Scopus Class of 1990

Class of 1990 | Mount Scopus

30 Year Reunion

30 Year Reunion 1

Mt Scopus Memorial College
Class of 1990 | 30 Year Reunion
E [email protected]

2 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Foreword

2020 has been a year unlike any other. A special thanks to our Digital Book Sub-Committee and
volunteers including Kim Edwards, Lizzie Glickfeld, Michelle
It has seen a proliferation of cliches such as unprecedented, Sherman (Goldberg), and Debbie Kaplan (Rado).
uncertain times, new normal and perhaps the most annoying,
we’re all in this together. Regrettably, whilst we won’t be in a position to meet in person
this year, we can hope for better days ahead, with new found
The Reunion Committee embraced these unchartered waters optimism about returning to normal life. With this in mind, the
(another cliche!), by meeting regularly via Zoom and Google Committee is hopeful of welcoming you to a mask-free reunion
Meets. Unsurprisingly, every meeting would begin with the in 2021 (with hugs, kisses and handshakes all included!).
same two phrases; “You’re on mute” and “Can you see me?”.
We hope the following pages bring out a smile, a laugh, even
The Reunion Committee felt that in spite of not being able to a tear, as you reflect on the passage of 30 years since school
meet in person, it was important to have something tangible ended. And the upside of this postponement?
which documented the passing of 30 years since graduation.
So, with the amazing help from a group of tech savvy helpers, We will be the first (and hopefully last) 31 Year Reunion
the Committee pivoted and produced this momentous digital that Scopus ever has.
publication as a way of celebrating this 30-year milestone and
to reconnect with old classmates.

Your 30 Year Reunion Committee,
Tamar Black, Michael Friedman, Darren Gani, Phil Goldberg, Mark Maller, Darion Pohl and Simon Tisher

30 Year Reunion 3

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Capturing 30 Years of Memories,
Stories and Shared Experiences.

Early in 2020, we started the journey to produce the Class of With a clear vision in mind, our blank canvas began to fill with
1990, Mount Scopus 30 Year Reunion Book. We wanted to create ideas. What about including video footage? Voice messages
something special, which would not only capture the memories from teachers? Incorporating loads of memories as well as
of our schooling past but act as a vehicle to keep the year the usual bios and photos? Memories of the dearly departed?
connected in the present day, noting that we had all experienced And what about distribution – how would that occur? For the
a multitude of life experiences since 1990 and the world had traditionalists, we also wanted to make sure that the book could
changed so much in that time. We wanted the vehicle, being the be printed if need be.
reunion book, to take our year Back to the Future.
Over months of planning, researching, chasing, harassing and
In the era of Covid-19, our ability to meet up face to face to plan editing, the book began to take shape with everyone on the
the book was completely hampered, however, as a team we committee playing their part. The team worked well together and
were determined to produce something to mark the occasion in producing the book was an enjoyable experience overall.
2020, being the actual 30 year anniversary. Surely this would be
possible someway, somehow… Zoom meetings kicked in and we I would like to thank the tireless dedication of the committee
started planning. members who selflessly gave up a considerable amount of their
own time throughout to produce the completed product. Thank
For each and every Scopus reunion to date, the reunion you also to everyone who contributed your entries to the book as
book had been produced in hard copy format, printed out well as those who provided the priceless video footage.
for distribution at the face-to-face reunion itself. If we were to
produce and distribute the reunion book in 2020 we needed We hope you enjoy the Class of 1990, Mount Scopus 30 Year
to break new ground. Being forced to adopt an alternative lens Reunion Book and that in some way it brings you back to the best
allowed us to think outside the box. of school memories whilst keeping our bond strong for many
years to come. We look forward to catching up with you in 2021!

Darion Pohl, on behalf of the 30 Reunion Book Sub-Committee

Darion Pohl (Co-ordinator), Michael Friedman (Facebook and Communications), Simon Tisher (Advice and Research), Kim Edwards
(Reunion Book), Michelle Goldberg (Reunion Book), Lizzie Glickfeld (Photo Spreads) and Debbie Rado (Assistant). Special thanks also
to Dana Finestone and Natalie Wirth for their help along the way.

30 Year Reunion 5

Elana Bedwell Who/What inspired you the most at school?
(Schwarz) Mr Carew, he was my Year 12 Accounting teacher and he
believed in me which gave me the confidence to push myself
What have you been up to in the last 30 years? in Year 12 and eventually get into Business Marketing at
Monash Uni. I have since seen him at my daughters creche
Where do I begin... I have worked in FMCG Food Marketing where his grandchildren also attended.
all my career, I am now the Ice Cream expert...
I have had 2 beautiful daughters, 12 and 7 years old. The Describe your naughtiest incident at school
second one was a miracle baby at 40 years old. She was I got suspended from school for a few days for going to the
conceived while we were away celebrating my 40th birthday shops and getting potato cakes and Sunny-boys, the last
and a 10 year wedding anniversary. thing I needed in those days!
My marriage has now ended sadly but we lasted 14 years
and together for 20, not a bad effort these days... What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
I am now living in Brighton East with my girls and we are a Don’t sacrifice my own needs to satisfy someone else’s.
very tight team!!

Sharna Kagan Hard to believe it’s been 30 years since we finished high school, it feels like it
was just a few years ago for me.
Since leaving school 30 years ago, I’ve studied numerous things, starting off with
Furniture Design and Fashion Design, then over the years a variety of short
courses in Business, IT & Forensic Science and most recently a Diploma of
Policing. I’ve also travelled quite a bit and just enjoyed life. I am now a sworn
member of Victoria Police... something that I’ve wanted to do for over 20 years.
Finding myself not feeling challenged in business anymore, last year I finally bit
the bullet and submitted an application. Things moved pretty quickly and after a
5 month application process, I was offered a place at the Academy (a pretty
good achievement as the process can generally take anywhere between 6-24
months).
Prior to joining VicPol, I was working in Business Operations for various
companies, generally in the Digital Marketing/Advertising realm. Very different
world for me now!
Looking forward to seeing everyone when we can finally have the reunion.
Stay safe & take care Class of 1990.xx

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Daniel Smolarski

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
University. Travel. Met my Swedish wife in Israel. Got married
in Australia. Raised/raising a family of 5 beautiful kids (now
squatters!) Built a house. Moved to Israel. Got fit. Played in a
band. Returned to Australia. Volunteered in the community.
Got a Dog. To be continued….

Biggest Inspiration at school? The Girls.
Funniest Memory
Marcel Levy, Adam Joske and myself in Mr Groppi’s Year 11
Economics class. It was very naïve of the school to place the
three of us into the same class and expect us to be “normal.”

Describe your naughtiest incident at school
I was more of an all-rounder rather than a one hit wonder,
preferring to spend my time being naughty throughout the
year. I mastered the art of Sunday detentions and cleaning
duty never rattled my mojo. I had a gift.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
None. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Daniel Rothfield

30 years on, what is your funniest school memory?

One of my close friends often reminds me about the night on
Year 10 camp where I entertained the entire boys hut with my
Con the Fruiterer and Colin Carpenter impersonations. I think
there were 20 boys all squashed into one room!

Thanks to Adam Joske who helped me put on the show and
Anthony Arrow who was laughing the most. See this carrot…
you can eat him raw… you can cook him…beautiful!

30 Year Reunion 3

Lisa Dobrin (Graeve)

So what have I been up to in the last 35 years whilst most the endless batmitvah rehearsals, swimming at lunch time in
of you haven’t see me? the pool, sports days.

Suddenly leaving at the end of Year 8, after spending all my Bring forward to 1987 and coming to a new school in a city
school life at Scopus was a big change. I moved to Sydney to you have never lived in was hard. The small Jewish school
live with my dad and haven’t looked back. was vastly different to our big one...a lot! I made some
I made some amazing lifelong friends from my years with you wonderful friends, and my two best friends now live in
all, the memories will forever be with me. Melbourne, so life has come full circle in that way.
You know who you are!
My greatest achievement besides family would be com-
Playing in your houses, playing board games, riding the pleting a full marathon. Besides swimming I never had the
trams, riding bikes around the streets, jumping on body for exercise or even liked it. Life today would be empty
trampolines, going to movies, going to parties, choosing without it now, who would have thought!
lollies at the milk bar, no homework after school, walking the
streets together and going to the footy. The list of childhood I have been married for 23 years to a Bondi boy and have two
memories with you are endless. beautiful children, Benjamin 20 and Emma 17.

Some school memories - lining up for 20c red icy poles Living life in Bondi is great. Life is wonderful and I wouldn’t
and the ladies behind the steel bar and window, the oval, change a thing right now... except for Covid.. F#@k Covid.

Love to you all.

Jordie Slonim

Hey. It’s Jordie. I am queer & gender queer and my pronouns
are they/ them. In the last 30 years, I have studied a range of
things. I was a dance and theatre photographer and as soon
as allowed, I’ve been asked to work in it again.
I lived in London for two years, dancing and choreographing.
Then I lived on and off in Ireland, with my now ex for a total of
about seven years. I’ve been permanently back in Naarm/
Melbourne for the last 10 years. I am a Kinesiologist and I
teach kinesiology and a load of different workshops. I am
writing a memoir.

4 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Simon Frenkel

Although I wasn’t really one to break the rules, there was one
day where the usual Bus 23 person couldn’t do the dash to
the shops after school and it was left to me to get the Sunny
Boys and potato cakes - not quite living on the edge, but it
certainly felt like it at the time.
After that brush with the law I buckled down and studied
Medicine in Adelaide, before returning to Melbourne and
marrying my beautiful wife, Lou.
Two kids and a dog followed. If I had the opportunity to travel
back in time, I’d share with my younger self the life
perspective I’ve gained in the intervening years.

