Written by Mira Hasofer, College Principal

As Term 1 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the powerful narrative that has quietly taken shape across our school this term—a story of unity, purpose, and growth.

We began the year by gathering our educators for professional learning under the theme: Together, We Climb Higher. This theme has become the thread running through everything we have done in these first months of 2025. It is a reminder that in a complex and fast-changing world, our strength lies in the way we work together—educators, students, parents, and community—lifting one another and walking side by side.

The tone for the term was set early on. The High School Illuminate event brought together families and staff in a spirit of warmth, shared purpose, and a celebration of belonging. We also welcomed outstanding new educators across both Primary and High School, who have already enriched our teaching and learning culture in countless ways.

Throughout the College, we have placed an intentional spotlight on our core values—commitment, respect, kindness, integrity, and responsibility—not as posters on walls, but as lived principles. Whether it was a Year 6 student quietly helping a younger peer at recess, the Year 11 cohort arriving in joyful unity on Purim in themed dress, or the mature and thoughtful leadership shown by our Year 12s during their final demonstration Seder, our students have modelled what it means to live our values.

Last week’s  demonstration sedarmin were a bridge between past and future. Our youngest learners in Preschool and Primary engaged joyfully in their Pesach sedarim, bringing the story of our people to life with song and storytelling. 

This delicate balance—between old and new, tradition and progress—has been at the heart of many conversations this term. At our Founder’s Day Assembly, we honoured both our history and our vision. We heard  about the power of dreams—those of Abraham Rabinovitch, who imagined a Jewish school in Sydney, and those of Theodor Herzl, who imagined a Jewish homeland. Our College, born from these dreams, continues to build on them.

And now, we nurture dreams of our own. This month, 10 students and recent graduates will travel to Israel as part of our Scholars in Entrepreneurship program. There, they will meet innovators, engage with start-ups, and see firsthand how resilience and creativity have made Israel a global leader in innovation. This journey is about entrepreneurship, initiative, and connection and we are thrilled to see a group of students return to Israel for the first time post-October 7. 

In the same spirit of connection, the entire College paused together for a moving assembly in memory of the Bibas family, whose absence, together with others that have lost their lives, is deeply felt across the Jewish world. In our tears, we found strength and in our silence, resolve. We stood as one, recommitting ourselves to Am Yisrael and to a world where justice and compassion prevail.

Every event and encounter this year has been a reflection of our educational mission: to nurture thoughtful, resilient young people who understand where they come from and what they stand for. As I shared at our Foundation gathering last month:

“We will not raise passive slaves to technology; we will nurture a generation of thinkers and leaders. It is human wisdom, dialogue, and curiosity that must always lead.”

At Moriah, we teach our students to think, not just to know. We teach them to question, to reflect, to innovate and to dream. I take this opportunity to thank our incredible Moriah College Staff for all that they do for our students and community. 

As we look ahead to the return of our Year 10 and 11 Israel experiences later this year, and to all that lies ahead in Term 2, we do so with the confidence that our students are growing into young men and women of substance.

So yes, the end of term brings with it some fatigue—assessments, busyness, and the long pull of weeks gone by. Yet it also brings pride. The pride of a community that has worked hard and grown stronger. The pride of students who are learning to live their values. And the pride of being part of a College that continues to climb higher, together.

Wishing you all a restful break and a Pesach filled with meaning, memory, and renewal.

Chag Pesach Kasher v’Sameach,
Mira Hasofer