I always know it’s the end of another school year when our Grade 12 students return from their Grad Trip. With smiles on their faces and amazing stories to share, it is bittersweet as I recognize this is their final high school trip. I now look to their future and look forward to hearing about their new experiences, whether they will be heading off to a prestigious seminary in Israel or to one of their top choices at University.
2015-2016 was a year full of a tremendous amount of extra curricular and co-curricular activities, while at the same time our Ulpana students successfully completed our demanding dual curriculum. This year saw a new curriculum introduced to our Grade 9 Geography program, as well as a new Health Curriculum which we successfully integrated with Halacha. With the addition of new subjects in the area of the Arts, Business and new electives in Judaic studies, we continue to strive to provide courses for a wide variety of student interests and ability.
Beyond the classes, students had the opportunity to go on numerous educational field trips through our art, social science and science departments. They participated in math, science and speech contests. We heard from guest speakers in the field of Genetics, Mental Health, Nefesh B’Nefesh, Substance Abuse, Politics, and Human Rights.
Our Matmidot program continued to be very successful. Thirty students from all grades learned together on a regular basis. They showed a love learning Torah and love of learning for its own sake.
While completing quizzes, tests, assignments, homework and ISPs in all their subjects, our young women still made time to be part of the many clubs, teams, and activities in the school. Students were involved in the basketball, volleyball and cross country teams, choir, book club, film club, to name just a few. Fathers and daughters and mothers and daughters learned together, teachers played against students in basketball and of course there was Colour War, where students could display their many talents. Performances of Annie and Alice in Wonderland were a highlight for the entire school. We continued to have success in our Chidon program and introduced new initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity. Our alumni returned to our school to share their experiences at our Career Day and our Onegs and Holiday Assemblies were innovative and memorable. There were Flash Tishes, B’nei Akiva Shabbatons, and numerous dress up days.
Together with our wonderful Mechanchot, our Seniors ran an amazing and inspirational Shabbaton at Fern Resort, Grade 11 experienced the Canadian winter in Haliburton, Grade 10 had a fun and bonding sleepover at Ulpana and our Grade 9s got to know each other on their northern retreat.
Importantly, our Ulpana girls never forget to give back to their greater community. They are always involved in Chessed activities with Chai Lifeline, Yachad, Friendship Circle. They ran charity drives for many organizations both locally and abroad. The beautiful Mother Daughter evening showed their continued commitment to Chessed by raising funds for Zareinu.
This year many of our students had opportunities to travel abroad with our school. In March I was fortunate to be a part of an unbelievable trip to Israel to run in the Jerusalem Marathon on behalf of Shalva. We extended the trip to include inspirational tours of northern Israel and work with children at Neve Michael. Model UN and the Basketball team travelled to New York and competed in tournaments in New York and Miami. The entire school celebrated Yom Haatzmaut with the rest of Israel as we watched Atara Kelman compete in the International Chidon.
This has been another great year at Ulpana!
Thank you to my fellow administrators, teachers, and support staff who work tirelessly to make our school possible. Thank you for caring, and providing the very best education to every student. It has been a privilege to work with all of you.
To everyone at Ulpana, have a fantastic, fun and safe summer!
Shari Weinberg
