Scopus Class of 1990

Sharon Milner (Projekt)

I consider that my last 30 years have been very privileged. I had I look back on my years at Scopus with fondness and am so
the privilege of an education – I did a Law and Commerce grateful for the friends that I still have from school days.
degree (of course). I worked in both legal and compliance roles
for about 15 years, before taking a role in aged care. Two teachers were an inspiration to me. Mr Ho - You are an
amazing mathematics teacher. You had the patience of a saint.
I am currently working part time in a paralegal role, and while I My daughters know all about you. Mrs Berman – how lucky
don’t necessarily love the work I am doing, it is a compromise was I to have had you as my maths teacher in the last 2 years
that works with the priorities of my family. of high school. You both made a difference in my life.

I married Saul in 2001. Saul is a kind and wonderful person, My advice to my 18 year old self is - Take risks and do not be
and I am very lucky. I have two daughters, Gemma, who is 15 afraid. Do not always do what is expected of you. You are
and Mia, who is 13. They are amazing and funny girls, who stronger and more resilient than you give yourself credit for.
provide us with endless amusement.
I look forward to seeing the Class of 1990 at our 31 year
I have had the privilege of travel and the opportunity to give reunion in 2021!
back to my community. Life has of course not always been
easy. I have lost both my beautiful parents and like everyone
else I have had other setbacks.

Janine Feldman (Diamond)

This is me and my 3 beautiful
daughters. The last 30 years have sure
been a roller-coaster ride. If I could
go back 30 years I’d tell myself to not
rush things, make decisions carefully
and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Stay positive, life is short! I know this
sounds cliched, but it’s so true.

I’ve been through experiences that
really make you re-evaluate life.
However, I’m still trying to come to
terms that we heading to 50’s! Yikes!!!!

30 Year Reunion 47

Sharon Lowe (Gold)

In a nutshell I went against the Scopus grain and studied
Information Systems at Melbourne Uni. Followed by travelling
around the world for around 9 months, partly solo and partly
with friends (Karen Groch, Amelia Guttmann, an Italian friend
from uni) and stayed with Talia Cass in Florida. I came back for
a year and worked in management consulting. My next
adventure was New York with a 2 year goal in sight.
Fast forward 7 years, I migrated home but with a little extra
luggage, an American husband, Greg & two kids - Jade now 19
and Brad 16! While in the States I honed my management
consulting expertise and discovered my entrepreneurial side.
Once back in Australia I created a few projects, one being my
third child Kalia, now 12 and my company Habitat Heroes.
I now sit on the board of CCare as I love being able to give
back to the most vulnerable in our community.
My advice is everyone comes into themselves in their own
time, your time will come. Also, you can import anything…
even a husband!

Ari Berman

Wow, its been 30 years. Zara and I went to live in the UK in 2010 and returned to
Melbourne 2015 with our first 2 children. Shortly after
After causing lots of trouble and getting up to mischief I got returning to Melbourne I sold my business and am now
married to Zara (originally from UK) in 2010. We have 3 involved in VidCorp (a sms messaging business), True
beautiful kids, Jesse (9), Nina (6) and Seth (4). Fitness (24/7 gym) and Saniflex (hygiene solution as a result
of COVID).
After Scopus I went to Monash, did a Bcom and went to work
at PWC. Did a couple of years at Hindal Corporate (a boutique Whilst I was only at Scopus for less than 1.5 years I still love
investment bank) and then started my own business doing seeing and bumping into people from school.
SMS messaging in 2000. In 2004 I started another business
with a good friend from South Africa doing mobile content
and messaging which gave the opportunity to travel the
world meeting our customers.

48 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Nicole Harvey (Vanderhoek)

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? I currently work at Austin Health, one of the larger public
hospitals in Melbourne so as you can imagine, 2020 has been
After school I spent 6 years doing an arts/law degree an interesting one.
and catching up on doing all the “naughty and rebellious”
things that I never did at school. I travelled a lot during On the personal front, I’m married to Dan and we have two
university breaks and after I finished my degrees, I took off for gorgeous girls aged 11 and 13. We love camping, hiking (not
a year, travelled around the middle east and spent 6 months the kids) and travel.
living in Hanoi, working in a bar, teaching English
and drinking gin and tonics. What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

After returning home, I worked as an industrial relations/ I would tell myself NOT to climb Uluru – I had no idea how
employment lawyer for 7 years and then started a career in disrespectful that was. I would also tell myself not to get upset
People & Culture. about missing Counterpoint Camp (I got sent home really early
with the flu). Everyone returned in a slightly cult like manner
and full of religious fervour. At the time, I had terrible FOMO.

Laini Liberman

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
Kicked out of 80s band by Fox and Frydenberg for not having high
enough hair.
Who/What inspired you the most at school?
Andrew Gostin’s potato cake and Sunny Boy (pre-Uber Eats) deliv-
ery service on bus 29.
Funniest school memory? Being told off by Mr Lenny for plagia-
rising.
Naughtiest incident at school? Climbing the back fence of the
Skolnik oval with Angie and lunching at Red Rooster.
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Study harder.

30 Year Reunion 49

Zac Rosenberg Who/What inspired you the most at school?

