Kol Bialik Winter 2021

Kol Bialik WINTER 2021

‫קול ביאליק‬

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BIALIK.CA

Reimagining school as we adapt to our new reality

10 Finding new ways to mark proud milestones

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Information Technology team ensures Bialik leads

Kol Bialik is published annually by Bialik Hebrew Day School’s Advancement Department.

HEAD OF SCHOOL Benjy Cohen EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marlene Brickman DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS KOL BIALIK EDITOR Lydia Levin DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Heather Gutmann DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Danielle Waltman VIEWMOUNT BRANCH MAIN OFFICE 2760 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario M6B 3A1 416.783.3346 THE BEN AND EDITH HIMEL EDUCATION CENTRE ON THE JOSEPH & WOLF LEBOVIC JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPUS 180 Ilan Ramon Boulevard Vaughan, Ontario L6A 4P6 905.417.3737 HIMEL EAST KIMEL FAMILY EDUCATION CENTRE 9600 Bathurst Street Vaughan, Ontario L6A 3Z8 905.417.3737 PHOTOGRAPHY Bialik Staff Caley Taylor Photography Justine Apple Photography She Inspires Me Photography CONTRIBUTORS Julia Drake Janet Gottlieb Sailian Chuck English Lydia Levin Jessica Waks facebook.bialik.ca @bialikhds

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

HEADLINES

A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE Benjy Cohen Head of School

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his year has been dominated by the pandemic and the many ways it impacts our lives. We are full of questions: What is the case count? What businesses are still open? How long is the supermarket line? Will schools stay open? Will there be a lockdown? So many unknowns make for anxious times, but a view to the past can help alleviate unsettling feelings. Canadians and Jews have weathered environmental crises before and have always emerged stronger.

When considering past crises, we do so from the comfortable vantage point of the passage of time. For instance, had we not been so focused on the coronavirus, we might well have paid more attention to the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Those alive then could not know how the global conflict would unfold. We, however, know the history and how every question asked during the war was eventually answered. It was a period of terrible destruction and suffering, but the world recovered and Canada prospered.

Thinking back, we know that the 1918 flu epidemic petered out after two years, but those living at the time could not have imagined that. How comforting it would have been to know then that things would return to normal by the spring of 1920.

And, reaching even further into the past, our Jewish texts give us examples of crises much like our current pandemic. These stories suggest that even the most difficult circumstances can lead to growth and prosperity. For example, Abraham and Isaac both relocated to avoid drought and famine and both returned home richer and stronger than when they left. The Israelites weathered the plagues

in Egypt and soon gained their freedom. Initially, things were tough for Naomi after she and her family fled to Moab to avoid a famine in Eretz Yisrael. Yet, when her daughter-in-law, Ruth, returned with her to Beit Lechem and married Boaz, the lineage that produced none other than King David commenced.

Despite the uncertainty inherent in being “in the middle” of a crisis, I feel very optimistic about our future. Whether it be the ancient resilience of our biblical ancestors, the dissipation of the 1918 flu epidemic, or the birth of the State of Israel after the carnage of war, our people have come through terrible times with resilience.

I am confident that Bialik, too, will continue to go from strength to strength. COVID-19 has certainly posed tremendous challenges, but meeting those challenges has promoted institutional growth. Our talented faculty has developed new skills in the integration of technology and the differentiation of instruction in their teaching. The Bialik family has become more cohesive, with our two branches coalescing into a more fully integrated school community. And, our success with distance — and hybrid — learning models has further bolstered Bialik’s stellar reputation in the community, leading to accelerated growth in our enrolment.

These silver linings to the pandemic cloud are manifest now, but we will no doubt see more in time. We don’t know yet what those will be, but none of us should be surprised if Bialik emerges from the COVID era more resilient and stronger than ever.

I AM CONFIDENT THAT BIALIK,TOO, WILL CONTINUE TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

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REINVENTING SCHOOL

REIMAGINING BIALIK E volve and adapt. This was the challenge Bialik faced last March when the pandemic forced the closure of our school buildings.

And Bialik’s administration team had to reimagine every aspect of the Bialik experience.

“With no warning, we were able to get a full, online educational program for all grade levels up and running in two days,” recalls Head of School Benjy Cohen. Bialik made a rapid transition to online learning and again, in the summer, the school readied itself for a “hybrid” model of education, with inschool and online learning options.

“There is nothing static about this,” notes Benjy.

“The environment is constantly changing and we are constantly adapting to the realities.”

What Bialik could rely on, throughout, was a strong learning infrastructure and very committed staff. “Bialik Online” — the new online learning platform — became the place where teachers found ways to engage their students.

Throughout the transformation, Bialik maintained its core principles. “We changed our approach but stayed true to who we are and what we believe in,” says Benjy.

“We kept our commitment to academic excellence while meeting a new reality,” comments Director of Curriculum Shoshana Taitz. “The program was rigorous and challenging but still nurturing.”

It was a team effort. “In crises like this, organizational excellence comes to the fore,” remarks Benjy. “We have a tremendous team that includes exceptional educational leadership, a top-notch administrative team, IT staff and teachers who are smart, work hard and have high standards. The overwhelming support and positive feedback from families has been very encouraging.”

Throughout the summer, plans and preparations were made for reopening the buildings and implementing the hybrid learning model. Bialik worked with many “unknowns,” reconfiguring class sizes and establishing cohorts, hiring new teachers and ordering PPE, all while complying with evolving

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WE KEPT OUR COMMITMENT TO ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE WHILE MEETING A NEW REALITY.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

REINVENTING SCHOOL

provincial health guidelines. Overlaying this process was a strong sense of joyful anticipation at being able to welcome everyone back into the buildings. Everyone had really missed the students!

The start of the new school year had its initial challenges but students quickly settled into the new routines and health protocols. “The first days of school were very exciting,” observes Benjy. “It was so gratifying to see the smiles on faces of both students and parents — and to see that the procedures were working well.”

The school also benefitted from a wonderfully committed lay leadership. “They provided outstanding and confident financial oversight, never hesitating to approve essential expenditures,” says Benjy. “Over the months, our two key COVID committees — the Medical Advisory Committee and the Board’s COVID Committee — gave expert advice and much-appreciated support.”

Dr. Alan Grill, member of the Medical Advisory Committee and parent of Brandon (Grade 8) and alum Lily, comments: “Bialik was in front of this thing from the start. I have been so impressed as both a parent and a committee member at Bialik’s process and communication. I’m proud to have been able to use some of my professional knowledge to help the school. It was my way of giving back to the school and the Jewish community.”

The community has remained at the centre of the Bialik experience. “Connection is very important to the Bialik family,” says Benjy. “When you can’t come together in physical spaces, you come together in digital spaces, and we found endless ways to keep everyone connected.”

“As a parent, I have been so impressed by Bialik’s planning and thoughtfulness,” says Joanna Grossman, parent of Benji (Grade 3) and Orly (SK), Board Vice President and member of the COVID Committee.

“It has brought me a tremendous sense of comfort and I had no anxiety in sending my kids back to school.”

Enrolment for this year has increased by 110 students. “It’s encouraging to see that even in the midst of a global pandemic, our excellent reputation has motivated parents to seek us out and choose Bialik for their children,” says Shoshana. “This has been a story of resilience and adaptation. It takes a special place to welcome change and meet the challenge.”

“People and teams are judged by moments of truth and adversity,” says Benjy. “I feel great pride in what we’ve been able to do.”

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MEDICAL COMMITTEE Dr Paul Perlon MD, CCFP(EM), DCAPM; Emergency Physician, Chronic Pain Specialist

Dr. Lorne Small MD, FRCPC, Bialik parent and infectious diseases specialist; Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Trillium Health Partners

Dr. Carrie Beallor MD, CCFP, DTM&H, Bialik parent and family physician specializing in travel medicine; Director of Medisys Travel Health Clinic

Dr. Allan Grill MD, CCFP(COE), MPH, FCFP, CCPE, Bialik parent; Chief of Family Medicine at Markham Stouffville Hospital; Associate Professor, Department of Family and Community Medicine, U of T

Dr. Aviva Lowe MD, FRCPC, Bialik parent and Board member; Pediatrician

COVID COMMITTEE

Leah Zilnik

Aviva Lowe

Joanna Grossman

Rochelle Waxman

Robert Levine

Heidi Miller Dicker

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O U R CO M M U N I T Y

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COMMUNITY: NOW MORE THAN EVER I t’s such a pleasure to be part of a community where people care about each other — where community is a value held near and dear,” says Himel Branch Principal Beverley Young.

For many, “community” used to mean getting together. The global pandemic has clearly changed that definition. Since March, joyful gatherings such as the end-of-year and back-to-school parties could no longer happen as before. Just as students learned to pivot to online learning during the lockdown, Bialik families had to do things differently in order to stay connected.

“It’s about being creative and crafty, and using technology to bring people together,” says Viewmount Branch Principal Jake Gallinger. And togetherness — in whatever form — is now more important than ever.

“We know that one of the biggest risks of COVID-19 is isolation from each other,” adds Jake.

One of the creative ways to stay connected is through Zoom. For example, a few weeks into the spring lockdown, Beverley hosted a Sunday Zoom session for Bialik families on “the science of pancake making.” While cooking pancakes, she explained the chemical reactions that take place and the browning effect of heat on proteins and sugars.

And it sparked other great ideas.

A series of webinars followed. A pediatrician spoke about parenting the ADHD child during the pandemic. Our School Counsellor explained mindfulness as a strategy to manage the challenges of online learning, and our Psychologist provided advice on parenting through the pandemic.

One powerful way to unite the community proved to be through the power of music. Talented performers took to the virtual stage on May 19 for the

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iHeart Bialik Living Room Concert. From the comfort of their own living rooms, families and alumni enjoyed entertainment by — to name just a few — alumni Robbie Wulfsohn’07 (lead singer of Boston-based Ripe) and singers/songwriters Adam Eisen’10, Tyler Simmons’14 and Troy Lebane’14, as well as parents such as jazz singer Sophie Milman, with husband Casey Chisick on piano, Eric Stein and the King Harvest trio, and vocalist Limore Twena’91. Performances by talented staff members rounded out the evening’s playbill.

Music proved to be one powerful way to unite our community.

The great success of that concert led to the creation of a talent show for singers, dancers and musicians from Grades 4 through 8. “It was wonderful to engage our students and give them an opportunity to connect with each other in a different way beyond the classroom setting,” recalls Beverley.

Throughout the lockdown, students stayed connected through a variety of online events, including

weekly dance parties and a much-enjoyed virtual visit to a veterinarian’s clinic. And, all ages enjoyed the weekly BINGO sessions, which earned Himel East Vice Principal Lauren Damelin the nickname of “BINGO Queen.”

The two PTAs came up with their own sweet ideas to boost community spirit, including sending ice cream trucks to hundreds of Bialik homes and neighbourhoods in June to show students and their families they were still top of mind.

