Category: News

When a family member passes, there is intense personal sorrow. When a community stalwart and Shoah survivor’s life comes to an end, there is indeed intense community sorrow. Such is the sadness across Sydney and its entire Jewish community this week as we process and mourn the passing of Eddie Jaku on October 12th, the sixth day of Cheshvan. Eddie was a huge personality and great friend of Masada College over 25 years.

For past Masada students and the parent body, Eddie was ageless, ever elegant and always generous with his time and spirit as he crossed the bridge countless times to transmit his experiences and to give of himself and his wisdom. No Masada student will ever forget the positive aura that surrounded him as he delved into awful times and unspeakable places, through which he emerged to ensure his future life had meaning.

Eddie spoke of reconciliation, positivity and an absence of hatred for the perpetrators. He taught our students the value of living a meaningful life, walking beside one’s friends, always encouraging them, giving a hand up and a warm smile.

What a lifelong Mensch you were, Eddie and we at Masada feel privileged to have had your company and wise words at the College for so many years. May we always honour your memory.

– Marion Seftel, HSIE Teacher, Masada College

College Principal, Mrs Hasofer, shares the Return to School Roadmap and Guidelines. We look forward to welcoming the students back in a staged return commencing October 18.

As our Year 12 cohort start their trial HSC exams online, the Masada community shows them unwavering support. Each student received a care pack and a personalised letter of encouragement.

Take a look at Masada College featured in the Australian Teacher Magazine this month! Our Year 8 students were a pilot class for an exciting new drone program run in partnership with education provider She Maps and Surf Life Saving NSW.

Congratulations to Year 4 Masada College student, Ariel, who was featured on Nine News for showing kindness during lockdown through his ‘Something Sweet’ homemade brownie business. Mazal tov Ariel – we are so proud of the positive way you have represented yourself and the Jewish community!

Masada College School Captain, Lulu Feldman, was interviewed on the ABC News about the impact remote learning is having on HSC students, especially as they prepare for the trial exams which have been postponed. Lulu gives an exceptional interview, expressing the views of many students about the additional pressure COVID places on HSC students. She also expresses her gratitude to Masada for the wellbeing programs and support from teachers. 14th July 2021

Masada College wishes to announce the following changes in senior leadership. Mrs Mira (Miriam) Hasofer has been appointed as College Principal to take over from current College Principal Mr Martin Tait at the start of Term 3, 2021. Mr Tait has chosen to transition to another role within the College at the end of Term 2.

While Mira will replace Martin as College Principal, Martin will remain with the College to support leadership transition and will continue to play a significant role across a range of strategic and operational initiatives.

During his tenure, he has garnered the respect of the Board, teachers, parents and students alike and led the College in an accomplished and exceptional manner. He has helped the College navigate through the challenges of the past few years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, in his gentle, considered, yet firm manner.

Mr Darryl Dorfan, President of the Masada College Board, said, “Mira’s appointment is a key step for the College as it embarks on a promising new chapter in its history. Mira is an inspirational educator and leader who has driven change in a diverse international setting, successfully prioritising Jewish values within an inclusive environment.

“Mira shares our commitment to providing engaging Jewish education, attracting and retaining the most outstanding teachers, ensuring the strongest academic offerings and fostering within students a passion for, and commitment to chesed, tzedek and derech eretz.

“Martin has made and continues to make a difference in the lives of our students. We thank him for his contribution as College Principal and look forward to continuing to work with him.”

Mira served as Head of Carmel Elementary School in Hong Kong for the past decade, taking the school on a transformative journey of growth and development. As a Jewish International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, Carmel has consistently placed in the top five schools in Hong Kong for academic achievement, in a truly challenging and competitive environment.

Mira received a Bachelor of Education with Honours in Jewish Education from the University of Sydney, and taught at Mount Sinai College, Moriah College and Academy BJE, before relocating to Hong Kong where she taught both secular and Jewish Studies at Carmel School, while completing her Master of Education at the University of Hong Kong.

Incoming College Principal, Mira Hasofer, shared, “I have been privileged to call Hong Kong home for almost two decades, and proud of what Carmel School has achieved. I look forward to returning to Australia and working closely with Martin and the Masada College team.

“Together, our goal will be for students to dedicate their minds to inquiry and their hearts to compassion with a global mindset, grounded in Jewish and general educational excellence.”

It is with great excitement that we reveal the installation of the new artificial grass in the Senior School! It looks amazing and will ensure the students can make better use of the area. We are extremely thankful to the JCA Dollar for Dollar initiative and the Local Schools Community Fund for their support in bringing this project to fruition.