First Week Back- Jan 4-8th

It was a really really nice break. I got some great plans done for all my classes, and am looking forward to an exciting basketball season.

It was such a busy week! I am looking at my camera and all I have are pictures of my cat, but I'll try to take more this week. Here are some of the great work that was done this week and a look ahead:

Some highlights from Jan 4th-8th:

Art 3, 4, 5, 6: A lot of trees being drawn. Beginner trees in grade 3, and advanced in grade 4-6.

JS 2, 3, 4, 5: Learning about Tu Bishvat:
God told the Israelites in the desert that they should not forlorn their wandering, for one day He would lead them to a land filled with wheat and barley, pomegranates, figs, and grapes, a land of olive oil and honey: He announced the 7 species we celebrate on Tu Bishvat. The aim of the unit is to be familiar with the 7 species and their meaning in Jewish faith and ritual. The 4/5 class is even preparing to lead their own Tu Bishvat seders at home should they so choose.

Gym: In grade 6-9, you can hear basketballs booming around the gym as they hone their skills and play some conventional and non-conventional games.

Junior high Shabbat: Groups are preparing to lead special services with a variety of activities based on the parasha each week.

On the campaign: This week we will kick off the annual JNF campaign to plant trees in Israel. Our tree leaders will sing to the classes and have the students in stitches with their tree jokes. For example: what was the tree's favourite hockey team? The Toronto Maple Leafs!!

Parashat HaShavuah:
Having heard the finale to the story of Joseph, the classes now have begun to talk about Moses, his birth, escape from Pharaoh, and initial conversation with God at the Burning Bush. Moses was very hesitant to lead, and I asked each class: when have you stepped up when no one else was willing?

The coming weeks will be extremely busy, and I look forward to continuing excellent work with each class and each student as we head towards Tu Bishvat. I will try to update again Thursday with some thoughts on Va'era.