Pesach (Paul) Steinberg

It’s been a busy 10 years! Living in Jerusalem and attending And hats off to Mrs Malady who for just one day substituted
Yeshiva. Baby girl #5. Scholar in residence at Jewish Library as disciplinarian headmaster and taught me how to control
of Australia. Started community lunches and annual Pesach my youthful rebellious behaviour (unlike her fraudulent
seders in Melbourne. Received Rabbincal semicha from counterpart ‘Lenny’). It was my one and only interaction with
Jerusalem Beth Din. Activities Director at St Kilda Shule. her. The briefest moment can be so impactful.
Rabbi at Sassoon Yehuda Shule. Adjunct at Monash
University. Director of International Biological Transport If I could go back in time, I would not change anything. My
Couriers and MedEvac. Book author and publisher at secular and Jewish experience via Scopus has contributed to
Stonehill Publishing. This is what happens when you put your the person I am today, B’H. We could have all done more or
television into the hard rubbish! done less, or made different decisions. What is most
important is to explore, learn, grow, understand and
My greatest inspiration at school was Bernie for teaching me appreciate your life and its value to you and to others. I’m
to “grasp the nettle”, “carpe diem” and the value of being a here for you if any of you need or want me. Lotsa love Pesach.
“stayer”.

30 Year Reunion 5

Nicole Ben Simon I work in Early Childhood Education and bring music,
movement, yoga and mindfulness to young children.
I’m a mother of three daughters, Matisse, Sienna and Indiana. I have recently come across a Healy frequency device which
I am now divorced and living a happy and authentic life. My has helped me to create huge shifts in my life and I’m now
commitment to self awareness and growth is allowing me to sharing this with others so they too can benefit from this
become the best version of myself. health device.

I am a children’s book author. I have written a beautifully Who/what inspired you the most at school?
illustrated children’s self awareness book called Lucky and
Mucky. www.luckyandmucky.com When we’re young we aspire to fit in and be accepted by
others, but as I have grown older and wiser I have realised
that being a leader (not a follower) is far more in tune with
who I am. Looking back we didn’t know better and validated
our self worth based on what others thought of us.

Funniest school memory?

Dancing the Lambada on stage at an assembly.

Naughtiest and most rebellious incident at school?

A small group of us used to go to Mr Lever’s office where he
would leave us Crunchies and toast from morning service.
Especially for Danielle Goldfarb.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Be more confident and easy on myself. Don’t judge people
based on what social or friendship group they belong to.
Study but also enjoy being young and carefree. Make your
mark and be the difference you want to see in the world.

Daniella Pager (Serebro)

Thirty years gone in the blink of an eye. Married for nearly 21 Melbourne Marathon, ran a half marathon, and competed in
years, two children, a 19 year old daughter and a 16 year old multiple triathlons. Breast cancer survivor, multiple
son, lots of dogs, cats, pet rats, and fish. treatments and surgeries.

Lots of study...qualified as an accredited Obstetric and “Remember the past,
Gynaecology sonographer, accredited Cardiac Sonographer, live in the present,
Registered Midwife and personal trainer. Walked the and believe in the future”.

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Dana Nadelman

I have been raising 3 awesome kids. My eldest Kami is 21 and Jesse the youngest is in Year 7. He is funny, sensitive and
serving as a tank instructor in the IDF. She is smart, witty and passionate about XBox. When not ‘mumming’ I worked in my
very determined. Coby, my middle child is nearly 17 and is the family’s business, taught accounting for a few years and have
Jewish life Captain for Scopus this coming year. He is kind, been lucky enough to travel. If I could go back 30 years I’d be
considered and a quiet achiever. way naughtier. Like really naughty!

Sam Bihary
(Feldman)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Who/What inspired you the most at school?
I was always in awe of the older students who had acting
In 30 years I’ve done much of the usual (husband, 3 kids, roles in the house plays. Go Ashkan!
degree in commerce, career in advertising/ marketing), some
of the unusual (online toy retailing, Jewish daycare provider) Funniest school memory?
and a tad of the bizarre (caravanning around Australia, The school assembly shenigans of the four editors of THYME
farming in rural NSW). Life lessons aplenty along the way. magazine knocked the socks off my year 7 feet.

Naughtiest and most rebellious incident at school?
Racing to the shops after school to buy potato cakes was as
naughty as this good girl got.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Petition your parents to move to Caulfield when you’re in
primary school (instead of waiting until you’re in year 8) - no
one wants to come to Mount Waverley for sleepovers!!

30 Year Reunion 7

Jonny Schauder

After school I spent time on Kibbutz and came home to set Emma Lewis and I married in 1997 and we have five
up Hashy in Waverley - which lasted about 10 years. I wonderful children together: Hannah, Ben, Daniel, Keren and
achieved my registration as a corporate psychologist while Layla. We separated after 23 years. My new partner Kerry has
teaching marketing at Monash Uni and being part of the four children.
youth services team at the City of Kingston.
In terms of Judaism I’m very committed to Spiritgrow, I led the
I was sent to Harvard Law School in 1998 to teach push to have Hebrew introduced to Glen Eira College in 2012.
negotiation, leadership and strategy by my subsequent And I frequently mediate in the Jewish Community. I have
employer CMA where I was an organisational consultant for written 6 books on leadership, teams and high performance.
11 years.
The most inspiring part of Scopus to me was being part of
I have run my own businesses since 2008. The Change our extraordinary year level. There are so many of you, in
Agent Network doing strategy, collaboration and conflict every category of life: family, community, academia, business,
resolution. And Real Time Traffic - software for real time traffic science and sports doing amazing things and being amazing
analysis. I was part of the team that designed the strategy for people. You all continue to inspire me! And I’m grateful for the
the Level Crossings Authority. I’ve sat on a few Boards friendships for a lifetime that I still enjoy!
including the Family Mediation Centre.

Nathan Wolski

Nathan is the happiest miserable person you will ever meet.
Father of three. Scholar of Jewish mysticism. Academic at
Monash. Author of numerous books.
Drinker of too much Shiraz.

8 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Jackie Dahan Highlights at school were undoubtedly the big milestones
(Grossberg) such as Primary Sports Days (Go Monash!), Zionist camp,
Counterpoint camp, Ulpan and the Deb ball.
Whilst the memories of my school life fade a little each year, I
continue to only have fond memories of my 12 years at Mt Scopus. But other highlights for me were being selected for the Grade
6 inter school softball team with Debbie Gold when were
From Kew Scopus to Burwood, I remember admiring Miss both only in Grade 4, the effort and creativity we all put in
Gesheit for her fashion sense, Mr Poss for his athleticism (not each year for Purim costumes and making sure I made the
his short shorts), Mrs Glanville for her dedication to most of my very social 15 minutes every afternoon at the bus
Shakespeare, Mrs Zylberberg for her standing in as our park and avoiding the wrath of Mr Keane.
mother on Ulpan and Mrs. Hampel for hand selecting her
Yr12 class. I also remember sharing a diary with Johnny Epstein in Year 8
where we poured our little hearts out to each other and were
each other’s confidantes!

Not many lowlights but I do remember missing out on the
Grade 6 Monash Sports captain gig to Miriam Abramovitz.

I didn’t have much of a rebellious side to me at school and
together with my good girlfriends, we were all pretty well
behaved. My only hiccup being on the last night of Ulpan
where I snuck out to meet up with an American boy and was
“rescued” by the boys on Ulpan and banned from the very
final activities. Upon my return to Melbourne I had to face Dr.
Lorch with my parents and explain my immodest behaviour!
This was my only visit ever to the principal’s office.

And now, I am have been married for 18yrs to Adi, I am the
mother of two teenage children both at Mt Scopus and a
cocker spaniel and am still working in the fashion industry
after more than 20 years.

Jerome Maller

In the last 30 years I’ve been up to various things.

I was a child neuropsychologist at the RCH/MCRI, then I
completed a PhD in psychology and MRI. After that I was a
neuroscientist and academic at The Alfred hospital in the
Psychiatry department of Monash University for 10 years.
Then (5 years ago) I joined General Electric as the MRI
Clinical Science Specialist for the ANZ region. I focus on
prototype MR imaging.

My naughtiest or most rebellious incidents included skipping
classes to help make the Year 12 video.

If I could go back 30 years, the advice I would give myself:
Be yourself and don’t give a hoot what others think.

30 Year Reunion 9

Tammy
Reznik (Pakula)

Reflection can be a perilous thing. Oh, to look back and
relive moments, to think of how I could have been or
advise myself on what I know now? That would make for a
very long list.

I would have probably been less blinkered, more patient,
and befriended different people, but overall as teenagers
go, I would tell myself that I was ok.

‘For everything there is a season’, school was school, and
30 years on I can appreciate how fabulous that time was,
but of course there were some seriously crazy seasons to
come.

Life has been colourful to say the least, I have been
blessed with lots of love, rewarding work, endless learning,
two countries that I call home and my truly miraculous
creations (and my beloved dog); but I have also been set
some hard challenges, and mountains to climb.

Yet as I tell my own kids: ‘The best view comes after the
hardest climb.’

PS. IF I COULD change one thing, I would probably have
skipped the Lambada on stage.

Lisa Simon (Midler)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Good Times
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Always the years above especially the Year 12’s. The girls
who could do the best egg rolls and fake tan application -
and the tuck shop egg and lettuce rolls and Samboy chips -
all inspirational in their own way.
30 years on, what is your funniest school memory?
Always will be my friends - funniest and best peeps I know
and love N, D, T, R, D. xxx

Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Last day before leaving Scopus I redesigned my school
uniform into a fashion statement and getting everyone to
write messages on it. Tres Chic despite being told not to...
I know so CRAZY

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Just be you.

10 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Gadi Bloch Funniest school memory? The incident from junior
camp where Antony Kaspi felt it necessary to report his dis-
What have you been up to in the last 30 years? covery from the boy’s toilet block (and everybody rushed off to
Apart from getting steadily older, fatter and balder, I’ve been check it out) still makes me chuckle.
lawyering away and spending time with my lovely wife and
three beautiful boys. Describe your naughtiest incident at school?
I can’t claim to have been much of a wild child. Sneaking off
Who/What inspired you the most at school? school grounds to get potato cakes for the bus ride home was
Funnily enough I remember being asked the same question probably as daring as it got.
while at school and struggling with it then. Guess I’m not a
great believer in heroes. What advice would you give yourself 30 years
ago? Don’t eat bats from the Wuhan market.

