Hebrew Language Day – יום השפה העברית
Today was a terrific day at school as we came together to celebrate the Hebrew language and its rich history. Kitah Alef and Bet gathered for a special morning dedicated to learning about Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the founder of modern-day Hebrew.
Morah Ada and Morah Dana talked about Eliezer Ben-Yehuda’s incredible vision and determination to revive Hebrew as a spoken language. The children learned how his efforts transformed Hebrew from a language primarily used in religious texts into a vibrant, everyday language spoken by millions today.
To deepen their connection to Hebrew, the students participated in a variety of fun and educational activities. There were word searches that challenged them to find hidden Hebrew words, word-picture matching games that helped them build their vocabulary, and puzzles that encouraged teamwork and problem-solving—all in Hebrew, of course! The room buzzed with energy and enthusiasm as the children immersed themselves in these interactive tasks.
The morning wasn’t just about learning; it was also about fostering a sense of ruach for the Hebrew language. Laughter and excitement filled the air as students proudly showcased their completed activities and shared what they had learned with one another. #We Learn Better Together
By the end of the celebration, the children had not only gained new insights into the history and importance of Hebrew but also strengthened their connection to it through meaningful, hands-on experiences. It was a beautiful reminder of how language can unite and inspire us, and how even our youngest learners can play a role in carrying forward this legacy.
Kol Hakavod to our students for their enthusiasm and participation. Together, we celebrated not just a language, but a vibrant part of our heritage and identity.
Bonnes Vacances!
Chers parents,
We are pleased to report that the Grade One children are wrapping up this first semester with much accomplished! From solidifying their knowledge of vowels, practicing their French part for the Hanukkah performance, to becoming familiar with Hanukkah terms en français through various writing, reading and hands-on activities, these children have been working hard and are ready for a well-deserved break!
Here are a few examples of Grade 1 students in conversation…
The children in action: reviewing vowels with play dough, preparing/making their Hanukkah booklets and creating beautiful Hanukkah cards!
Joyeux Hanoukka et bonnes vacances!
Madame Maryse et Madame Efi
The Scholastic Book Fair is Almost Here!
We’re thrilled to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner! We’ve already been exploring the flyers and picking out our must-have books. Even better, this year, all proceeds from the Book Fair will help us purchase new PE equipment! 😊
Dates and Times:
📅 Tuesday, December 3rd – Thursday, December 5th
1A will visit the Book Fair on Wednesday December 4th
1B will visit the Book Fair on Thursday December 5th.
Students are also welcome to shop during the following times:
- Before school: 8:30–9:00 (with a parent/guardian)
- Morning recess: 10:45–11:05
- After school: 3:45–4:15 (with a parent/guardian)
Hebrew is Blossoming in Kitah Alef
A quick note to share with you about the joy of learning together in our Kitah Alef.
It is hard to believe December is just around the corner… and we even saw שלג yesterday! so exciting!
We have been learning so much in Kitah Alef. It blows my mind how much vocabulary the students comprehend, and they are starting to communicate in short sentences now as well. I love the twinkle in their eyes, when they realize a word we were using every day is suddenly used elsewhere, and the “coin drops” as they truly understand the meaning, rather than just being able to use it in the daily context, where we hear it on a regular basis. We are almost done our first round of helpers (next week). During this week the student runs the morning routine, which includes attendance, day of the week and the day’s weather vocabulary. They do it all in Hebrew and it is a very steep learning curve from Monday to Friday. They are able to see how they improve from day to day and the pride it gives them is priceless.
It is not only the spken language that is being enhanced, but now, that we completed our first reading booklet (Ah sound with oll the Alef-Bet) the students are so excited to read actual books, with pictures, etc… Other moments that spark their excitement is when we sing our T’filot and they recognize new sounds that we only just learned, on the slide. These moments often lead to us stopping the T’filah for a bit and coming up to the board to find more of the sounds. These are real life experiences. There is complete immersion in what we are doing. I love teaching how to read. the excitement is so contagious!
Being able to read also allows us to play some vocabulary base games like memory, zap, matching, go fish, etc…
For those who want to read some of our books at home, I added books to my Bitmoji Classroom as well as a few fun games on Wordwall to practice the letters and vocabulary.
An update from Grade One
Our classroom has been buzzing with excitement as we dive into hands-on learning activities inspired by the changes in nature around us. Here’s a peek into the exciting projects your children have been working on:
Exploring Fall Leaves and the Magic of Chlorophyll
We kicked off by examining the beautiful colors of fall leaves up close! The students marveled at how the trees seem to “change outfits” with the seasons. This curiosity led us to watch a fascinating video about trees and how they rely on sunlight to create chlorophyll, which feeds the trees and gives leaves their green color. This concept sparked many “aha!” moments among the students, as they discovered why leaves turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange in the fall.
We even took it a step further with an experiment: extracting chlorophyll from the leaves to reveal the hidden pigments! The students made predictions about what colors would show up on the filter paper, and many correctly guessed that we would see red and yellow. They were thrilled to watch as their predictions came to life during the experiment, seeing the colors appear like magic on the paper!