“PTA representatives of both branches have been phenomenal in helping us plan events where people feel connected,” says Jake. “PTA-run online events, including challah bakes, still continue to delight.”

Bialik’s sense of community is also reinforced through charitable efforts, some initiated by students. This fall, Viewmount’s Senior Division Student Council led an effort to collect non-perishables for the North York Harvest Food Bank while their Himel counterparts collected similar items for Chasdei Kaduri. In one week, the community filled eight refrigerator-sized boxes with food.

Among other key contributors to Bialik’s sense of community are teachers, “who are constantly in tune with children’s needs, whether online or in person,” says Jake.

Since classes resumed in September, virtual programs have included the Grade 3 Family Education Program and Holocaust education events. Another parent speakers’ series is also in the works.

Grandparents Days are also online for now. This keeps grandparents safe while providing them with a glimpse into their loved ones’ learning and school experience.

Clearly, “community has evolved,” surmises Beverley, “and Bialik’s strong sense of unity prevails.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R CO M M U N I T Y

FOR MANY,“COMMUNITY” USED TO MEAN GETTING TOGETHER.THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC HAS CLEARLY CHANGED THAT DEFINITION.

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GIVING BACK

SOLVING A NEW PROBLEM WITH OUR 3D PRINTERS

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hroughout the school year, students use our 3D printers to solve their STEM problems. But when the printers went silent this past March, we realized that we had an untapped asset that could help solve one of the world’s newest issues — the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Initially, Bialik reached out to hospitals to see if there was some way to provide them with 3D resources. While hospitals couldn’t take up our offer, we continued to seek out the right opportunity to be part of the solution.

Driving this initiative were our STEM Coordinators, Marcus Dickler and Shawn Stevens, who made contact with InkSmith, a Kitchener company distributing face shields to organizations and essential service workers. InkSmith let us know that they needed as many headband and chin components as we could produce. Shawn and Marcus set to work, initially printing 100 pieces per week.

In May, we formed a partnership with the Ontario PPE Collective (OPPEC), which was distributing PPE to Ontario’s frontline healthcare workers. Making full use of Bialik’s five 3D printers, we soon became the #1 contributor to OPPEC’s volunteer network.

As our students know, in STEM, you always look for ways to improve your prototype. Within a few weeks — based on their research and understanding of our hardware and software — Marcus and Shawn were able to make improvements and speed up production to 400 pieces each week.

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“We had some painstaking learning,” Marcus recollects. “When running the printers at this scale, many production issues come up.

I received some absolutely invaluable professional development in managing 3D printers from a very skilled volunteer at OPPEC.” In collaboration with OPPEC, we learned that we could go from printing two components on one printer every two hours, to printing two stacks of 12 per day. Adds Marcus, “We also worked on redesigning the headband to be much thinner, so we could use much less of the printing material. These were huge shifts in what we were able to do.”

The opportunity to be of service is very much in line with our Bialik values of giving back to the community. “Tzedakah is key to our mission and doing our part to help keep our community safe sets a wonderful example for our students,” says Director of Curriculum, Shoshana Taitz. “This is a great way for our students to see Tzedakah and social action in action.”

We are very proud that between March and September, Bialik printed over 10,000 PPE components for the community. According to Marcus, we will soon be picking up production again so that we can continue making a difference.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

GIVING BACK

MAKING THE MOST OF A DIFFERENT WORLD “

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verything is different this year. The whole world is different, but different doesn’t have to be bad.” It’s no surprise that these wise words come from Leah Rodin — parent of Maegan, a Class of 2020 grad and Jacob’18 — who spearheaded an inspiring legacy gift to support Bialik’s 3D printing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Leah, like many Bialik parents, was immensely grateful to the school for adapting to the pandemic so quickly, but she knew the disappointment felt by the families whose graduation plans were disrupted. “Unfortunately there were trips, parties and celebrations that just couldn’t happen in the spring,” says Leah.

Early in March, she had come across an article about some teens who were using their 3D printer to print face shields for frontline workers. “The article reminded me of the beautiful new STEM lab at Bialik that was sitting empty, so I asked the staff if this was something Bialik could do,” says Leah. “I quickly got the answer: not only could they print PPE but they had already started and were getting ready to deliver their first shipment!

It was really nice to hear good news at that time and I asked the staff to let me know if they needed any help.”

That call came in June when Bialik’s PLA (Polylactic Acid, a biodegradable plastic used for 3D printing) had all been used up and the school needed help to keep the project going. The decision to cancel in-person graduation celebrations, due to city bylaws, happened to coincide with the

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school’s need. Leah took the opportunity to propose to her fellow parents that they re-allocate the money earmarked for graduation to the purchase of more PLA. She was confident that families would be enthusiastic to help, and they were — coming out in support of donating to Bialik’s worthwhile effort.

“Although we were all disappointed that the kids were missing out on parties, this seemed like a meaningful way to mark the occasion,” shares Leah. “Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam are important values to our families and have been an important part of the Bialik education. Supporting this project seemed like a great way to put these values into action.”

Thanks to the thoughtful, generous Grade 8 legacy gift, Bialik was able to continue giving back to the community — and the school is extremely grateful to the 2020 Grade 8 families for supporting and encouraging this initiative.

Everything is different this year. The whole world is different, but different doesn’t have to be bad.

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G R A D UAT I O N

PIVOTING WITH PRIDE Celebrating our Grade 8 and SK Milestones in New Ways

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

G R A D UAT I O N

OUR VOICES WERE SO HOARSE FROM ALL THE CHEERING! IT WAS A DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

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hey sure do grow up fast! Whether this sentiment came from Senior Kindergarten parents or Grade 8 parents, their tremendous pride was front and centre in June when Bialik found new ways to celebrate these once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

COVID-19 meant that the usual Bialik traditions surrounding SK Promotion Ceremonies and Grade 8 Graduation had to be reimagined, so as to be safe and physically distant without losing the sense of ru’ach.

“The idea of celebration and marking milestones for our students was a constant conversation as June drew closer. It was clear that Bialik needed to do what we could for our grads and give them an experience to remember,” shares Blake Enzel, then Vice Principal of the Senior Division.

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Transferring the Graduation Ceremony online to Zoom was a given, but the administration wanted to do everything they could to cheer up the families who were obviously disappointed that the usual in-person ceremonies and celebrations would not be taking place.

In addition to putting up festive lawn signs, plans to create a surprise graduation convoy for the Grade 8s took shape, so that faculty and administration could visit each family, wish them Mazal Tov and hand them their diploma. Three pickup trucks were rented, hundreds of balloons ordered and megaphones deployed.

Custom Bialik blue carpets were secured to roll out for our grads to give them the royal grad treatment. “Our voices were so hoarse from all the cheering! It was a day we will never forget.” Blake recalls.

For our students being promoted from Kindergarten to Grade 1, a similar sense of joy was created.

Teachers and members of the administration delivered lawn signs, mortar board caps and diplomas to each student so that they were ready for their Zoom ceremonies.

Watching their names called on-screen brought tons of joy to SK parents and grandparents as they celebrated how much our students have learned and developed. Each child shared their favourite memory of SK and, when their names were called, held up their diploma proudly for their friends and family to see.

Even if the plans required a pivot, there was no shortage of pride and simcha for all of our families celebrating these exciting milestones.

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BIALIK GROWS AGAIN

HERE WE GROW AGAIN B ursting at the seams, our Himel Branch has grown once again! We are thrilled with the learning and community building taking place at our new second site, located in the Kimel Family Education Centre. Dubbed “Himel East,” it is just across the street from what we now call “Himel West.”

As you enter Himel East, you’ll be struck by the oversized banner announcing “My Heart Beats Bialik Blue.” This message perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the entire Himel Branch, reflected in the group of students who now call Himel East “home.”

Lauren Damelin, newly minted Himel East Vice Principal, is leading the 20 faculty members and 185 Grade 4 to 8 students located in the new site.

She is excited about her role and speaks passionately about the way students have made the space their own.

Himel East is a beautiful facility and everyone has settled extremely well into the light, spacious classrooms and wide hallways, where we often see students collaborating and hanging out (in cohorts, of course). The big central courtyard is an ideal area for recess play and activity — such a vital part of the school day — and students also use the large gym for their physical education classes.

“Opening the new building was the start of creating a new community,” says Lauren. “Together with the students, we’ve made Himel East feel like home and that has been so important to me. You could say that we’ve made the walls come alive with Bialik spirit.”

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One of the ways they’ve built the warm Bialik culture and ru’ach has been through the very active Student Council. Says Lauren, “All the students have been thrilled to participate in the spirit activities and the council keeps coming up with new ideas. During Breast Cancer Awareness Week, it was amazing to see the sea of pink in our building.” Now, the council has approached Lauren to support the very heartwarming cause, Marvin’s Million for Baycrest, and this initiative will also be shared with Senior Division students at Viewmount.

In the bigger picture, the expansion of the Himel Branch reflects the growth of the Jewish community in Vaughan. It also shows that families are committed to Jewish day school and, of course, that Bialik has a special sense of community. Says Himel Branch Principal Beverley Young, “Bialik has carved out a special place here and we are thrilled to be educating so many young Jewish minds each year. But at the core, we are creating a close-knit community of students with the intention that they will continue to be stellar leaders for our future generations.”

In the happy environment of Himel East— even in these first few months — it’s clear that our Grade 4 to 8 students are displaying leadership and creating wonderful energy in the school. And as Lauren says, “It’s the people in the building that make it come alive, especially when they’re proud to say #homeisbialik.”

Himel branches out into a new building

OPENING THE NEW BUILDING WAS THE START OF CREATING A NEW COMMUNITY.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

C U R R I C U LU M T E A M

BIALIK’S NEW CURRICULUM TEAM BUILDS BRIDGES T

his year, Bialik enhanced its approach to educational leadership by creating a new curriculum team comprised of Shoshana Taitz, Director of Curriculum, and Blake Enzel and Adi Barel, who are Associate Directors of General Studies and Jewish Studies, respectively.

The goal of the team is to impact the way Bialik students learn by supporting and enhancing the practice of both Jewish and General Studies teachers.

“Our team is dedicated to creating a new perspective and enhancing the experience of every student,” explains Shoshana.

“We’re building the whole child,” notes Blake.

“Students aren’t part General Studies and part Jewish Studies. We’re bringing those two components together to create one identity.” By providing both Jewish and General Studies teachers with common strategies, methodologies, language and frameworks, the team is creating the opportunity to bridge the two departments.

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OUR JOB IS TO FIND THE COMMON THREADS AND THOSE PRACTICES THAT WILL BENEFIT EVERY TEACHER.

Shoshana adds, “We have teachers in three buildings, each teaching in different ways. Our job is to find the common threads and those practices that will benefit every teacher.” By using data-driven approaches to determine what works best, the team aims to create a consistent approach to pedagogy.

