Federation Report: At Torah Day School we are ‘community’

By Rabbi Boruch Perton, Torah Day School of Ottawa

Torah Day School of Ottawa (TDSO) is more than a school that follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. TDSO is also more than a school that year-after-year produces academic results above the public and private school norms based upon annual standardized testing. Who are we?

We are a school where students smile as they approach every learning opportunity with a determined grin. Where dedicated teaching staff care deeply about every child. Where educators appreciate the delicate balance between creating a warm atmosphere while maintaining a professional learning environment. Science labs, robotics, core and enriched French, Hebrew language, Judaic studies, intramural sports leagues, chess club, taekwondo, Shabbatons, chesed, skating and more unique opportunities and fun activities create a well-rounded graduate.

We are a school where the students come from homes representing all demographics within our broad Jewish community. In this milieu, children learn to appreciate each other (and not just tolerate each other). We are a school that graduates future leaders who have a deep understanding of Jewish text, culture and community. We are a school that instills a love and pride in being Jewish every single day. Judaic studies aren’t a course at TDSO – they are a way of life.

We are a school that is on an upward growth trajectory. We are excited to welcome new families who are moving to Ottawa, who have chosen Torah Day School for their family in September.

Recently received grants have allowed us to improve our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) curriculum. We now have mobile science carts (thanks to the Jewish Federation of Ottawa) allowing teachers and students to engage in hands-on, innovative studies. Our interactive math program allows our teachers to individualize student learning. This facilitates parents, students, and teachers to collaborate together. Our enriched French program allows students to not only learn vocabulary and grammar, but practical, conversational French ensuring our students are able to converse in both official languages. Creative, talented and caring teachers offer unique lessons to our students, bringing learning to life in all subject areas with small groups and one-on-on assessment.

Our Judaic studies curriculum continues to inspire, excite and amaze. Our students are fluent in Hebrew, knowledgeable about the Jewish life cycle and eager participants in their synagogues, at Shabbat tables, community seders and other Jewish rituals and events.

This is an exciting time for Torah Day and for the entire community. A wonderful example of community is how 14 rabbis from across Ottawa, together with parents, grandparents, Jewish leaders (including a Federation team) are running as part of Team TDSO in the upcoming Ottawa Marathon as during Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. We would love for you to come cheer us on (or even sponsor us at www.runottawa.ca) on Sunday, May 24, when we “Run with the Rabbis” in support of Jewish education in Ottawa.

For more information about Torah Day School of Ottawa and our special “community,” please contact Head of School Rabbi Boruch Perton at rabbi.perton@torahday.ca.