Full-circle journey from student to teacher
Former student Jess Engelman returns to teach at Mount Sinai College, continuing her family’s legacy.
For Jess Engelman, walking through the gates of Mount Sinai College each morning is a little like stepping back in time.
“I’m instantly transported back to being that little girl,” she said.
“I still find myself looking around with that same sense of warmth and connection.”
Today, Engelman is a teacher at the school she once attended as a student – a place that has been part of her family’s story for generations.
Her grandfather, Harry Taibel, served as the school’s principal from 1990 to 2002, and his influence continues to shape the way she approaches education.
“In a small school like Mount Sinai, everyone knew your name and your story,” Engelman recalled of her time as a primary school student.
“I remember walking into school every day feeling safe and truly valued.”
The college gave her lifelong friendships, confidence in her Jewish identity, a connection to Israel and, above all, a sense of belonging a key reason why she knew she wanted to return.
“I always knew I wanted to teach here,” she said.
“I wanted the opportunity to give today’s children the same sense of belonging, connection, and confidence that I experienced here.”
Now, when she looks at her own students, she sees more than the children in front of her.
She sees children building lifelong friendships, discovering their Jewish identity, and creating memories they may carry throughout their lives.
And her grandfather’s legacy is never far from her mind.
One of the lessons Engelman carries into her classroom is that relationships come first – a philosophy she admired in Harry, and one she believes is at the heart of meaningful education.
“I hope he sees the continuation of something he helped begin values he believed inbeing passed on to another generation,” she said.
“Mount Sinai isn’t just a school we’ve attended. It’s been part of our family’s story for generations.”
It is this enduring connection that sits at the heart of Mount Sinai’s vision for the future.
Meanwhile, in another ‘full-circle’ Mount Sinai College moment just last month, alumna Talia Banari part of the school’s Early Learning Centre team as a trainee since 2024 successfully completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
As Mount Sinai College looks towards its next chapter through the Lighting Our Jewish Tomorrow Capital Appeal, Engelman sees the opportunity to create spaces that will continue to nurture children’s minds, hearts, and Jewish identities.
“Every generation leaves something behind, and I hope the next generation says that we didn’t simply preserve Mount Sinai – we strengthened it.”
The ‘Lighting Our Jewish Tomorrow’ Capital Appeal event will be on Sunday, November 1 from 6pm in an eastern suburbs venue.
To book tickets, visit events.humanitix.com/2026-capital-appeal-lighting-our-jewish-tomorrow/tickets