Darren What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Lewenberg Definitely working on my sense of direction. I’ve currently made it to the tuck shop
and fairly confident I need to turn left from there.

Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Without question, Neil Lennie. His ability to instil the virtues of honesty, integrity
and the importance of legitimate vocational qualifications.

Funniest school memory?
Receiving my VCE results. I distinctly recall my parents telling me my marks “were
the biggest joke they’ve ever heard”. It made me so proud.

Describe your naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
When Bruce the Gardener reneged on our arrangement, I replaced all the fluo-
rescent lighting in our hydroponic set up, to normal globes. It destroyed the whole
crop. I also fire bombed his house. He was furious, but he never went back on his
word again. We remain terrific mates to this day.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago? Focus in Tanach.
It’s remarkable the doors this subject opens later in life.

30 Year Reunion 11

Rachel Bloom

In the last 30 years, wow, that even feels hard to write. Really, 30 I left Mt Scopus at the end of Year 8 but I do still love the fact
years? So much of it feels like only yesterday. I’ve lived, that some of my oldest and dearest friends are from both my
laughed, travelled, cried and generally experienced all primary and secondary school days
elements of life through work, marriage, kids, family and friends.
My favourite teacher was Sharon Swiatlo, or “Swiaty” as we
My career has and is still centred around People and affectionately called her. I loved her passion for teaching and
Change through Organisational Development, Human the energy and fun she injected into every class. I will always
Resources and Coaching. I’m married to Mark Bokser (OC be forever grateful to her for helping me (and others)
1983) and we have three gorgeous girls and a dog. navigate through those awkward puberty/teen years!

Darren
Rabinov

I attended Mount Scopus up to the end of Year 11 I decided to join my family’s business in the late 1990’s,
completing Year 12 at Wesley College in Prahran. Junction Tyre & Auto Services & Goodyear Autocare
Following on from school I studied Travel and Tourism, Mentone, I find working there extremely rewarding.
Japanese Language and Business Management &
Marketing. 10 years ago, I launched a new arm of our business, The
After working and travelling on and off over several years, I Battery Base which operates on-line and in-store.
married Michelle Becher in March 2001. Our travelling
continued for a few years until we started our family. My funniest memory at school which also happened to be
Our daughter Amy was born in November 2005 and our son one of the naughtiest was when we were at school camp in
Nate was born in September 2008. Ballarat, I believe it was Counter Point. I was hanging out in
the girl’s dorm and sprung hiding under Leah’s bunk. I was
given a 3-day suspension. The punishment was a little harsh
don’t you think?

12 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Melanie Super Certainly does not seem like it has been 30 years since school
Daniel Ades has been over - maybe that is because I have 2 children who
are at Scopus and besides this year - I am there often enough
for me to feel like I never left :)
Went to university after school, worked in Los Angeles for a
short while and then lived briefly in China. Returned to
Australia, worked, got married, had 2 beautiful children and
now been stuck at home for past 8 months!!
So many funny incidents at school, but mainly remember being
in class and on the playground and laughing with friends.
If I could go back 30 years, I would maybe tell myself to enjoy
being at school and being young, when you have fewer
responsibilities, as life is so care free then, but also to enjoy
school and not stress, as there are different ways to get to
wherever you want to go and it’s not so serious if you have to
take a different route to get there. Well that is what I have
been telling my kids.

Mel-
anie

I wouldn’t really say “since completing year 12” , but after I wasn’t the most disciplined student, and if I could go back
year 12, I pretty much started my working life straight away. 30 years, I would say that I didn’t give the teachers the
respect they deserved as well as some of my fellow students
Being an 18 year old who just wanted to play video games, I (big regret), and maybe on occasions my parents, and also
still didn’t know what career path to choose, so I took up a the Tuckshop lady, and the Milk Bar lady, and the old lady
position in my uncles petrol station as an apprentice motor who lived next door.
mechanic, working 6 and sometimes 7 days a week. And I
have been in the trade ever since. The positive that has come from this, is that I believe my kids
are very respectful of their teachers and very caring and
I married Rebecca Goldstat in 2001 who also finished at compassionate of their classmates and friends. I’m over this
Scopus. We have 2 beautiful girls, Emily who is nearly 17 and f$%ken lock down and look forward to catching up with
Ashlee 13 going on 30. We also share the house with our 2 everyone soon.
Boxers , Billie and Molly.

30 Year Reunion 13

Naftali
Steg

I moved to Israel almost 20 years ago. Got married. Had a kid. Mrs. Leinkram holding us back after class was a childish ploy.
Now no longer married and very happily living with my new I also remember being forced to make paper airplanes the
partner. I started a property business in 2005, a tourism whole class by mrs. Glanville after she caught me throwing
company in 2007 and an alcohol business in 2015. So today I one using the eyes in the back of head.
rent apartments to tourists, arrange their holidays and sell
them alcohol. It really is a very nice way to make a living. Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?

Who/What inspired you the most at school? My dentist would give me appointment cards but left 4 places
blank for future visits. So every time I didn’t feel like turning up
Probably Mr. Groppe’s economics and Mrs. Leinkrams to school I would add myself an appointment onto the card. It
politics. These were the classes that most inspired me at got to the point when Mrs. Glanville called roll call everyone
school and led me to study property at rmit and be politically would yell ‘he’s at the dentist’.
active over the years. In Australia I was the president of the
Malvern Young Libs once, and in Israel I worked for the What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Labour party and others as well.
They didn’t have Ritalin in the 80s and I was seriously ADD
Funniest school memory? (as is my son). If I could go back I would tell myself that being
unmanageable or totally undisciplined is not a permanent
Standing up in politics class and pronouncing that state of affairs but something that can be treated.

Fiona Levy (Marmur) Who/What inspired you the most at school?

Mrs Fung inspired me to follow the sciences, human anatomy
and wellbeing path. I followed through these learnings with
my career. I am paying it forward to the next generation
through educating and facilitating children on overall
wellbeing. My friendship with Karen Maver inspired and
continues to inspire me.

Funniest school memory?

Hiding in the toilets from the teachers to avoid Bat Mitzvah
practice. We stood on the toilet so there were no feet seen
under the door. There were many of us hiding at the one time
it was hilarious. We also hid in Mr Lever’s office who was
complicit but at the same time was oblivious.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Keep it real. That is my mantra and I wouldn’t change
anything.

14 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Robyn Licenblat
(Rose)

I was a student at Mount Scopus from 1980-1986. It was
1990 when I met Michael Licenblat at the Mount Scopus
Deb. Neither of us attended Scopus at that time. Both of us
attended Trinity Grammar that year (long and rather funny
story!)

Since then, I went to The University of Melbourne to study
teaching. I married Michael. I became a mum to my three
awesome children – Rafi (18), Zack (17) and Eli (14). I taught
at Yeshivah College and Mount Scopus. Went back to
university to study interior design. Worked in the industry for
several years before returning to my passion of teaching.

Retired from teaching in order to work together with Michael
at Bounce Back Fast before again finding myself missing the
classroom. I currently work at Firbank Grammar as Director
of ELC and I am establishing the STEM program for young
learners in our school.

Aside from family and career I enjoy singing in an acoustic
duo with Michael on guitar, a women’s quartet and
performing in musical theatre.

Most recently I enjoyed providing the backing vocals for a
young and extremely talented ‘Buddy Holly’.

Michael Licenblat

I started at Mt. Scopus in the Kew kinder and I left half way through grade 5
during Mr. Nathan Kornhendler’s class - he was my favourite teacher because
he got me and understood that teaching was more than just getting good
marks.

Probably my naughtiest incident was sneaking out of school in year 3 to go to
’the shops’ where Dean Sholl and I spent $7 on hot chips, dim sims and
potato cakes…only to be caught by Mr. Phoenix who confiscated the whole
lot!

In 1990 I was invited to be a guest at the Scopus Deb and met this really cute
girl, Robyn Rose, who told me about a monumental prank she played on my
school (Trinity Grammar) that is still talked about today…she was a keeper!

We got married had three kids and live life our own way. As my mum would
say ‘we made two other people very happy’. Some life highlights include
participating in box wars, paddling the murray kayaking marathon, performing
in the Buddy Holly musical with Robyn and sleeping in to 9.30am once back
in 2002. I now run a business in sales resilience as a keynote speaker and
corporate trainer.

30 Year Reunion 15

Yaniv Cohen-Aviad

Many of you guys probably don’t remember me, because I left I remember the hebrew teacher Rachel Vivat who used to
you early in mid grade 3 on 1981. I am Yaniv Cohen from smack kids at their bottom naked in front of everyone as a
Israel, son of two Israeli teachers (Benny & Dalia Cohen) who punishment of bad behaviour (God Gracious...), and who ever
were in “shlihut” at Mount Scopus for 4 years between 1977 laughed would get one too. I remember the school Bell, the
to 1981. This period of time in my life I will never forget, Order with the Anthem singing every morning and so many
although i left Australia as a small kid at the age of 8 and a other memories.
half.
I live in a town in Israel named Modi’in just between
I started at kindergarten and then Prep. with Miss James, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I am divorced and have three
grade one with Miss Honig, grade two with Mrs. David and gorgeous sons (17, 13 and 8 years old). At the last couple of
left at grade three with Mrs. Satturn (hope I spell it correctly). years i have a wonderful and loving partner called Anat. My
occupation is in the field of sociological research. Since 1981
I have a lot and beautiful memories from school those years. I haven’t been in Australia, and visiting there again, especially
in Melbourne and at Mount Scopus, is one of my dreams.
I remember the “hills”’, the discipline headmaster Who knows, maybe it will finally happen at the postponed
Mr. Edmonds, the school Headmaster Mr Ranoschy. Reunion next year.
I remember some names of students who were in my
class -like Neil Smalli (was my best friend), Dana So I’m curious how many of you remember me, and I am
Finestone (Michael today) that was my “girlfriend” calling those who do and willing so, to contact me
at grade one (the kids made us a wedding in the hills...haha), ([email protected]). I would love that. I have sent through
Michelle Ostrow; Samantha with the blonde hair, some photos of myself today, and also some photos that I kept
Darren Southwick who was quite a naughty boy, 40 years from the time I spent with you guys - maybe some of
Zachary something, Michael, Victoria, Caroline and Ashley. you will recognize themselves.