Sukkah STEM Challenge
As part of our celebration of Sukkot, the students joined forces with friends from the other Grade One class for a Sukkah STEM challenge. Working in pairs, they collaborated to design and build mini Sukkahs out of cardboard, glue, tape, and sticks. This activity was all about creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, and each pair brought their unique ideas to life. Watching them brainstorm, build, and problem-solve together was truly inspiring. And, of course, everyone had a blast working with their hands and seeing their ideas come to life!
Discovering the Sun and the Day/Night Cycle
Another highlight this week was learning about the sun and its role in creating day and night. We explored how it takes 24 hours for the Earth to rotate, giving us day and night. To make this concept come alive, the students did a fun experiment using a globe and a flashlight to act as the “sun.” They observed how different parts of the Earth experience daylight or nighttime as it spins, focusing especially on what happens in Canada.
This hands-on activity sparked lots of great questions: Why do some places have longer days? Why do stars come out at night? It was wonderful to see their curiosity shining as brightly as our flashlight “sun”!
We learn Better Together with Miss Isabella
One day, the classroom was abuzz with excitement as Isabella, one of the students, stepped into the role of teacher. After sharing her beautifully crafted pop-up book with the class, everyone was eager to learn her techniques. Patiently and skillfully, Isabella guided Mrs. Bennett and her classmates step by step, teaching them how to create their own pop-up pages. Together, the class compiled their unique creations into The Everything Book, a collaborative masterpiece now proudly displayed in the OJCS library. Isabella’s inspiring lesson even motivated another student to create their own pop-up book, adding to the growing collection of treasures in the library.
Connecting Across Borders: Our First Friendship Zoom Call
We had our very first Friendship Zoom Call with students from across Israel who, like us, are learning English. It was a moment of joy, curiosity, and connection as two groups of eager learners came together to share a bit about themselves.
We began by taking turns introducing ourselves and talking about our favorite activities. The excitement was palpable as the children discovered how much they have in common. Whether it was playing soccer, baking cookies, or drawing pictures, it didn’t take long to see that hobbies know no borders. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they realized, “Hey, they like what I like too!” was a reminder of how universal childhood joys can be.
The energy and enthusiasm from this first call have us looking forward to what’s next. For our next Zoom session, we’ll dive into two delightful topics: favorite colors and the magic of Hanukkah. We’ll explore what makes this holiday special for each of us, and no doubt, we’ll learn even more about each other along the way.
This is just the beginning of our journey together, but it’s already clear how meaningful these connections are for the students—and for myself, too. We’re so grateful to be a part of this incredible friendship project, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next.
A Special Visit from Grade 4
A thought-provoking question sparked a wonderful chain of learning and connection in our school. A Grade One student asked their older sibling, a Grade Four student, “Did God create the walls and the roads?” Intrigued, the sibling brought the question to Morah Sigal, their Hebrew teacher, who turned it into a class discussion. Inspired by the curiosity of her students, Morah Sigal arranged for some of her Grade Four students to visit the Grade One class and share a story about creation. It was a delightful experience, especially since three of the presenters were older siblings of Grade One students, adding a personal touch. The Grade Four students read beautifully, answered questions thoughtfully, and encouraged even more curiosity. The thoughtful questions posed by the Grade One students were so inspiring, we might invite Dr. Mitzmacher to join our next discussion—he would surely appreciate their inquisitive minds!
The classroom has been filled with laughter, learning, and the joy of discovery. We’re thrilled to see our young learners exploring, asking questions, and getting their hands busy with these seasonal projects. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing even more of our Grade One adventures soon!
Tell me,and I forget,teach me,and I may remember,involve me and I LEARN!!!!
Salut les parents,
After the Holidays we continued practicing the colours, as well as Fall vocabulary. We have added verbalizing numbers and reciting a poem about the Fall. We also kept on practicing the vowels A,O,I, and we are now moving into learning the last two vowels E and U before starting les sons composes. In addition, we learnt the expression “Je vois” (I see) in order to describe pictures and things they see around them during the Fall season. We are so proud to hear them making simple sentences with the vocabulary they already know like colours, numbers, school and Fall and also read words more fluently. We even did a math activity in French adding and subtracting. Doing puzzles, playing French games helps them practice, learn and have fun! Enjoy the videos!!!!
French Class Update
Chers Parents,
Hope you have been enjoying working with your children on the French reading sheets that we have been sending home. We appreciate your help in creating some space at home for your child to review the vowel letter sounds that we are working on at school. We want to ensure that your child has a strong grasp of the vowel sounds as this is one of building blocks for successful reading and writing in French. If you have any questions regarding supporting your child with French at home, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Here’s an update on what’s been happening in our French Program:
Vowel Work: We have moved from getting familiar with the sound A, to working with the sound O. The children are learning words with each of the target sounds and are doing many different listening, writing and reading games and exercises to integrate these sounds.
