SUSAN CLIFFORD

HOMEMAKER & PROUD MORIAH ALUM

Susan, class of 1976, reflects on a life shaped by family, heritage, and a deep connection to Moriah. Now a homemaker and grandmother of ten, she speaks about building a home grounded in Jewish life and the enduring role the College has played across generations.

You went to Moriah in the 1970s. What was your experience like at the time?

In 1976 there were only about 45 students in my year, so it was a very close-knit environment. I had the honour of being Vice Captain of the school which allowed me to work closely with the teachers, and the principal Mr Nagley had a way of making it feel like a family. He knew everyone’s name, even their parents’ names. That stayed with me.

What house were you in?

Hillel. The best one. All my grandchildren are in Hillel too.

What do you remember enjoying most about school life?

I loved the creative side of school. Drama nights and music festivals were real highlights. I was involved in them, and more so later when I became house captain and helped organise the events. There was such a strong sense of belonging. It was a very happy, welcoming atmosphere. In later years when our three kids were at Moriah, our son Robbie was also House Captain of Hillel.

Were there any traditions or events that stood out?

Purim was always a standout, just a joyful, fun day. Yom Ha’atzmaut was also very special, with flags and singing. Those were the kinds of days you really looked forward to coming to school for.

Who were some of the teachers who made an impact on you?

Mr Nagley was central to everything. He was the glue of the school. Mr John Smith, my maths teacher, was also memorable. He made the subject interesting and cared about the students. And of course, Mr Lemberg, with his warmth and understanding was always interested in all his students’ achievements.

Your parents came to Australia and chose a Jewish school for their children. Why?

Coming from Germany and Vienna, where there was all the persecution, they felt that it would be remiss of them not to take the opportunity to have their children learning in a Jewish environment if there was one on offer.

Do you remember experiencing much anti-Semitism during your school years?

There wasn’t a lot, but I do remember going to an inter-school sports event and they threw coins on the floor in front of us as an act of antisemitism.

What was life like in those days?

Very different from today. I would walk home and stop at my grandmother’s house every day. I’d spread out my schoolbooks on her table and do my homework there. She would always have something ready for me, food, a chat, and that sense of being looked after. Those afternoons at her kitchen table are some of my strongest memories. It wasn’t just about homework; it was time together, talking about the day and feeling very connected to her. That rhythm of school, grandmother’s house, and home was just part of daily life. It was very grounding.

Did you ever plan to go to university?

I could have, but I got married a few months after finishing school. I didn’t go on to university because family life took priority, and later we had three children. It wasn’t common to get married right after school. I came to my last speech day with my new husband! My friends and teachers were quite surprised. But that was the path my life took and I wouldn’t change it.

How does Moriah continue to be part of your life?

Through my children and now my grandchildren. Initially our first two children started at other private schools, but around Year 3 we moved them to Moriah and our youngest started at Moriah from year K. We wanted to bring them up in a Jewish environment and started keeping kosher ourselves. It wasn’t just about schooling; it was about aligning their education with the life we were building at home.  Educating our children is a partnership. The school can only have an impact when there is support for Jewish life from home.

What does it mean to see your grandchildren at Moriah now?

It’s very emotional. I have ten grandchildren at the College, one boy and nine girls. Seeing them in the same environment I once experienced brings everything full circle. I see them forming friendships, having the same kinds of experiences, and it reminds me of my own time here. There’s a real continuity in it that’s quite moving.

What is most important to you in your grandchildren’s education?

A strong grounding in Jewish life and identity. Secular education matters, of course, but what we really want is for them to feel connected to Judaism in a meaningful way. That has to be supported at home as well as at school. We spend a lot of time together around Jewish life and learning. I’ve taught my granddaughters their bat mitzvah preparation, things like Shabbat, lighting candles, and the parsha. But it’s not just lessons; it’s very hands-on. We bake challah together, cook for chaggim, and prepare food for community initiatives like Our Big Kitchen. We also do volunteering, including delivering Meals on Wheels.  And then there’s Shabbat, which is the anchor of everything. Every week, we have a big family gathering, 19 of us around the table, including my mother who is 96. It’s loud, warm, and full of conversation. It’s something the whole family looks forward to, and it really keeps everyone connected across the generations.

How do you view school today compared to when you were a student?

School in general has become more competitive, especially with academic results. It’s a different landscape from when I was at school.  The one thing that is still the same is the feeling of being part of something steady and supportive.  Seeing my grandchildren at Moriah, it feels like that same foundation is continuing into the next generation.

What do you think people might not realise about Moriah?

Probably that Jewish life is really at the heart of the college. The education is strong, but what makes it special is the sense of connection between students and the shared identity they have.  Because we're all Jewish, and there's no fear of anything being said, the students can just be who they are.

What advice would you give current students?

Get involved in everything; sport, music, drama. There’s so much on offer at Moriah and it really shapes your experience. And I’d also say, “give back”. Stay connected to your community. That’s something very important in our family. My husband Roger, together with his brother Anthony, founded Jewish House over 40 years ago, and Roger is still president today. For us, community isn’t something separate from life, it is life.

Were you one of Susan’s classmates and part of the Class of 1976?

This year marks the 50-year reunion of the Class of 1976. If you were part of that graduating class, please email us on alumni@moriah.nsw.edu.au so we can add you to the invitation list for the reunion celebrations.