Masada College Celebrates 50 years
July 18, 2016 by David Singer
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Sydney’s Masada College has celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a gala dinner.
Back Row Left to Right : Jonathan Teperson, Carin Cohen, Sheila Faktor, Mark Fisher, David Singer, Fred Ehrlich
Front Row Left to Right : David Guth ( current President), Colin Manoy, Trevor Lorge, Gary Ulman
Photo by Mark Zworestine
A capacity crowd of 370 parents, teachers and ex- pupils were at event at the Chatswood Concourse Function Centre.
Masada opened its doors in the Lindfield North Shore Synagogue with an initial enrolment of 11 students in August 1966. The school is now located on the Michael Faktor Campus in St Ives and has enrolments exceeding 600 from pre- school to HSC.
Masada was placed 24th in the State in last year’s HSC results,1st co-educational school on the North Shore and 9th co-educational school in NSW. It secured 1st place in the State in Economics, 7th place in Mathematics and 31st in English.
Following a Dvar Torah by Campus Rabbi Paul Lewin – College President David Guth told the gathering Masada was set to go from strength to strength following completion of the Primary School moving to St Ives within the last two years and the recent opening of the Millie Phillips Early Learning Centre.
JCA president Stephen Chipkin – whose children attended Masada – praised Masada for the wonderful contribution it has made to strengthening the Jewish North Shore Community. Masada is one of the main beneficiaries of JCA funds.
College Principal Wendy Barel told those present that:
13 ex- Masada pupils are now in teaching and administrative positions at Masada
33 teachers have been at the school for over ten years during which period Masada has achieved outstanding educational results
71 children of former Masada students are currently enrolled in the College
1800 children have completed their secondary studies since the High School was established in 1980
Guests were entertained by a Masada string Quartet on arrival and three Masada singers – Jessica Gordon, Dylan Rosenthal and Jared Rudnick – during the dinner.
A special musical treat was offered by Korean violinist Gabriel Um – an ex Masada student between 2004-2007.
Nine past Presidents including the first President Fred Ehrlich – and a former headmistress – Pauline Haycraft – were in attendance for what proved to be a very emotional and highly enjoyable evening for all present.
MC was Terry Evian – a Masada old boy and now a member of the Masada Board – who kept the crowd in fits of laughter as he recounted his days at Masada.
Old school class photos were on display in the foyer. A special Masada video and power point presentation featured some of the College’s achievements and those who had been part of the Masada journey over the last 50 years.
Guests received a special commemorative gift bag to mark the occasion.