Vocabulary Development: In order for the children to be able to follow the class instructions and express themselves in French, we have been reviewing the vocabulary for school materials and common classroom words and phrases. They have also been doing some exercises to review the names of the colors. To raise the level of challenge we combine the vocabulary categories, and say to a child: Donne-moi un crayon rouge, apporte-moi quatre marqueurs, range les ciseaux, etc.
Jewish Holidays: Where possible, we like to make a place for the Jewish Holidays and rituals in our French classes. This is an opportunity for the children to live their Jewish experience in a French context. For Rosh Hashanah, the children made cards and collages and learned the names of the Rosh Hashanah treats in French!
Song: With the Fall season here, we have been singing and acting out the following fun song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZmObD5sbac and today the children drew a picture showing Michaud going up the apple tree and wrote their first sentence in French: Michaud est monté dans un grand pommier.
The latest from Grade One
International Dot Day
Last week, our class celebrated International Dot Day with creativity and enthusiasm! We started by reading The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, a story about discovering creativity and confidence. Inspired by the book, the students imagined what they could create starting with just a dot. Their imaginations ran wild, and they came up with some amazing, colorful dot-inspired art pieces. Check out some of their wonderful creations below!
Media Balance with Brigitte
Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a media balance workshop led by Brigitte, where the children explored the theme of unplugging from devices through the enchanting book Unplugged. The story follows a curious robot who discovers the joys of engaging in activities without the constant buzz of technology.
After hearing the tale, the children dove into a lively discussion about the robot’s journey to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—like playing outside, creating art, and spending time with friends. They shared their thoughts on how sometimes it feels good to take a break from screens and reconnect with the world around them.
To wrap up the workshop, the children expressed their creativity through drawings. They illustrated their favorite unplugged activities—like playing at the park, riding bikes, and enjoying nature—alongside their plugged activities, such as gaming and watching movies.
It was heartwarming to see their enthusiasm for both types of play, but it was clear that the joy of being outside with friends held a special place in their hearts. Brigitte’s workshop not only sparked important conversations about media balance but also inspired the kids to cherish those moments of connection beyond the screen.
In a world increasingly dominated by devices, workshops like this remind us all of the importance of finding that perfect balance!
Exciting Start to Our Reading Buddy Program!
This week marked the beginning of our Reading Buddy program, and what a fantastic start it was! The children were thrilled to welcome the Grade 6 students into our classes, and it was heartwarming to see everyone dive into their books and enjoy some great stories together.
Ms. Mender and I couldn’t be happier to see the room buzzing with excitement as students from different grades connected over a shared love for reading. Watching the older students mentor and engage with the younger ones has been a joy.
We’re already looking forward to our next session. There’s even talk of heading upstairs to the Middle School! The Grade 1 students are absolutely ecstatic about the idea—they think it would be so cool!
Stay tuned for more updates on our Reading Buddy adventures!
The Terry Fox Run
The Terry Fox Run was a fantastic event at OJCS! The day began with an inspiring assembly that motivated the children with Terry’s story. The students were eager to participate, and their energy was contagious as they completed many laps around the field, all with the biggest smiles on their faces. Fun fact: our Grade 1 students are incredibly fast runners! Perhaps it’s time to start a track team at OJCS! 🙂
A Strong Start to Our Homework Program
In addition to our Reading Buddy program, we’ve also seen a successful beginning to our homework program. The children have done an amazing job during the first week of homework. Their Note totes are coming back to school every day, and they’re settling into a great routine of reading their books and writing the titles on the recording sheets in their reading folders.
We’ve been having important discussions about responsibility in Grade 1, and the children are really embracing the idea that it’s their job to put their folders and Note totes back into their backpacks each day—because it’s their homework, not their parents’! It’s wonderful to see them taking ownership of this new responsibility.
A Big Thank You to Our Parents
Lastly, we’d like to give a huge thank you to all the parents who have helped support the homework routine for all three languages this week. Your encouragement and involvement make a big difference, and we truly appreciate your efforts in helping the children get off to such a strong start!
*Students are welcome to wear orange on Monday in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.*
Ignite the shine 1A and 1B
Bonjour Grade 1A and Grade 1B Parents! Can you believe another school year is upon us? If you don’t already know me, my name is Madame Efi Mouchou. This is my 3rd year at OJCS and this year along with Madame Maryse we look forward to forming relationships and teaching your kiddos. It has been a pleasure working with your children, and we have seen so much growth and learning already in the short amount of time we have had together. These past 2 weeks we have spent time getting to know each other and establishing the classroom rules. We played games reviewing the letters of the alphabet, and practicing the calendar. We did some writing activities with the letter A, we read lots of books and we started learning songs and poems. The focus has been on the vowel A together with consonants such as, ma, ta, sa, pa, cha etc. Those kids even started forming words by putting the syllables together, isn’t that amazing? Also when we do attendance, we ask them how they feel and they give their answer in french as you can see in the videos attached ( Felix,Liana,Wesly,Bella,Franky,Jacob). Our little stars shine bright every day and we all look ahead to an exciting school year! We are looking forward to seeing you all at the back-to-school night.
I