Celebrating 70 years of the Moriah College P&F
While much has changed over 70 years, the purpose of the P&F hasn’t varied from its inception – to involve as many parents as possible in fundraising activities and initiatives.
REFLECTING on her time as Moriah College Parents and Friends (P&F) president, Esther Wakerman laughs as she remembers contemplating bringing a mattress to the office.
“We were an integral part of the growth of the school, and it was practically a 24-hour job,” said Wakerman, who was president from 1993 to 1996.
“I loved it! The P&F was active, busy, and vibrant. It brought the parents together and we all felt like we were involved in something very special.”
Moriah’s founder, Abraham Rabinovitch, established the P&F in 1952, with Diana Freilich as its first president.
In 1953, the P&F organised Moriah’s first fete, a community event that continued as an annual fixture on the college calendar for decades. Throughout the ensuing years, the P&F pulsed alongside a rapidly expanding and flourishing school, managing the uniform shop, tuckshop, and textbook sales, and making significant contributions to the college’s growth and success.
It was the P&F that raised $25,000 to purchase instruments for the school’s first concert band in 1988, helping to establish the internationally acclaimed music program that exists today.
In addition to the fete, a variety of events and initiatives emerged over the years as part of the P&F’s annual program of fundraising activities including the memorable Debutante Ball, created in 1968 and transformed into the more inclusive Community Ball in 1991; the successful golf days, trivia nights, P&F gift shop, and community cookbooks to name a few.
While much has changed over 70 years, the purpose of the P&F hasn’t varied from its inception – to involve as many parents as possible in fundraising activities and initiatives while building the community and contributing to the life of the school.
“We like to emphasise the ‘friendraising’ even more than the fundraising,” said current P&F president Loren Kalish.
“Focusing on spreading the warm, loving and welcoming environment through to all families, the P&F has always been instrumental in creating a strong connection between parents and the school.”
It’s this connection that has stayed with those who have been involved over the past seven decades.
“It was so rewarding to meet so many parents across the school, many of whom I still consider as great friends. I would never have had that opportunity had I not been part of the P&F,” said Lydia Vesely, who held many roles including treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president from 2000 to 2002.
Like Wakerman, Vesely was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the school environment. “It was amazing to be able to spend time on campus, give back, and have the privilege of getting insight into what happens behind the scenes,” she said.
While today’s P&F activities embrace emerging technologies to include webinars and wellbeing events, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to connect with each other and be involved.
“We welcome all parents to join us, whether it’s to bake hamantaschen, help to set up for the many primary school sedarim, or to be a part of the organising committee and share ideas. Any amount of involvement is encouraged and appreciated,” said Kalish.
“And when parents get involved in this way,” Wakerman added, “the school is stronger, and our whole community is strengthened as well. Here’s to another amazing 70 years!”
The P&F will hold a fun fair and scooterthon for early learning and primary school aged children and their families as part of the 70th celebrations, on Sunday, April 3 at 11am.
Book online: bit.ly/Moriah-fair