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Future Forward: ‫התקדמות‬ STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

Future Forward: ‫התקדמות‬ We are pleased to share our the 2023-2028 strategic plan for Gray Academy of Jewish Education. The direction outlined in this document is the culmination of a year-long consultative process that included input from the board, senior leadership, faculty, staff, parents and students. Our new Strategic Plan builds on our established strengths and outlines strategies for meeting the evolving needs of students in a rapidly changing world. As Winnipeg’s only Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 Jewish day school, Gray Academy’s value proposition is totally unique in our community. In this new plan, we remain focused on upholding our foundation of Community, Jewish Identity and Wellbeing, while we forge forward with three new strategic goals. We are committing to Define, Enhance and Sustain educational and operational excellence while nurturing the whole child, helping each individual develop the tools to become their best self academically, socially, emotionally and Jewishly. Educational excellence framed by Jewish identity, community and values means we do more than simply educate each individual child. It means we foster community, as we nourish the development of informed, engaged, empathetic individuals who will shape the future of Jewish life in Winnipeg and in the world. We remain steadfast in our belief that our incredible faculty, staff and leadership are the reasons Gray Academy continues to grow and exceed family expectations, and we are so excited to share what the future holds!

Lori Binder (‘91) Head of School and CEO

Josh Weinstein (‘89) President, Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education 3

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

As Western Canada’s only JK-Grade 12 Jewish day school, Gray Academy provides unparalleled opportunities for students to learn and grow academically, socially, emotionally and Jewishly in a warm, welcoming community environment.

Our Commitments

‫ההתחייבויות שלנו‬

Gray Academy prepares students to reach their full potential as empowered global citizens by providing educational excellence framed by Jewish identity, community and values.

Academic Excellence A Community School Jewish Identity Future Leadership Healthy Living Israel

‫הצטיינות אקדמית‬ ‫בית ספר קהילתי‬ ‫זהות יהודית‬ ‫מנהיגות עתידית‬ ‫אורח חיים בריא‬ ‫ישראל‬

Our Vision

Our Beliefs & Values

‫האמונות והערכים שלנו‬

Respect Compassion Diversity Leadership Community

‫כבוד הדדי‬ ‫סובלנות‬ ‫רבגוניות‬ ‫מנהיגות‬ ‫קהילה‬

Our Mission

‫המשימה שלנו‬

‫החזון שלנו‬

To provide an education environment of academic excellence, strong Jewish values, spiritual and physical wellness, and proud global citizenship.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

Our Community Input Input from our constituents, including parents, students and staff is vital to our strategy and planning. Our most recent parent, student and staff surveys affirm that Gray Academy of Jewish Education provides students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 with unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow and excel academically, socially, emotionally and Jewishly in a warm, welcoming community environment.

Parents positively report that they would recommend Gray Academy to their friends and family, that their children are happy and that they feel safe and supported at school. PARENTS ARE CHOOSING GRAY ACADEMY FOR: Sense of community

Jewish education

Small class sizes

Multi-language

Reputation

curriculum

Teachers feel a great sense of pride being a part of the Gray Academy community and believe the school inspires students to be the best they can be.

"As I walk through the Gray Academy doors I feel welcome, and in some way, I feel like we are more of a community than a school." - GRADE 8 STUDENT

“We uphold a strong Jewish identity, whilst welcoming students of all backgrounds.” - GRADE 11 STUDENT

“I’m proud of the fact I’m in such a close community… being able to express myself religiously in a tight community with all the hate and controversy in the world makes me proud.” - GRADE 7 STUDENT

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

Overview of Strategic Planning Process: We are incredibly grateful to our Gray Academy community for sharing perspectives on our future through the strategic planning process outlined here.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

MARCH - JUNE 2022

MARCH 2023

Board & Faculty Kick Off / Existing Data Review

Aspirations & Goal Setting

Future Design School, our partner in this process, worked with our board, faculty and staff to kick off the process with workshops and community focus groups to understand the essence and ethos of our school. Existing data from all areas of the school were reviewed, including recommendations from our most recent CAIS accreditation. SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2022

Community Consultation Extensive community consultations, including one-on-one interviews, anonymous surveys, and discussions with a dedicated committee, generated substantial feedback from students, parents, teachers, faculty and staff. JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2023

Insight Review & Analysis Together with the Strategic Planning Committee, the WBJE reviewed the insights provided by the broader school community and worked on actioning feedback into the strategic plan.

