Isabella Kidman

Award for 2017: Communal Service

Year entered Emanuel: 2014 ATAR: 93.60

Emanuel has pushed me to discover and achieve dreams I never thought possible.

Isabella (Bella) would love to be remembered at school for making a difference. Bella’s dedication and contribution to Tikkun Olam to this through her work with not-for-profits and vulnerable people has been recognised in many ways, including receiving the School’s Prize for Communal Service in 2017.

Bella has volunteered with Deciding to Make a Difference, which works to build safe, sustainable, culturally suitable housing for vulnerable communities. One of the charity’s areas of focus is the village of Jilkminggan, the community in the Northern Territory which Emanuel School Primary and High School students regularly visit. Being at Jilkminggan with her friends and engaging with the young students at the Jilkminggan School were highlights of her time at Emanuel and complemented her work with Deciding to Make a Difference.

Bella raised over $18,000 for the Cancer Council of NSW. In Year 11 she organised for her fellow students to cut their hair and donate it to Zichron Manachem, a Jewish organisation that makes wigs for women who are undergoing chemotherapy. Bella’s community focus and dedication to many causes have helped mould her attitude towards life. “I am not afraid to make my voice and opinion heard.”

Bella’s involvement in the Jewish life of the School included organising a range of activities for chaggim, leading Shabbat services and writing a Devar Torah where she shared her thoughts on that week’s Torah parasha (portion) with fellow students.

Bella also excels academically and has been accepted into Macquarie University with an early offer for the Global Leadership Entry Program to study a combined Bachelor of Law and International Studies.

Bella’s teachers described her as a determined, dedicated, energetic student with a strong work ethic, making her an excellent role model. “Bella’s positive and warm nature, her empathy and enthusiasm, coupled with her persistence, hard work and enthusiasm have enabled her to flourish in the school environment.”