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? I was inspired then, and am still today, by the love, kindness and
Over the past 30 years I have been lucky enough to have lived generosity of my friends*, many of whom I remain close with to
in Miami, London, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong. While this very day.
leaving my friends and family in Melbourne was hard, these * The above statement specifically and explicitly excludes
long stints overseas were incredible opportunities for work and Darren Lewenberg
travel. Although just between us, these long stints overseas
were principally undertaken just to get away from Darren Funniest school memory? It’s quite strange – while I
Lewenberg. remember school generally, any specific incident that might
Along the way I was lucky enough to marry a beautiful English have occurred is mostly clouded in my mind. My doctor tells
rose named Cecilia, and have 3 great kids, (2 boys and 1 girl), me it could be the result of a trauma event, such as the multiple
none of which are named Darren. concussions I sustained on the football field. But I think it is
because of too much time spent with Darren Lewenberg.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Don’t become friends with Darren Lewenberg

Ashley Krongold

30 years on: after first getting together in the 1990 Mt Scopus Musical
“The Boyfriend”, Leigh and I have been married for 21 years and have two
awesome kids in Benji (19) and Joel (15).
30 years on: my nickname at school “Boong” - is now completely unacceptable
in society today.
30 years on: my favourite memory in Y12 dressing up as the “Jackson 5”
with Lewy, Hammer, Fudge and Philthy, performing “Blame it on the Boogie”
and winning 1st Prize in the Purim Contest in the Rose Hall voted on by the
teachers - is now completely unacceptable in society today.
30 years on: my school mates are still my best mates and my Year 12 girlfriend
is now my beautiful wife and for that I’m eternally grateful to have graduated
with the Scopus Class of 1990.

50 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Amanda Smorgon
(Carp)

30 years on, what is your funniest school memory? Naughtiest incident at school?

Standing on the Skolnik oval in Year 5 on sports day. Waiting Week one at Scopus in grade 4. I walked to the bus park
in my lane as the last runner to receive the baton in the baton and spontaneously decided I wanted potato cakes and a
relay with Nathan “Korny” Kornhendler supervising. Sunny boy from the shops. I grabbed Danielle Slonim and
we ran! Made it back in time to get on the bus feeling like
As the first runner started, I realised I needed the bathroom the biggest 9 year old in the school.
but there was no time! I couldn’t hold any longer and there, in
front of Korny, I squatted and relieved myself. What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

All in the nick of time, as the baton was passed into my hand Don’t take it all so seriously. You get where you’re meant to be
and I finished the race! eventually, so enjoy the journey and stop worrying what other
people think of you.

Amanda Lindell (Cashmore)

30 years on, where has the time gone? I really don’t feel this old. Love keeping fit and of course following the mighty tigers.
Josh,17 learning to drive and in VCE...Jack 15, year 9 enjoying
I’m still teaching at Beth Rivkah, over 20 years, enjoying my school and footy. Looking forward to catching up face to face
lessons (hope my students are as well). Love travelling soon and having a glass of wine.
experiencing different cultures, foods and fun with Hal and
my boys.

30 Year Reunion 51

Amy Wasbutzki
(Rubenstein)

I have been busy the last 30 years!
I ended up in travel and have been passionate about my job
for 25 years. Got married, had 3 boys (22/20/16yrs old) and
have traveled the world. My friends inspired me and
my favorite memories are with them. I am fortunate to
still be friends with them all these years later.
Naughtiest memory - bludging in Mr Levers office, drinking
at school on matric day...I was actually not so naughty!
My advice to myself- every minute counts so love
and live to the fullest

Darren Southwick

What I’ve been doing for the last 30 years. I’ve always been into fitness, exercise and the great outdoors.
I recently purchased a motorhome and started travelling this
I successfully owned and operated my own business. Then wonderful country. Having children later in life has given me
opened a charity shop to help those less fortunate. I married the opportunity to enjoy travelling with them. To share these
my best friend and love enjoying life experiences together. experiences with them is priceless.

Now semi retired I dedicate my time to bring up our amazing If l could go back 30 years l would tell myself don’t be afraid
daughters. They would be the biggest satisfaction and to ask for help, life is too short to question and love yourself.
achievement in my life thus far.

52 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Tania Grunfeld

Scopus still feels very much part of my everyday life because If I could give myself advice back then it would have been to
our three children attend the school and my partner works work harder and be kinder. Even though I have arrived
there full time in rabbinic, pastoral and teaching roles and has professionally where I wanted, I regret not getting even more
done so since we got back to Australia 16 years ago. out of my education than I did and developing a different self
concept regarding my capability. I feel so fortunate that I was
It surprises me because I had always assumed I would live in allowed to thrive at Scopus but I think it could have been
Israel, and despite making Aliyah, I landed up with a very otherwise. I mostly wish we were all kinder.
different reality, spending nearly 4 years living in Philadelphia
before coming back to Melbourne and family support so I When I hear about my client’s bullying experiences and the
could do my masters whilst having children. deep and prolonged damage it causes I have a profound
sense of guilt that there were people in our year who suffered
My partner is also the Rabbi of a shule (on the premises of and were not allowed or encouraged to feel comfortable in
GBH) so more Scopus contact on a physical level, and that part their own skin and just be their authentic selves.
of life includes being involved in a broader community and
people’s personal lives. Even though I do not think I was particularly overtly hurtful,
(maybe that’s historical revisionism?) the omission to act or
My days are spent working as a clinical psychologist with include, and the collusion by allowing other people’s behaviour
young people and adults. I love my work and feel it is a such a contributes. Even though I have managed to maintain contact
privilege to be invited into people’s lives to journey with them. with some of my besties, there were many people I was
connected to at school and I miss them on some very deep
I am so struck when I see photos of people from high school heart level.
years on the fb feed because it feels like I can transport myself
in time and recall so much about them, their voices,
mannerisms and what they were like then.

Andrew Stolz

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

After some time studying civil engineering and working in IT I’m now into general
investment opportunities. I run and play golf regularly and live a relaxed and
enjoyable life which I’m incredibly grateful for. I have an amazing partner with two
adorable kids.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

I’d say “have a good hard think about the things that inspire and motivate you, and
head in that direction. Know how fortunate you are to live in this amazing country
with virtually unbounded opportunities and quality of life”.

