s imagination and enable their inquiry-based learning to flourish.

The Reich Primary Staff CentreWe acknowledge and express gratitude to Kathy Franks for her generosity in funding the refurbishment and naming of “The Reich Primary Staff Centre” in honour of Kathy’s late parents, Irene and Leopold Reich z”l. Irene and Leopold, grandparents of Mark and Karen Franks, Gabrielle and Alain Bloch and great grandparents of Kivi, Ariella, Yona and Asher Franks and Gila, Ellie, Ariel and Zac Bloch.

Kathy noted that she “feels blessed to be able to support Jewish continuity and authentic religious educational experiences in the best environment our community’s children can dream of. After the terrors of the Shoah it brings me immense joy to see Jewish children flourishing in the unique Yavneh environment”.

Kathy and her family members are longstanding supporters of our College and epitomise the value of Tzedaka that is such a central tenet of Yavneh’s educational ethos.

The Jeanne Pratt Instrumental Music ProgramWe acknowledge and express thanks to The Pratt Foundation for its generous donation in funding Yavneh’s Primary Musical Instrumental Program. The Primary School instrumental program will strengthen our children’s music learning experience in their early years to consolidate this important aspect of our co-curricular program. We are privileged to be able to acknowledge this contribution in honour of Jeanne Pratt’s 80th birthday and are thrilled to announce the naming of “The Jeanne Pratt Instrumental Music Program”.

These very significant donations reflect the incredible generosity of our committed benefactors, their conviction in Yavneh’s unwavering devotion to a vision of Jewish continuity, and their confidence in the College’s impressive track record of consistently producing fine graduates committed to Am Israel, Eretz Israel and Torat Israel.

I express my sincere thanks to our Foundation Co-Chairs, Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer for their commitment, time and passion in ensuring the positive advancement of the College. I thank fellow Foundation Board members, Leon Burman, Aviva Paluch, Daniel Parasol and Ilana Wald for their expertise and time. I appreciate the support of Roy Steinman, Daniel Solomon and David Fisher who are both helpful and enthusiastic in the continuous growth of the Yavneh Foundation. I am grateful for the continued support of our College Chair, Avi Gilboa and the College Executive for their guidance and leadership. We sincerely thank you, our Foundation members for your generosity and support of the College. Foundation members share a vision for the future of the College which commits to the continuous upgrading of facilities and the further development of projects and programs for the benefit of our children.

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DIGITAL boardsWe are pleased that the digital Foundation boards have been installed

in the Foundation foyer with seven new categories.

Governors $1,000,000 Life Trustees $500,000 Trustees $250,000 Founders $100,000 Benefactors $54,000 Fellows $36,000 Members $18,000

These categories reflect cumulative giving of Foundation Members to the College from the inceptions of the Yavneh Foundation in 1999.

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MEET ONE OF OUR NEW Foundation families Dannyella, Ryan, Ben, Gabi & Jessi Levin

We first fell in love with Australia when we visited our family here whilst living in Chicago. We moved to Australia on Valentine’s Day 2005, a fitting day to mark the beginning of our real love affair with Melbourne.

One of the most important considerations in making this life-changing move was to ensure that our children would grow up in a community that supported Israel, respected their Jewish heritage and provided a quality modern Orthodox education.

Having both attended Modern Orthodox schools and youth movements whilst growing up in South Africa, we knew how much it benefitted us and how important it was for our children to have the same opportunities.

Yavneh was our obvious school of choice, which provided a strong sense of comfort as our new journey began. The very day after arriving in Melbourne, Ben, our eldest, started Junior Kinder at Yavneh. Having our nephews at Yavneh made the transition easier and we immediately felt welcomed into the Yavneh community. It is hard to believe that was almost 12 years ago. The friends we have made at Yavneh over the years have become our family.

Our three children love Yavneh and the sense of belonging they feel every day when they go to school and each week when they go to Bnei.

Ben in Year 9 has mates in many year levels, the common theme of sport being all that is needed to forge these friendships. He is also a big fan of backboard footy and chollent on Fridays.

Gabi is in Year 6 and about to graduate from Primary into Secondary School. She is very excited to finally experience the Secondary School’s privileges and freedom.

Jessica in Year 2 is the only fair dinkum Aussie in the family. Being a small school, she is always getting hugs and kisses from older kids who know her as Ben and Gabi’s little sister.

We are grateful for the high quality Jewish and secular education, instilling of Jewish values and love for Yiddishkeit, lifelong friendships and the “Yavneh family” experience that Ben, Gabi and Jessi enjoy every day.

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The Musical “Annie” was fabulous and professionally performed by our extremely talented students. The Foundation

evening held over 150 people in attendance, and was a monumental success.

UNFAIREST - THE MUSICAL Foundation Cocktail Evening

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On Tuesday, 12th April, a cocktail evening was held for our Foundation Members, prior to the Yavneh musical, Unfairest: A Villainous Musical. We were

delighted to welcome a full house of over 240 guests to the Foundation evening of our College musical.

