Written by Mira Hasofer, College Principal

Our 2024 school year has commenced with energy and enthusiasm. As we welcomed our students back on campus, their excitement was palpable, their warm exchanges a testament to the vibrant community spirit that defines Moriah College.

From the outset, the decorum and respect observed at our first assembly and consistently since then have been heartening. Respect and Kindness are foundational to our aspirations this year. They mirror our core values, and together we will all work towards embracing and adopting respect and kindness in our everyday dealings. 

Amidst our excitement, we are also mindful of the ongoing challenges following October 7, which continue to affect Israel and the global Jewish community. It is uplifting to witness our students rallying together in unity, championing hope, respect, and kindness during these trying times.

This year, we draw strength from our past to shape our future, building upon the foundational pillars of our College that continue to mould our students into proud Australian Jewish citizens. Embedded in Jewish thought, lilmod (to learn) urges us to create an environment ripe for curiosity and knowledge. Our educators are committed to not only teaching but also inspiring students to explore their passions, think critically, and innovate. The early days of this school year have already seen students engaging in setting goals, pursuing their curiosities and investigating solutions. 

Lishmor (to heed) calls us to cherish and sustain the values that unite our community, including a profound respect for our history, traditions, and the natural environment that surrounds us. Instilling a sense of stewardship, we encourage our students to gain awareness about our rich history and their place within it. 

Through Laasot (to act) we see that our students are already putting their learning and values into action. Students across the grades have met to discuss and plan charities and community service initiatives that they wish to support. The enthusiastic participation in last Friday’s challah baking on Herzl court and the countless stories of holiday volunteerism highlight the emerging leadership and kindness among our students. These actions underscore their commitment to contributing to society, and I look forward to celebrating their achievements. 

The “Just Say Hello” campaign, introduced at the start of the term, is already making a significant impact. This initiative underscores the importance of simple gestures of greeting someone in building a sense of belonging and community. It transforms everyday interactions into opportunities for meaningful connection, reinforcing our belief in the intrinsic value of every individual within our school.

“Just Say Hello” is a pivotal step towards fostering a culture of kindness and respect, proving that a simple ‘hello’ is more than a greeting—it is a conduit for connection and a reminder of our shared humanity. 

I hope that we can enlist the support of  everyone in our Moriah College family to embrace the “Just Say Hello” spirit of community and kindness,  where every voice is heard, and every person is valued.

I thank our dedicated staff for the tireless work that has gone into ensuring such a smooth start to the year and I thank our parents for the support these past weeks. 

Am echad belev echad – one people with one heart. 

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