Joe Dwek Ohr Haemet Sephardic School
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Ohr Haemet is a warm, Jewish school that provides an exceptional traditional Sephardic Jewish education. It offers a general Jewish studies program from Pre-School through to Grade 8. Our classes are small and intimate, and the dedication of our teachers can be measured by the smiles on the children’s faces.
The classrooms are large and sunny. The computer and science labs are state-of-the-art. Or Haemet is registered with the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Board of Jewish Education and the Torah Umesorah Educational Network.
For more information or to arrange a meeting please Contact Us.
Our philosophy at Or Haemet we:
• Are always accessible to students and their families
• Encourage ongoing communication between teachers and parents.
• Stress mutual respect between teachers, students and administration.
• Value every child as unique and special
• Place special emphasis on Derech Eretz to promote positive character development.
• Encourage students to participate in charity and hesed projects
• Welcome all Jewish children and their families who want to continue their Jewish growth.
JEWISH STUDIES
Our Jewish studies program under the direction of The Jewish Board of Education, instills a love and commitment to Jewish learning and Torah observance. We cultivate a special love for Israel and the Jewish culture. Jewish studies are taught in Ivrit (in Hebrew), giving students the opportunity to gain superior oral and written Hebrew skills.
GENERAL STUDIES
Our ministry approved General Studies curriculum offers:• English language arts. • French • Math • Science • Social Studies • Computer Technology • Music • Art • Physical Education • Swimming
Click hereto see the computer classroom for yourself, we invite you to take our virtual tour and explore it in more detail. ABOUT PRE-SCHOOL |
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Or Haemet’s enriched Pre-School Program for your 3-5 year old is unique and progressive. | |
It offers:• A warm, caring, safe and stimulating environment where specially trained, highly qualified teachers help your child achieve maximum growth and development. • Awareness, development and appreciation of Jewish life. Special Shabat and holiday programs • Development of comprehension in English and Hebrew language skills, math, science and social studies. Introduction to computers • Creative play, gym, music, arts & crafts and storytelling • Field trips and special presentations • An enriched Junior Grade One program provides an excellent preparation entry into Grade One.We offer a Jewish education and so much more. Extras include:• Remedial classes for extra attention • Supervised daily homework program from 4:45 – 5:45 pm (optional) • After school chess, dance and hockey • Twice weekly hot lunch program (optional) • Day Care from 8:00am – 8:45am and 4:00pm – 5:00pm (optional) • A swimming pool and a parkland setting • A unique Jewish summer school program with optional half day Camp Kehila session • Annual award ceremony in recognition of student effort and achievement • Weekly student newspaper written and edited by students • Attractive school uniforms • Tuition subsidies available
Click here to see one of the Pre-School classrooms for yourself, we invite you to take our virtual tour and explore it in more detail. |
WHAT PARENTS SAY ABOUT US
“Students have better self esteem at Or Haemet because the teachers value and accept each child as an individual. It is rare to find children’s needs addressed in such a warm, understanding and flexible way” Leah Lightstone.
“What makes Or Haemet such a great school are the wonderfully devoted and caring teachers and the high level of both Hebrew and General Studies” Fay and Howard Starr.
“Or Haemet has wonderful educators, and the school is made up of a group of parents with strong family values” Sylvie Levy.
“We are proud to send our children to Or Haemet because it keeps our heritage alive and there’s a real personal touch between teachers and students” Esther and Joe Azoulay.
Academic Year In Review
Theatre :
In the past we held a wonderfully magical evening. All of our students, from three years to fourteen, were involved in our play about the Sephardic Lifecycle, ‘Passages…from the past to the future’. Our students and teachers worked very hard to produce an exceptional play. A unique and distinctive journal was also printed and given out to parents that included all the Sephardic customs and special recipes. It proved to be an important keepsake. We were also very fortunate to have ladies in our community come to the school to sew authentic, colourful costumes for this special event. The results were exquisite and outstanding. Our video of the play will provide special memories for years to come.
Student Achievements :
Also in March, one of our students came in first in the National Bible contest. During this time, two of our students won the Creative Writing Competition hosted by the Board of Jewish Education. Our boys in Grade 8 were accepted to Ner Israel Yeshiva and two of our alumni received awards of excellence at Ner Israel. All this is due to our enrichment programs in Hebrew studies. Students receive extra instruction in mishna, gemarah, Hebrew language and literature. Graduation for our class of 2003 was another memorable occasion. Our valedictorians achieved exceptional marks in both Hebrew and General Studies. We are truly proud of our students and their accomplishments.
For current events see our Event Calendar
ANTICIPATING THE ACADEMIC YEAR
Now we begin our fourth year in the Separdic Kehila Centre. We are up to the challenge of the upcoming academic year and look forward to continue working on standards of excellence in all academic areas. On behalf of the administration and staff of Or Haemet, we take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Happy, Healthy New Year. We look forward to a busy year where every child is valued and appreciated as unique and special.
Programs
Specialty programs will continue such as our daily Homework Program that allows students to work on their class assignments in Hebrew, English, Math or French, under the supervision of a teacher. Our afterschool curricular activities in Hockey, Basketball and Dance for girls, allows the students to expand their horizons in new areas. We will continue working with Zareinu on new programs such as shabat parties, reading buddies, integration and special events.
Newspaper
Our weekly newspaper, the Divrei Emet, is the highlight of our week and will continue through the new school year.
Labs
Our well-stocked computer lab is busy as staff and student’s work to produce a high caliber paper that keeps parents informed as to what is happening at Or Haemet. Our science lab will be in full swing this year as all the teachers will be involved in working with their students on lab experiments as outlined by the Ministry of Education. This should prove to be very exciting, educational and cutting edge for our students.
Or Haemet moms
We are truly fortunate to have the Moms’ Association affiliated with Or Haemet. With their help we are able to do special programs such as; Hot Lunch, Dog Days, family bingo, book and uniform exchanges and other planned activities with our students. Their ‘Tuck Shop’ provides school supplies and treats for all the students to purchase. Through their fund raising, the moms are able to purchase computers, programs and Hebrew and English books for the school library. We thank them for their devotion and efforts on behalf of Or Haemet.
Theatre and public speaking
In December our students will be engaged in our Public Speaking competition and Preschool Hanuka plays. In February we look forward to our annual Berachot Bee. Our Moms always provide snacks for our students on these special days. During this time, our unique Junior Grade One students begin reading in both Hebrew and English. Quite an accomplishment for five year olds!
Fairs and expositions
We continue with our annual Book Fair, Science Exposition and in March our Purim Carnival in conjunction with the Sephardic Kehila Centre.
For more information about the school, curriculum and facilities, Contact Us.
Sephardic Kehila Centre & Synagogue
(Serving Toronto, Vaughan & South York Region).
7026 Bathurst St
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada
L4J 8K3