The start and the end of the year are different, but the same – both celebrate our truly amazing College – our rich and robust history, the realisation of our bold and determined hopes, populated with exceptional people.

At the beginning of the year, we celebrated 75 years of life at Moriah College, where our story began at the North Bondi Hebrew School and Kindergarten, which has become a beloved Early Learning Centre, affectionately known as the Shya Redelman Campus, Glenayr Ave. And now, at the end of this momentous year, we have been so excited to welcome many little children as they take up their place at our new Early Learning Centre at Queens Park. All of us who have been involved in this extraordinary experience have our hearts full to the brim with joy as we see Jewish children aged from just two years old, eagerly enter the College gates, ready to spend their days learning together, knowing they have the privilege of being a part of something truly wonderful right up until the day they graduate at the end of Year 12.

The long wait for our new Centre was made harder by the bumpy and winding road that we had to travel, literally and figuratively, each day, for months. And then, as with all tricky tracks, when one arrives, safe and well, at the finish line, the feeling is one of true elation. Our new ELC, feels typically Australian, with a generous veranda overlooking the native scrublands, and an adventure playground, under a canopy of the vast blue sky, warbling magpies and the summer sun. And it feels just right. We welcome visitors each day, younger and older, who instantly feel at home, and feel, as we had hoped and planned and prepared for, that the wait was worth it. Saying our brave goodbye to our beautiful Centre in Randwick, has now afforded us the opportunity to say a new and wonderful hello.

I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the College Executive, and all of us in the Early Learning Centres, to say goodbye to John Hamey, our College Principal, who leaves us at the end of this school year. I know that in the coming days, many people will speak from their heart, share their memories, and offer words of comfort and credit as they bid farewell to our leading man. This is not an easy task as John’s influence and connection stretches far and wide. John, I am reminded of the words:

“If we were meant to stay in the same place, we would have roots, not feet”

Our school is one that does ground people in history and tradition, whilst it also offers up so many pathways and passageways, encouraging those who walk amongst us, to use our feet – sometimes to run fast, or at other times to walk gently towards or away from something else. No matter what, my wish for you is that you take a little bit of the ground on which you have walked, so steadfastly, so proudly and so well. Keep it safe, and remember us – a school that will never forget you, one who is now written into our history.

About the author

Cathy Milwidsky is the Director of Early Learning at Moriah College in Queens Park, NSW