MAHARSHA – HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Some 25 years ago, January 1992, Maharsha opened its doors, with Rabbi Aharon Pfeuffer, Rabbi Menachem Raff and Rabbi David Emanuel at the helm.

Six boys in Std 6 (Grd 8) were taught in a small Beis Medrash, on Durham Street.  The school was run on minimal funds, with much enthusiasm and a strong commitment to developing and ensuring future generations of SA Jewry.  Amidst political strife and mass immigration this endeavour created an island of hope and encouragement, looking toward building a future.

This ethos has remained the fundamental principal, strength and guidance of the chinuch provided by the Maharsha Team.

Since the early beginnings in our Beis Medrash our physical facilities have grown exponentially.  In 1993 an additional three houses were purchased to house our growing student body.  Shortly thereafter a hall and additional house were added which created a property so that by 1996 we had built a nursery school.  By 1999 additional housing had been purchased to house our staff, as well as the building of the boys’ school.  2013 the Shul and Beis Medrash were built, with an additional floor added to the boys school in 2014 and finally our long awaited girls’ school began construction in 2015, ready for the school year January 2016.

While physical facilities are certainly important and necessary, our crowning glory is what happens within the four walls of the classroom, and the long-term results thereof.

To date we have 116 members of staff, teaching from playgroup level to Grade 12, with a student body of 300.

Maharsha is a unique school in that it encourages both Torah and General Study excellence in an intimate and highly nurturing environment.

Maharsha promotes the development of the individual and actively supports each student to realise their potential in all spheres.  We aim to equip our students with all the skills necessary to ensure success, not only in their chosen careers/vocation, but as well-rounded, proactive, contributing members of society.  They need to be fully empowered of their obligations and rights, both spiritually and socially, so each can go forth confidently.

With Grade 12 graduates for many years now, we can safely say that we are achieving our goals.  With an average of 3.24 distinctions per student, (and an average of 4.89 when looking at As and Bs) over the past 10 years, and students that have gone on to successful study in medical, engineering  fields, sciences, humanities and others, our academic performance displays a standard of excellence.