30 Year Reunion 53

Rochelle Gance

Wow it’s been quite a ride the last 30 years. Lots of ups and Having kids made me reassess my life and a career change
downs and plenty of wonderful lessons learned along the way. from the corporate world followed into Personal training then
to Eating Psychology Coaching to now bringing it all together
There was Uni and starting work in the corporate world then doing what I love as an Intuitive Coach and Yoga teacher.
marrying my soul mate Hamish Rotstein having two gorgeous
children - Tia who is now 15 years old and Corey who is 12
years old who have been my biggest teachers in life.

Ben Pitt

Still have great memories and friendships from my year at Scopus Still love sport (running lots, skiing, cycling etc) and travelling to
in Year 12 in 1990 as the sole Kiwi ‘exchange student’. It was a fun places (picture attached is meeting ‘Simba’ in South Africa
great adventure living overseas with an adopted family for the year. last year).

So, the last 30 years in a nutshell: University back in Wellington Looking forward to catching up with everyone at the next
NZ from 1991 to 95; Law Firms & Banks from 1996 to 2001 reunion after the Covid-19 lockdown is finally over!
in Wellington & London and travelling; Met and married an
Aussie (Dannielle Michaels) and came back to Australia in 2004
to start a family and do my MBA in Melbourne.

Now Dad of 3 girls (Noa 16, Sofia 14, Jemma 10), living in Mel-
bourne and working in the ‘family business’ (b.box for kids) with
Rohan Filer that our respective wives’ started in 2007.

54 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Bindy Edelman

It’s incredible to think it’s been 30 years since our Scopus days Most rebellious moment at school? Not sure I was ever much
ended. Life since then has included 17 years of marriage to a of a rebel…perhaps it was opting out of the deb ball (although
fabulous partner and parenting 4 great kids (+1 cavoodle). I’m still happy with that call!).

After finishing my arts/law degree, I worked as an If I could go back 30 years, my advice to my younger self (and
employment lawyer with a focus on equal opportunity and sometimes my older self) would be don’t sweat the small stuff,
anti-discrimination. In the last 10 years, this has moved into a be curious, stay in the moment and trust your gut.
career specialising in workplace diversity and inclusion. It’s
been a really interesting and rewarding path.

Thinking back on our school days, it’s hard to pick the funniest
memory - but it would have definitely been something
happening in Ms Warner’s wonderful art room in Year 12,
where I would escape to often and have the best fun.

Rachel
Goldenberg

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Locking all the girls toilet doors from the inside and writing
‘suffer’ on the mirrors in soap was also memorable. (Again Beth
In my 20’s I lived overseas, studied and worked in PR and got Rivkah). The only really naughty thing I did at Scopus, was go
married, then in my 30’s I became a mother to 3 boys. In my to the shops during school for potato cakes. I was pretty well
40’s I fell in love with yoga, got divorced and realised that I behaved until I reached puberty and went to a religious all girls
could live more simply, happily and authentically. I became a school (bad combination).
yoga teacher and found my purpose.
Funniest school memory?
Naughtiest incident at school? Standing with my back to the Daniel De Vries’ imitations of Mr Lever.
teacher and unzipping my dress in front of the class, pretending
to expose myself (wearing a T-shirt underneath). This however What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
happened at Beth Rivkah, after I left Scopus. Being popular is overrated.

30 Year Reunion 55

Michael
Friedman

What have you been up to in Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school? I made a flick knife out of 2 paddle pop
the last 30 years? sticks and a rubber band in Grade 3 – Mr Cohen nearly scared me to death.
Funniest school memory?
Studied science, travelled over- I pretty much laughed and cried (when you laugh so much you cry) my way through 9
seas for 2 years, met my partner, years at MSMC. Great friends & funnier memories.
joined the family food importing Who/What inspired you the most at school?
business, got Harper (our cat) Ray Keane – loved that guy, a true leader. Close 2nd Mr Beattie.
got married, had 3 beautiful What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
boys, moved to Elwood, got Stop procrastinating, no-one cares about your potential. Life lesson - there really is no sub-
Coco (our dog) – now I mostly stitute for hard work.
work, eat and sleep.

After school I went to uni but ended up back at Scopus teaching sport (by accident) for
8 years while I got heavily involved in Maccabi. Loved it…. but randomly went back to uni
again and studied theatre production. I’ve been working in management for commercial
musical theatre for the last 16yrs (off stage - obviously).

My strongest memories of school are mostly of awesome people, heaps of laughing, sports
days in primary school, Bialik was my life, house plays, Ulpan, Zionist Camps, spending far
too much time at the back of the Skolnik, bludging my piano lessons, Mr Lever, Mr Keane,
Matron (I was there a lot), parties at my house, the bus was it’s own subculture, loving our
year 12 navy jumpers but loving being able to wear giant tracksuits to school more.

If I could give my younger self some advice it would be ‘don’t even bother worrying about
the pressure to do well in year 12 – it’s just not going to matter – you will end up where you
are supposed to be’.

Dioni Butt

56 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Naomi Orsillo (Grinwald)

When school finished, Janine Shammai and I took a road trip to Career highlights were a Vogue cover, and a solo Melbourne
Byron. We climbed Mt Warning, listened to blues at the Byron Fashion Festival show. My labels were stocked at some of
pub and swam at Wategoes. I never wanted that summer to end. Australia’s best boutiques, and I grew a substantial private-label
business for top local brands such as Lisa Ho and Zimmermann.
In 1991 I started Speech Pathology at La Trobe. Leanne Mymin
was the only other person I knew at uni. Deciding the course Sergio and I married in Italy in 2002 and welcomed our son
was not for me, I went on to study fashion. Joining Central Equity Aurelio in 2006 and daughter Evita in 2009. In 2010 we moved
whilst studying, I worked in real estate, selling apartments off-the- to rural Italy to live the Slow Life. This was an incredibly beautiful
plan in the new Southbank precinct. chapter.