“Discussing the big picture, big ideas and values is a very Jewish approach — and it also helps teach-

ers gain a sense of direction,” comments Adi. “Our purpose is to be there for the teachers, to support them and help them create materials. When we coplan with teachers, it has a huge impact on teaching and learning.”

The team is setting a strategy that moves away from teachers wearing either a Jewish Studies or a General Studies hat and having different ways of delivering content. “Our goal is to bring the worlds together to create one approach,” says Adi. Ultimately, the aim is to build a continuum of learning at Bialik that includes all the skills students need, from Kindergarten to Grade 8, in both General and Jewish Studies.

“Having the opportunity to impact the identity of each one of 1,300 students, from ages four to 14, is daunting, humbling and very rewarding,” Shoshana reflects. “It’s a privilege to be part of a school that is willing to make the commitment to the development of a Bialik curriculum.”

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FA M I LY S P OT L I G H T

‘FAST FORWARD’ INTO BIALIK LIFE Y

ou might not think that a stumble and the need for medical attention would equate to a “good” first day at school.

But, that was the experience of JK student Sienna Fux. On her first day at the Viewmount Branch, Sienna tripped, bumped her head, and needed medical “glue” to fix her up. She quickly discovered how well she would be cared for at her new school.

Sienna’s mother, Melanie Fux, recalls how “amazed” she was by the number of people who rallied — and how expertly and kindly they responded — to help her little girl. “It was a ‘fast forward’ into getting to know Bialik,” she says.

Today, Sienna is completely healed, very social, and “absolutely loving” her days at school, reports her mom. Sienna’s brother Alec particularly likes the experiments his Grade 1 class conducts and his Hebrew lessons. A curious child, Alec “comes home every day excited to share something new that he has learned,” says Melanie.

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ALEC COMES HOME EVERY DAY EXCITED TO SHARE SOMETHING NEW THAT HE HAS LEARNED. The Fux family moved from Mexico two years ago — dad Xavier had spent many summers at camp in Canada and attended Western University. Now, he owns boutique eco-hotels in Costa Rica and Mexico. Melanie is a lawyer by profession and a business owner, developing organic gardens in schools.

The siblings are quickly developing new language skills. Of course, it helps to have multilingual parents. After only a month in Canada, Alec and Sienna began communicating in English and now they’re picking up Hebrew.

When the family began looking for a school in Toronto, they wanted one that offered academic excellence while maintaining a “child-friendly, fun environment” where their children would be known on a personal level. They recognized such an atmosphere when touring Bialik, as Principal Jake Gallinger and Director of Admissions Danielle Waltman “seemed to know the name and story of every single kid who walked by,” recalls Melanie.

Melanie remains impressed by Bialik, including the welcoming parents, supportive teachers, and the immediacy and frequency of communications from teachers — “especially now that, with COVID, we can’t just peek into the classroom.”

She adds, “I really appreciate that the teachers have shown genuine interest in all aspects of our children’s development. I am grateful that my children are being cared for by such qualified, supportive teachers who are truly engaged in educating the whole child.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

FA M I LY S P OT L I G H T

WHEN YOU KNOW IT’S RIGHT H ow can you be certain that a school is the right fit for your child?

For new Bialik parents Jessica and Jesse Waltman, one clear sign is how their twins, Ella and Sam, recreate the highlights of their JK experiences each day.

“They come home and ‘play school’ for hours,” says Jessica. “They love school!”

While the twins seem to adore “everything” about Bialik, Jessica says they’re especially thrilled with the JK drama centre. In addition, they like using some of the new words and phrases they’re picking up from their Zoom Hebrew classes.

A teacher herself at a GTA school, Jessica knows

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what engages and inspires children. As she researched schools for her children, Jessica was keen to find one close to home where they would experience the kind of Jewish education that she enjoyed as a child. Bialik’s Himel Branch ticked all the boxes.

Jesse was initially impressed with features such as the STEM Lab, the SMART Boards in every classroom, and the small class sizes, particularly “given the ongoing nature of the pandemic.” But what won over the Waltmans were the people they met and the sense of community they witnessed at Bialik.

Director of Admissions Danielle Waltman — “No relation,” Jessica points out — introduced the family to school life and led them patiently and

empathetically through the admissions process.

“We had such a good rapport with her right from the beginning.”

Since then, the Waltmans have enjoyed positive experiences with faculty, staff and other Bialik families — so much so that Jessica agreed to be the JK class parent. “I’m happy to do that,” she says. “I want to be involved.”

The Waltmans treasure Bialik’s “loving, safe environment,” including access to a school nurse and COVID-19 protocols that are “above and beyond,” says Jessica.

But what they appreciate most is their children’s joy each day: “We like seeing how happy they are.”

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OUR STUDENTS

AN EYE-OPENING ADVENTURE IN ISRAEL We got to know E leven Grade 8 students had the opportunity to travel to Eilat to participate in our second Israel STEM trip. Over five days, in an unforgettable experience with a group of Israeli peers, they participated in a whirlwind of activities. They toured, they learned, they researched and they innovated, forming long-lasting friendships and connections along the way.

Their jam-packed itinerary included one-of-a-kind experiences, such as visiting kibbutzim to witness sustainability practices and going out on a research boat to collect plankton samples that they later analyzed under microscopes. It was extremely powerful for the students to see their classroom learning come to life before their eyes. “We were learning about what’s happening to the world and seeing it for ourselves,” shared student Naomi.

This was the first time visiting Israel for six of the participants but even for those who had been there before, this trip was eye-opening. “We got to know what it’s like to be an Israeli,” explained student Sarit. In particular, Shabbat made a huge impression. “Even if you didn’t know what day of the week it was, you could tell it was Shabbat because the streets were calm and empty,” remarked Naomi.

Each Israeli family celebrated Shabbat in its own way. For many Bialik students, these were some of their favourite moments, including, for some, going to the beach in Eilat and meeting their new friends’ families. Everyone agreed the most remarkable aspect of Israeli life was the overwhelming feeling of community they witnessed. “The sense of community in Israel is so special,” noted Melissa. “Everyone is so close. They all treat each other as friends.”

Incredibly strong bonds were created between our students and those from Eilat. In fact, many still stay in touch using WhatsApp groups or Facetime calls.

As Brandon remarked, “Friendship knows no borders.”

When asked about the defining quality of the trip, Director of Curriculum Shoshana Taitz commented, “It was the impact of bringing together kids from Toronto and Eilat and having them understand their similarities and differences.

That, in turn, created a sense of peoplehood and the fact that, as Jews, we are all connected.”

The culmination of the trip was the STEM competition, offering the students opportunities to collaborate with each other in their research projects and final presentations. The students chose a problem related to contaminants in bodies of water. Working together, they researched, developed and presented their prototypes, each designed to solve their chosen problem.

“The judges were struck by how creative and innovative the presentations were and they could not believe that the teams were formed only a few days before,” said Shoshana, adding, “It was clear that we are preparing the amazing leaders of tomorrow. When I saw the groups all working together, I knew that our future is in good hands.”

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what it’s like

to be an Israeli.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

OUR STUDENTS

‘CHALUTZIM’ OF THE HIMEL BRANCH

I

t seems like yesterday our Grade 1 students were imprinting their palms into the cement outside our brand new Himel Branch. “Our graduating class, both those who started with us and those who have joined along the journey, are all ‘chalutzim,’ or pioneers, and we could not be prouder,” shares Himel Branch Principal Beverley Young. “Through their commitment, they have paved the way for Bialik to continue building a flourishing future.”

Let’s hear from this tight-knit group of Grade 8 students as they reflect on their time at Bialik:

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“Bialik has taught me how to persevere when facing a challenge and have the confidence to believe in myself. I have learned how to advocate for myself.” – Dani “One of my fondest memories was attending the Bridge Building Competition! Our bridge was able to withstand a whopping 150lbs! This was the first ever first-place trophy that Himel had received and it was such an honour.” – Ariella “As the first graduating class, I hope we leave behind a legacy of leadership in the community.

Our class has always made an effort to get involved and make a difference at school.” – Zoe “My favorite memory is definitely all the fun days such as pink day, pajama day, sports day and our house days when we played games against the other houses. I made friends and it taught us how to be leaders.” – Noa “When I think about my time at Bialik, I think about being in a community. I have only been at Bialik for two years but those two years have taught me a lot. One of them is preparation for highschool.” – Jessica “In Grade 6, the day before winter break, we brought candy and snacks to school and watched the movie Holes while eating and having fun together. It’s days like this that really make me love Bialik and love going to school here.” – Shane

“Our first graduating class will serve as examples to the younger students by showing how to be a good leader and show ru’ach. Our legacy will be what hard work and effort can accomplish.” – Jacob “When I think about Bialik, I think of things like family, home and Israel because Bialik connects me to my heritage. All the house programs connected me to the different places and traditions in Israel.” – Liat “Having the opportunity to be a leader has taught me the importance of encouraging others, building community and being a positive role model for the younger grades.” – Jordyn “Bialik is a very accepting school and welcomes new students wholeheartedly. Because it has such a great community, it was a really good experience.” – Hilary “My experience at Bialik has taught me positivity and that there is always an optimistic side to everything. It is important to be positive about your life and always look on the bright side of things because it will make you happier.” – Amy “I think back on how I have been at Bialik since it opened and I even have my hand prints in the concrete from Grade 1! Being a member of the first graduating class is a memory I’ll carry throughout my life.” – Danna

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O U R S TA F F

INFORMATION I TECHNOLOGY AT BIALIK Innovation Collaboration Community

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nformation Technology normally hums along quietly in the background, largely unnoticed, as schools go about their core business of shaping young minds. But COVID-19 suddenly thrust IT to the forefront when lockdowns and online learning forced massive changes.

Fortunately, Bialik boasts a stellar team of IT professionals who expertly guided the necessary, rapid transformations in learning technology. Like ducks that appear serene above water while paddling madly below the surface, IT Director Matthew Connors and his staff of six handled a potential tech crisis with flare, while working night and day for months.

Matthew, who has many years of experience in information technology for education, reflects that, “IT teams — in any school — are never the stars, just great stage managers for the real stars. In 2020, this is truer than ever.” He credits students, parents, teachers and school administration with making a quick “swivel’’ to remote learning and virtual events when schools and workplaces abruptly shuttered in March.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R S TA F F

BIALIK IS NOW YEARS AHEAD IN TERMS OF INNOVATION, SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES, AND IS ADEPT WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY-BASED PEDAGOGIES.

“IT support is easy for our team — it’s what we do,” he says. “But when the COVID-19 switch flipped in March, as we all absorbed the true impact and duration of the situation, the changes that helped Bialik thrive were driven by members of our community.”

Among those changes: • Students began learning 100 percent online within three days.

• Teachers created innovative learning methods and improvised with technology on which they had just been trained.

• Administration relied heavily on the IT team to orchestrate Bialik’s online transformation.

