More than 600 reminisce at alumni event
Alumni spanning six decades came together to reconnect with former classmates and teachers.
On a sunny August 30 afternoon, Masada College welcomed more than 620 alumni and past staff to its 60th anniversary alumni reunion – the largest alumni gathering in the school’s history.
Alumni spanning six decades came together to reconnect with former classmates and teachers, share memories and celebrate the school that has connected generations of Sydney’s Jewish community.
Among the attendees were teachers and students who had worked or studied in Masada’s earliest decades, when its primary school and “Poppy Cottage” early learning centre were located in Lindfield, before both relocated to the high school campus in St Ives.
For many alumni, it was their first time seeing old Masada school friends and teachers in decades, and there was lots of reminiscing to be had.
Attendees sang the Masada school song together – aided by the lyrics being displayed on a big screen – and got to wander through the school grounds and classrooms and view a display of photos from all six decades.
Heartwarming banter about their school years continued for days afterwards in several Masada alumni year group WhatsApp groups, where old school photos and even more memories were shared.
One alumnus, from the Class of ’96, described the event as “touching and sentimental and profound in so many ways – we shared quite a unique experience”.
The wonderful multi-generational event marked a significant moment in Masada College’s 60th anniversary year, celebrating the people and friendships that have shaped the college over the past six decades.
Looking to the immediate future, Masada College has confirmed that Alon Beran and Alex Zak have been appointed as co-presidents, as the college enters its next phase of growth and development.
Beran is a Masada alumnus, and both are current parents at the school.
Those appointments follow the conclusion of Howard Sher and Danny Cohen’s service on the board, including as co-presidents since 2022.
Among their most significant achievements was leading the complex negotiations with the Hyman Abramovich Foundation (HAF) and Montefiore, regarding the sale of land and the subsequent establishment of the HAF Jewish Bursary.
That initiative has had a transformative impact, making Jewish education more accessible to families, contributing to significant enrolment growth, and strengthening Masada’s financial position for the future.
Masada College principal Raquel Charet said, “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, Masada is growing, our community is expanding, and there is a renewed sense of optimism about what lies ahead.”