In 1995, I took a trip to Bali where I met my husband Sergio. In We moved home for Aurelio to start Prep and I enrolled to study
1997 I established my fashion label “tribu”. The next 12 years we Nutrition. In 2015 we opened our café on St Kilda Rd.
travelled through Asia and Europe designing and manufacturing.
We kept a home in Bali and I learned to speak fluent Bahasa. Corona has made me rethink my values. I am determined to hold
on to some of the pandemic silver linings.

Joel Glowinski

I moved on from Scopus in Year 9 and send my kids
to kds but remember great times and relationships
at Scopus, only a few of which are inadequately
maintained. My key memories are of sport, socialising
with similarly troubled souls, and status brands.

Married Inna whose red hair is much more impressive
than mine. Same with my two kids. These days I mix
my time teaching/property/accomm for money and
other stuff like music/creatives/rockclimbing for fun.
I absolutely love spending time on our acreage away
from the big smoke. Enjoy!

30 Year Reunion 57

Shelley Kline

My naughtiest moment at school was when we were on camp Even though I wasn’t a youth movement girl, I have always had
and my Breville sandwich maker was confiscated. I remember I a love for Israel. In my mid 20’s I moved to Tel Aviv for 6.5 years.
was in tears because the teacher yelled at me and asked me to It was an amazing experience to be a part of Israeli society and
write a really long essay about something absurd. to live in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Ashley Krongold always thought he was very funny at school. I am passionate about improving the lives of sick children and
One day he decided to go to the front of the classroom and he their families with excellent care and medical research. I have
made this scraping sound down the classroom chalkboard. 3 kids and I am married.
Now whenever my kids ask me for some chalk I cannot bear
the thought of it as I always think about that.

Victoria
Pajouhesh (Guin)

I arrived in Australia in 1978 as a migrant from Russia and divorced, and I attended Gardenvale primary and then St
was lucky enough to start my education at Mt Scopus. I was Catherine’s School. I graduated from Monash Arts/Law and
known as Vicky Guin. Although it was challenging to learn a worked at a large city firm, then went into business with my
new language and start a new school, I felt welcomed and husband.
supported.
I have 2 children and my daughter and I have a small
My fondest memory of the school was getting married in the accessories brand called Blinged. Recently I worked with
secret spot on the hill to Damien, singing the song ‘Hashem is Ovarian Cancer Australia to establish free genetic testing for
Everywhere” at assembly, and my favourite teacher was Miss Ashkenazi Jews who have 1:40 chance of having the BRACA
Honig who played the guitar in class and was the loveliest lady. gene mutation. I can’t wait to see how many friends I can
recognise in this reunion book!
Sadly, I left the school at the end of grade 3 after my parents

58 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Adrian Mieszelewicz

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Funniest school memory? A funny memory that comes to
mind was using my Seiko watch to reflect sunlight into the
Over last 30 years, I studied a bit, have been working in the eyes of our Year 7 Hebrew teacher, Mrs. Hecht.
IT/Software industry for 25 years, travelled when possible,
married my wife Rachel in 2005, raising our 3 kids, Aidan 14, Naughtiest incident at school?
Jordan 10 and Ruby 7, all currently at Scopus, and suffered
too many St Kilda GF losses. Left it to midnight before the last day of school, to break into
the school grounds from the street behind the Skolnik oval,
Who/What inspired you the most at school? climbing over the 6m fence with Justin Zamsky and Josh
Lasky to cause some mayhem.
Apart from “Leverisms” right, my grade 4 teacher,
Ms. Honig, was memorable and inspirational for What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
introducing us to classroom discos, times table competitions,
and acoustic guitar sing-a-longs to such classics as Down Make the most of every day and opportunity, and maybe play
on the Corner by Creedence Clearwater Revival and I am less poker at Pokerpoint.
Sailing by Rod Stewart.

Angie Fox

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? Formed an 80s
tribute band with Laini Liberman and Lexi Frydenberg and have
toured extensively through former soviet block countries.

Who/What inspired you the most at school? The ambience.
Funniest school memory? Spit out your teeth and grow fangs at
Purim concert in 1990.
Naughtiest incident at school? Climbing the back fence of the
Skolnik oval with Laini and lunching at red rooster.
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago? Lose the
egg hairdo

30 Year Reunion 59

David Sheffield

I live in Melbourne with the amazing Kim Edwards and our two
boys. I work as an Infectious Diseases doctor in both public
and private hospitals.
I am most thankful to Scopus for showing me the benefit of
asking questions, without fear of looking too foolish, and for
introducing me to some truly great friends. The teachers who
most inspired me were Mrs Glanville, Rod Harrison (and Mr
Bendel).
These days, much to my surprise, I love pottering in my garden,
growing fruit and vegetables, cooking curries with my older son
Truman and our decades-long tradition of Saturday morning
soccer with friends.

Justine
Peleg

Living in Israel.
Mother to four legged beauty.

Michael Roth

My life in a nutshell.....the last 30 years......Swinburne University.....Israel....bipolar......
USA......married 15 years.....house....2 wonderful children.....over 20 years as a
chabadnik yechinik for half of that......I still respect the Rebbe Schneersohn.....
divorce...... Australia.... meditation and more!!!!!

60 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Elise Hadass • Drinking lots of coffee.
(Rosenbaum) • Staying married (for 21 years!)
• Living in London.
What have you been up to in the last thirty years? • Being a mum.
I have collated, ticked off, highlighted and written an insur- • Raising two children.
mountable number of lists over the last 30 years. • Living on a Moshav in Israel.
Here are some examples of things I ticked off such lists: • Planning, reading, marking and developing curriculum.
• Being with family and friends on opposite ends of the
• Studying...a lot.
• Teaching at University. globe.
• Marking for what seems like an endless amount of time.
Who/what inspired you the most at school?