Dean Sholl

Married with 4 boys.

16 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Danny Rajch

Great to be part of this 30 year reunion. It is a shame we
have not been able to get together for a drink.

Where have the last 30 years gone. When I think about
what I have been up to for the last thirty years a few things
come to mind. Beside the obvious ones of having kids and
building a career my greatest achievement has been not
only getting married once but twice!!!

I enjoyed being married and divorced the first time so
much that after a little break I decided to do it all again.
And yes same result!!!

Perhaps over the years I have learnt a thing or two so maybe I
am ready to go again. Who knows by the time the next
reunion comes around I might be on my third or even fourth!!!

Benjamin Stein Family: Married Debbie Fooks (VCE 1991) and we have three
amazing children (Isobel, Ruben and Jethro).
What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Career: I began as an audio visual technician, working in
small businesses for a number of years before moving to Being from interstate I had no experience with VFL. I
Telstra in a variety of positions, including sales and solutions, remember listening intently to the boys recommendations as
corporate affairs and as an event producer. Once I left Telstra to who I should barrack for. Carlton, Richmond, St Kilda or
I started my own event consultancy small business. After Footscray? Thankfully, Glen convinced me to choose
many successful years developing customer experiences, Hawthorn.
I changed pathways to become a primary school teacher.
Funniest school memory?

I recall being fascinated by the size of the school, and often
walked around at playtimes in Year 3 and got lost. As a
result, I was often late for classes. Fatefully, on one occasion
I got so lost that I even missed the school bus home - which
wasn’t great, given I didn’t know my home telephone number
nor my address (in Templestowe)! Fortunately, I recognised a
person from my class, whose mum was picking him up. Took
us a while and with Telecom’s help I eventually got home.

Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?

I only remember sitting at the back of the class with Zachary
and laughing every time the word ‘Cong’ appeared in the
siddur. Year 3 rebels.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

In life, build trust in whatever you do. Trust trumps
performance.

30 Year Reunion 17

Nadine Davidoff

The person who most inspired me at school was Dr Dowse,
our Year 12 Literature teacher. She taught me how to write
with precision, clarity and coherence.
“If I ever own a race-horse, I’m gonna call it Topic Sentence,”
she said – relentlessly drumming in that crucial element of
cogent essay writing.
In her class, I also suffered one of my most embarrasing
moments. As Dr Dowse expounded on the many and obvious
phallic symbols in The Go Between, I raised my hand and
asked: “Dr Dowse, what is a phallic symbol?”
Gaby Wolf has never let me forget it.

Sharon Gdanski

Firstly I would say, don’t sweat
the small things, go with the
flow, experience life and you
can’t control everything!

Most importantly never say no
to any opportunity that comes
your way, even if it is just a
conversation and nothing
comes out of it.

I have had a number of sliding doors moments in my life (so
clearly it has taken 30 years for me to grasp this concept),
I have wondered on a couple of those occasions what if?
What if I had met with a marketing colleague of my University
lecturer, who asked me to have a conversation about a career
in marketing? Would I be where I am now? Would I have a
different career, where could it have led me?
The list goes on, but I have taken from it, that opportunities are
out there and are there for the taking. It can never hurt to have
a cup of coffee, don’t close the door straight away!

18 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Damien Banky

After finishing school I completed a double degree in Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Accounting and IT at Monash Caulfield and accepted a I didn’t realise then but it is the close friendships I developed
graduate position in IT Audit at the now defunct Arthur in Lower Kinder at the Moriah campus and in the later years
Andersen. I spent 5 years at Arthur Andersen where I qualified at Burwood, that continue to the present day - celebrating
as a Chartered Accountant and did a 12 month secondment to good times, supporting each other through tough times and
Arthur Andersen in Leeds and London that gave me an growing old together.
opportunity to travel around Europe.
30 years on, what is your funniest school memory?
I returned to Melbourne in 2000, and a year later I resigned to Martin Meltzer mimicking Mr Lever in Year 8 during a Social
work on the introduction of electricity and gas market Studies class. Mr Lever saw this, lost his temper (his face
contestability at Pulse Energy, which later became AGL. In 2008 turned bright red), pulled Martin off his chair dragging him by
I moved to Standard & Poor’s and then to Energy Australia the arm along the floor and out the classroom door, shouting
working in Finance, but ended up back at AGL where I have at Martin to go and sit outside his office.
been contracting for the past 8.5 years as an IT Project Manager.
Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
I studied a MBA at Melbourne Business School, met my wife Forging sick notes from my parents excusing me from doing
Alizah on a blind date in 2005, married in 2007 and in 2009 sport.
welcomed the birth of our identical twin boys, Dean and
Gideon who are currently in Grade 6 at Scopus. My travel bug What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
from the 1990’s continues on with my wife and kids, having Don’t stress and worry so much – everything will work out.
had some great adventures around Mexico, Asia, US, New
Zealand and parts of Australia.

Dean Janover

I’ve spent most of the last 30 years
with Irene making a life for ourselves
and our kids.
It’s been a great ride so far and I’m
happy to to give a full account of all
the highlights when we catch up
soon.

30 Year Reunion 19

Caroline Cohen

When I was there it felt like forever, all those years of school. And then here we are, 30 years later and my own daughter is
The getting up in the mornings and the rush to make it to the about to enter her final year of high school. All that time has
bus stop in time, the lunches in paper bags and years and passed, yet I still have clear and fond memories of my school
years of squashed Vegemite sandwiches, the lockers and days.
books that I so carefully covered in pretty contact, camps,
Ulpan, waiting at the bus park at the end of the day and trying Do I miss it? No, but I’m grateful to have had happy school
to catch a glimpse of your latest crush, the classrooms and all days and will always look back with a smile.
the homework and exams, sitting in circles on the Skolnik
oval and most of all, the friends.

Leigh
Krongold
(Weitzman)

Although only at Mt.Scopus for years 10, 11 and 12, my
fondest memories were: Going to Israel on Ulpan and
celebrating ’88-89’ New Years on the beach in Tel-Aviv with
the Scopus crew
Eating contraband sunny-boys on the school bus which I
bought from Ash Krongold and Darren Lewenberg. They
paid 20c for it and charged me $2.00!
My weekly music lessons with Mrs Coomaraswamy
which lead to my role in the Year 12 School Musical as the
Girlfriend in the Boyfriend which lead to my marriage to
Ash.

20 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Karen Groch

30 years - wow, has it really been that long?? Ok so what I’m currently a Director of Strategic Partnerships & Events
have I done since school...hmmm let me see...well there was for the Marriner Group & have been so for over 10yrs. On a
of course the University degree that had to be achieved as a personal note I just celebrated 15 yrs of marriage but we have
graduate of Mt Scopus. After 4 years at Melbourne Uni & a actually been together coming up 27 yrs! I am still very good
Bachelor of Education with a major in Psychology under my friends with a lot of the people I was friends with back in the
belt, I sought to spread my wings abroad (like all good Aussie day & proud of those long standing friendships.
kids do) with amazing friends, Amelia (Mils) Guttman & later
joined up with Sharon (Goldie) Gold. Honestly can’t remember much of school but advice, if I was
to give any would be school is only a blip on the radar of life,
After the travel thing, I ventured into the hospitality arena & so take it in your stride & know that you have so much more
decided this was the industry for me. I expanded further into the living to do once school finishes & you can be whoever you
area of Event Management & have been in this field ever since. choose to be. Shyness doesn’t last forever. When did I get so
Glad to say my degree wasn’t a total waste of time as I have put philosophical?
aspects of my psychology course into good use in managing staff.
Oh & I’m thinking of changing my first name - thanks 2020!!

Brett Tait

Where has the time gone?
30 years has found me the father of a
fur child, doting uncle to a pigeon pair of
niece and nephew and a happy lawyer.
Plenty of adventures under my belt with
room for lots more. Does that make me a
unicorn?
Advice to my younger self:
Tell her how you feel, Google,
Amazon and Apple.

30 Year Reunion 21

Michael Joel

So, since school, I have studied, travelled, studied, travelled, funniest things at school were usually things that happened
“found a girl, settled down, and coz we wanted we could on camp, like the forever infamous Guinness book of records
marry. Look at me, I am old but I’m happy!” log discovered one night.

Along the way, I worked behind the scenes in call centres, I was a goody-goody at school so I don’t have a lot of
ran a food manufacturing business, studied some more, naughty/rebellious incidents.
travelled some more (remember what travel was.. those were
the days!!), and I’m now a Marketing Manager. Two things stand out though. One was somehow getting
17/20 for an oral book review I never actually presented in
During this bastard of a year, I have been thankful to have a Year 9, and the other was escaping one day over the back
beautiful family with my wife Ronit, three gorgeous children, fence and leaving school one day in the morning.
and a house opposite a park in the ghetto. With all the shit
going on in the world this year, 2020, who could ask for If I could give advice to the younger me, it would be that
anything more! nothing at school is ever quite as big or as important as it
seems. Oh, and try working a bit harder!
At school I was rarely inspired, although some teachers came
close, like Ms Leinkram, Mr Meron, and Mrs Jensen. The

Monique Rozan

I left school and became a Hairdresser, then in
1996 I moved to Gold Coast, got married and
had 2 sons. Always a workaholic and achieved
my dream and had my own hair salon.
Loved living there but after my divorce I came
back to to Melbourne beginning of 2015 and
work as a Hairdresser still.

