As 2015/2016 comes to a close we can look back at another very exciting year, full of activities, events and accomplishments. Our students have taken it all in their stride and made the year a tremendous success. Our boys have been involved in many diverse activities and spent their time studying, learning and growing.
Our Grade 12 boys have been accepted into the Yeshivas and universities of their choice. They will enter into many challenging and diverse programs, and we know they are well-prepared for this. Earlier this year, we also held our second Post-Secondary Alumni Panel, for Gr 11 and 12 students, inviting alumni currently enrolled at many different universities to speak to the students about their programs and the university experience, allowing the students to get first-hand information about the different campuses and the programs they offer.
There were many exciting field trips, science and math competitions and sports activities this year. The Grade 11 and 12s had the opportunity to go to Stratford to watch a performance of Macbeth. Earlier in the year the Gr 11s also went down to the Soul Pepper theatre in the Distillery district to see an excellent production of Twelve Angry Men. We held our Grade 9 and 11 Literary Night in October, allowing students to discuss their summer reading choices in a book club format. Teams went to both Yeshiva University’s Model United Nations and the Canadian competition in Montreal. The students also participated in Chidon and Bekiut competitions with the able help of Daniel Yehuda, Eitan Amos (‘14) and Rabbi Torczyner. We congratulate Natan Snowbell (grade 11) on coming first overall in Canada; Natan will be going to Israel next year to compete in the international Chidon. The A capella group expanded and continued to be very successful, being invited to lead services at Associated, Shaarei Shomayim, as well as other school performances. The Business Club sent two Gr 12 students to ring the bell at the opening of the Toronto Stock Exchange, which was very exciting, and the Investment club continued its virtual stock exchange program. Congratulations to Shlomo-Eli Schweitzer on once again winning the competition!
The Chesed Committee was very active, raising money for many worthwhile charities. They raised funds for Ariel’s Legacy and we had a Mental Health Awareness presentation. There were nursing home visits, a charity cholent contest and a pink clothing day to raise money and awareness of Breast cancer. We also participated in National Council for Jewish Women’s annual Pesach packaging day and the boys sold matza bricks to raise money for those in need. Again, a number of students participated in the Shalva marathon in Jerusalem, running and raising funds for the organization. We are very proud to again be the top fundraising school in North America. Movember was very successful, with a number of staff and students vying to see who had the best mustache. Students from all grades were involved in these Chesed activities and they gained a true sense of community and Klal Yisrael.
During the year the Rabbeim hosted informal Shabbatons in their homes, spending time outside the classroom with their students, and the annual Shabbaton at Camp George is always a highlight of the year. The Grade 9s had their own Shabbaton at Moshava Ennismore at the end of the first week of school. It was exciting to see the boys all interacting. The Thursday evening Mishmar program continued with many different sessions, and we especially enjoy the times our alumni come back to meet with the current students. It is heartwarming to see the students and the Rabbeim spending these special times together.
Sports have a special place in the Or Chaim world, and this year was no exception. Our senior boys’ basketball team, the Knights, played in the TDCAA League, and did well in the playoffs. They also had a successful trip to Memphis. The junior team enjoyed their games, and also made the playoffs, and enjoyed their trip to play in Montreal. The Soccer team had fun, and this year managed to score a few goals. The cross country runners trained hard, running in all weather. Our intramural sports competitions ran smoothly, and the staff/student basketball game was good fun. Sports day was moved to the beginning of the year, and Student Council worked hard to make it a success. Thanks also to Mr. Skarott for all his hard work.
Our Grade 11 boys also received leadership training. Interactive sessions led by Rabbi Spitz, Rabbi Kleinberg, Rabbi Mazer, and Mr. Lazar gave the group an opportunity to explore different leadership styles and learn how to be leaders. They will use these skills in many ways next year. Our grade 12 boys took the initiative and compiled a beautiful school Hagaddah. Thanks particularly to Coby Lyons for his hard work on this.
The Gr 11s presented flowers to Mrs. Cohen and Mrs. Charney for Secretary Appreciation Day, and also collected money for a gift for “Alket appreciation day.”
On top of all this, our students continued the regular “work” of school: quizzes, tests, assignments, ISPs and homework. Our students could not achieve all they do without the tireless efforts of all members of the school community. Thank you to my fellow administrators, teachers and support staff for everything you have done over the year. It has been a great year.
To everyone at Or Chaim, I wish you a wonderful, fun-filled relaxing summer.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Nicky Kagan
Assistant Principal, Yeshivat Or Chaim