No-one. Couldn’t wait to finish school!

Funniest school memory?

Ruti Katz telling my year 12 Hebrew class that the October
exam was out of 200. Shelley Kline getting caught making a
Breville on camp.

Naughtiest incident at school? Bludging in year 10 and
spending the day at Michelle Ostrow’s house with the two
Sam’s. Unfortunately, got caught.

What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago? Listen
in Ivrit! Never know when you are going to need to know the
language. And Dr. Dowse was right, a good topic sentence is
invaluable!

Orli Zahava (Weintraub)

What have I been up to? I’ve been living and loving and A funny memory was my lame attempt to be naughty when I
laughing my way through the past three decades. Living in turned on all the hot water taps in the bathroom and when it got
Sydney since 1995 and now happily settled in Bondi Beach all steamy running out yelling Fire! Fire! and the older Hebrew
since 2001 with my beloved Rodney Grunseit and our three teacher - maybe her name was Mrs Orbach?? flapping around
hamudim Yael, Gidon and Leah (age 20,16, 13). in a panic. Funny not funny right!

My memories of Scopus are in snippets, the bright red carpet Many fond memories of my three years at Scopus, especially
and pale wood seats of the newly built synagogue, the gravel the school camps in what felt like army barracks and big laughs
we sat on eating BBQ chips in a fluffy white bread roll, the with great friends.
enormous oval with packs of seniors jostling for the ball and the
lockers slamming in hallways jammed with people. Sending best wishes to everyone from the Class of 1990

30 Year Reunion 61

Simon
Tisher

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

Read the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and 1997, joined Con the Fruiterer rendition by Daniel Rothfield at Counterpoint.
the Victorian Bar, climbed Kilimanjaro and visited Base Camp Honourable mention of Nafti Steg arguing his economic
Everest, married Ilana (still spouse #1), taught my girls (Ellie + theories with John Groppi.
Talia) how to ski, joined the Sharkbait Club (Lorne Pier to Pub
swim), went on photography tours of Paris and Venice and took Naughtiest incident at school?
Harvey (Cavoodle) on repeated walks to the park in lockdown.
Got busted by four teachers with Justin Zamsky ordering
Who/What inspired you most at school? takeaway from Red Rooster corner Elgar Road and Burwood
Highway in Year 12. They weren’t impressed. Offering them
Playing chess with David Sheffield during Mrs Zylberberg’s some fries when the food arrived didn’t help. Received a two
hebrew classes. I do have Adrienne Glanville to thank for day forced holiday for amongst other things, bribing a teacher.
teaching me a thing or two about how to think critically. And I
still have some recollection of Elie Wiesel’s visit to Scopus. What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?

Ski hard. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t worry about what
others think. Also, as a family member said, you’ll know what
to do when the time comes.

Adam Lindell

7 months of COVID lockdown seems much longer than 30 years since school. Lots of highlights over the years especially travel
with Amanda and our sons and watching my kids grow. Still have a lot to do with Scopus as both my boys are there. Career wise
has been split first in law and now in funds management. Advice to myself then is the same as I give to my boys today being put
100% effort in and the results will speak for themselves.

62 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

AJ Karliner

What have you been up to in the last 30 years? As a family we have done a lot of travel, both sight seeing in
Europe and the US while also looking for tropical resorts that
Firstly and most importantly, married with 3 kids. A very close let us sit on the beach, by the pool, or enjoying the best the
family we spend a lot of time together. I have spent time on hotel has for entertainment, food and coffee. Oh and most
developing my commercial skills and worked in different roles importantly, I have become a coffee addict and have to spend
from sales to consulting through to procurement. I have spent time working with several coffees each day.
the more recent years also starting to work on getting fit and
taking a little time out for me and the family.

Shelley Kaplan (Zaltsberg)

Cannot believe 30 years have passed. I’ll keep it short and I am a lucky wife to Harvey, 20 years next year and am proud
sweet! The only thing short for me! Yes still 6ft! I loved being at mum to 2 gorgeous daughters. Jordan, 18 and in Year 12 this
school, have such fond memories and feel very grateful to have year and Ashleigh, 15 in year 10.
attended Mt Scopus.

30 Year Reunion 63

Samantha Eisen (Beer)

What have you been up to for the last 30 years? Five years ago we decided to come down to Melbourne to
spend time with my family. I had lived away for 20 years and
After completing my course in Interior Design, I adventured it was my first time back home reconnecting with friends and
up to Sydney to follow some exciting work prospects in the making up for some lost time. It has been incredible to come
production of photo shoots for both magazines and advertising full circle and feel grounded here at home after living a gypsy
campaigns. I worked in the area of lifestyle, fashion and life for so long.
interiors. I loved exploring Sydney which was completely new
to me and the very different landscape it had to offer. On my Who or what inspired you the most at school?
travels and through mutual friends I met my future husband. He Bindy Edelman
had always had his sights set on working in NYC and so after
a few years of gaining more professional experience we both Naughtiest incident?
made the decision to live and work in the Big Apple. Missing classes with friends to spend time having tea and
biscuits in Mr Lever’s office. He never turned us away!!
Living in New York was a dream come true and professionally What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
the work was challenging thus making it a period of huge Don’t make decisions based on external affirmation. Stay
growth and opportunity. I was back in Australia celebrating true to yourself and follow your instincts to find meaning and
my engagement when the events of September 11 played happiness.
out and the world changed. A year later in 2002 we returned
home settling in Sydney once again. I spent the next 10 years
in Sydney and over that time I had 3 girls now aged 17, 14 and
6 years old.