22 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Marcus Seigel

OK here it goes:

The last 30 years has really been a very interesting time. I
graduated with a Commerce degree and briefly worked in PR
before heading overseas to pursue a film career which had
several highlights including a best documentary win in the
New York Independent Film & Television Festival. However
success did not a living make, so I ditched that career for one
in the world of online business. Which proved to be a great
move as it’s where I met my lovely wife Sabrina.

We have two amazing children in Willow and Dustin and
together we have worked incredibly hard to create arguably
Australia’s premier graphic t-shirt brand in Threadheads.

If I could go back 30 years I don’t think I would tell myself to
do a lot differently. Maybe to appreciate certain moments and
not take so many things for granted because as no doubt ev-
eryone would realise by now the time really does go by very
quickly. I would maybe tell myself to be a bit nicer to people
than perhaps I was sometimes but overall I think I was a
decent enough guy who turned out not so bad!

I have spent the last 30 years testing my limits, trying to Tal Goldman
get as best as I can out of myself and making plenty of
mistakes along the way. 30 Year Reunion 23

I am not one into self-congratulatory awards so all I will
say is I have a beautiful family including my wife, Victoria
Davis (OC’89) and two beautiful daughters, Jessica 14
and Chloe 12, who are both at Mt Scopus (although as
a result of COVID they are currently attending Southport
State High for this term!)

I have established and run a business in property
development and construction and have also managed
to enjoy many of life’s simple pleasures along the way,
which are of course the real highlights.

Scopus for me was a culmination of only fond memories
all of which inspired me in numerous different ways.
Looking back, there was no chance the person I was 30
years ago would have taken advice from anyone.

I wish everyone well in whatever path their lives will
continue to take and only hope the journey is happy,
healthy and safe one!

Amelia Kalifa (Guttmann)

Full circle! That’s how I would describe my life over the past I am so grateful to all the wonderful people I met at school. It
30 years. I started at Mount Scopus as a 3 year old kinder was a great stepping stone to understanding the person I
child and am right back there as a 47 year old woman. chose to be today.

SInce finishing school in 1990, I completed a Bachelor of My greatest support and inspiration at school was most
Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Educational certainly Dora Oliver. What a charismatic, warm, humorous
Psychology. I participated in a Kibbutz Ulpan Program at and remarkable educator. She supported me through the
Maagan Michael and then backpacked Israel and Europe rough times and I am now so blessed to teach her
with the one and only Karen Gordon (Groch). We then went grandchildren and work with her gorgeous daughter-in-law
on to tour America with another of my favourites Sharon Talia (Tali) Oliver.
Lowe (Gold). To this day they are still my closest friends.
If I could go back 30 years I would say to myself - you did it.
In 1997 I returned to Israel to study in Jerusalem and met my
now husband Nissim who was born in France but I I would tell myself not to worry about what you see around
“imported” from Israel. We lived in Tel-Aviv for two years and you and how others act. You will in time realise what is
then returned to Australia where we married in April 2000. important in life. Despite many seeing popularity, looks,
Together we created our wonderful family unit including Eli money and reputation as most important, you will grow up to
(18), Ilona (16) and Noa (13). value truth and “derech erez” and most importantly be a
good person.
In 2009 I returned to my roots and now work at Mount
Scopus College at GBH teaching Hebrew and Jewish Studies, You will eventually realise that the path to happiness is not
as well as Feuerstein (Instrumental Enrichment) and status and popularity but being kind and true to yourself. You
SEASONS Grief and Loss Counselling. I work in Learning will realise how important your family are and how friendship
Support, where I get the opportunity to couple my passion for is about quality not quantity.
Israel and love of teaching.

Sharon Offenberger

As it was impossible to fit in the word limit what I have done
for the past 30 years, here’s what I HAVEN’T done in the past
30 years: gotten a tattoo, attended a psychedelics ceremony,
mastered a third language, water sports, yoga, Central
and South America, divorce, BDSM, driven manual, PhD,
SnapChat, skydiving, jailtime, horseriding, birthed a male child.

24 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Natalie Yaffe
(Pipersberg)

I spent the last thirty years working as a life architect; mother, I have enjoyed raising two divine humans, 18 and 14 years old,
wife, daughter, sister, friend, fashion and interior creative. Inspired both inspiring me to BE better and DO better.
by my husband, travel and love for the arts. Life in the times of Corona has had its positives. Spending
precious time with my husband and kids has been priceless.
I have an aesthetic need to challenge the senses, anchoring Taking time to focus within and plan for the next stage. Looking
a young girls dream of modeling into a mature desire to work forward to what the 50’s will bring.
with creative minds that invoke passion, harmony and warmth Wishing you all great lives ahead Xx
in my art.

Yehuda De Vries

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Lived in Israel for ~7 years, married and first son born in
Jerusalem. Moved back to Melb ~ 17 yrs ago, had 4
more kids, live in Bagel Belt
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Probably most significant experience was Yr 10 (88-89),
Ulpan, 3 months in Israel
Funniest school memory?
Getting caught by Mr Lever arriving late at school after a
bunch of us went to the greyhound races the night before
Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Got in big trouble already in primary school for ‘missing
class’ helping out do some ‘volunteer’ job and getting
caught on Ulpan by Mrs Rivka Zilberberg a bunch of us
drinking alcohol at 15yrs old
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Enjoy being young and enjoy life, don’t miss out...

30 Year Reunion 25

Talia Klein (Cass)

Earned a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University.
Spent a year in Israel at Hebrew University and teaching at
an Ethiopian Board school. Got married to Hal Klein in 1995 -
celebrating 25 years of marriage in November.
Moved to Boca Raton, Florida.
Owner of Travel With Talia-travel agency (thank you Covid!!).
We have a daughter-Ashley, 20 yrs old. She is a Junior (3rd yr)
at Washington University in St. Louis and a son-Zach, 17 yrs old.
He is a senior (Year 12) in High School. Crazy to think that next
year my hubby and I will be empty nesters!!!
I am currently the Co-President of Donna Klein Jewish Academy-
like Scopus but a smaller scale. Hal and I are also very involved in
the Jewish Federation and March of the Living.
Advice I would give myself if I could go back 30 years:
Stay away from Americans!!! LOL

Debbie Simkin (Kreuzer)

30 years since 1990 hey, feels like a lifetime ago. What have I We have an amazing son Dylan, who is almost 10 years old.
been up to since then?….. He is truly the love of my life and the centre of my world.

After graduating at MSMC, I completed a Diploma of Business My circle of friends these days are a mix between old and
in Travel and Tourism at William Angliss College as travel was new. I’m lucky to say that Karen (Groch) and I still remain close
always a passion of mine. I started working at Ansett Australia friends since school days and love to enjoy a good wine and a
in 1993 in their Holiday Marketing Department until they sadly laugh whenever we get the chance.
went into Administration in 2001. For the last 15 years, I’ve
been working at Ticketmaster in Product Management. Lately, my free time is mostly spent with other mums and kids,
Strangely, I get new friends each time a big concert or grand either playing in a park, on a trampoline or going on scooter
final comes around. rides. It’s not what I thought I’d be doing in my late 40’s but
better late than never.
Somewhere along the way, I met my husband Marcus.
Marcus (Simkin) is a Scopus ‘OC of 1986. We’ve been Well there you have it, 30 years summed up in 200+ words.
married for 15 years but together for 22 years. Now I feel old.

26 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Danielle
Thurston
(Goldfarb)

Q...What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Hawksburn village which I currently run with my mum and sister.)
A...Wow I can’t believe it’s been 30 years. It all feels like 2017-2020 Australian Distributer of fashion labels from Paris
yesterday! Here is what I have been up to... and New York. (Wholesale subsidiary business of Studio Mg
which I currently run with my mum and sister.)
STUDY 2017-2020 Painting & Prints Designer/Director of Colour Clash
1991-1993 Arts Degree @Monash Uni. Studio. (Art gallery I currently run with my husband.)
1994-1995 Interior Design @RMIT.
PERSONAL
CAREER 2002 - Married Richard Thurston
1994-2006 International Fashion Buyer & Merchandiser 2003 - Son James Thurston born (now 17).
of Designer womenswear, menswear and accessories for 2005 - Son Luke Thurston born (now 15).
Overseas Designer Warehouse. (A retail fashion business I ran 2007 - Daughter Willow Thurston born (now 13).
with my dad.) And that’s it, a dot point description of my life since I left school!
2008-2010 Designer/Director of children’s swimwear label White I’ve been living life, loving my family and friends, navigating
Soda.(A manufacturing/wholesale business I ran with my sister.) motherhood, creating fashion art interiors parties and events,
2007-2020 International Designer Fashion Buyer and Merchandiser working hard, partying hard and travelling the world! Xx
for Studio Mg & Mg2. (A retail fashion business with stores in

Melanie Landau

I live in Jerusalem. While doing the conflict work I realised I needed to access
the deepest resource in order not to be overwhelmed.
I have 2 children,
Ktoret who is 19 and I started a journey of accessing life-force through the body.
Ariel who is 17. I took it to an extreme and burned and crashed. I started an
intense learning process about trauma and how we can
I am in a post-divorce establish a sense of embodied safety.
process of grieving
and growth and In the past year I have opened a practice in Building Healthy
shifting relationships. relationships and Growing Secure Attachment. It is also
about the relationship between intergenerational trauma and
For the first time I am relational hurts.
also feeling my age - the fullness of my 47 years. For 8 years
- until last year- I worked as Director of Facilitation, for a I am highly empathic and learning how to navigate this
conflict transformation organisation taking Jewish leaders to quality and cultivate balance. I love singing, dancing,
listen to Palestinians in the West Bank. Prior to that, I taught weaving, being in nature, especially dipping in natural springs
Jewish Studies at Monash University (& completed a PhD on which I do all the time! I started learning guitar last year, and
a feminist critique of traditional Jewish marriage and the weaving this year.
acquisition of the woman by the man- which got published as
a book). I also got ordained as a rabbi . Life is sacred.

