Our History.
1962
A passionate group of Jewish parents on Sydney’s North Shore took a bold step by founding the North Shore Jewish Kindergarten, driven by a shared commitment to nurturing Jewish education.
1966
The North Shore Jewish Kindergarten achieved tremendous success, leading to a growing demand for further education. In response, a Junior School was established at the North Shore Synagogue in Lindfield. Starting with a modest 14 students, this new school was proudly named Masada College.
1982
Masada College Senior school was established following a surge in migration and demand and re-located to the newly acquired campus in St Ives. Initially, the Senior school welcomed 60 students in Years 7 and 8, alongside the creation of an Early Learning Centre called Poppy Cottage. This campus also became home to the Kehillat Masada Synagogue.
1962
A passionate group of Jewish parents on Sydney’s North Shore took a bold step by founding the North Shore Jewish Kindergarten, driven by a shared commitment to nurturing Jewish education.
1966
The North Shore Jewish Kindergarten achieved tremendous success, leading to a growing demand for further education. In response, a Junior School was established at the North Shore Synagogue in Lindfield. Starting with a modest 14 students, this new school was proudly named Masada College.
1982
Masada College senior school was established following a surge in migration and demand and re-located to the newly acquired campus in St Ives, now known as the Michael Faktor Campus. Initially, the Senior school welcomed 60 students in Years 7 and 8, alongside the creation of an Early Learning Centre called Poppy Cottage. This campus also became home to the Kehillat Masada Synagogue.
Our Name.
In 1966 when the plans for a new Jewish day school in Sydney’s north were well underway, there was one very important decision yet to be made: what to call the school.
Members of the Board of Management bandied around a few ideas. Mountains were a common theme; after all several Jewish schools had been named after mountains. Then one of the committee members, Bob Shteinman, suggested ‘Masada’ after the ancient fortification in Southern Israel.
On the very night Masada was discussed as a possible name, the Daily Mirror newspaper published a piece about Masada in its regular historical feature. Bob bought about fifteen copies and sent them to every committee member and the next week, Masada was chosen as the school’s name.
Masada became a symbol of heroic strength and survival against all odds. The name was an apt choice for it represents Jewish strength despite all odds, and a deep love of Israel.
1987
Masada College celebrated its first HSC (Higher School Certificate) graduating class, with 27 students completing their final year of high school.
1990
The Rachel and Reuben Pelerman Centre, comprising of the Sir Asher Joel Beit Knesset, Lynette Phillips Hall and Issy Cohen Exhibition Foyer opened on the Senior school Campus. To this day, it houses the college Synagogue as well as providing a stage for school productions, events and functions.
2002
The Resource Centre building was officially opened in August 25, 2002, and has come to represent the centre of Masada College. It houses the administrative offices, staffrooms, classrooms and the Senior school library.
2007
Masada College is proud to be the first school in NSW to introduce the Harvard-developed Culture of Thinking program. This innovative teaching method shifts the focus from traditional spoon-feeding of knowledge to fostering critical thinking skills in both students and teachers. Culture of Thinking remains a cornerstone of learning at Masada College, and in 2010, Masada College educators proudly introduced the program to other schools across Australia.
2011
As part of a strategic initiative to consolidate the Junior and Senior Schools on a single campus, Masada College completed the construction of a new Junior School Centre. This development was made possible through funding from the Australian Government’s Building the Education Revolution (BER) program.
2014
Masada College farewelled its Lindfield site, marking a significant milestone in its history. The new Early Learning Centre was established alongside the Junior and Senior Schools, uniting all students from early learning to Year 12 on one campus.
2016
Masada College proudly celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, welcoming alumni from across the globe alongside dignitaries and community members to commemorate this significant milestone.
2024
The Senior School Library undergoes an innovative, state-of-the-art renovation, made possible thanks to the generous support of a dedicated parent.
Our Future.
As Masada College looks to the future, it envisions a dynamic and inclusive educational environment that continues to foster a deep appreciation for Jewish values while embracing the diversity within our community.
We pride ourselves on fostering an environment of diversity and unity—values that are more crucial now than ever. Our inclusive approach welcomes students from a diversity of Jewish identities and cultures, enriching our school community and providing a vibrant, nurturing atmosphere.
Our continued commitment to inclusivity is deeply woven into the fabric of our school, ensuring that families can express their authentic selves in a safe and supportive environment .The next chapter promises to be one of growth, unity, and inspiration, as Masada College continues to shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Contact Us Today
Discover how Masada College can inspire curiosity and unlock the limitless potential in your child.