PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear VTT Community,  

COMING TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY... 

Purim Packages are Conduit for First Ever Collaborative Day Schools Initiative

Golda Meir once remarked that she never did anything alone; whatever she accomplished in Israel was accomplished collectively.

Taking their cue from Golda, Greater Vancouver's day schools have joined together to accomplish something collectively, the first-ever Greater Vancouver Jewish Day Schools Purim 2011 Mishloach Manot Campaign.

Campaign co-chair, Aimee Promislow, of Vancouver Hebrew Academy credits Vancouver Talmud Torah Parents' Association co-presidents, Leana Gaerber and Marnie Greenwald, for the newest collaboration.

"Last year, we began a wonderful partnership with King David High School, so it was very exciting when Leana and Marnie approached us and asked if VTT could join the party," said Ms. Promislow. "It just snowballed from there to include every day school in Greater Vancouver."

"I really can' t say enough great things about the incredible working relationship and support we've had from all the other day schools. I think this effort is a great example of community-building at it' s best," she added.

The campaign is being coordinated by Vancouver Hebrew Academy, in partnership with King David High School, Pacific Torah Institute, Richmond Jewish Day School, Shalhevet Girls High School, and Vancouver Talmud Torah.

"VTT's in-house mishloach manot program was aimed at building spirit within the VTT community. But it was clear when we started using the same webserver two years ago to process orders online that there was overlap between our customers, KDHS's and VHA's, which was a bit problematic," explained Leana Gaerber.

"We approached VHA this year to consolidate our programs as a way of helping reduce confusion and assist them with, what is for them, a critical fundraiser. We are very happy that we can continue to meet our needs and play a part in supporting another Jewish school in the process."  

Read more online to learn how you can participate 

DO YOU HAVE THE IVORY TOUCH?  

Music specialist Elana Jacobson is looking for some "standby" parent pianists to possibly help out at our kindergarten and Grade 7 graduations should she go into labour prematurely. Email Mrs. Jacobson if you are willing to share your musical talents!

UNIFORM FITTINGS FOR SPRING AND FOR THE 2011-12 SCHOOL YEAR  

Scheduled for Monday, May 9, 2011 in the library from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Parents: Please call Cambridge and Company at 604.924.9009 to set up an appointment.

CAPTURE THE MEMORIES!  

HAVE AN ETERNAL KEEPSAKE!

ORDER A VTT YEARBOOK TODAY!

The VTT Yearbook Club is creating an exciting keepsake for you and your family.

Our student run initiative will highlight the fun events of the entire school year and will be available this September.

To see what the Grade 6 & 7 students have been doing, check out the VTT Yearbook Club's blog:

http://vttyearbook.wordpress.com 

To order your copy through PayPal ($21), click here  

 

This week's Physical Education curriculum included an introduction to CURLING for Grades 4-7. Izack K. in the photo above shows off his winning rock. 

Grade 5 students created unique works of art made from hard boiled eggs based on a Hebrew story they read in class about an egg who assumed a variety of disguises as he wanted to be more than just a plain old egg.  To see all their creations, including a visit from K4, click here.

Once in your heart, always in your heart...

The Carmeli twins, VTT alumnae, returned to VTT to tutor in our first grade for a few days. Both girls are studying education at McGill and chose to complete some practicum hours at their alma mater.

Grade 2 parents were all smiles after witnessing the skill and maturity of their children during the annual Tefillah (prayer) breakfast where students led an entire morning service in our shul. Yasher Ko'ach to Morah Judith Blumenkrans and Morah Ruth David for the excellent instruction and preparation for this special day.. 

Although Kindergarten and Grade 1 participated in the school-wide Anti-Bullying Assembly, their teachers facilitated a separate gathering to deepen the message of bullying and how to ask for help. Using age appropriate literature and puppets, the children collectively brainstormed on ways to address bullying.  

Ms. Leisen's Grade 5 art students created a new take on the Mona Lisa. There's Magic Mona, World Cup Mona, Senor Mona, Peace Out Mona. See the drawings for yourself displayed near the back stairs (on the way to the old wing).      

Grade 3 classes went to hear Aubrey Davis (author of "Bagels from Benny," "Bone Button Borscht," "The Enormous Potato," and "Sody Solleratus") at the Isaac Waldman Library. Mr. Davis was a wonderful storyteller who engaged the students for one hour with retellings of his and others' tales, poems, rhymes, and action songs. Learn more at www.aubreydavis.com  

Rabbi Bellas took the edict of caring for one's environment quite seriously yesterday when he chose to work in the dark to save on energy consumption...