• Parents, many going through their own professional and personal upheaval, supported their children and worked patiently with the IT team.

No one was ready for a pandemic. But Bialik’s IT team had, for years, invested in the fundamentals of solid IT support and strategy, focused on teamwork and maintained their service orientation. “In short,” says Matthew, “we were already a welloiled IT machine.”

bialik.ca

What did that look like as the pandemic engulfed schools and society?

• Seven IT team members touched base in a perpetually-open Zoom room, sharing support, humour and problem-solving advice.

• IT staff worked the phones with parents, students, teachers and administrators — supporting, coaching and guiding them through technological changes and challenges.

• IT staff distributed 300 computers to families at both branches.

While the summer months provided some downtime, Bialik was busy planning ahead for the return of some students to class while others learned from home.

The IT team now had to prepare for hybrid classrooms that differed, again, from fully-online schooling, including new learning management systems.

Our IT specialists tested myriad microphones, webcams and audio amplifiers. “We had gear coming in from everywhere to get the design of our new hybrid classrooms just right,” says Matthew. But we also got to #nerdout with some cool new gear!”

He reflects: “Our main goal was always just to be there with knowledge, stability and support. The team knew that our success would depend on shepherding the Bialik community through all its changes.”

The silver lining? Bialik is now years ahead in terms of innovation, systems and processes, and is adept with new technology-based pedagogies. “Even as we return to a semblance of normality, we’ve changed now. And, I say, for the better,” Matthew insists.

The Bialik community is proud of and grateful for the remarkable IT professionals who place learning and support front and centre, as they build technological confidence and capability among everyone involved with the school.

IT by the Numbers

1st

3

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One of the first Toronto schools to go fully online

Days it took Bialk to transform from fully in-class to 100% online

Independent schools that received peer support from Bialik’s IT team

300

Laptops provided for home use during lockdown

600

New laptops purchased to support student learning

7,000

Support tickets resolved by Bialik’s IT team since March

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O U R FA C U LT Y

THE MAGIC OF CHILDREN’S VOICES

W

hen Ilana Onel took on the role of Primary Division Coordinator — to fill in during Karen Lidor’s maternity leave — she could not have imagined that the world would soon face the cascading effects of a global pandemic. Her leadership and administrative skills have risen to the fore, while one key trait remains constant: her devotion “to making each student feel loved and unique.”

With most Bialik students returning to the school buildings in September, the social and emotional well-being of students and teachers has been Ilana’s top priority. Anxiety and excitement mingled as primary-grade students, after six months of isolation with their families, stepped into classrooms, “masked, sanitized and trying to stay distanced.” Most in Junior Kindergarten had forgotten their pre-school experiences.

“The youngest children needed to trust other adults to provide the love, comfort and safety that they were accustomed to at home,” says Ilana. “I have encouraged the creation of warm, inclusive environments that offer the sense of protection and security our students need. We acknowledge their COVID-related stressors while providing a variety of calming strategies.”

Her 35 years of classroom experience began in Ilana’s hometown, Cape Town, South Africa, where she taught for ten years at a public school and a Jewish day school. She emigrated to Canada 25 years ago and, soon after arrival, became a Grade 4 teacher at Bialik. She has taught five different

20

grades and gym in Primary, Elementary and Senior Divisions, serving as a Grade 7 Mechanechet and a House Dean. She has most often been recognized for her positive approach, her passion and professionalism, as well as for making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students over the years.

Ilana’s own three children attended Bialik, “where their love of learning was fostered and their curiosity was actively nurtured.”

When the pandemic hit in March, “teachers plunged headfirst into acquiring the skills to deliver our program remotely” at the same high level of quality. “There was a lot of trial and error. Teaching virtually is harder than being in the classroom!”

As the new school year began, many parents were fearful about their children reentering the school building. Over time, strict health and safety protocols built comfort, confidence and trust.

“Parents realize the importance of social interactions, collaboration, independence and critical thinking skills,” says Ilana. Although parents are not allowed in the school buildings due to health protocols, classroom learning management systems ensure ongoing school-to-home communication.

Ilana fervently hopes the rest of the school year can continue face-toface. “The sound of children’s voices and laughter is indeed magical. I am grateful that we have been able to restore familiar routines and some sense of normalcy to the lives of our Bialik families.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R FA M I L I E S

A LEGACY OF LEARNING AND NURTURING Critical thinking is a long-held Bialik approach to learning.

I

magine that your grandfather, a respected scholar and teacher, would only answer your questions with another question. This was Debbi Ross’s childhood experience with her Zaide, Moshe Menachovsky z”l, Bialik’s first principal.

“My Zaide was a Socratic teacher,” says Debbi.

“He never gave you an answer. He asked you another question. That was his way to help you grow intellectually.”

While a number of families have longstanding ties to Bialik, for Debbi Ross and her daughter, Naomi Orzech, the school itself is a family legacy.

bialik.ca

Moshe Menachovsky — having been imprisoned by the Czarist police for his activities with the illegal Labour Zionist Party and later escaping from a German World War I labour camp — emigrated to Canada in 1930 with his wife and two daughters.

Once in Toronto, he founded the Borochov School and Kindergarten in 1932, and was very committed to providing Yiddish education to his students. “My Zaide wanted kids to see Yiddish as a living language and have access to that culture,” says Debbi.

In 1961, Menachovsky was a co-founder, together with Julius Sokoloff z”l and Victor Topper z”l, of Bialik Hebrew Day School, serving as its first principal.

Debbi Ross enrolled her daughters Erin and Naomi at the school, taught Grade 2 for one year and then served as a supply teacher.

“That Socratic teaching philosophy is still very strong at the school,” she says. “The kids are encouraged to question. They learn critical thinking.”

For Debbi’s daughter, Naomi Orzech, Bialik is

more than a warm, welcoming home for daughter Abbey, Grade 8, and son Dylan, Grade 6. “We are very impressed with how the school has grown, the technology and the academics,” says Naomi. She served as a class parent until Abbey was in Grade 5, then joined the Executive of the PTA. In her second year as Co-Chair of the PTA, Naomi finds her role “allows me to really understand the community, and what kind of support the school needs. When we raise money, it’s for the benefit of the students. Over the past number of years, the PTA has raised money for a new playground, water fountains, SMARTBoards, and recently contributed to the new STEM Learning Commons.”

While “the kids missed a lot during lockdown, Bialik’s family feeling endures. My kids are so happy to be in school now,” says Naomi.

It’s a school forever linked to Moshe Menachovsky and the unique legacy of early secular Labour Zionists, devoted to inquiry, learning and Jewish culture.

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O U R FA M I L I E S

FINDING THE SILVER LINING

Spend just five minutes with Page Magen and you’ll feel the energy, passion and creativity that propelled this go-getter to success.

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F

or the past 20 years, he has been in the high-energy world of event planning or, as Page would say, “creating unique and meaningful experiences.”

The father of three Bialik students — and a fourth child who’s destined for the school — Page is co-owner, with twin brother Jian, of Magen Boys Entertainment, a go-to agency for coordinating corporate events, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and sporting events.

Back in early March, Page and his team were looking forward to more than 1,000 upcoming event bookings. Enter the global pandemic, and Page’s fast-paced business ground to a “complete screeching halt.”

Page pivoted rapidly, shifting his business focus to online pursuits including weddings, bar mitzvahs, comedy shows, dance parties, and fundraisers such as the UJA’s Virtual Walk with Israel.

Page says that he’s now devoting more time to making a difference in his community. Magen Boys Entertainment was set to commemorate its 20th anniversary with one huge party this year. Instead, they’re “committing to 20 good deeds,” including toy drives, fundraisers and a mentorship program, which sprang naturally from the strong community connections Page has formed over the years.

“My goal is to continue to find meaningful experiences and to help people,” he says.

In March, Page launched a nightly online talk show, which he says has been “rehabilitating” for him and others during a difficult time. He also created a website, Product for Purpose (www.productforpurpose.com), that sells consumer goods, with proceeds going to help people struggling because of COVID-19.

“As tough as the pandemic has been for me, I know it’s been 1,000 times harder for so many other people,” says Page. “We’re fortunate,” he adds, reflecting on his close-knit family: wife Sasha, daughters Taylor (Grade 5) and Elle (age 2), and sons Preston (Grade 3) and Caleb (SK).

Page and Sasha have a long history of giving back to others, including the Bialik community.

Sasha — described by her adoring husband as “an amazing person” — serves on the Viewmount PTA. And over the years, Page has planned and hosted numerous school events, the latest being Bialik’s House Party Trivia Night, with appearances by guests such as L.A. Laker Danny Green and celebrity chef Duff Goldman.

Of his many passions, Page’s priority is clear: “The most important thing to me is family.”

A silver lining to the pandemic is that the Magens are spending more time together, hunkered down in their North Toronto home. The slower pace of recent months has served as a “breather” to reflect and find balance. “I see that as a gift,” he says.

“We’re trying to get through the pandemic with empathy and love.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R FA M I L I E S

AN ‘EGGCELLENT’ EFFORT

A

s the storm clouds of COVID-19 drifted across Canada, many Bialik families felt the need to take action. For one Himel family, that desire led to the selfless act of feeding frontline workers. And it all started with eggs.

During the spring of 2020 — in the midst of the pandemic lockdown — Simone Lange, husband Avi Glina and their three children were providing friends and family with farm-fresh eggs, gleaned from their weekend ranch in Havelock, Ontario. At a time when many people were anxious about going into grocery stores, the family’s fresh eggs were popular.

“We sat down and started to think of ideas that we could put the money towards,” recalls Simone, who was eager to involve her children in a worthwhile charity. “We wanted to show them that good deeds lead to good things.”

The family then got together with a friend who owns Toronto’s Five Doors North restaurant — he was working with Feed the Frontlines TO to provide meals to nurses, doctors and other frontline heroes.

After selling many of their own eggs and donating proceeds to Feed the Frontlines, the Glinas enlisted

bialik.ca

WE LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO GIVE BACK AND THAT’S REALLY WHAT BIALIK IS ALL ABOUT.

a commercial farmer to meet the growing demand.

By May 2020, Avi was hauling back hundreds of flats — 32 eggs per flat, for a total of almost 10,000 eggs per week — to sell near their Vaughan home. Family and friends stepped up to help, and two pick-up locations were arranged for customers.

“We live in a place where people want to give back and that’s really what Bialik is all about,” Simone says.

Over three months, the Glinas raised about $10,000 for Feed the Frontlines, which organized restaurant-prepared meals for staff at hospitals throughout Toronto.

The Glinas’ effort had cascading benefits. In addition to thanking and nourishing frontline workers, it gave farmers a boost, and it helped restaurants such as Five Doors North that were struggling during lockdown. It also taught important lessons to the Glina children: Gabi (Grade 5), Chase (Grade 1) and their older brother, Shai.

For starters, “It was very important for the kids to know where our food comes from,” says Avi, of the chickens and other livestock on their Havelock ranch. As the children got involved with delivering meals to hospitals, their lessons continued.