30 Year Reunion 27

Phil Goldberg

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
I spent the first 15 years experiencing life and love through the
eyes of a single man. I travelled far and worked hard. And the
last 15 years through those of a father and husband. So I’ve
been pretty busy.
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
The opportunity to make so many lifelong friendships.
Funniest school memory?
Year 11 Physics teacher stopping the class on Melbourne Cup
Day to listen to the race on the loudspeaker because he had a
big bet on it. Pretty sure that wasn’t his only losing horse for the day.
Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Spoiling Lizzie’s Perfect Smile in Primary School.
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

You know how at all those parties the guys stand in one group
and the girls in another, just waiting? Be that guy that goes up to
that girl and starts talking to her. Trust me – She won’t bite.

Tamar
Black

I am an educational and developmental psychologist, working My favourite memories are from Years 7 and 8: Judy Grunfeld’s
as a school psychologist and in private practice. I completed a naughty class.
Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma of Psychology, Master of
Educational and Developmental Psychology, and a Doctor of I enjoyed Zionist camp, sport, Jewish History, learning Talmud
Philosophy. with Dr Lorch in Year 10, and fondly remember sitting in the
secondary hall and quad, buying watered down canned
I am also the founder and volunteer president of a not for profit, vegetable soup and Bissli from the tuck shop.
the Temporal Bone Donor Society Inc, which promotes the after-
life donation of the inner ear for medical research, to improve I bought a solidarity bracelet from our Counterpoint madrichim
treatment for patients with balance and/or hearing disorders. with the name of a refusenik, and got to meet him 30 years later
in Israel and show him my bracelet. I loved my friends and we
I have been married for 23 years and have two teenage had lots of fun, but I regret not getting to know more people.
daughters. I attended Scopus for 11 years, and was inspired by
people who were kind and friendly, who didn’t follow everyone If I could go back in time I would be a social butterfly and hang
else. I was regularly kicked out of class for talking too much. out with lots of different groups, and not care so much about
what others thought of me.

28 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Rohan Filer

In 2000 I missed our 10 year reunion as I was living in London, Finally in 2010 our Scopus 20 reunion settled the argument
but that year my wife Monique threw me the most amazing once and for all – Justin Presser (who I hadn’t seen for 20+
surprise birthday party – it was a truly awesome party. Monique years) wrote in the reunion book that his Scopus claim to fame
insisted that this must have been the best birthday party I’d was hitting the winning runs at Rohan Filer’s grade 6 birthday
ever had, but I responded that my 12th birthday party was still party. Argument settled!
the best – all my best mates from school, cricket, bbq and the
Life of Brian. She was outraged at this suggestion and the And it shows how special our school memories and school
argument began. friends really are. Monique even organised a reunion of the
12th birthday party a couple of years later. Some school
We spent the next 8 years living overseas and in Sydney (where memories really are indelible and Scopus has created
our daughters Jasmine and Tara were born), eventually making friendships which last a lifetime.
it back to Melbourne, and still the argument continued.

Sharyn Cohen (Lewis)

Has it really been 30 years? It feels like yesterday and then again
- it doesn’t! Watching our two boys, Benj and Nathan attend
Scopus (currently in Year 7 + 8) gives me such joy to see them
experiencing the same opportunities that I was given and being able
to build on their pride in their Jewish heritage and make life
long friends like I did.
School was fun and it’s only now I can say that I took most of what
we had for granted. The last 30 years have been an adventure - uni,
work, travel, family and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
For some reason I don’t remember much detail about my time at
school (my husband, Doov on the other hand remembers intricate
details about his time at school) but I do know that it was some of the
best years of my life with most of the great times centered around
the friendships that were created there.
The memories of being at Scopus and the Burwood campus since
Ducklings has been something that I’m proud of and will last a
lifetime.
Here’s to the next 30 years!

30 Year Reunion 29

Linda Gore (Rosengarten)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? always remember. Stop worrying so much about what other
people think.
Graduated as a nurse, married, had 3 kids (20,18,15), worked
in public hospital, aged care and now in a General Practice, Be the best version you can of yourself. You will disappoint
travelled around Australia in a caravan for 5.5 months with yourself and others and you will make mistakes, but you will
my family and due to finish my Masters of Nursing this not self-combust and you will learn and grow from all these
October (on my final assignment) moments.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago? The friends you make in school will be the some of the most
It all goes so fast. Your memory will eventually fail you, so important people in your life 30 years on (and hopefully
keep a little bit of everything (lucky I’m a hoarder) so you can forever).

Emma Miller What have you been up to in the past 30 years?

30 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990 After leaving Scopus at the end of Year 8, I went to MacRobertson Girls’ High
School and then straight on to studying Journalism at RMIT after Year 12.

My first job was a cadetship at the Herald Sun, but after a couple of years
decided tabloid journalism wasn’t for me. So I joined Lonely Planet as an
editor and then hit the road as a guidebook author, travelling and writing
about places such as Hungary, Ireland and Indonesia. This experience
ignited a love of combining travel with work: I spent the next few years living
in London and working at The Times and The Guardian newspapers, and
later moved to Sydney to take up the role of head researcher on the TV
program Getaway.

Eventually Melbourne called me home and it was here I met my partner Nick
through a shared love of music. We now have two kids, a 7-year-old girl and
12-year-old boy, and live in Melbourne’s inner-west.

These days I’m happy to be at home, doing gardening and pottery and
working as a communications manager at Women’s Legal Service Victoria.

Mark Stabey

In October 2020, it feels like 30 years since I left the house but I in hospital for 5 days on an IV because of a cut on my elbow
have done a few things: from playing mixed netball before I left. Speaking of netball, I
played that for about 20 years. Even won a few grand finals. The
Took five and a half years to finish a four year Bachelor of Com- requirement to not step with the ball suited my athletic tenden-
puter Science and Engineering course at Monash. This may cies to remain stationary.
have been a record at the time.
Went on several blind dates. Met Lauren on the final one and
Killed a horse by unknowingly kicking it to death during Jay got married in 2009. We now have 3 boys - Ryder, Cooper and
Bryce’s birthday ride. I think I mentioned this in a previous Bailey. Have worked in IT for over 20 years at both ANZ and
reunion update so I’ll just let the horse rest in peace now. NAB but still don’t know much about finance.

Did a Contiki tour of the West Coast of USA and ended up

Leigh
Cutler
(Hofman)

30 years have gone by in a flash of adventure. food styling and recipe writing while also getting my life coaching
After finishing high school and completing a Bachelor of Arts accreditation!
with majors in Psychology and Italian studies I moved to live in
Florence, studying Italian Language and Culture, and later to Finally deciding to return to my roots in Melbourne where I met my
manage a boutique hotel and restaurant in the gorgeous Tuscan husband David with whom I have had 2 little girls, Blake and Erin.
hills taking full advantage of La Dolce Vita.
Ever wanting to learn and grow, I recently took a dive back into
From there to New York for a few years working at a start-up student life (what am I thinking?) and am currently studying
there before moving onto Sydney to continue working with my Health Sciences/Nutrition.
passion, the food industry, working in food retail management,
It is never too late to follow your dreams or to add onto them!

30 Year Reunion 31

Michelle Sherman (Goldberg)

Thirty years on from finishing school, I have been married 21 I remember always being accosted near the tuckshop by
years, have 2 teenage sons and work as a clinical psychologist anyone randomly, with “do you have any spare?”. Oh and the
in private practice. My boys are in Years 10 and 11 at Scopus, poor Israeli Hebrew teachers who spoke no English, trying so
and I love going back whenever there is a school event – it hard to teach us but were met with chaos and antics!
always has such a nostalgic feel for me.
I have fond memories of Mrs Fung, Mrs Hampel, Mrs Berman
Some things I remember fondly are Aussie camp, and Mr Ho - such lovely, knowledgeable and passionate
Counterpoints, the Deb ball, the Matric Centre, and the Year 12 teachers.
dinner at the old Tudor Court. Those were the days we all got an
STA student card and wrote our dates of birth in erasable ink to I realise only now, putting my own children through Scopus,
use as fake ID once they got signed at school. Icy poles were 20 how privileged we all were being given a private Jewish
cents and Samboy chips were 30 cents, and Bissli was a huge education. Hard to believe we survived those years without
hit when it was introduced. mobile phones, email, internet and social media…

Simon Rosenberg

30 years on, a lot has changed but one thing that hasn’t is my hairstyle! I guess I should be thankful that I still have such a full head
of hair! I have great memories of my school years and many of my closest mates today are from my Mt Scopus days.
With 3 kids of my own, I can now look back and appreciate and be thankful for the experiences and opportunities that Mt Scopus
provided me with.

32 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Neil Smoli Neil Smoli
Karen Maver
If I could go back 30 years, the advice I’d give myself would be to
discover who you are and find your own unique voice as soon as you
can. Make the most of the time you have. Remain young at heart, there
will be plenty of time to be an adult.
Cherish the gift of being playful, enjoying your own company and living
in the moment. Share your joy with others and remind yourself that
happiness can most easily be found in the simplest of things. That a
sense of adventure, song, dance, and a solid thumping beat, can make
the responsibility of being an adult easier to assume. Learn, achieve,
grow, love and contribute. Keep the gift of your optimism and curiosity
alive. For to remain curious and hopeful is to never grow old.
The Scopus motto of “chazak ve’amatz / be strong and of good
courage” still resonates with me, to this day.

I’ve spent 15 of the last 30 years living in Sydney with my
beautiful wife, Nicki and our now three amazing children: Meika (13),
Eden (10) and Kyan (4).

Lessons to my younger self: • Don’t sweat the small stuff. Focus on the big picture
• What you want exists - don’t settle until you get it
• Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to take a risk • Choose to be kind over being right and you’ll be right every
• Say ‘YES’ to every opportunity that comes your way
• Don’t avoid conflict, it provides opportunities for growth or time

positive change • Although these are the lessons I’d tell my younger self, I

• Stop pleasing others, it never brings happiness don’t think I would’ve listened. I needed to learn these the
• Get out of your comfort zone, every now and then
• Trust that every life experience, good or bad, will not be hard way.

wasted But, I have no regrets. My mistakes have got me where I am

• Setbacks build resilience and present the best lessons today and that’s a very happy place.

