… a little catching up on all the fun we had during Sukkot…
Category: Jewish Studies
Special Days in Grade One
International Dot Day
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!
Grade One had a wonderful time collaborating with SK for Dot Day! Together, the childrenused their imaginations and creativity to turn a simple dot into unique and beautiful creations. Morah Dikla joined in the fun and introduced the students to the artist Yayoi Kusama, who is famous for her vibrant and joyful dot-inspired artwork. The children were fascinated to see some of Kusama’s pieces and learn how dots can be used in so many creative ways. Using a variety of tools and techniques, the students then made their own dot paintings, filling the room with color, imagination, and excitement for creating art that begins with just one dot!
Fun Fact: Morah Dikla was an Art teacher in Israel
Media Balance with Brigitte
Recently, we took part in 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 favourite 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!
The Terry Fox Run
We celebrated Terry Fox Run Day with great enthusiasm and heart. The students gathered to hear the inspiring story Terry and Me, told from Doug Alward’s perspective—Terry’s best friend and steadfast supporter during the Marathon of Hope. Through Doug’s eyes, the children learned about the deep friendship between the two boys, how they first met, and the unwavering encouragement Doug gave Terry throughout his remarkable journey.
After hearing the story, the students felt truly inspired by Terry’s courage, determination, and hope. Filled with energy and purpose, they ran many laps around the school in our very own Terry Fox Run, showing that every step counts in keeping Terry’s dream alive.
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!
Orange Shirt Day
In Grade One, we observed Orange Shirt Day with care and compassion. The children listened to a story written by Phyllis Webstad, who shared her own experience and the meaning behind her favourite orange shirt. Through her story, the students learned that every child matters and that Orange Shirt Day is a time to remember the importance of kindness, respect, and inclusion for all children. After the story, the students designed their own orange shirts, each one symbolizing care and belonging. Together, they then created a meaningful orange paper chain to show what children need for a good life. Some of the links read, “Children need love,” “Children need to feel safe,” “Children need healthy food,” “Children need clean water,” “Children need hugs,” “Children need joy,” and “Children need their family.” Each link reflected the students’ growing empathy and understanding that every child deserves to be cherished and cared for.
Last week, the children took part in an exciting Sukkah STEM challenge! Working with a partner, they were tasked with building a Sukkah that had at least three walls and a roof that allowed the stars and sky to be seen. The twist was no glue or tape allowed! This made the challenge even more interesting as they had to think creatively about how to make their Sukkah stable. Some students made clever slats in the cardboard, while others used yarn to sew the walls together. Morah Ada and I were so impressed with their teamwork, creativity, and perseverance. The children showed patience, problem-solving skills, and wonderful collaboration throughout the project!
The children had such a wonderful time during our Sukkah Hop! They visited different Sukkot, played a fun game of bingo, and enjoyed shaking the lulav and etrog with Moreh David. There were exciting relay races that had everyone laughing and cheering for their teams. To top it all off, the children made delicious edible sukkahs using graham crackers, pretzels, and candies. It was a joyful day filled with hands-on learning, celebration, and lots of smiles!
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. 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. It will get easier after all the holidays. 🙂
Grade One Update
Our Model Seder
Yesterday afternoon was nothing short of magical, as our grade one classes gathered for a heartwarming Model Seder. Under the loving guidance of Morah Ada, our students were taken on a meaningful journey through the story of Passover. Their enthusiasm filled the room with joy. Morah Ada’s thoughtful preparation was evident in every detail. She led the children through the songs and blessings with care, making sure they understood the meaning behind each part of the Seder. It was touching to hear their sweet voices singing and reciting, fully embracing the spirit of the holiday. The tables were beautifully set, each one adorned with hand-made placemats made in Art class and personalized Haggadahs coloured by the children in Jewish Studies. Their pride in their work shone brightly, as they took ownership of the Seder—setting the table, leading blessings, and participating with heartfelt enthusiasm. We couldn’t be prouder of our students. Their curiosity, respect for tradition, and joyful participation remind us of how special it is to pass on the customs of Pesach to the next generation.