Gaby Wolf

My funniest memories from school are Nadine asking Dr Dowse in English Literature
class what the meaning of ‘phallic’ was, Dr Dowse reading aloud my response to a
poem in which I wrote that something was ‘radiating pungently’ from it (which Nadine
and Lizzie have regularly reminded me of – a lifelong lesson always to use a dictionary
after using a thesaurus), and Cat and I comparing our facial acne near the Skolnik oval.

Mrs Glanville’s lessons on Renaissance Florence were very inspiring and so was the
documentary we watched at Counterpoint, which included the advice that, if you ever
find yourself in a cult, reciting times-tables in your head can protect you from getting
brainwashed. I was recently treated to a delightful rendition by Gadi of ‘Minyan Man’, a
song I had completely forgotten, repressed, or not really heard the first time because I
was mentally occupied with practising maths.

64 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Adam Landau

What have you been up to in the last 30 years?
The good things - married, two kids, and studying. Man have I
been studying - Physio, Medicine, Surgery, stop end. Happily
working as a Urologist.
Who inspired you the most at school?
Graham Hirst. Great teacher, genuinely invested.
Funniest school memory?
Still look back on the 'Blue Moon/Simply Irresistible' drag show
the boys and I put on for the senior school with a smile on my
face.
Naughtiest or most rebellious incident at school?
Probably when we chartered a flight and....no wait, that wasn't
at school. Throwing Nachum Buch in the pool fully dressed one
morning. Jesus, was he pissed off. Probably why he kicked me in
the nuts when we next played water polo. Reap what you sow my
boy!
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Taking the long way home, still gets you there. Don't sweat it. The
journey is worth it.

Elizabeth Glickfeld

dancing with Gil Lobel to Madonna’s Crazy for You, getting
my period for the first time at Rachel Bloom’s house, jumping
on Talia Cass’s in-ground trampoline, collaborating with
Cathryn Hui on our (legendary) Christopher Columbus project,
watching horror movies with Belinda Edelman, singing Wham
songs with Dana Finestone and Sharyn Lewis, marvelling as
Belinda Rapoport hid her cigarettes in her Ugg boot, trying
hard to be Dioni Butt’s best Wing Attack, debating something
with Nathan Wolski, eating chocolate with Danielle Goldfarb
on Ulpan, waiting each morning for Gaby Wolf to get on the
school bus, doing maths homework with Gaby Stach, having
not-so-secret crush on Gilan Blackstone…

Digging for paper stars at Kew kinder with Debbie Suss, Are these memories so vivid to me I could touch them?
admiring Amanda Stock’s collection of Esprit tracksuits, Yes. Do I want to go back there? No way.
flying through the air when Phillip Goldberg decked me in
a game of Four Square, envying Lainie Chojna’s Hello Kitty Message to school-age me: don’t study so hard and try not to
collection, writing long letters to Linda Rosengarten, hatching be so shy with the boys!
a plan for a new pay-for-the-privilege peer group with Gaby
Berman, feeling grown-up at Sabina Gelfer’s punk party,

30 Year Reunion 65

Belinda Minc (Rapoport)

Love to say living the dream as a hippy in Byron, but in truth more Funniest memories
akin to a hamster on a wheel interspersed with a few milestones, When #^{^#* (won’t mention who) pished her pants while
fun times with friends and family and travel when possible. waiting for the baton to reach her in the grade 6 relay race.
Brad Schwarz and Julian De Vries- class clowns.
Inspirations from school: Vicky Maravchenko and Annie Glass- constant amusement.

• Mrs Mortenson - the unyielding disciplinarian Most rebellious incident
Didn’t turn up to Hebrew class in Year 12. Got a whole day’s
(“separate your tables”) detention in the June school holidays once the school twigged,
then did it all again when school went back for the second half
• Mr Ho and Dean Trower- gifted mathematicians of the year.
• Mr Harrison (physics teacher) for stockpiling
Advice I would give myself
whisky in his office, and getting away with it. Definitely wouldn’t be “be strong and of good courage’ but
I would advise myself: Even if you hate it and it kills you, go
• Mr Lever - for his kindness & generosity and spend some time with all those computer geeks in the
• Tyrone Layton - pure artistic talent computer lab, and learn all that coding crap - they’re onto
• Swatty - the most fun and committed teacher something. Go with your intuition.
• Miss Gescheit and Mrs Hui - ethereal angels
• Pearla Leinkram - wise, eloquent, unwavering

composure. Should’ve been our first female PM.

• Mr Carew - for dedication and consistency

Kim Edwards

Reflecting on the last thirty years has been a surprisingly
enjoyable experience. For me, the last three decades since
leaving school have seen more learning and study, discovering
my niche in marketing communications, bringing up two
fabulous boys - Truman and Henry - exploring the world and
nurturing great friendships, some of whom originated behind
the Mt Scopus school gates.

My experience at Scopus, that started with the Ducklings
in kindergarten, has certainly played an integral role in the
tapestry of my life and I am thankful for the richness and
diversity that it has provided.

66 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Justine Rosham (Rosenfield)

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

Studied interior design and worked with needy people Getting kicked off a camp for telling a teacher to f#@k off
choosing the colour white and choice collectable pieces for and my dad asking me in front of Mr Lennie if I had asked the
years before ditching the swanky field for a new business with teacher to “f#@k off please”. Use my manners.
the love and joy of fitness and Pilates. A world of grateful and
happy people. I now have 3 Pilates studios, Caulfield, Bentleigh Naughtiest incident Story above
and Chelsea.
What advice would you give yourself 30 years ago?
Who/What inspired you the most at school? I treasure the people and the childhood relationships. Even
Spent quite a bit of time outside Mr Lennie’s office. He never after I left the the school. I meet people from my year level in my
told me I was wrong. Just said others thought my behaviour adulthood and still feel a part of something, a place and time
may be non-conformist. and a growing up that feels timeless.