Wearing masks as they made deliveries, the children arrived to find healthcare workers in full PPE, from head to toe. “It was a good teaching moment to help them understand what the frontliners were doing on a daily basis,” Simone explains.

At the first hospital they visited, the children explained the efforts behind their Tikkun Olam project, “and the nurses started to cry,” recalls Simone.

“We saw how we were able to touch lives with just a little bit of patience, a little bit of time and effort, and a lot of love.”

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A LU M N I P R O F I L E S

PLAY-BYPLAY With Dan Shulman‘81

F

or three decades, sports fans have been enjoying the astute commentary and dulcet tones of Dan Shulman’81.

But, back when Dan was a Bialik student, a career in sports broadcasting wasn’t on his radar. While attending Western University, Dan “started messing around at the campus radio station, just for fun,” he recalls. Friends told him, “Well, you’re not terrible” — faint praise, indeed, for someone who’s now an award-winning sportscaster and a familiar face to countless viewers.

After graduating from Western with a B.Sc. in actuarial science in 1989, Dan abandoned a secure job as an actuary and landed a part-time gig at a small radio station. “I decided to have a midlife crisis at the age of 22,” he jokes.

HIS BIALIK DAYS ARE MOST MEMORABLE FOR THE FRIENDSHIPS HE FORGED AND THE WAY THE SCHOOL PREPARED HIM FOR HIGHER EDUCATION.

Better jobs followed in radio, at CJCL (the Fan), and then television, including TSN. These days, Dan provides play-by-play calls for the Toronto Blue Jays on Sportsnet and for U.S. men’s college basketball on ESPN. He also hosts a podcast, A Swing and a Belt.

This Bialik graduate has twice been honoured as Sports Media Canada Broadcaster of the Year (2000, 2007) and, in the U.S., as the NSMA National Sportscaster of the Year (2011). Dan recent-

24

ly learned he is a finalist for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s 2021 Ford C. Frick Award, the highest honour in baseball broadcasting.

Looking back on his youth, Dan was “an insane sports fan,” who also played several sports, including basketball and baseball.

His Bialik days are most memorable for the friendships he forged and the way the school prepared him for higher education. “No question, it helped develop a work ethic in me,” he says. His graduating class was a close-knit group, with only eight boys and eight girls: “I could easily name all 16.” When in Toronto, Dan still gets together for an annual lunch with several old Bialik pals.

Recently, Dan was out of town — at ESPN’s headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut, covering the 2020 World Series. By late October, however, he was back in Toronto enduring a 14-day quarantine and missing

his wife, Lauren, their little boy, and his older sons.

That was the price to pay for commenting on an exciting, if not weird, World Series. For the early rounds, no spectators were allowed. Then, the ballpark was at 25 per cent capacity (11,000 people) for the World Series in Arlington, Texas. “So it was actually refreshing in an odd way.”

Because of COVID-19, professional athletes have played to near-empty facilities for months. “To sit in a studio and to call a game with maximum adrenalin and then there’s no background noise was very strange,” Dan admits. “Like everything else, you adjust and you get used to it.”

“So, how ’bout those Jays?” he is frequently asked. Dan believes the future looks bright for the “extraordinarily young” team. “They’re definitely trending in the right direction—they should be a very interesting, exciting team next year.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

A LU M N I P R O F I L E S

HITTING A HIGH NOTE M

How growing up at Bialik helped set the stage for musician Tyler Simmons’14.

usic is not an easy choice, although it may appear to others to be so,” shares Tyler Simmons’14, from his Boston apartment, where he’s in his third year at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, on a significant scholarship. Tyler’s honeyed voice relays the challenges and triumphs of his rising music career, from opening for various stars, including Andy Grammar and Tyler Shaw, to collaborating on songs with Grammy and Juno-winning songwriters.

At the ripe age of 20, Tyler has enjoyed early success in his chosen path. He’s had a role on a Disney TV show Backstage, his song, Five Miles, has reached over 200,000 streams on Spotify, and he’s currently working on an EP. “It is not an easy industry to break into and it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance. But I promise you that all the hard work has been worth it,” he says.

Tyler’s dedication and ability to juggle his academics while pursuing a music career from a young age is due, in large part, to his time at Bialik. “I grew up at Bialik, so a lot of my development and study habits were formed there. It allowed me to focus a lot more on my music extracurricularly because I could efficiently manage my workload.”

Even though there were many overwhelming days that saw Tyler tackle meetings, music sessions and school assignments all within a 24-hour span, he never lost sight of his passion.

His love for being on stage was also kindled at school along with his impressive work ethic. “My favourite memories at Bialik were the traditional plays that were put on year to year. These plays jump-started my adventure as a singer and musician. Not only were they important to me in terms of tradition, but they have also impacted my life beyond school and my studies.”

He also looks back at the Science Fair as a highlight that helped shape his approach to songwriting. “In order to be successful in music, I need to offer my audience a unique experience that differentiates me from the multitude of musicians and ‘noise’ within the industry. I learned to look for ways to stand out within my selected genre — and Bialik pushed me to create and solve interesting problems at a young age.”

Ultimately, Tyler’s drive to succeed and carve out a space for his own style is proof that great things are in store when you persevere with your passions.

“Push for the things you love and never give up,” advises Tyler, “because, at the end of the day, you should love what you do!”

BIALIK PUSHED ME TO CREATE AND SOLVE INTERESTING PROBLEMS AT A YOUNG AGE.

bialik.ca

25

A LU M N I P R O F I L E S

A NEW DAY, A NEW STORY

S

he might be digging into conditions at Canada’s largest women’s prison, following politicians on the election trail, or covering day-to-day antics on Parliament Hill.

Whatever story Bialik alum Abigail Bimman’00 is working on, she has one clear goal: “I try to focus on people,” says the award-winning broadcast journalist. “I try to tell stories that help people or shed light on issues that they may be dealing with.”

As a correspondent in Global National’s parliamentary bureau in Ottawa, Abigail currently covers federal politics as well as a wide range of news and feature stories. “I mainly cover daily news, so when I wake up in the morning, I have that excitement and fun of not necessarily knowing what I’ll put to air that evening,” she says.

“It really is ever-changing and developing—sometimes even by the minute.”

Abigail’s memorable career moments, to date, include covering the 2019 federal election. While on the road with three party leaders, she enjoyed connecting with Canadians across the country. Over the course of her three years working in Ottawa, she has covered two G7 summits and accompanied Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on various international trips with the press corps.

In recent months, much of her work has been covering the pandemic, including promising vaccines and the government’s response to the virus.

A student at the Viewmount Branch from JK to Grade 6, Abigail has come to appreciate the solid foundation and the breadth of learning the school provided. She credits her performances in Bialik plays with nurturing the public speaking skills that are crucial in her career today.

After her first broadcasting class in Carleton University’s journalism program, Abigail became hooked on television reporting.

“Everything clicked into place for me,” she recalls. She clearly loves the medium, including weaving “the most impactful, powerful story in just a minute and a half — or two minutes if I’m lucky — with the fewest number of words and the strongest pictures.”

At Carleton, Abigail benefitted from five internships, including one with the Canadian Jewish News. She soon found work with CTV News, among other networks, and eventually Global News.

For her investigative journalism at CTV, Bimman was honoured with two Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) awards — one for a riveting series about life inside the Grand Valley Institution for Women. She has also received two awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association for outstanding feature stories.

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AFTER HER FIRST BROADCASTING CLASS IN CARLETON UNIVERSITY’S JOURNALISM PROGRAM, ABIGAIL BECAME HOOKED ON TELEVISION REPORTING.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

HELPFUL AWESOME DYNAMIC SUPERHEROES SHAPING TALENTED ORGANIZED RESILIENT

THANK YOU To our Incredible Teachers

INNOVATIVE PASSIONATE NURTURING LEADERS RESOURCEFUL FLEXIBLE ENCOURAGING

T H A N K YO U TO O U R T E A C H E R S SUPPORTIVE INFLUENTIAL CARING EMPATHETIC GIVING DEDICATED LOVING MOTIVATING

FUNNY ENTHUSIASTIC CREATIVE DEVOTED SELFLESS PATIENT INSPIRING OUTSTANDING

A LU M N I W E D D I N G S

SIMCHAS AND STORIES

Mazal tov to our alumni on their special celebrations!

We love to share stories with the Bialik community so please keep us updated with your news at bialik.ca/our-alumni.

Joshua Skapinker’06 and Erin Zacks

Gilly Blustein’05

Rachel (Wexler) Ostro’03

and Josh Cohen

and Andrew Ostro

Zane Brickman’05 and Laura Elman

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Sloan Baron’05 and Aaron Farber

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

A LU M N I B A B I E S

Asher Noah Klein

Parents Benjamin Klein’04 and Eden Klein

Jack Thomas Pelchovitz

Parents Elizabeth Gottesman’01 and Jeff Pelchovitz

Parker Mats Lastman

Parents Cory Lastman’04 and Nicole Lastman

bialik.ca

Benjamin Leo Gurau

Parents David Gurau’98 and Rebecca Rockman Gurau

Jack Wine Halpern

Parents Madison Wine’04 and Bobby Halpern

Rory Sutton Kushner

Parents Sarah Goodman Kushner’05 and Koby Kushner

Hannah Theresa Suttner

Parents Haddon Suttner’95 and Cara Suttner

Maya Rachel Nofech-Mozes

Parents Jaclyn (Ludmer) Nofech-Mozes’05 and Roy Nofech-Mozes’05

Tamar Bella Waltman

Parents Jordan Waltman’97 and Dayna Waltman

Itai Chen Landau

Parents Simone Suttner’97 and Chaim Landau

Nathan Leo Rotenberg

Parents Candice (Konkol) Rotenberg’04 and Jeff Rotenberg

Tyler Harrison Farbstein

Parents Lyla (Abells) Farbstein’03 and Billy Farbstein

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G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT

OUR GENEROUS DONORS Thank you to our community for making a difference in 2019-20! Your generous gifts ensure that we are able to offer our students enriched academic opportunities founded on Jewish values and traditions. We truly appreciate your ongoing support of our school.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Donations received from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 In support of capital enhancements, tuition support and signature educational initiatives

All lists have been checked for accuracy but errors may have occurred. If you have not been appropriately recognized, please email the Advancement Department advancement@bialik.ca.

