APRIL 2014

5774

NISAN-IYAR

Jennifer Fraenkel

As we approach Passover, the spring season and the time of renewal, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on how much we have accomplished so far this year as well as what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Suzanne Costom Cutler

While we seem to have experienced a particularly cold winter, our Akiva community was as warm as ever. We brought in 2014 with 4 sold-out shows of the 10th annual Akiva Players production, "Madagascar: Chip-Wrecked".

Lisa Steinmetz, Director of Jewish Life and Learning

It is easy to lose sight of the themes of Passover when we are in the midst of our preparations for the holiday. Though we joke about re-creating the “slave experience” while cleaning our houses and preparing the seder meals, we do need to also prepare our “intellectual” selves for the significant responsibility that we have on the seder nights.

French Public Speaking Opportunity

In January, Akiva introduced a new initiative in our French program -  “ Les jeunes orateurs”.  Students from grades 4 to 6 worked in class on an oral presentation and the winners of each class competed in front of all the students and judges.

Celebrating kindness in our community

Akiva held our first "Anti-Bully Day" on February 19th. The entire day was dedicated to teaching students a culture of inclusivity, support and kindness. As part of the day, the students created a school wide mural of Akiva’s very own pledge against bullying written in a chamsa.

Getting a taste of Math all day long

In February, Akiva celebrated our love of Math with a day dedicated to Math activities and fun.  This year’s theme was “Food” where students learned how many different ways we use Math in our everyday lives.  The kick off school assembly included a magic Math show and a beautiful Math cake for all to enjoy.

Mazel tov to everyone involved

Akiva School’s “Akiva Players” 10th annual production was a huge success with four sold out performances in January at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts. Organized entirely by Akiva School parents, this year’s show was entitled “Madagascar - Chip-Wrecked” and featured two full casts, including 79 students from grades three to six and 17 parents. Another unique Akiva learning moment showcasing our home and school partnership.

SEE CAST 1 PHOTOS

School-Wide Purim Carnival

Akiva celebrated the holiday of Purim with a school-wide carnival organized entirely by parents and with creative activity booths run by our Akiva Grade 6 students. Costumes, creativity and smiling faces were everywhere to be seen. 

An initiative of the Akiva Chessed Committee

Akiva Grade 1 classes fullfilled the mitzvah of "Matanot L'Evyonin" this Purim by collecting money for Leket Israel, a national food bank, that will supply healthy produce to families in need for Purim. Kol Hakavod to all those involved in this project.

Mazel tov to Akiva Alumni doing great in highschool

Akiva is proud of all our Akiva graduates that are thriving in high school since leaving Akiva.  Read on to see the some of the great news that we have heard about our recent graduates and their accomplishments in high school...

Akiva Grandparents Help Support Our School

This year’s Grandparent Giving initiative of the Annual Giving Campaign is shaping up to be our most successful year to date with Akiva grandparents supporting our campaign by giving over $35 000 in donations so far.  We are so grateful to all Akiva grandparents that help make our school the special place that it is through their volunteering, support and commitment to Jewish education.