As we approach the holiday, our hearts are full of gratitude for moments like these—rich with learning, tradition, and love.
Wishing everyone a Chag Pesach Sameach. May your Passover be filled with joy, blessings, and the warmth of family.
At the Model Seder yesterday, the children were given a special clue after finding the afikoman
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The clue invited the students on a treasure hunt today. The adventure took us all over the school, as the students teamed up to read and solve a series of clever clues. With each stop, their excitement grew as they worked together, using their reading skills and sharp thinking to uncover the next hint. The final clue led them to a hidden treasure box—and inside, instead of just one afikoman, they discovered a treasure trove of books! It was a joyful and meaningful end to a fun-filled journey.
In French, we talked about the traditions of Pessah and the special foods we eat during this holiday. The grade 1 students were paired with the grade 2 students, and together they shared what they love most about Pessah. I hope you enjoy their answers.
As we approach the holiday, our hearts are full of gratitude for moments like these—rich with learning, tradition, and love.
Wishing everyone a Chag Pesach Sameach. May your Passover be filled with joy, blessings, and the warmth of family.
Matzah Baking at Hillel Lodge
Our recent visit to Hillel Lodge was truly heartwarming, as our students had the special opportunity to learn how to make matzah with Rabbi Blum. It was such a joy to see the children and the residents baking side by side, sharing smiles and laughter. Afterward, everyone enjoyed the fruits of their labour by breaking and tasting the freshly baked matzah together—a beautiful moment of connection and celebration. The residents especially loved hearing the children sing their Pesach songs, filling the room with festive spirit. This was our third visit, and each time feels more meaningful than the last. One resident, a former teacher, was particularly touched—and we were excited to invite her to visit our classroom in the near future! Week was terrific! The children had so much fun dressing up and embracing the spirit of each day with excitement and creativity. Their energy and enthusiasm filled the school with joy!
Zones of Regulation Workshop
The students participated in a meaningful Zones of Regulation workshop with Ms. Beswick. Together, they explored the different zones and had an engaging discussion about the green zone—the optimal zone for learning, focus, and calm. The children eagerly shared their personal strategies for returning to the green zone when they find themselves feeling upset, tired, or overly excited. Each student received a special booklet, also known as their “toolbox,” where they’ve started to record the strategies that work best for them. It was a powerful step in helping students build emotional awareness and self-regulation skills.
La Semaine de la Francophonie
In General Studies, we celebrated La Semaine de la Francophonie by learning to read and sing the French lyrics to O Canada! Our students worked hard to practice and then surprised Mme Efi and Mme Maryse with a heartfelt performance of the national anthem in French. They were delighted by the special gesture! In math, as part of our geometry unit, we took on a creative challenge—using pattern blocks to design maple leaves. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect our learning with the celebration of French language and culture!
Ruach Week
One of the highlights of the week was a heartwarming visit to Hillel Lodge, where the students made graggers with the residents in preparation for Purim and the reading of the Megillah. It was a beautiful moment of connection between generations, bringing smiles to everyone involved. A special highlight was two students enjoying time with their grandparents who reside there. These visits not only enrich our students’ lives but also strengthen community bonds.
Purim wrapped up the week. The whole school enjoyed the reading of the Megillah, our graggers were put to good use.
We had a in class fashion show, the costumes were fantastic!
The students participated in fun games that had everyone cheering and laughing. The excitement continued as classmates exchanged Mishloach Manot , sharing delicious treats and spreading Purim joy.
A special thank you to all the parents who generously sent in treats for the Mishloach Manot ! Your support helped make this week even more special. Ruach Week truly captured the spirit of celebration, community, and fun—what a wonderful way to prepare for Purim!