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Anonymous (1) The Felicia and Arnold Aaron Foundation Benjamin Abramov and Shari Golberg Nara Abrams Wayne and Mandy Abramsohn Mitchell Adelstein and Jennifer Kaufman Adelstein Adam and Martha Agensky Eric Agmon and Stephanie Rosen Mark Alexander and Rachel Yeager Bryon and Lani Alexandroff Jojo Alexandroff Adam Allett Eli Alter and Jessica Fenton Mark and Susanne Alter Seth and Michele Alter Yoel and Galit Altman David Altshuller and Rebecca Cash Dana Amar Irit Amar Eti Amouyal Merav Anafi Adam and Revital Anava Mark and Karen Anhang Gerry Anklewicz Greg and Jennifer Apple Jeffrey Appleby and Shayna Rosenbaum

Allen and Michelle Aptekar Israel and Stephanie Apter Ronnie and Debra Aronson and Family Karen Assaraf Brian and Candice Bacal Alex Baker and Rayna Laiken Baker Jared Baker Tanya Baker Alanna Balilty Alex Ball and Suzan Kerner Adam Banack and Mara Silver Neve and Bethany Baram Adi Barel Henry Barkin Alex Barnes Georgy and Yulia Barsky Yael Baruch Shelby Baum Kenny and Elise Bearg Tanya Behar Richard and Tamara Belfer Bram and Ilana Belzberg Jacob Benbihy and Rachel Moses Samuel Benchitrit and Sharon Telem Richard Bennett and Lisa Lipkin Bennett Gary Bensky

Daniel Benzvi and Liza Ziniuk Benzvi Steven and Deborah Bergson Ana Berman Roy Bernhard and Caroline Cohen Stacey Bernstein Julia Berta Nicole Betel Michael and Liora Betsalel Bialik PTA - Viewmount Bialik Social and Gift Fund Donald and Cookie Biback Marlo Billet Michael Binder and Jackie Saltsman Tara Bines Roy Birnboim Ella Bisher Lorne Bloomberg and Jodeme Goldhar Jeremy and Shauna Bornstein Naomi Brandt Mark and Candice Braun Janis Breslin Marlene Brickman Shlomit Broder David Bronfman Allon and Pnina Bross David and Taryn Bross

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT

Jeffrey and Jennifer Brown Jessica Brown Melvin and Sandra Brown Lorne Burger and Ashley Faust Mitch and Michelle Burko The Business Development Bank of Canada Estee Buzaglo Jen Cain Elana Caplan Lauren Caplan Joshua and Helaina Cappel Michelle Carroll Barry Cayen and Dara Maker Daniella Chai Leo and Bayla Chaikof Ania Chernina Mark Osten and Lisa Chodirker Ariel Chousky Neil J. Closner and Family Benjy Cohen and Jane Rimmer Jack and Ruth Cohen Jeremy Cohen and Adee Bross Cohen Joanne Cohen Jonas and Jennifer Cohen Laurel Cohen Meirav Cohen David Cohen-Olivenstein Oz and Yael Cohen Avi and Leora Cole Michael and Josephine Cole Mihael and Simone Cole Abigail Colucci Italo and Ruth Colucci Matthew Connors Eli Cooperberg and Joanna Mansfield Iain and Merav Cooper Dani Cooperman Ilana Coristine Rachel Cosman Randy Covens and Lindsay Ram Haniel and Keren Croitoru Emma Csillag Jordan Cutler and Lauren Fienberg Lior Cyngiser and Ilana Gould Jeremy Dacks and Ali Taradash-Dacks Eden Dales Craig and Lauren Damelin Larry and Debra Danilewitz Raphael and Andrea Danon Lorraine Darling Benny and Michal Daskalo Marla Dassas Melissa David Larry and Carolyn Davidson Jesse and Miri Davidson Jamie Davis and Jodie Kaufman Davis Brian and Gayle de Bloeme Ran and Hagit Dekel Carly Delson Howard and Mirah Detsky Jay and Sivanne Detsky Jaimee Diamond Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind Stephen and Robyn Diamond Stuart Dicker and Heidi Miller Dicker Marcus Dickler and Jaimie Kudlats Berta Dilouya Michal Dinary Jeremy and Jessica Donath Michael and Stefanie Dorfman Mark and Naomi Driman Leonard and Alana Drimmer Joshua Drury Fred and Anita Eckhaus Arthur Einav Naomi Eisenberg Sam and Erin Elfassy

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Jenny Elmaleh David and Laura Elman Michael and Jayne Elman Jonathan Ender and Sari Sadofsky Steve and Arleen Engelberg Meredith Englander Ron and Diane Ennis Blake Enzel Megan Epstein Roy and Ayelet Erez Adam and Tina Erlich Steven and Shelbey Erlich Eyal Eshed Sherry Evans Oriane Falkenstein Leon and Barbara Farber Mark Federman and Marina Gutman Michael and Alisa Feldbloom Jeffrey and Joanna Feldman Michael Feldman and Nanette Rosen Robert and Helene Feldman Benjamin Fine and Ronit Ossip-Fine Chad and Sheri Finkelstein Richard and Caren Finkelstein Barry Fischer and Karen Kuperberg Georgia Flatt Taly Fleischer Hailley Fleisher Daniel and Sharon Fogel Lally Fogel Robert and Shauna Fonn Eric and Cheryl Foster Michelle Foster Seth and Carly Foucault Jamie and Elisa Fox Matthew and Sara Fox Michael Frankel and Irene Bass David and Allison Freedman Ben and Laura Freeman Jonathan Freeman and Cyrelle Muskat Marshall and Toddy Freilich Miriam Freilich Anatoli Freiman and Andrea Kurtz Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe Alan and Michelle Friedman Donnie and Kathy Friedman Earle and Phyllis Friedman Alex and Karin Friedmann Dani Frodis Joshua and Michelle Frost Shael Fryer and Danielle Lurie Shay and Sarit Fuchs Lea Fuerstenberg Zack Fuerstenberg and Dana Glassman Amanda Gaeeni Jacob Gallinger Michael and Cindy Garbe Sarit Gazman Gregory and Tara Gelman Edward Gendelman Abe and Karen Gerstein Jonathan and Susan Giddens Ori and Michal Gilad Jeffrey Gilman and Sheryl Smith-Gilman Jonathan and Janice Gladstone Richard and Joan Gladstone Jordan Glick and Faye Kravetz David and Marilyn Glick Leora Glick Charles and Nathalie Gluckstein Arnan and Lori Goldenberg Steven and Lori Goldenberg Elliot Balboul and Rachel Goldgut Richard and Jennifer Goldhar Helena Gold Barry and Karen Goldlist Adam and Jennifer Goldman

Jeremy Goldman and Heather Sternberg Tamara Goldman Norman and Linda Gold Noah and Samantha Goldstein Ron Goldstein and Renee Flamenbaum Aily Goodis David Goodman and Jessica Waks Maya Goreshnik Norman and Sharon Gottlieb Jeff and Jordana Grad Michael Grad and Tova Bar-Dayan Miriam Granek Daniel Green and Amanda Kushnir Eric and Karen Green Robert Green Mark and Lauren Greenbaum Harry and Roslynne Greenberg Tsvika and Anat Greenberg Jason and Sarah Greenspan Ira and Shelley Greenspoon Todd and Hayley Greenspoon Eric Greenwald and Eva Kogan-Greenwald Cliff and Joey Grevler Bernie Gropper and Elise Stern Gropper Adam and Jordanne Grossman Robert Grossman Irving and Susan Gurau Heather Gutmann Elliott Gwosdy and Deborah Wise Gwosdy Sarray Hadad Dan and Ziona Hagler Aussi Hagshi and Pamela Greenspoon-Hagshi Samara Hanick Noa Hanser Jonathan and Shana Harris Caroline Hartzman Maurice and Marcelle Hazout Michael and May Helberg Stacey Herberman Stephen and Marcia Herbert Ron and Michele Herczeg Stewart Hershenfield and Marla Engelberg Alan and Amy Hiltz Adam and Laura Hirsh David Holland and Ilana Zeidel Kari Hollend Aaron and Suzanne Holtzman Allan Horenfeldt and Galla Erenberg Rebekah Houpt Brooke Huang-Edrey Ari Huber and Victoria Sugarman Eran and Ekaterina Hurvitz Marc and Maria Hutner Hannah Isaac Maureen Isakov Rio Ison Noah Ivers and Ilana Halperin Robert Jacoby and Mindy Gilbert Roy and Liraz Jacoby Shy and Elena Jacoby Ora Kagan Shayne Kane and Tatyana Slavny Alla Kaplan Andrew and Bonnie Kappy Robert Karol Estate of Kasiel Kates Vadim Kats and Risa Revin Darren Katz and Nadine Rockman Katz David and Leila Katz Gena and Judith Katz Jason and Dani Katz Oren and Adrienne Katz Ronny Katz and Rivka Krakofsky Shane and Lara Katz Sidney and Dorothy Katz Stephen and Melanie Katz Jesse and Renee Kaufman

Joshua Kaufman and Daniella Saguy Sherry Kaufman Sue Kaufman Terry and Ruth Kaufman Charles Kazaz and Alyssa Minsky Ron Kean and Nicole Paul Jennie Kelman Ronit Kenedy Michael and Rachel Kerbel Adam Kerbel and Avi Zucker Zach Kerekes and Jen Atlin-Kerekes Jeffrey and Brie Kimel Richard and Lynda Kimel Don Kirsh Fallah Kirshenbaum Ernest and Norma Kirsh Les Klein and Toby Rose Rami and Tali Kleinmann Ronnie and Louis Klein Jordan and Ester Klimitz Zachary Klinghoffer and Jackie Ostro Andrew and Sarah-Beth Klug David and Joy Kohn Rolan and Melissa Koifman Inna Koldorf Nella Koren Felix Kreichman and Lauren Nightingale Jonathan and Corry Kreindler Simon and Ruby Kreindler Alex Krieger Jamie Kroft Josh Kuretzky and Anndra Schwartz Jeremy Kushner and Shoshana Mezelski-Kushner Doreen Landow Vanessa Lang Noreen Lange Avi Glina and Simone Lange Irene Lantos David and Joy Lanys Jonathan and Amanda Lapidus Sherri Lavine Marvin and Merilyn Lean Steven and Miriam Leder Eli and Mara Lederman Matthew Leibowitz and Gillian Lindzon Steven Leonoff and Deborah Miller Dana Lerner Corey and Shelley Levin Aaron Levine and Vivian Ringwald Peter Levine Eric and Lana Levin Robert and Amanda Levine Ivan Levin Lydia Levin Ruth Levin Samantha Levin Mordy Levy and Dina Gabay Levy Ariela Levy Rob and Ashira Levy Yonat Levy Richard and Evelyn Lewis Elana Lewy-Fin Eric Libin Stephen and Robyn Libin Carly Libman Karen Lidor Jonathan Lieberman and Rayzel Shulman Mark and Naomi Lieberman Joanna Lipfeld Fabiana Lipka Harvey and Sharon Lipman Hertzel and Naomi Lipner Anthony Lipschitz and Lisa Mawas Chloe Lipson Jeremy Logan and Hilary Goldstein Henry Lowi and Yasmine Merri David Lubotta and Tamara Mimran

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G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT

