26/05/2026
“I taught Year Six at Mount Scopus from 1984 to 1990, and I have many fond memories of my classes, the staff, the parents, and the school. One of the highlights for me was a school camp we had at a site beside Ballarat airport. The Shabbat Camp, as it was called, ran from a Thursday when we left by bus for the campsite, and ended on Sunday. Most of Thursday and Friday we worked with the children on different activities. Friday night and Saturday were given over to activities run by the Jewish Studies teachers, and this was a time that I looked forward to because it meant that I could learn more about Jewish culture and religious observance. Sunday was given over to tidying up and returning to Melbourne.
This was one of the great joys of teaching for me, and one of the fondest memories I have of my career. When children are totally engaged and hungry to find out more, there is a strong possibility that you have set them off on a lifelong path of discovery. My greatest wish is that all teachers and their students should experience such “light bulb” moments. Thank you to those students who were with me that day. I don’t remember your names, but I most certainly remember your keen enthusiasm and desire to learn more. This was the most precious gift I could have been given.” Peter Mitchell