Inspired by Making a Windproof House for the Three Little Pigs by Sue Gagliardi, students designed and built three houses to withstand the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. Using creativity and engineering skills, they will tested their structures and then put their imaginations to work by writing a brand-new ending to The Three Little Pigs. What happens when the wolf can’t blow the houses down? This engaging project blended STEM, Language Arts, and narrative writing,
Our first graders had an absolute blast completing this STEM challenge! They worked together with enthusiasm, using their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build sturdy houses. Laughter and excitement filled the room as they put their structures to the test, using a blow dryer to simulate the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. The best part? Seeing their pride and joy when their houses stood strong! This hands-on experience not only reinforced important STEM and literacy skills but also made learning so much fun.
Photos by Bella
To top off our Three Little Pigs STEM Challenge, our students took on a creative writing challenge—rewriting the ending of the classic tale! With their imaginations running wild, they crafted new and unexpected conclusions, from clever tricks to outsmart the Big Bad Wolf to surprising twists that turned the story on its head. The children were fully engaged, and their stories were not only inventive and entertaining but also showcased their growing confidence as storytellers.
Tu B’Shevat and Innovation Day
Celebrating Tu B’Shevat in Grades 1 & 2! 🌳🌿
On Wednesday, our Grade 1 and 2 students came together to celebrate Tu B’Shevat, the New Year for Trees! It was a wonderful day of learning, discovery, and appreciation for nature.
The children enjoyed listening to stories about trees, learning how they grow and why they are so important. They also got their hands dirty planting seeds, a perfect way to connect with the holiday’s theme of renewal and growth. We thank Moreh Liad from SK for teaching us about planting and bringing us so many seeds to plant.
In the classroom, students worked on Hebrew and French activities related to Tu B’Shevat, strengthening their language skills while deepening their understanding of the holiday. They worked on puzzles, practiced unscrambling sentences and completed tree-themed word searches, making learning fun and engaging. In French, they explored the names of native trees in Canada, the parts of a tree, and different leaf colours.
They also took part in a fascinating discussion comparing trees in Israel and Canada at this time of year. While Canadian trees stand bare in the winter cold, many trees in Israel, like the almond tree, are already beginning to bloom! The students reviewed their colours in French by learning what colour
To end the celebration on a joyful note, the children gathered together to sing songs and do tree yoga an in honour of Tu B’Shevat. Their voices filled the room with warmth, reminding us all of the beauty and importance of nature.
Tu B’Shevat was a meaningful and engaging experience for our young learners, helping them deepen their appreciation for the environment and the world around them. Ask your child about their favourite part of the celebration—we’d love to hear their thoughts!
Grade One Innovation Day
Creating Wildlife Crossings
Our Innovation Day projects were inspired by the book Make Way for Animals! A World of Wildlife Crossings by Meeg Pincus. A special thank you to Brigitte, our librarian, for recommending this wonderful book as the starting point for our exploration.
After reading Make Way for Animals, we learned about wildlife crossings from around the world and how they help animals navigate busy roads safely. This sparked a big question in our class: Could we design and build our own wildlife crossings to help animals? The students were eager to take on the challenge! Each child selected a specific animal to support and began designing a crossing that would allow their chosen species to travel safely.
The Challenge
The goal was to design and construct a sturdy wildlife cross
ing that could span at least 30 cm and support a weight of 100 grams. Students chose partners to tackle the challenge set before them.
With excitement and determination, the class got to work—planning, designing, cutting cardboard, and gluing pieces together. Along the way, many students refined their designs as they encountered challenges, demonstrating patience, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Our classroom truly embodied one of our North Stars: We Learn Better Together, as students helped one another navigate building challenges.
Innovation Day Success
Innovation Day was an incredible experience! Families joined us in the classroom to celebrate the students’ hard work and creativity. It was wonderful to see the children proudly showcase their final projects to parents. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and now they are eager to take on even more STEM challenges.
As a teacher, I have to say—these projects are just as fun for me as they are for the students! Watching their curiosity, teamwork, and resilience in action is inspiring.
Highlights of Our Journey
- Designing and Planning
- Building and Problem-Solving
- Applying the Scientific Process
- Showcasing Our Final Wildlife Crossings
Our Innovation Day proved that learning can be both meaningful and exciting. We can’t wait for our next challenge!
