Rising Up: Moriah launches major capital campaign
Moriah College, a cornerstone of Jewish education in Sydney, is embarking on its most ambitious capital campaign in nearly four decades: the Rise Up Moriah campaign.
New entrance
The initiative, aimed at upgrading the college’s ageing high school facilities, represents both a recognition of the school’s proud history and a commitment to its future.
The Historical Context
The current high school facilities, constructed at Queens Park in 1987, have served the college well but are now in dire need of modernization. Over the years, these buildings have become increasingly inadequate to support the demands of contemporary education. A recent report highlighted that many of the high school’s facilities no longer meet current educational requirements. The decision to upgrade rather than repair reflects a strategic move to align the school’s infrastructure with the innovative teaching and learning methods that have evolved significantly over the past three decades.
Since Moriah’s High School campus was constructed, delivery of education has undergone significant changes. The digital revolution has reshaped the way we teach and learn, while libraries have completely evolved, and various subjects have adapted dramatically to keep pace with our changing world.
The Vision for the Future
Mira Hasofer
The Rise Up Moriah campaign is set to transform the school’s physical environment to better serve its 1,600 students. The new facilities will include state-of-the-art, digitally enabled spaces designed to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. These include a new Science Centre with eight modern laboratories, a Design & Technology Centre that will allow students to explore cutting-edge fields such as robotics and digital arts, and a Visual Arts Centre with studios that foster creative expression through various art forms.
The new Library and Study Centre will be a modern, expansive space providing opportunities for digital literacy, independent study, and media production. The flexible classrooms, designed to accommodate various learning styles, will ensure that Moriah remains at the forefront of educational excellence.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to align the physical and the pedagogical,” says College Principal Mira Hasofer. “Our future requires an environment where educators can address diverse learning styles, where students take pride in their Jewish identity and accomplishments, and where they are equipped to thrive and prepare themselves to function in a constantly changing world.”
“A Jewish education in the diaspora is the very foundation of a strong and vibrant Jewish community, particularly in light of the current situation in Israel and the wave of antisemitism engulfing world Jewry.”
Explains Judy Lowy, President of the Moriah Foundation, “Our new College Principal and our Board are focused on academic excellence, positive culture and Jewish education and values. The success of Moriah College is fundamental to the strength and success of the Jewish community. It is incumbent upon us all to be ahead of the curve, not behind it, in supporting the advancement of Moriah College and delivering modern facilities for our students that will give them all the opportunities of a leading private school to ensure they will thrive and excel.”
Community Engagement and Support
The success of the Rise Up Moriah campaign hinges on the support of the community. The college is calling on alumni, parents, and community leaders to contribute to this transformative project. Immediate Past Moriah College President, Stephen Jankelowitz, underscores the significance of this initiative: “This development is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s an investment in our children’s education and the Sydney Jewish community, now and for generations to come.”
The campaign has been structured to encourage participation at all levels, from financial contributions to volunteering and advocacy. Moriah College’s administration is committed to making this a community-driven effort, emphasizing the importance of collective action in securing the future of Jewish education in Sydney.
The Launch Event
To officially kick off the campaign, Moriah College will host a launch event on 24 September 2024. This event will bring together the college community to celebrate its past achievements and look forward to the exciting future that the Rise Up Moriah campaign promises. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the project, view architectural plans, and contribute to the initiative. The event is also expected to be an emotional moment for many in the community, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s history.
Conclusion
As the launch event on 24 September approaches, the call to the community from Moriah is clear: this is a moment to rise up, to invest in the future of Moriah College and the Jewish community in Sydney. By supporting this initiative, community members will not only contribute to the enhancement of educational facilities but will also play a part in shaping the future of Jewish education in Australia.
For more information and to secure your place at the launch event, visit www.riseupmoriah.org.au or call the Moriah Foundation on 02 9375 1620.