Tiki Madar Jill Magen-Lichtblau Mark and Cherie Mager Joey Maimon and Michelle Simons Maimon Adam Maisels and Sarah Ingber Efrem and Fara Mandelcorn Julia Mandell Lawrence and Elana Mandel Marie Mandel Mark and Kerry Mandel Ori and Gabi Mandowsky Alejandro Manevich and Tamara Blitz-Miller David and Melissa Mann Harry and Molly Mann Guy Mannheim and Ilit Aharonson-Mannheim Adam Marcus and Melissa Hershberg Adam and Jillian Matlin Bernie Mayer and Andrea Plotnick Lev and Ilana Mazur Jordana Mednick David and Hila Meisels Elijah and Rivka Melnick Keith and Suzette Meloff Richard and Sonya Meloff Jacob Melzer and Dafna Jalon Joanna Micner Jordan and Daniela Milchman Laura Mincer Rachelle Mire Aaron and Suzanne Mocon Assaf Mordachay and Tatyana Shteynberg David and Marni Morrow Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman Stewart Moskovitch and Janie Goldstein Michael and Elvira Mostyn Na’amat Canada Edward and Hyla Nagel Harvey and Barbara Naglie Jerry and Judy Naiberg Matthew and Blair Naiberg Gloria Nanou Orly Negrin Mark and Sheryl Nightingale Barry and Victoria Nisan Aaron and Arlene Nisker Jason and Clare Nisker David and Leah Noon Sayla Nordin Dalya Nussbaum Ilana Onel Ely and Octavia Oosterhuis Nir and Leslie Orbach Aaron and Jackie Orzech David Ossip and Devra Baryshnik Gila Ossip Sean and Kelly Ostro Jonathan Otis and Lily Latner Otis Adrienne Pacht Richard and Penny Parnes Chen Pascoe Marcelo Pechersky Eddy and Deanna Peranson Esther Perez Iris Perlman Ran Perry and Rachel Kohl Daniel and Nataly Pesin Jonathan Pinchuk and Rachel Silver Philip Plotnick and Bonnie Zelman Jonathan and Stacie Pollack Ron and Carolyn Polster Morton and Joanna Prager Dean Rabie, Michelle Jacobson, Aden and Ayla Rabie Stefanie Rakowski Paul Raphael Suzanne Rapoport Sammy and Jessica Redlick Harlan Redlick and Robyn Waxman

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Rotem Regev Gavin and Mara Reiff Cole Reiken and Deborah Drukarsh Reiken Aida Reis Benjamin and Simone Reitzes Jeremy Rezmovitz and Ellie Richmond Les and Mary Richmond Cliff and Lindsay Ritter Lauren Rivietz Eric Riz and Nina Rothman Randy and Janet Robertson Steven and Leah Rodin Jay and Rachel Rolnick Mark and Alyssa Rolnick Robyn Rosen Codas Steven and Dana Rosenbaum Joel and Chris Rosenthal Bobby and Judi Ross Oshrat Rotenberg Mollie Rothman Noa Rozenblit Sasha Alexander Rozhnov and Evgeniya Smirnova Allen Ruben Julie Ruben Rodney David and Inna Rubenstein Jason Rubenstein and Sharon Lorber Daniel and Karen Rubin Jonas and Lauren Rubinoff Warren and Sari Rudick Meredith Rudin Shaun and Andra Sadofsky Michelle Sadowski Alla Sagalov Mark Sager and Lisa Starr Andre and Rhoda Salama Frank and Irene Salomon Mark Salsberg and Elisa Cogan Tarnjeet and Michaela Sandhu Adam Sargon and Jessica Kudlats Elan and Lynne Satov Robbie and Mara Schachter Jill Schaffrar Richard Schenker David Schlesinger and Lindsey Title Sherene Schwabacher Michelle Schwartzberg Johana Schwartzman Charles and Mina Schwarz Jodi Schwarz Barry Segal and Brooke Shulman Mary Seldon Carmela Serebryany and Gilad Levy and Family Danielle Serfaty Ariella Shachar Michal Shahak Shlomo and Varda Shalev Naomi Shapero Ilya Shapirovskiy and Anna Goland Andrea Sharvit Hayley Shay Lisita Shemesh Ilene Sheres Shelley and Evelyn Sherkey Samantha Sherman David and Francine Shields Daniel Shiff and Dana David Jordan Shnier and Gillian Tessis-Shnier Bryan Shore Hy Shore Jeffrey and Joanna Shore Chaim Shpiler Van and Sonia Shron Brahm Siegel and Paula Feig Elise Sieradzki Jay Silber and Mara Cole David and Joanne Silber

Eric and Leah Silber Kayla Silver Shachar and Vered Simkovits Jory and Ruthie Simpson Jay and Rebecca Singer Jonathan and Adina Singer Kali Singer Randal and Shirley Slavens Harvey Sliwowicz and Erika Krausz Lorne and Debbie Small Carl and Shera Smith Ellen Smith Corey and Jennifer Snider Mark and Casey Soer Ian and Jill Solomon Dina Somin Sone Rovet Chasson LLP Sean Spector and Tamara Center David and Janis Spinner Alan Stackle David Stastny and Jill Levine Marcus Staviss and Honey Bloomberg Michael Steinberg and Corinne Rusch Drutz Eric Stein and Drorit Weiss Jared and Orly Stein Stan and Bernice Steinman Jared and Karen Stekel Daniel and Michelle Sterescu Shawn Stevens Marla Stone Jordan and Jennifer Stroll Josh and Lainie Sugar Lorne Sugarman and Vanessa Pinsky Darien Sussman and Carrie Betel Michael and Shoshana Taitz Liron Tal and Shani Marzin Eitan and Jodi Tanentzap Shaul and Natalie Tarek Elisha and Irit Targonsky Estelle Tastasa Stan and Marilyn Teitelbaum Doron and Michal Telem Brian Temins Errol Tenenbaum and Nicole Salama Tenenbaum Jamie Tepper and Tammy Lindover Dorothy Tessis Jared Tessis Kenny and Charlotte Tessis Caren Thomas Elliot and Sandra Title Shawn Tock and Joanna Grossman Daniel and Karin Toledano Larry and Frieda Torkin Rob Trager and Aimee Schneiderman Vince Tropepe and Nirit Bernhard David and Shirley Tsivian Graham Tugetman Vladimir Tumanov Samantha Turk Albina Unger John and Rosie Uster Steven and Melissa Uster Daniel Vajda and Veronika Goldberg-Vajda Ofer and Danielle Vicus Tal and Helen Vilenski Michael and Jennifer Vilner Joshua and Katie Waks Evan Propst and Tali Waksman Amir Walden and Dara Schwartz Ruvan and Danielle Waltman Michael and Aimee Walton Sam and Andrea Waserman Jonathan Wasserman and Joanna Fox David and Hayley Waugh Clifford and Rhoda Waxman Robert and Rochelle Waxman Oren Weinberg and Kristen Normandin

Ari Weinberg and Brenda Fontes Eitan Weinberg and Diana Tamir Moshe and Debbie Weinberg Betty Weintraub Elan Weintraub and Sharon Karvat-Weintraub Eric and Leah Weisz Mark and Julia Weisz David and Debra Weizman Susan Weltman Jessy Werger Shelly and Lisa Werger-Adler Dustin Wilkins and Marilyn Perelshtein Bonnie Wilson Paul and Shelley Winton Jack and Nan Wiseman Sheldon and Rickie Wise The Wolfe Family Jeff and Debra Wolfe Osnat Wolle Micah Wood and Amy Weizman Rebecca Wortzman The Sam Yakubowicz Family Foundation Liora Yakubowicz Robert Yealland David and Beverley Young Alona Yudashkin Lea Zaltzman Ran Zeev and Lisa Gold-Zeev Donna Zener Benjamin Zifkin and Shelly Bolotin Dan and Leah Zilnik Yona Zilnik Liron Zur Ilanit Zvi Michael and Julie Zylberlicht

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Donations received from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Mark and Karen Anhang Bialik Hebrew Day School - JK2H Students Donald and Cookie Biback Benjy Cohen and Jane Rimmer Daniel and Risa Drimmer Judy and David Engel, Tina and Adam Erlich and Family Arunachalam Ganashing Eric and Karen Green Darryl and Heather Hennick Itche Himel Fund Rolan and Melissa Koifman Jordan Lack and Tamar Kopel Eric and Lana Levin Robert and Amanda Levine Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman Jeffrey and Joanna Shore Jay Silber and Mara Cole Sheldon and Lillian Sokoloff David and Janis Spinner TD Bank Group Shawn Tock and Joanna Grossman TORCOM Construction Inc. The Tylman Family Fred and Linda Waks Ruvan and Danielle Waltman David and Beverley Young

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT

DAY OF GIVING Donations received from March 4-5, 2020 Anonymous (55) The Abells Family The Abramov Family The Adelstein Family The Agensky Family The Akman Family Julia Aksmanov Anna Aleinikov and Andrew Morris Jennifer Ali The Alter-Fenton Family The Alterman Pont Family David Altshuller and Rebecca Cash Elaine Altshuller Laura Anava The Anhang Family The Apple Family Alan and Rona Applebaum Massey, Parker and Brody Applebaum Zena and Michael Applebaum and Family The Apter Family Israel and Stephanie Apter Karen Assaraf The Babbin Family Deborah and Phil Bacal Pauline and Larry Bacher The Baker Family Joy Balboul Linda Balboul Jerry and Tammy Balitsky Henry and Barbara Bank Bethany Baram The Barbuzzi Family Adi Barel Henry Barkin Barmak Family The Bar Menachem Family Tamar Baron Leah and Jeremy Baruch Tammy and Michael Baruch and Family Amelia and Teddy Bell Brent and Lynn Belzberg Brody and Reid Belzberg Joy Benatar Vera and Moe Benatar Hannah and Shira Bennett Jennifer and Alan Bensky The Bergson Family The Bernhard Family The Berns Family The Betsalel Family Bialik Hebrew Day School - Senior Division Students - Himel Bialik PTA - Himel Tamara Blitz-Miller Honey and Marcus Bloomberg Judith Bloomberg Lorne Bloomberg Myra and Steven Blustein Andy and Marlene Borins Eric Bornstein Hannah and Judah Bornstein Howard Brass The Braun Family Jeremy, Adee, Micah and Marley Brayden The Breido Family Marlene Brickman Ilene Bronsteter The Browman Family Jeff Brown Melvin and Sandra Brown

