Dianella’s Carmel School has been ranked the top WA private school for 2018 and the second of the top 50 schools in the state behind Perth Modern in recent rankings compiled by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority.
The school’s student and staff leaders chalk up the success — the multiple times the school has rated in the top ten — to what lies beneath at the Jewish school, strongly founded on the values of heritage and community.
Those values are ultimately what incoming Year 12 student representative Daniel Raiter feels sets the school apart.
“There’s a healthy competition here that motivates you to do better and that comes with community,” he said.
“And the sense of community comes through the Jewish identity. Without having that strong sense, you don’t have the many activities in the school that set students up to want to do well.”
While other schools may prioritise academic depth, Carmel School begins its students’ time with a focus on identity and culture.
Children begin learning compulsory Hebrew from kindergarten to be able to chant morning prayers.
Because many religious text are in Hebrew, principal Shula Lazar said it was important for students to hear the language, know the verses and be part of the choral symphony early.
“We teach them about the holidays, we celebrate them,” she said. “Every two years, we have a big Friday night dinner, Shabbat, where Year 11 and 12 parents come together for a communal dinner and we invite residents from the Jewish aged care home to have interactions.”
Read the story By Dakshayani Shankar in WAToday.