Akiva Digital Newsletter

December 2016

5777 Kislev-Tevet

Jennifer Fraenkel

This year we’ve coined a new tagline for our school - Whole-In-One-School.  We chose something that really communicates the strength and uniqueness of our school.  We have always focused on not just one area of educational development, but simultaneously on all areas to provide a comprehensive, holistic approach that you won’t typically find in other schools.  Our school was founded on the idea that academic excellence means looking at the whole child, teaching to his or her needs and strengths, developing his or her social and moral character and tying this education into real life experiences in our community and in our world.  We pride ourselves on offering a Jewish education that looks at learning through a different lens – one that reflects what our students really need to be successful later in life.

When I see all the amazing initiatives featured in this issue of our digital newsletter, I know that we are continuing the vision that Rabbi Hartman set out for us for 50 years ago; providing parents a unique school where their children can thrive cognitively, emotionally and morally to help build our Jewish future.  I am so grateful for all our teachers, staff and parents that help support us in this mission.

#WholeInOneSchool

Patrick Essiminy

This past November I had the opportunity to once again participate in the Akiva School’s Open House. Meeting all the young parents in the process of deciding what will be best for their now 3 and 4 year old children made me think back to many years ago when Vanessa and I were considering a school for the first of our 4 boys. I remember how overwhelming a task it could be! But what I also came to discover is that the best way to understand the beauty of Akiva is to live it, as I have had the privilege to do since 2007.

Debbie Abecassis

Rabbi Eleazar said: One should always set his table on the eve of the Sabbath (Shab. 119b).

Jewish Life has been flourishing at Akiva for our students and families.  The spirit of Shabbat is felt each Friday as you enter our building with music playing in the lobby and a table set for Shabbat, reflecting events and themes happening in our school and in the world. We encourage families to reserve a date and set our Akiva table.  

#getyourmenschon

In Judaism, the notion of Derech Eretz, commonly translated as “the way of the world”, refers to the code of proper behavior that connects us to each other as Jews and as human beings.  A new program at Akiva entitled “Derech Eretz” is teaching our students more about caring for others, respect and taking responsibility as members of a community. 

School-wide community program

How full is your bucket? Friday October 28th was a day filled with community, character, and kindness.  The students experienced a very special story in both English and in French. In the theme of Derech Eretz (see article above), the classes spent the entire day with their Big Brother/Little Sister. From prayer, to gym, to Kabbalat Shabbat, to the book sale, the students used all their tools to learn about and from each other.  In a trilingual process, the students used the power of words to grow flower gardens, fill hearts, and create adventures. They learnt though song and sign language that each person can have a tremendous impact on the world around us. Fill a bucket, pay it forward...

Life-worthy learning in action

In November, grade 5 classes visited Ottawa and had a guided tour of the parliament building where they learned how a bill is passed. The classes also went to the museum of Civilization and learned about the architecture of the building.  They toured a First Nations exhibit and explored the history, diversity, creativity, resourcefulness and endurance of Canada's First Nations.  

Promoting more active learning

This year, Akiva School is piloting, in grades 4 and 5, a new classroom design featuring new furniture in line with our focus on holistic education where the child is at the center of the learning.  New tables, seating arrangements and modular design will allow more free movement and collaboration.

Grade 5 creates a comprehensive French newscast 

In a new initiative this year, Grade 5 classes created an entire newscast in French which they presented to parents.  The news program included reports, commercials, commentaries, interviews and even a "smoothie" demonstration - all in French and with content created by the students.  Bravo to teachers Cyndi, Charlotte and Isabelle for all their work.

Teaching students about the power of "Mindfulness"

Akiva School is the first Jewish day school to incorporate mindfulness into their school curriculum.  Kindergarten to Grade 6 benefit from a weekly session that teaches them how to master mindfulness techniques. 

Learning and fun with Bubbie and Zaidie

Akiva grandparents are an important part of our Akiva community and we love to have them visit our school. For the holiday of Sukkot, grade 4 classes invited their grandparents to school to help create beautiful messages and decorations about the "4 kinds" or species for the sukkah.

A Federation CJA Initiative

In October, Akiva School took part in the Federation CJA "Feed the Truck" program aimed at providing a helping hand to those less fortunate.  Akiva families contributed to the over 18,000 lbs of food that was collected as part of this program. Mazel Tov to everyone involved in this great initiative.

Akiva kindergarten gives a lesson in kindness

As part of the Derech Eretz program, Akiva students learned about the power of speech.  At a recent school assembly on this theme, students were treated to a great video featuring our Kindergarten students teaching a lesson on watching our words.

Akiva graduates are doing great things!

Akiva alumni are involved in all sorts of amazing activities in their high schools, our community and around the world. Find out more about some of our alumni stories and why we are so proud of them.

Raising over $50 000 for our school

Thank you to our Akiva community who all came out for an exciting night at the Akiva ORT Gala, November 27th, featuring the incredible Oz Pearlman. It was a great night where we were able to honor Akiva parents, Marnie & Richard Stern while celebrating together as a community. Thanks to our community's generosity, we raised over $50,000 that will be allocated directly to Akiva’s Access and Affordability fund.

Educate, Inspire. Strengthen.

Akiva School has launched our Akiva School Endowment Fund in order to support the faculty, programs and community that help educate and inspire our students to become strong leaders and lifelong achievers. Thank you to all of our generous donors to date, all of whom are recognized on our beautiful plaque in the school lobby. For more information on giving opportunities at Akiva School, please contact Lynn Garfinkle Etinson , Director of Development.

For year ended June 30, 2016

The Board of Directors is responsible for furthering Akiva’s mission and ensuring long term financial stability.  For the year ended June 30, 2016, our revenues were in excess of expenditures. Our financial position remains very sound as the school ended the year with net assets of $2,004,000.