Fond farewell for long-time principal Roberts
'Thank you for keeping the founders’ dream for this great college alive'
A massive audience of more than 600 people flocked to Mount Sinai College (MSC) last Sunday afternoon to honour, thank and personally offer a hearty mazal tov to the school’s principal for the last 22 years – and staff member for 33 years – Phil Roberts, at his retirement reception.
Deputy principal Garron Forman said the massive turnout on the day “is a testament to the profound impact Phil has had, and the deep admiration and respect we all hold for him”, while school president Daryn Saretzki said Roberts will leave a true legacy, “not only in the school itself, but also in our staff, our parents and our alumni”.
Special guest, Roberts’ predecessor Harry Taibel, said the community had “come together to farewell an inspiring leader, a creative educator, a motivator and an all-round mensch”.
“Phil has overseen the amazing transformation in the school’s building program, and in the classroom, the use of advanced technology … thank you for keeping the founders’ dream for this great college alive.”
Just before Roberts came to the lectern to speak, MSC Foundation president Meirav Shulkin announced the establishment of the Phil Roberts Literacy Fund – which she described as “a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to fostering a deep appreciation for cultural and scientific pursuits, and literature, among our students”.
And a video with heartfelt messages from the college’s life governors was also played.
Roberts said, “I could not have dreamed of this [farewell] – no words can convey my gratitude, and right now, my sense of emotion.”
Expressing pride in being a non-Jewish principal of a Jewish school – and having been involved with the school for more than half his life – he said, “It has truly had an impact on who I am,” before quipping, “I probably have more rabbis [saved] in my phone’s contacts than all of you here!
“What has mattered most to me, in working with colleagues, when educating kids, is who they become, more than what they have become.
“The person you are, the kindness you express, the compassion you feel, and the courage you show – that’s what will define you as an MSC student.
“I leave with huge love, thanks, and appreciation, forever.”
The formal part of the ceremony ended with smiles and laughter, when long-time board member David Hector entertained all with a hilarious song he prepared and played in Roberts’ honour, called The Star of Sinai, to the tune of The Sound of Silence.
Three MPs, and the local mayor, were among the audience members to personally congratulate Roberts.
Member for Heffron, Ron Hoenig, told The AJN that Roberts had taught both of his children, and he holds him in the highest regard as an educational leader.
“I credit Phil for particularly encouraging my eldest son, Ben, at a time when he was struggling,” Hoenig said.
“When Phil came to the college, it was a small school looking for more students and staff.
“What it has become today – one of the finest primary schools in Sydney – is significantly due to his leadership.”
Maroubra MP Michael Daley remarked that by shaping students into better people, educational leaders change the world for the better – “and Phil has certainly changed the world, here at this school”.
Kingsford Smith MP Matt Thistlethwaite said, “Phil turned a small school into a great school … where you know that all the kids are engaged in learning, and are respectful, diligent and compassionate.”
And Randwick mayor Dylan Parker said, “You can’t imagine Maroubra without MSC, so all of the community owes Phil a debt that goes beyond the school itself and its families, to the whole area.”
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