30 Year Reunion 33

Darion Pohl

The last 30 years I moved around a lot! 50+ flatmates, 25+ • Classes with Daniel Rothfield. Our laughter set each
addresses, 11 city moves living in 4 countries, including 19
years in the UK. Used some of my 9 lives. Befriended a royal. other off, for ages, so we could not speak! We were
Ran the London marathon. Became an Actuary, Pom, booted from Groppi’s economics class more than once
investment banker, chairman and am currently CEO of an and a Macbeth performance with Damien and Martin
international finance company headquartered in London was an absolute write off.
which I co-founded in 2002. Married my English wife Nicola
along the way and lucky to have 3 cool kids. Now back in • One really windy afternoon, the wind pinned me to the
Australia and hoping to slow down much more in the next 30!
Skolnik fence for what seemed like ages. Unable to
Funniest school memory? move, someone rescued me. Needless to say, I ended
up with the award that year as ‘the guy most likely to
• Year 11 physics. I sat front row. Joske sits behind me, blow away in the wind...‘

silently empties a blood capsule onto the back of my hair What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
and convinces the class I had chewing gum in my hair
and I needed to wash out. After lots of scrubbing I Get a haircut. Wear contact lenses. Pluck between your
reappeared with my face and hands stained dark red like eyebrows. Support a footy club that will win a premiership.
a baboon. It lasted for 2 weeks! I wanted to hide...funny in Life can be exciting and a blur - remember to slow down
hindsight.. and smell the roses.

Ronit
Adin

Hi, it’s Ronit Adin here. I feel a little out of place seeing as I
left Scopus after Year 8. I will keep my story brief. I have 3
wonderful children who make up my world. A 20 year old
son and 18 year old twin daughters. There has never been a
dull moment. If I could go back 30 years and give my younger
self some advice, I would say “Don’t worry about what other
people think. Do what makes you happy”.

34 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Mark Maller

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Funniest school memory?

After finishing School, I completed a Bachelor of Business I have many funny school memories, none of which today
majoring in Transport & Logistics. Following an exciting would be allowed. The funniest and memorable one was being
industry start to my working career, I then worked in private “dacked” on the Skolnik oval by my friends all whilst being cap-
business in Development and Construction for 10 years which tured on permanent record for the matric video.
provided me a segway into the Aged Care and Retirement
sectors where I now own and operate my own business in this Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
field for the past 12 years which I thoroughly enjoy.
There were a few. Probably the naughtiest being when on
I married my wife Natasha just over 16 years ago where we ‘muck up day’ – VCE, I locked the school bus gates to prevent
have two boys (not unlike myself), Max (14) and Oliver (11) who the busses entering the bus park five minutes before they were
also attend Mount Scopus College. Throughout the last 30 due to arrive. I also moved on the same day, all the desks and
years, I have travelled the world with my family and friends. I am chairs in the year 7 corridor all into 1 classroom and locking all
passionate and enthusiastic about life now as I was 30 years the classroom doors before the commencement of the school
ago. day, causing a little chaos!

Who/What inspired you the most at school? What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

The teacher that inspired me was Mr Dave Bendel (Science & If I went back 30 years, the advice I would give to myself would
Maths) who had a wonderful outlook and attitude to life always have been to listen a little more carefully and take more calcu-
being kind, generous and fair, who I think of often. lated risks and trust my gut instinct.

Ashley Raboy

Most memorable experiences, ranging from the school
classes group of friends from F.K.I. South Caulfield Campus,
then to being the first grade at GBH in Grade 2 - 4, and then
moving to Burwood Campus for Grade 5 and until I left after
Year 11 and did my Year 12 at Wesley College Prahran.
Amazing teachers, interesting school camps at Ballarat
campsite. Special experiences had on the Aussie History
Camp from Burwood by 2 x bus coaches in convoy
through to Darwin and then flying back.

30 Year Reunion 35

Debbie
Kaplan
(Rado)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? I am inspired today, by the many good friends I made in those
6 years of secondary school, most of whom are still my good
Reflection on the past is ‘wonderful’ in hindsight. I attended friends today.
Mt Scopus for 6 years (from Year 7 through to Year 12).
Starting in Year 7 not knowing anyone, truth be told, wasn’t so Funniest school memory? Mr Campbell in Year 11 Legal
easy. I tackled the ‘then’ big unknown, enormous new school Studies rolling up a ball of paper and throwing it at Gadi Bloch’s
and year level, step-by-step, until I found happiness. forehead (to stop Gadi, Nicole and myself chatting). Mr Carew’s
Year 11/12 Accounting classes were legendary with sweat
When I look back on my 6 years of secondary school, it is dripping off his face onto our work in the summer months.
always with a smile, fondness of happy times with friends and
still today many laughs reminiscing the high school years. Naughtiest incident at School? I didn’t have a naughty side to
me at school and was generally well behaved (a little cheeky!).
After school, I went on to study Law/Commerce (Accounting)
at Monash University. Following completion of those degrees, I What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
worked in Corporate International Tax Law for the next 14 years,
first at KPMG Melbourne (for 6 years) and then at Alinta Energy Don’t continue to be good friends with Simon Tisher
Melbourne for many years. throughout university and beyond, you’ll end up having
ski accidents, getting lost in mountains and walking into
I am married to Russell for 16 years. We have two delightful crocodile territory.
(most of the time!) teenage daughters; Tali almost 15 and
Jessica going on 13, both at The King David School Melbourne
(and a Toy Poodle furry son, Milo).

Who / What inspired you the most at school?

Not a lot ... 30 years back, Mr Carew for Year 11/12 Accounting
and Mr Campbell for Year 11 Legal Studies, as I went on to
study Law/Accounting at university.

Samantha
Moses (Levy)

I married Rodney Moses, we have two children
Mia (20) and Jack (18). We lived in San Francisco
for 3 years Mia was born there. I initially worked
in the fashion industry and have since run a few
creative businesses of my own.

The advice I would have given myself 30 years
ago was not to worry about doing badly in Legal
Studies as you were never going to be a lawyer.

I still speak to Dinx every day ...

36 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Jeremy
Schimmel

I live around the corner from most of the readers here. Married Our family loves to travel and this year looks like the first year
to Nikki (also a Scopus collegian). in many where we will not be able to tick more countries off
our bucket list. I was going to apologise to all my past English
I have a career in software, it’s great to have found both an teachers for the poor sentence structure in this submission -
occupation and passion and I enjoy leading technical teams. but Nikki made so many corrections!

I only now have faint memories from so many years at the I hope we get to have our 30-year reunion at some stage, so
school. The best advice I recall was that brilliant maths teacher we can reminisce with each other. I look better now than I will
from Year 7 who told us to never miss an opportunity to learn. in another 10.

Now that my kids are in years 5 & 7 at Mount Scopus, it has
reminded me of all the things I enjoyed about school life.

Lexi Frydenberg

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Touring with our 80’s tribute band with Angie Fox and Laini Hiding under the seats of the school bus with Delia Raizon
Liberman. Multiple failed attempts auditioning for Eurovision. after we had dropped everyone else at Burwood, then getting
the bus driver to drop us in Camberwell junction so we could
Who/What inspired you the most at school? The grey metal meet JJ from Counterpoint. ​
lockers reminiscent of prisoner, favourite 80’s show
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago? Do more
Funniest school memory? musicals even if you have a shit voice and can’t dance.
The numbers game at Candy’s house, Year 7.

30 Year Reunion 37

Michael Fagenblat

I’ve mostly enjoyed what I’ve been doing for the past 30
years, working in academia in the humanities, although
lately I’ve started to want to go rural, live on a hill near
a river in NSW or Colombia with my new partner, who’s
from there.

For now, I’m in a literature department at the Open
University in Israel. I came here mostly for hedonistic
reasons, propped by ideological thoughts I only
vaguely remember. When I’m not pursuing intellectual
or material pleasures then I volunteer with asylum
seekers.

Mostly I love cooking, gardening, watching footy, which
keeps me connected to Australia, mysticisms of the
ordinary, a few friends, and my two teenage kids, my
son who’s finishing school and my daughter who is
about to begin her army service.

Phillip Hoffman A lot of memories have dimmed given it’s been 30 years
but I still remember laughing every time the pool teacher
In the last 30 years, I have completed my medical studies, would shout at students to get OUT of the pool.
travelled the world extensively, lived abroad, specialised in
ophthalmology and commenced private practice, married an No significant rebellious incidents other than fond
awesome woman and had 2 gorgeous children. memories of clandestine trips to the fish and chip store
At school, I was most inspired by Mrs Fung - She was for some hot potato cakes.
compassionate, caring and giving - what a brilliant teacher!
If I could go back 30 years I would tell myself to
relax more, have greater self confidence and Iive
for the present.

38 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Emma
Lewis

WOW - 30 years! Thanks Scopus for connecting me with still? I knew that within lay the real gem, quiet as a mouse and
great minded people and some amazing teachers. Highlights as enchanting as my favourite person.“
educationally were studying English Literature with Rikki Meiri
and Amanda Stock. Looking back, I can’t believe a group of us had breakfast most
mornings in Mr Lever’s office! That would never happen now.
Amazing how much of my interests and career link back I always felt grateful for Mr Lever’s presence.
to this. Teacher, social worker inspiring education, art and
education business and my greatest joy and achievement- Being a role model to my 5 children, Hannah (20), Ben (18),
publishing a personal development book with my collage Daniel (16), Keren (12) and Layla (9) is important to me. More
illustrations. Stay tuned! in what I do than what I say.

Here is a blissful snippet. They are now seeing me grow a personal development
business called DREAM BIG AND PROSPER, an opportunity
“What shall I find when I peel back your layers, revealing a to expand yourself personally and expand your business
delicate version of the hardened shape, standing stoic and horizons.