Internal stakeholders at the school were invited to provide feedback on an initial draft developed by Future Design School and our Strategic Planning Committee. APRIL - MAY 2023

Strategic Plan Development The strategic plan was drafted by the Strategic Planning Committee. Internal stakeholders at the school were invited to provide feedback. JUNE 2023

Strategic Priorities Review & Iteration The WBJE provided feedback and approved the external facing strategic plan. SUMMER 2023

Operational Plan Development The Gray Academy leadership team worked with Future Design School to build a robust operational plan to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan.

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

Our Strategic Goals DEFINE

ENHANCE

SUSTAIN

OUR FOUNDATION

Community | Jewish Identity | Wellbeing

Define We will define and align on what future forward learning at Gray Academy entails, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to use their strengths, reflect on their opportunities for growth and build their confidence to thrive in all aspects of their life. We will infuse essential competencies into learning to support students’ personal growth, assessment of areas for development, and to build the selfconfidence needed to excel in an ever evolving world.

OUR COMMITMENTS

Define and Implement Future Forward Education Approach at Gray Academy

Develop Future Ready Learner Portrait

Augment Assessment Practices

Further Invest in Ongoing Professional Development

"The teachers are exceptional human beings caring for my children to do well, above and beyond academics." - PARENT

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

Enhance We will take education to a new level by strengthening our approach and distinct learning opportunities. This means building onto the projects, celebrations and milestone moments that are part of our tradition and root us in our Jewish identity. Our students will connect their learning beyond our school walls and outside of Winnipeg, opening up a world of possibilities that will expand their horizons and broaden their perspectives. We will increase our focus on environmental awareness education and action, inspiring students to think critically about their impact on the natural world and the community in which they live and learn.

OUR COMMITMENTS Expand and Enrich Experiential Student Programming Amplify Jewish Identity and Spirituality

throughout the Learning Experience Enhance Student-Centeredness through

Authentic Voice and Choice Expand Initiatives that Support Wellbeing Continue to Foster Intentional Teacher Collaboration Augment Post-Secondary Education Pathway Guidance

“What makes me feel the proudest about being a student at Gray academy is that it is a Jewish school where we get to learn about our culture and history.” - GRADE 6 STUDENT

Sustain We will increase our financial strength, augment our physical spaces and prioritize efficiency as we make short-term and long-term decisions to cement our legacy in the Jewish community. We will engage our current and past families, alumni and the broader community to ensure Gray Academy remains foundational to Jewish life in Winnipeg.

OUR COMMITMENTS Increase Recruitment Efforts & Maintain

Our High Level of Retention Expand and Enhance Advancement Initiatives Engage Alumni Meaningfully and Often Strengthen Our Financial Sustainability Inspire and Engage Stakeholders to Support

Capital Projects and Enhancements to the School’s Physical Spaces Diversify Revenue Opportunities, including

Widening our Approach to Grants

“Gray Academy is a safe and welcoming place where I feel encouraged to do my best and be my most authentic self. I feel supported by teachers and classmates and believe Gray Academy is my second home.” - GRADE 12 STUDENT 18

STRATEGIC PLAN 2023-2028

“I value that many people in the school, from the Head of School to the people in security and maintenance from the campus, know and care about my children. The teachers are exceptional human beings caring for my children to do well, above and beyond academics.” - PARENT

Gray Academy of Jewish Education A100–123 Doncaster Street Winnipeg, MB