Guests were delighted to hear of the many accomplishments that the Foundation has recently achieved and thoroughly enjoyed the extraordinary student talent displayed on stage. We were privileged to hear from old Collegian, Josh Gurgiel as he delighted guests about the inception of the musical and his partnership with Musical Director, Jonathan Skovron. Unfairest was performed to over 900 people over 4 nights.

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THE LIONS DEN Banquet

HELPING US to help others

It is with great appreciation that we once again thank Abe and Marlene Zelwer for their renewed and ongoing commitment to support our Community Service Program.

The effects are long-lasting not just for our students, but also for the College and our wider community. Yasher Koach!

We were delighted to welcome 50 guests to the annual Lion’s Den Banquet. This year Lion’s Den

took place at “The Dome” and cocktails were served in the ABL board room.

This event raises necessary funds which will be allocated to the major play area of the College which is currently in need of a makeover. We thank Leon Burman for founding and organising an annual event that has become a highlight of the social calendar.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF PROJECTS Completed in 2016

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The David & Linda Goldberg Family Multi-Purpose Courts

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We are most grateful for the generosity of Family Zuckerman and funds raised from the Appeal in 2015 which enabled the College to pursue this project which was a dream and is now a reality.

This refurbishment included purpose built furniture, new joinery and floor coverings and has successfully created an inspiring and creative working environment for our students. This room has been transformed into a light-filled area with "cool" and funky furniture that inspires our students in many ways.

Senior Kinder Playground Upgrade

Junior Kinder Classroom Refurbishment

Secondary Visual Communications and

Design Room

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The Arena

Drama Room

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Basketball Courts – Major Play areaOur largest play area is currently in need of a makeover. Built in 1955, this area has the potential to provide students with a range of opportunities for sport and recreation. An architect inspired design will enable students to play a multitude of sports, games, gymnastics or simply catch up with friends. Replete with shaded spaces and natural seating zones, this will complete the major play area master plan design for the College.

INVESTMENT: $250,000

Music Centre Upgrade Leibler Yavneh College’s outstanding music program has attracted an ever increasing number of students.Music is an integral part of all cultures and societies, both contemporary and historical. The study of music develops students’ understanding of artistic processes and contributes to the development of the aesthetic, cognitive and affective areas of growth.Currently located in an outmoded and acoustically poor environment, the physical infrastructure is inappropriate for use and lacks modern technology. Our wish is that our children will be able to reach their creative potential and be inspired by the beautiful surroundings planned that will harness their imagination and innate talent.The College architect has developed a vision for a new LYC music centre. The images below reflect the end-state of a vision, that if realised, would provide facilities that could fundamentally transform the experiential music environment and learning experience for our students.

INVESTMENT: Stage 1 $250,000Stage 2 $500,000Stage 3 $250,000

PROJECTS FOR

2017

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We are very grateful when Yavneh supporters ask their guests for donations, in lieu of gifts, to support the College or its Scholarship Fund for bursaries.

We thank Danny and Deanne Segman who shared their Simcha with Yavneh over the last twelve months for the occasion of Eli’s Bar Mitzvah.

Mazal Tov and Thank You.

FOUNDATION FAMILY shares their simcha

A warm welcome and thank you to our new Foundation Members

MembersAnonymousMichael GranekDannyella and Ryan Levin

Thank you to those whose 2016 renewal pledge has raised their level of membership

To FellowReeva and Joe LedermanIlana Wald and Steven Casper To BenefactorChana and Morry BrygelDassi and Shmuli HerszbergKeren and Reuben Zelwer

Thank you for the continued contribution ofMarlene and Abe ZelwerCommunity Service Program

We are proud to announce the following contributions towards our Scholarship Fund for 2016

The Victor Smorgon Family Charitable Foundation

The Spotlight Foundation

The Werled Foundation

Mr Joseph West

We are proud to announce the following Naming Rights for 2016

Aliza Shira and Raphael Lamm The College Hall

Families Nossbaum and Marion and David Slonim Prep and Year 1 Center

The Pratt Foundation Primary Musical Instrumental Program

Kathy Franks Primary Staff Room

The Foundation notes with sadness the passing over the last year ofDr Kerryn Baker (z”l) May her memory be a blessing

Acknowledging OUR SUPPORTERS

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GOVERNORSHelen & Michael AbelesRegina (Gini) & Hans Bachrach (z”l)Sonia & Don Marejn (z”l)

LIFE TRUSTEESThe Fried & Fraid FamiliesAliza Shira & Raphael Lamm

TRUSTEESCamit & Nathan CherEsther & Ross Esterman (z”l)Judy & Solly JossDorothea & Richard NossbaumThe Pratt FoundationBev & Ian (z”l) RockmanLea Rockman (z”l)Eva & Ben SlonimThe Victor Smorgon Charitable TrustMarlene & Abe Zelwer