Sarit Light

A bit about me... Lots of travel. I’m married to Ren and we have I had my own clothing label in Myer. Now I work as an
2 gorgeous children Lani and Zac and toy poodle Jazzie. artist. The advice I’d give myself 30 years ago is...to live in
Career wise I worked as a designer and product developer. Queensland for 2020. Wish you all the best.
Stay safe everyone!

30 Year Reunion 39

Delia Baron
(Raizon)

Can’t believe 30 years has gone by since we finished through my beautiful friends and friendships which have
school. Not that much has changed in my life since we last lasted and enriched my life so much.
met ten years ago! My life feels full with kids and family and
of course food!! These days you can mostly find me in my kitchen cooking
and writing cookbooks or else feasting around my table with
I still think about my days at school so fondly and am family and friends enjoying the simple things in life.
reminded of what I loved most about my school days

Martin Meltzer

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?

Studied accounting and computing at Monash Uni. Qualified
as a chartered accountant at Ernst & Young. Worked in a
senior management role in IT/Operations/Finance. Now
own my own business in property.
Married to Lisa and we have two children Jessica 9 and
Daniel 7 both of whom are at Mt Scopus. Oh I also have my
3rd child - 3 year old dog Rocky - Cavalier King Charles.
Funniest school memory? Learning about negative
numbers with Mr Chesney in year 8 racing from one side
of the class to the other and being caught mimicking Mr
Lever and being thrown off my chair, desk and books flying
everywhere and being sent to his office.
Mrs Hubary - our first exposure to the Israeli accent and her
struggles to communicate with cheeky year seven students.
Where did anyone ever see “mega shoes” before?

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Study harder when I realise how much private school fees cost!

40 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Cathryn Hui

1. Dean Trower causing a minor explosion in Mr Mark’s
chemistry lab.
2. Gaby Wolf’s vocabulary
3. Rohan throwing Ms Grose into the pool at the Guys and
Dolls after-party
4. Monique’s dance performance at Janine Shamai’s house
5. D and M’s with Ms Swiatlow, Boaz, Ef and Rachel Bloom
6. Having completed my own drawing of Mr. Strong, in
primary school, I looked at my classmates’ artwork, which
was also, as expected, primary-school standard, except for
one, precocious, mind-blowing, artistic masterpiece by Lizzie
G. The first of many.
7. Amanda Stock’s drama class performance as a witch in
MacBeth
8. Mike Friedman and I sustaining injuries in a gory, lino-
cutting, art class.
9. Watching The Rocky Horror Show with Sam Feldman
10. Keren Meydan’s perfect plaits

Emma Carp
(Goldsmith)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
The last 30 years have been spent working with my husband
to build our business and having three beautiful girls. My
greatest achievement are my three fabulous kids and our
close family.
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
I don’t think anything at school particularly inspired me.
I was too young. I may still be too young!

30 Year Reunion 41

Antony Kaspi

Where I have been.
I have been married to Shira for over 20 years with three beautiful
children, Michael, Noa and Rachel. My career started out in software
development and engineering.
About 10 years ago I moved into medical research, receiving my Doc-
torate in Bioinformatics in 2018. Currently I work as a post doctoral
researcher analysing genomic data related to neurological diseases.

Naughtiest funny memory.
It was a double Hebrew class in Year 8 (The last year I was at Mt.
Scopus.) One guy in our class had noticed that he could relieve
the boredom of the class by scratching at the mortar between the
mason bricks in the wall with his compass. Over the 2 hour period he
proceeded to dig deeper and deeper until he hit something hard.
When he hit it he noticed it was sheet metal which he excitedly banged
away at. As we were leaving we noticed a group hanging around the
locker on the other side of the mason brick wall outside the class.
Apparently the steel he’d been banging was the back of a locker.
People had thought maybe someone was in the locker banging away.
A teacher had ordered all the lockers open out of fear someone was
stuck in it. Every locker had been open except for one, right near the
source of the banging. When the teacher asked the other students
where the owner of the locker was, they said they hadn’t seen him
today. It was time for the hole digger to come clean when one of the
teachers had produced a set of bolt cutters to try and ‘rescue’ the
child stuck inside.

Michelle Herring

Over the past 30 years.... I married Brad Schwarz,
had two kids - both at Scopus, Marty (now 18) and
Abby (now 16) and have been working as a lawyer.
First at a law firm and over the past 14 years as in-
house legal counsel for a private investment house
with Joel and Zac.
I’ve also been teaching (tax law in the masters
program) over the past 18 years at Melbourne
University.
No naughty/rebellious incidents spring to mind
(although I married someone who could report
plenty) and, if I could go back 30 years, I’d advise
myself to push the boundaries - maybe just a bit.

42 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Darren
Gani

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Who/What inspired you the most at school?

Studied, worked in banking and corporate treasury, travelled, Seeing the school football team play at VFL Park in a curtain
lived in London, volunteered on kibbutz, ran a marathon, got raiser match.
married, had 2 boys, endured the plight of Carlton FC, played
golf badly, survived 2020. Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Screaming out random teachers’ names from the Year 10
Funniest school memory? classroom and then quickly hiding, as these teachers stood
As the school bus headed home one afternoon, with the stench with their Primary students during their morning assembly in
of potato cakes throughout, Mr Phoenix pulled the bus over on the quadrangle. Poss! Barkla! Edmonds!
Warrigal Rd.
As we panicked to hide the contraband, Phoenix boarded the Being part of the mass walkout one night during Year 11
bus and in his booming voice yelled “I smell citrus chewing Counterpoint to go hang out at the local airport lounge (via the
gum!”. He made some threats, gave a warning before going on runway) was also a highlight.
his way. The eruption of laughter once he left was deafening as
we all wondered out loud, What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
“Citrus chewing gum???”
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t be a dick. Don’t do sciences
in Year 11-12.

Brad Schwartz Brad
Schwarz

Q1. Refer to Michelle
Herring’s (aka Mrs Bradley
Schwarz) entry.
Q2. Definitely Jack
Novitz..legend.
Q3&4. I need more than 2
00 words for this, but can
say it always involved Sheezel,
Slade, Chizik and often one of
the Goldberg twins, Krongold
and Lobel.

30 Year Reunion 43

Ashleigh Israel

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? • Started running again (Lost about +/- 30kgs)
• COVID-19 has been fun hasn’t it?
• I made Aliyah in 83 with my family
• Finished school in Israel Who/What inspired you the most at school?
• Served in the IDF as a Master Weapons Expert &
Not much to be honest
Company Commander and reached the rank of Sergeant
Funniest school memory?
Major
Probably Year 4 camp to Ballarat and just being a kid (pretty
• Came back to Australia a couple of times for visits, finally neutral). Being mistaken for Justin Newman in prep (I think) and
I got a detention (you owe me Justin)
moving back in 97/98
Naughtiest incident at school? As a little kid, going to the
• Married Evette (Saltzman class of 87) senior side of school or tuck shop. I might have chased a girl or
• I have 2 Beautiful daughters Jasmine (15) and Ellie (13) two around? I became a rebel later on after moving to Israel
• Opened a consulting business over 13 years ago (that I’ve
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
been in and out of)
Pay a little more attention in class and keep running kid! Find
• Worked for and with some of the biggest brands in the your passion and do that!!

country/world and some of the smallest.

Lana Zucker
(Travitz)

My funniest school memory, which I am sure was traumatic
at the time, was going to Gandel Besen and swinging on
the monkey bars to discover I had forgotten to put on
my underpants.
From that day onwards undies and bike shorts became
an essential part of my uniform!

44 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Jason Flamm

My news from 30yrs ago till today:
Married to Deborah 14 years ago. Have
a son named Jonathan who is 10. Have a
daughter named Michaela who is 7.
Lost my dad 7 years ago to bi polar
depression and a heart attack. Lost
Michaela’s identical twin sister Hannah
16 -17 hours after birth also 7 years ago.
Been living in Sydney for 13 years. Been
working in the hardware industry for 26
years, 13 years of it with Bunnings.
Be well and safe to all and hope to
see when the reunion comes around
hopefully next year.

Gill Lobel

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Married, divorced, 3 kids, 2 girls Maya and Noa and a boy,
Ozzie ! Been in the natural stone and tiling business for the
last 20 yrs. I own The Expert Stone Group
Who/What inspired you the most at school? Danny Rajch
Funniest school memory? Asking Dora Oliver “What hap-
pens when you get your pubes tied?”
Naughtiest incident at school?
Too many to remember however getting caught smoking
in the Rose Hall comes to mind.
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Life is long, it’s a marathon, don’t be in a rush!

30 Year Reunion 45

Lindy Barda
(Weinberger)

What would I tell my younger self?

Worry less, thank your parents more,
Try to marry someone who doesn’t snore.
Enjoy your freedom while you can,
Before you’re a slave to kids and a man.
It’s all about balance between work and play,
And when things get hard laugh the stresses away.
Give less of a f#@k about what others think,
Cause if not you’ll have to find a good shrink.
Great friendships are key to a healthy life,
They will truly nourish you through all the strife.
Eat the cake, care less about weight,
The extra kilos you’ll gain are all part of your fate.
The memories of school will be etched to your soul,
To forget or to cherish, they’re now yours to control.
And when people retort scopus fees are insane,
This ditty will prove that they weren’t paid in vain.

Daniel
De Vries

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Funniest school memory?
Travelled to many places, spent around 5 years in Israel, 1 It’s a tough one, between Gerald Lever,
year in northern Thailand, lots of other places in AU and Yael Rabinowicz, Izzy Segal!
worldwide. Spent the last 8 or so years building a Schnitz Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
franchisee. Loving life in regional Victoria and the relative It’s a tough one, between Gerald Lever, Yael Rabinowicz,
freedoms we had in 2020. Izzy Segal! Seriously there were too many to mention.
Who/What inspired you the most at school? What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
It’s a tough one, between Gerald Lever, This is not a trial run, this is it, this is life – go on & live it!
Yael Rabinowicz, Izzy Segal! Pic is me and my husband Rony - married in Hawaii in 2018.

46 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990