Dana Michael If I was to go back 30 years, I would tell myself to be braver, to
(Finestone) care less about what people thought and to limit my boyfriends
to a minimum (maybe!!). As a teen who tried to navigate her
way through some tricky social years, I seemed to prioritise
social existence over academics.
No regrets - it’s due to this that the memories I hold tight are
some of the absolute best and when I look back on our year,
the friendships I still have to date and my time spent at Scopus,
I can only smile.

My naughtiest most rebellious incident at school would have to
be graffitiing the wall in the primary quad when in grade 4 (this
was big given the age!). We then spent an entire day cleaning
the paint off and if I remember correctly, had some serious
consequences with the parentals! I was not alone, perhaps my
partners in crime have more vivid memories of the events that
took place.

30 Year Reunion 67

Amanda Stock There was the overwhelming smell of chlorine from the
pool and the very distinctive freshly cut grass smell of the
My memories of school are really strong Skolnick Oval especially on sport’s day which was held on
in a sensory sort of way. Melbourne Cup day.
I used to arrive to school early (along with Cat Hui The weird static when you walked on the bright red carpet in
and Kim Edwards)...there was always this strong smell the music centre and shule and the woody smell of Rose Hall.
of cooked eggs coming from the tuck shop in the The FREEZING showers at camp in the Ballarat army barracks
morning where breakfast would be cooked for the and the stinky clothes on Ulpan.
students who came for shule. I feel like Year 8 was a crazy sort of year when the girls started
maturing at a rate that far overtook the boys....I think I injured
my sacrum falling down the stairs that year and had to sit on
this inflatable ring during class (that looked like a giant donut) to
stop my bum from hurting. I have the strongest memory of this
donut flying through the air during a Jewish Values class like
some sort of UFO...but then the boys matured and grew and
grew and grew ...especially Simon Tisher who in the space of 7
weeks between Year 10 and Year 11 must have doubled in size.
Bless Mrs.Fung for her compassion and ridiculously
photographic memory.....and Mrs.Begley who took us to see
Dead Poet’s Society...
I hope everyone is travelling ok in this topsy turvy year.

Robyn Novy

Last year I finally figured out what I want to be when
I grow up! I want to be a Remuneration and Benefits
Manager for large corporates, which is quite pragmatic
since I have already been doing that for 20 years.
Lucky I didn’t discover a burning ambition to be
an astronaut.

68 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

In Memory

30 Year Reunion 69

Rhonda Sharp (Simpson)

1.5.1972- 1.5.2011

Rhonda had a small but tight group of friends at Scopus who A religious woman at heart, Rhonda was central in the running
she remembered fondly. She was a woman with an enormous of the Monash Area Jewish Community group and shul, and
warm spirit and an authentic love of life and love of people. a long-term member of the board at North Eastern Jewish
After graduating, she studied Nursing at Deakin Uni next door Community (Doncaster Shul). Her willingness to give to others
to her old stomping ground, reflecting the deep caring she and her nurturing disposition was a testament to her character.
had for others. Anybody. Everybody. She started working in
casual nursing bank, then at Werribee Base Hospital. She later Taken too early in a car related incident in her own driveway,
undertook a Certificate of Perioperative Anaesthetic Nursing she spent her last day as she loved: picnicking and playing at
which lead to her being headhunted by St Vincent’s Public the park with her three children on her 39th birthday. She was
Hospital. After having children, she moved to the operating an incredibly kind, generous soul who always thought of others
suite at Masada. and found pleasures in the simple pleasures of life, spending
time with family and friends.
She was a vocal proponent of breastfeeding, putting in many
hours with Breastfeeding Australia (Nursing Mothers Australia) Survived by her sons Kalman (then 6 ½), Yitzhak (4 ½), and
as a community educator. It’s this natural love for people that Leib (2 ½), and her husband Robert, she is still much loved and
led her unsurprisingly towards her career, where she cared for sorely missed.
people during their most vulnerable times.

70 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Anthony Layton

28.3.1973- 4.8.2001

Anthony Layton was part of our Mt Scopus family from kinder at Burwood right
through to secondary school before finishing his school days at Syndal High School.
Anthony was well liked for his down to earth nature and his combination of common
sense, street smarts and a dry sense of humour. He was proud of his Jewish
heritage and was an active member of Netzer and Temple Beth Israel as well as
other community organisations.
After finishing school, Anthony completed an accountancy degree at Swinburne
University and qualified as a chartered accountant working as an insolvency
practitioner. With a strong work ethic, he enjoyed the challenge of dealing with
companies in financial trouble and looking for turnaround opportunities, whilst
showing real care and empathy for small business clients and struggling or
disadvantaged individuals.
He was well travelled, including time living and working in London, and was a keen
skier and golfer as well as being a regular at Princes Park to cheer on Carlton.
Anthony was tragically killed in a car accident in 2001 and continues to be fondly
remembered and dearly missed by many.

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Talya Cowen

1972 - 1992

It’s now 30 years that you left us and somehow there isn’t a day that
you‘re not in my heart and my thoughts.
Somehow, you have been living with me through all these years.
I always remember your kindness, your love.
I remember so many beautiful memories which fill my heart with so
much warmth.
The tomb of the deceased is the heart of the living
Love always
Your sister Gil x

72 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Benny Sahari

11.11.1973- 24.6.2013

Benny Emanuel Sahari was born in Israel on 11th March Over time, he learnt to overcome his difficulties and gained
1973. He moved with his family to Melbourne, Australia when the admiration of family and friends. Benny was courageous,
he was 6 months old and started kindergarten at Mount Sco- determined, and beyond all else he loved his family and was
pus – Kew Campus. In primary school, Benny was known as a a loyal friend.
“class clown” and a cheeky kid.
Despite his difficulties, Benny qualified as a Panel Beater and
Growing up, Benny was a strong swimmer and outdoor later put all his energies into detailing luxury cars, where he
sportsman. During his school years he may well be excelled.
remembered for being short, athletic, confident, quick witted
and somewhat mischievous, but beneath this cover was a His most wonderful legacy is his beautiful and talented
child who had reading difficulties and felt inadequate. daughter, Necia, who was only 11 years old when he passed
away suddenly at age 40.