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Tammy, Paul, Danielle and Noah Brown The Burger/Gordon Family Ashley, Lenny, Shael and Noa Burger Susan Burger Einat Burke Georganne Burke Marilyn and Robert Burke The Burko Family The Caplan Family Cory and Melanie Capland The Cappel Family Aaron Cash and Erin Klinghoffer Rafael Cashman Jacob and Talia Chisick Maxa and Cliff Chisick John Cleworth and Yvette Mondesir The Cohen Family Alana and Justin Cohen Benjy Cohen and Jane Rimmer Jonas Cohen Laurel Cohen Mike Cohen Ruth, Jack and Florrie Cohen Sharon Cohen Matthew Connors Merav and Iain Cooper Whitney Cooper and Jagger Miltchin Marcia Cosman Lior Cyngiser and Ilana Gould Jeremy Dacks and Ali Taradash-Dacks Elliott and Sally Dale Barbara and Shawn Dalgorf The Daly Family The Damelin Family Galit Daniels Debra Danilewitz Michal and Benny Daskalo Dana David and Daniel Shiff Mel David and Family Arnold and Naomi Davidson Marnie Davidson The Davis Family The Day Family The Dehtiar Family The Diamond Family The Dicker Family Marcus Dickler and Jaimie Kudlats The Dinovitzer-Levi Family Michael and Stefanie Dorfman Joshua Drury The Dryer/Kohut Family Marvin and Miriam Dryer Marlene Dworkind Jessica and Barak Edelstein The Edrey Family The Ellison Family Bruce and Nancy Elman Jayne and Michael Elman and Family Laura and David Elman Max and Ethan Ender Daniel, Sarah and Spencer Engel Judy and David Engel Chuck and Lydia English Naomi Epstein Hana and Yehuda Erez Mary Erlich Tina and Adam Erlich The Esken Family Oriane Falkenstein Stefanie Fallis The Farb Family Amy Feferman to honour her son Joseph Andrew and Michelle Feifer Paula Feig The Feldbloom Family The Feldman Family Marilyn Fenton

Janice and Kenny Finkelstein Lisa and Jamie Fisherman Daniel and Dorit Flatt Mike Florence The Fogel Family Renee Fogelbaum Cheryl and Eric Foster Seth and Carly Foucault Elisa Fox Matthew Fox Miriam Freilich Anatoli Freiman Alan and Michelle Friedman and Family Sari and Stephen Friedman Jaime and Susan Furman Glenna and Steven Fuss Carrie and Steve Gaines Jacob and Lauren Gallinger Howie and Carole Gelfand Leyat and Bryan Gelman The Gerstel Family Melissa Gerwitz Sari and Jon Gerwitz Sharon Gerwitz The Giddens Family Gary Gladstone Joan and Richard Gladstone Jonathan and Janice Gladstone Dana Glassman and Zack Fuerstenberg Newton and Laura Glassman Jordan Glick and Faye Kravetz and Family Leora, Maddy and Reuben Glick The Gluskin Family The Gluzman Family The Golberg Reid Family David and Rachel Gold The Goldenberg Family Neil and Shelley Goldenberg Shira and Kyle Goldenberg The Goldgut Family Gayle Goldgut The Goldhar Family Linda and Norman Gold Lynda and Gary Goldlust Goldsmith-Lima Family The Goldstein Family Anette Goldstein Carol and Lorne Goldstein Ron Goldstein Aily Goodis The Gordon Family The Goren-Poole Family Murray Gotkind The Graben Family Hazel and Peter Graben The Grad Family Helen and Henry Grad Jordana and Justin Grant Rabbi Seth and Leba Grauer Anat Greenberg Natalie and Neil Greenberg Roslynne and Harry Greenberg Sarah and Jason Greenspan Hayley and Todd Greenspoon Ira and Shelley Greenspoon Nancy Greenspoon The Grevler Family Bernie Gropper and Elise Stern Gropper Cam, Heath, Kiera, Jordanne and Adam Grossman Robert Grossman Sharon Grossman Stanley Grossman Tania Guindi Yana and Vadim Gouterman Marina, Avianna and Amariya Gutman Heather Gutmann The Hacohen Family

The Hagshi Family The Halbrich Family Ilana Halperin and Noah Ivers The Hartmann Family Shawna Hart and Yottam Fichman The Hazan Family The Hazin Family Mariel Heller and Mark Steinman Judy Hendler The Herbert Family Ron and Michele Herczeg and Family Sharon Herman Tamara and Corey Herscu The Hershenfield Family Shainey Himal The Hirsh Family Celia and Allen Hirsh David Holland and Ilana Zeidel The Houldin Family The Hurwen Family The Inspektor Family The Jerusalim Family Rivka Kagal The Karasick Family The Karch Family The Kats Family The Katz Family Ian and Bonny Katz Oren and Adrienne Katz and Family Sidney and Dorothy Katz Sorelle and Jackmin Katz Stephen and Melanie Katz The Kaufman Family E S Kaufman Ron Kean Ronit Kennedy Avi and Adam Kerbel Lisa Kerbel Tamara Kerbel Ricki Kigel Lynda Kimel Norma and Ernie Kirsh Stacey Kirshenbaum The Kizell Family Lisa and David Klein Tali Kleinmann Marsha and Shawn Klerer Donna Koffman Martin Kofman and Sherry Cohen The Komlos Family The Kramer Family Erika Krausz and Harvey Sliwowicz Felix Kreichman The Kreindler Family Marilyn Krol Jessica Kudlats The Kushnir/Green Family Lorri Kushnir and Rami Or The Lack Family The Ladovsky Family / United Bakers Miriam and Aaron Landau Lenore Lanel Layah Lapidus Aggie and Paul Laszlo The Lazer Family Arlene and Manny Leder Bonnie and Jay Lefton Sara and Hartley Lefton Debbie Lenchner The Leonoff Family Jamie and Adam Lepofsky Alan Lerman Lydia Levin The Levine Family Delia, Shaun and Jordana Levy Stephen and Marnie Lewis The Libin Family

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The Lieberman Family Mark and Naomi Lieberman and Family Michael and Carla Lieberman Gillian Lindzon Allan and Rene Lipman Naomi Lipner Ilana and Paul Lischinski Aviva Lowe and Richard Fridman Baila and Marvyn Lubek Vicki and Bruce Lubell The Madar Family Cherie Mager The Mandel Family Berenice and Mark Mandelcorn Fara and Efrem Mandelcorn and Family David and Melissa Mann Harry and Molly Mann Fern Matlin and Brendan Hanna Bernie Mayer and Andrea Plotnick The Mazur Family The Meisels Family The Meloff Family The Melzer/Jalon Family Golan Mergui Shayna and Darren Merker Berry Meyerowitz Michelle Milner Lynne and Michael Mitchell The Mocon Family The Moffs Family The Morrow Family Melissa Moshal The Moskowitz Family The Mouyal Family The Nachman Morrow Family The Nagel Family Judy and Jerry Naiberg Matthew and Blair Naiberg and Family Ben Nightingale Mark and Sheryl Nightingale Victoria and Barry Nisan Arlene and Aaron Nisker Clare and Jason Nisker Betty Niznik The Orbach Family The Oren Family Mary Orzech Naomi and Neil Orzech Marc and Bonnie Ossip Isaac Oziel Brooklyn and Sienna Pacht Lynnda and Jeffrey Pancer

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Eddy and Deanna Peranson Yael Perlon Ran Perry The Pesin Family The Pilarski Family Amy Platt Carolyn and Ron Polster The Rabie Family The Rabinovich Family Bev and Reuben Redlick Harlan Redlick and Robyn Waxman Leslie Richmond Mary and Les Richmond The Richmond/Rezmovitz Family Phil and Carolyn Robins The Robinson Family Alyssa, Mark and Ryanne Rolnick The Rosen Family The Rosenstein Family Judi Ross Ted and Debbi Ross Sabina Rotenberg The Rotzang Family Gerry Rowan David and Inna Rubenstein The Rubin Family Bruce Rubin and Steve Hummel The Rubinoff Family Marlene and Joey Sadofsky The Sager Family Melita Sager Ora Sager Irene Salamon The Salsberg Family The Samuel/Zivot Family Magda Sasi Naomi and Mark Satok The Schachter Family Dori Schaefer Honey Schein Schrieder Family Schwartz Family Jamie and Shaila Schwartz The Segal Morrison Family The Seidman Family Evan and Marnie Selby Eric Sendsen Boris and Rita Serebryany Carmela Serebryany and Gilad Levy, Eliana and Joshua Harris The Shahak-Broder Family Erin Shapiro

Susan Shapiro Andrea and Stan Sharvit Samantha Sherman The Shore Family Judith Shostack Sonia and Van Shron Rhona and Ken Shulman The Shupak Family Adi Shvalbe David Silber The Silver Family Amanda Silver Ruthie and Jory Simpson Jay and Rebecca Singer Jonathan and Adina Singer Rhoda Singer The Slavens Family Ilya Slavny Tatyana Slavny and Shayne Kane Debbie and Lorne Small The Smith Family Carl Smith Barb Smuskowitz Jessica Smuskowitz and Ryan Unruch Jennifer and Corey Snider Hana Snir Leslie Solomon Tamara and Sean Spector Janis and David Spinner Jon, Nicole, Gabe and Seth Spinner Eric Starr Judy Starr The Stein Family Elaine and Joseph Steiner Stan and Bernice Steinman Karen and Jared Stekel Susan Stelcner Michelle and Daniel Sterescu Helen Stollar The Stroll Family The Sugar Family Andrea, Aubrey and Sugar Family Galit Sugar Marlene Sugar Superfly Entertainment Oren and Lilia Swissa Shoshana and Mike Taitz Lynne Taradash The Targonsky Family Jennifer and Lorne Taylor Allison and Matthew Teich Stan Teitelbaum

Nicole and Errol Tenenbaum Maine and Barry Tissenbaum Lindsey Title and David Schlesinger Cara and Jonathan Tkatch Janice and Murray Tkatch The Tock Family Benji and Orly Tock Judy and Michael Tock Irina Tomchin-burke Danny and Ilana Topp The Tropepe Bernhard Family Tybie Trossman David and Shirley Tsivian Michael Valo Arnold and Jean Vertlieb Danielle Waisman The Waks Family Debbie and Jay Waks Jessica Waks and David Goodman Joshua and Katie Waks Aimee Walton The Waserman Family The Wasserman Family Robert and Rochelle Waxman Galit Weig Myrna Weiner Aviva, Yair, Yael and Tal Weisblum Agi and Sam Weizman Lisa Werger-Adler Jamie Wilson and Family The Wise Family Jeff and Debra Wolfe Amy and Micah Wood and Family Sharon Wrock Gloria Wunder The Yakubowicz/Herzig Family David and Beverley Young The Zarovinsky Family The Zegman Family The Zeitz Family Leah and Matthew Zeitz Zisi and Zev Zemel Brian Ziedenberg and Tracey Lazare The Zifkin Family Dan and Leah Zilnik Eyal Zilnik Rita and Felix Zilnik Danielle Zucker and Benjamin Levy Adi Zur Ilanit Zvi Julie and Mike Zylberlicht

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

SEE BIALIK IN A NEW WAY.

Enrolment available for JK–Grade 8 for 2021–22 and beyond.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR. Contact our Director of Admissions, Danielle Waltman dwaltman@bialik.ca

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416-783-3346 ext. 285.

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