FOUNDERSCarolyn & David BrykmanKaren & Mark FranksKathy FranksSara Gold & Sid GaddieRebecca & Avi GilboaLinda & David GoldbergYvonne & Myer Goldenberg (z”l)Seyma LedermanRosanna & Mark LeiblerGittel & Henry (z”l) MakbyGillian & Colin MandelDebbie & Robert NossbaumRuth & Pinny PanethLai & Nir PizmonyLynette & Ely SchachnaSarah & Ron Tatarka

BENEFACTORSJenny & Max Abzug (z”l)The Alter & Kemelman FamiliesKerryn (z"l) & Mark BakerChana & Maurice BrygelTerry & Zeev BrykmanSusie & Ephraim (z"l) EhrmannJulie & Mark EpsteinDassi & Shmuli HerszbergPearl & Mark JoelShoshana & Peter (z”l) KlootIlsa & Milton LevinLisa & Martin MeierNatalie & Shlomi MenahemRuth & Samuel ParasolTracey & Allan RichMargaret & Andor (z"l) SchwartzDeanne & Danny SegmanTammie & David SladeSimone & Jonathan WenigKeren & Reuben ZelwerThe Zuckerman Family

FELLOWSLesley & Marc BerZeta & Daniel BierenkrantLisa & Michael BorowickTamara & Michael BruceAlissa & Leon BurmanSuzie & Barry CarpCarol & Michael CasperDalia & Darron CookTami & Michael DodgeRuth & Robert EpsteinAmy & Simon FeiglinJean (z”l) & Les FeiglinEsther & Sandy FixlerDanielle & Nathan GlickAda & Ed GurgielJacqueline & Selwyn HymanLeonie & Morris Joel

Sharona & Gideon JosefsbergSharona & Benji JotkowitzRolene & Danny LammReeva & Joe LedermanAndrea & Jeremy LeiblerNaomi & Isi LeiblerFamilies Boris & Helen Libermanand Lisa & Justin LibermanLoren & Ian Pamensky Tammy & Trevor RothSylvi & Geoffrey RothschildAnne RyanFrancesca & Alec Savickyin memory and honour of Ajzyk SzwarcDebby Kloot & Ari SchachnaJudy & Sam SeigelFamilies Marlon & David SlonimSonia & Malcolm (z”l) SlonimSuzanne & John SteinerIlana Wald & Steven CasperAdina & Ian WallerJennifer & Peter WeinFaye & Ben Zehnwirth

MEMBERSAnonymous x 3Lorraine & Simmy AbrahamShaun & Vicki AisenDeborah & Jonathan BellFamilies Helen & Willie BestJennifer & Nathan BetterHelen & Bernard CarpIlana & Philip ChesterFrank Coopersmith (z”l)Melody & Steven CurtisAndrea & Howard FingerGina & Ian FishmanJanie & Robert FixlerRuth & Gary FrydmanLauren & Gary GabrielThe Gandel Charitable Trust

Fiona & Braham GoldbergRobyn & Josh GoldhirschCarrie & Michael GordonMichael GranekAviva Nathan & Jack GreenMelma & Bernie HamersfeldNatalie & Brian HamersfeldNina & Peter HornungIan JosephKaren & Peter KacserIrit & Barry KaveElla & Ben KohnYvonne & Gary KorblGeri & Barry KrasAdrienne & John KrausPnina & David LammNicole & Jeffrey LefkovitsGila & Romy LeiblerDannyella & Ryan LevinRaie & Manfred (z”l) LevyBeverley Honig & Jerrold LichtigAtida & Jeff LipshatzLeeba Aminoff & Danny Mann-SegalIlana & Gerard MaxGizella & Joe MelShari & Mark MiddeldorfSonia & Reuben MondJennifer & Kovi PanethMary & Morris PerellJodi & Daniel PrestonSusi & Robert ReisnerEtty & Adam RosenblumRuth & Zalman RosenblumYvette & Lenny SchmidtLane & Arnold ShmerlingSharron & Stephen SingerRoslyn (z”l) & David SmorgonChasya (z”l) & David TamirLindy & Eddie TamirDebbie & Jacob WeinmannLauren & Brian WienerHelena & Andrew WymanDeborah & Richard Zimmermann

The Yavneh Foundation gratefully acknowledges and sincerely thanks all the following members for their generous support.

Information correct as at October 2016

Foundation Co-Chairs: Benji Jotkowitz and Reuben Zelwer; Executive Director: Tanya ShaltielFoundation Board Members: Leon Burman, Aviva Paluch, Daniel Parasol, Daniel Solomon, Roy Steinman, Ilana Wald

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Leibler Yavneh College Living Judaism today. For tomorrow. Abeles-Liberman Pre-School incorporating The Gillian and Colin Mandel Family Yavneh Crèche Nicholas Slezak Campus: Leopold & Isabella Abrahamovits Yavneh Primary School, AS Leibler Secondary School, The Joseph and Stera Gutnick School of Jewish Studies

Phone: 9528 4911 Fax: 9523 0036 Postal address: PO Box 164, South Caulfield VIC 3162 www.yavneh.vic.edu.au