Zikhrono livrakha

30 Year Reunion 73

Leanne Levin (Mymin)

It is quite a surreal experience as Leanne’s parents Over 17 years ago, Leanne and her husband Les
and siblings to be writing this tribute for what would decided they wanted a sea- change and went to live
have been Leanne’s 30 year reunion. Leanne accom- on the Sunshine Coast. Leanne then went onto study
plished more in the 25 years since finishing school Homeopathy and Chinese Medicine. She had a thriv-
than most people do in a lifetime. ing practice on the Sunshine Coast. Les and Leanne
had two beautiful daughters, Jade and Eden.
Although Leanne did not love school, she did leave
with a love for learning and furthering her education. Leanne’s sudden and tragic death in 2015 has taught
After graduating, Leanne studied Speech Therapy and us that life is fragile and that we should take advantage
after working in that area for a few years she followed of every opportunity as you really never do know what
her passion and became a Dietician. is around the corner.

74 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

Danna Novak

1972 - 2018

To my Dannale
Two years have gone by since your untimely departure, but in my mind you never left. You are far away in Israel,
New York or perhaps in your beloved Guatemala. I know that one day you’ll be back.
I miss you heaps my darling. There is so much I’d love to tell you; ask for your opinion, share a distant memory or
just have fun and laugh with you again.
Even though at the very end I held you in my arms, none of the tears I’ve shed and the candles I lit convinced me
of your passing. To me you are alive, but far away.
Your photos are all around, the one I love most features on my desktop’s background. Each records a moment in
your 45-year-short life. Perhaps because you keep smiling at me from every corner in the house, my mind refuses
to grasp that you are forever gone. Just book a ticket sweetie and come back home to mum.
Pauline Reich
12 November 2020

30 Year Reunion 75

To all ex students of my level 1985 to 1990 of MSC. Unfortunately owing to the
current situation there will not be a thirtieth anniversary reunion at present. I

“ therefore take this opportunity to wish you all a Shana Tova. Be well and stay safe.
”G. Lever

From the Teaching Staff

“ What a delightful surprise to hear from you after all this time. Is is very rare to hear
from former students although I am still in contact with a few of the staff from Scopus.
As you would be aware I am retired and now spend my time doing volunteer work,
gardening, walking the dog and gardening. I am missing the travelling that I used to
do frequently but hopefully I will be able to head off next year. I remember many
names from my teaching years but putting a face to the name is much more difficult.
Teachers remember the “naughty” ones and some others for different reasons.
Please give my best wishes to anyone that I taught from your reunion group.

Neil Coverdale

”When you left Mount Scopus College thirty years ago, your future was uncertain.
“ Now in 2020, you again face uncertainty.
My wish for all of you is that your renewed hopes and dreams will remain true to the

values that were dear to you when you graduated from school. This year has given

me the pleasure of reflecting on the conversations we had together both within and

outside the classroom, especially the unexpected ones. I have also achieved a special

dream this year, obtaining my PhD in Science Education. ”
So my message is, “Keep your dreams alive” and remember the school motto:

Be strong and of good courage. Barbara Black

76 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

“ It’s interesting to reflect on those years , now that I’m at the end of my teaching
career, because then in 1984, it was just the start, and I was as impressionable as
any of the students. Having spent my formative teen years in Israel, studying and
attaining a BA in English Literature and Theatre Studies, at Hebrew University of
Jerusalem, I came back to an uncertain future, so made the decision to further my
studies and obtain a teaching certificate. But I vowed that I would try to be the kind
of teacher that I would’ve liked to have....

After a successful teaching round in 1983, Mr Ranoschy offered me a job the
following year.

And in 1985, with very little experience, I became a Mechanechet to a group of
Year 7s, with whom I remained for two years. 7G - 8G. The only reason I remember
the actual class title was because we created THE GEEISH NEWS, which was
produced for each year.

I developed a very special relationship with this class, with fun activities, parties
etc. Three parties I can still remember, though there were probably more -

1. A progressive dinner around Caulfield which ended at my parents’ home

2. A sleepover party

3. A party where all the kids cross dressed- boys came as girls, girls as boys
(premonition of my future transgender child?- perhaps....)

Mech sessions were usually devoted to the values we hold in life and also gave
teachers and students the forum to go beyond set subject matters. My class was
encouraged to keep a journal as a form of private correspondence between myself
and the students, and this was where those who wanted could discuss the things
they couldn’t or wouldn’t say out loud. I loved this intimate form of ‘conversation’
between us. And I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two of you still have those
journals....

But it wasn’t just that class that I remember. Because the other drama teachers had
children in the year level, it was up to me to teach Drama to every class (7 classes)
and so I have lovely memories of those students too, even the naughty ones. It’s
funny that some former students, who have bumped into me over the years, have
actually apologised for their bad behaviour!

I always say, the best aspect about teaching (apart from educating) is the warm
feeling (and reception) I usually get whenever I see former students, many of whom
have become dear friends. I still have reunions every few years with a group of girls
from this level. And though I taught for many years after (33), the memories and
fondness I have for my first group will remain forever.

”Sharon Swiatlo
30 Year Reunion 77

Memories

78 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990

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86 Mount Scopus | Class of 1990