Quarterly Digital Newsletter

April 2016

5776 Nissan

Jennifer Fraenkel

Spring is in the air, and while this has been a mild winter, I am more than happy to see the first signs of Spring. Springtime is synonymous with spring cleaning and preparation for what is a favourite time for us at Akiva – the holiday of Passover. For the past several weeks we have been in deep preparation for the holiday. What strikes me each year is how excited Akiva students get for the Seders. I have heard time and time again how well prepared our students are and how they take a leadership role around the Seder table. What explains this excitement? Why is it that year after year the buildup and anticipation is there? I need to look no further than at our overarching philosophy at Akiva of investing and promoting life-worthy learning to understand. Life-worthy learning, or learning for purpose and for relevance, is at the core of everything we do at Akiva. When it comes to Judaism and Jewish Identity, studying and re-enacting the exodus is the epitome of experiential learning, allowing our students to feel and experience the appreciation of their history and pride in their freedom and identity. Our Jewish tradition is so very rich. The depth and breadth of lessons and values that we draw upon year after year is what makes our learning about Passover a perfect example of life-worthy learning at Akiva.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our Akiva families and friends a Chag Sameach and meaningful Seder nights.

Martin Sacksner

We have been very busy, educating, programming, engaging, and continuously working towards strengthening and improving our offering and delivering on our mission and vision, all in partnership with you.  I am always amazed and so appreciative of our dedicated staff, and our parents who contribute in so many ways to benefit our children and community.   It is absolutely incredible how much tireless work and effort, by Jen and her team, go into constantly innovating and improving all facets of our school and education.

Leila Roiter

As we move forward into the last semester of the school year, we continue to offer our students unique learning opportunities beyond the walls of the classroom. As our students gain knowledge and understanding, we aim to provide exceptional learning experiences that allow them to see that what they learn has an application and purpose. Examples of our innovative teaching strategies can be seen across all areas of study...

Rabbi from Congregation Shaar Hashomayim and Akiva Parent

One of the most poignant and challenging exchanges in the Haggadah is found in the question of the rasha, or wicked son. He asks, “What does this service mean to you?”  To you, and not to him.  He removes himself from your faith; this is your service, not mine.

Deborah Abecassis Warshawsky

Deborah Abecassis Warshawsky has joined our team as our new Director of Jewish Life and Learning.  Deborah is working with the Akiva staff and school community to help guide our school in fostering a deeper commitment to Jewish life and learning, a love for the State of Israel and a sense of belonging to the Jewish people.  Deborah will also be responsible for new initiatives that will further develop our commitment to Chessed, living Jewish values and Tikkun Olam.

Ainsi font, font, font, les marionnettes à Akiva! 

In March, Akiva held our annual Francofête, a week long celebration of French language and culture.  This year, we had an amazing theme focusing on the art of marionette puppeteers, a theatre art with deep roots in French and Quebec culture.  Students were treated to a two-hand puppet show based on the traditional French character P`tit Jean and were immersed in French workshops revolving around the main theme all week long.  For the grand finale, students became the puppet masters themselves, creating their own puppets and staging a show for their peers - with the added bonus of PJ day! Quelle belle Francofête avons-nous passée!

“The Chocolate Factory Adventure… May Contain Nuts”

Akiva School’s recent 12th annual production was a huge success with four sold out performances on the evenings of January 6th, 7th, 9th and the morning of Jan. 10th at the Segal Centre for Performing Arts.

McCaig Gladiators Ice Hockey Festival February 2016

Akiva Hockey team participated in the McCaig Gladiators Ice Hockey Festival February 2016 in Rosemere. The kids had a great hockey experience; building their on-ice skills, playing in a real tournament environment and seeing other teams in action.

Sima Shalev, Jewish Studies Coordinator

Thanks to our wonderful teachers and Shinshiniot, our week celebration of Tu B’Shvat unfolded seamlessly and our students all learned important lessons about respecting  nature, tending to our environment and the Jewish value of  “bal tashchit”, teaching us not to waste or needlessly destroy.

Amazing initiative organized by Akiva parents

Art has been shown to improve creativity and increase self confidence in children.  The Akiva Art Fair in January, organized by Akiva parents, was a colourful evening of artistic expression and fun. This year's theme of "Travel around the world" gave our students an opportunity to find out more about international cultures through art!

Program featured in Montreal Suburban and Gazette

Akiva Grade 4 classes recently completed a learning unit entitled “Imagine a Day” where they worked on their creative writing skills through exploring the art of tall tale storytelling.

Chag Sameach!

Akiva students celebrated Purim with activities in the classrooms, a Megillah reading for grades 4, 5 and 6, plus an amazing school-wide carnival for all. Many thanks for the teachers, parents and grade 6 students that worked so hard to make everything a great success.

A beautiful celebration of Jewish song

Akiva choir sang beautifully at the community Zimria celebration in March.  The choir performed three songs; Al Kapav Yavi, Noladti Lashalom and Quando El Rey Nimrod. They were directed by Akiva parent and Shaar Hashomayim Musical Director, Roї Azoulay and accompanied on piano by Ted Lazarus. Kol Hakavod to all involved.

Mazel Tov to our almuni on their accomplishments

We are so proud of our Akiva Alumni that go on to do amazing achievements after their time at Akiva School. Find out more about what some of our Akiva Alumni are up to now...

Akiva Annual Giving Campaign 2016

Akiva School is committed to providing our students with the educational experiences that they need to go on to be creative thinkers, compassionate community members and inspirational leaders in our world… but we can’t do it alone. Our school and our students stand for our future. We need your support to help us continue to fill this future with promise. Please stand with us and give generously to the Akiva School Annual Giving Campaign 2015-16. Watch our AGC video now.