A quick sneak peak!
After the break, our first graders will take on an exciting STEM and storytelling challenge! Inspired by Making a Windproof House for the Three Little Pigs by Sue Gagliardi, students will design and build a sturdy house that can withstand the huffs and puffs of the Big Bad Wolf. Using creativity and engineering skills, they will test their structures and then put their imaginations to work by writing a brand-new ending to The Three Little Pigs. What happens when the wolf can’t blow the houses down? This engaging project blends STEM, Language Arts, and narrative writing, making for a fun and meaningful learning experience
Dress Down Day
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.
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!
Shalom Kitah Alef
It has been such a pleasure getting to know each other these past two weeks.
We welcomed three new students into our grade and although some of us were a bit nervous and sad to see our friends in a different class than us, we are already making new friendships and finding our place with our peers… and the best part is that we still get to see our friends and play together at recess. We even get to see our older siblings and sneak in a little hug here and there.
In Jewish Studies we listen to a lot of Hebrew already.
We are going over the days of the week, counting number of days at school and starting to learn weather words.
We can already answer in Hebrew during attendance (“ken, ani bakitah”) and practice new vocabulary to reply when asked how we feel (“tov, lo tov, Kacha-kacha, metzuyan”).
We began talking about different types of T’filot and used sign language to help us recall what they are.
Because it is the month of Elul we listen to the Shoffar daily and think how we can spread kindness in the coming year. This works so well with our ‘Kod Hakavod’ (the code of respect) which we created as a whole grade (see Mrs. Bennett’s post below, or our Kod Hakavod page right here in our blog) ).
…and believe it or not but we even began reading this week. We started with the sounds ah and bah, both reading and writing them. Building them in Lego, blocks, tracing them, and even making them from our bodies. It’s been lots of fun.
When we get a bit loud we have a fun song we sing to get us back to work quietly (I cannot believe how quickly the students picked up all the words to it – maybe I’ll record it and post for you to hear).
Looking forward to a great year together.
A Grade One Update
It’s time for another exciting update from our classroom! Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to lately:
Our first graders have been exploring the world of storytelling through Reader’s Theatre. The students enjoyed practicing their lines and making a little movie of their play. What a creative process!
One of the highlights of our recent weeks was our third Zoom call with students in Israel. It was an incredible experience as our children shared their unique superpowers, sparking laughter and joy across the screen. Guess what? We had a surprise during our event – one of our super-talented students treated us to an impromptu tap dance performance! Moreh David, who joined us during the call, added to the fun by playing a song for the children to sing. It’s heartwarming to witness how music and connection transcend physical boundaries, even in virtual settings.
We have been learning about energy in our science lessons, exploring its fascinating world. Recently, we conducted an energy hunt around the school premises, which was an exciting hands-on experience for our young scientists. During the hunt, they discovered that the library has the most outlets, plugs, and light switches in the school.
Coding has become a favourite activity in our classroom, thanks to our friend Botley, the robot! Our first graders have practiced their coding and problem-solving skills while unleashing creativity through interactive challenges with Botley. Their enthusiasm for STEM learning is infectious.
Recognizing the contributions of others is an integral part of our classroom culture. We decided to honour our librarian, Brigitte, as the best librarian. To show our appreciation, we crafted a book filled with heartfelt messages and presented it to her.
The children brought a burst of joy to Dr. Mitzmacher’s office as they visited to wish him an early happy birthday. With excitement bubbling in their hearts, they filled the space with laughter and well wishes. Little did they know that Dr. Mitzmacher’s office could comfortably hold exactly 21 children, a fact that added an extra layer of fun to their visit.
It was also a chance to say good-bye to Dr. Mitzmacher as well. He told us he would miss his lunch duty with 1B but that he would visit us at the new primary campus for Kabbalat Shabbat. We joked that we should let all the Grade One parents know their children were sent to the office on Friday. 🙂
We created a beautiful banner for the hallway, bidding farewell to our beloved school as we eagerly anticipate the adventures awaiting us at our new primary campus.
