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.
