Toddler Environment
Kita Zohar: Glow
Kita Zohar is the name of our Beit Ha Bambini - the house of our youngest children. We perceive each one of us in the class as a spark of light. When we are together, we become a bright light, generating heat and warmth for life. We feel strong and safe.
When we are separated, we will return to an individual, tiny spark again - yet a spark of hope for our class, our school, the world, and the future.
*Half-day children: * Full-day children:
- 2 to 3 sets of spare clothes, including socks - 3 to 4 sets of spare clothes, including socks
- 3 to 4 diapers - 5 to 6 diapers
- 2 plastic/waterproof bags - 2 plastic/waterproof bags
- 1 pair of indoor shoes (kept at school) - 1 pair of indoor shoes (kept at school)
- 2 boxes of wipes (kept at school) - 2 boxes of wipes (kept at school)
- toothbrush, toothpaste, and small cup
- bed sheet, blanket, and pillow for nap time
(brought home at the end of the week and returned clean on Monday)
*All items must be labelled and stored in a backpack/schoolbag that your child can carry on his/her own to school and back home daily. Download the full document from your summer package here.
Casa Environments
Kita Mazal: Luck
Mazal means luck, but so much more than that. To be in the right place at the right time is not so uncommon. But to do the right thing, at the right time and in the right place is powerful beyond measure. It is our own deeds that make us fortunate. What we do is what makes the difference.
Kita Gefen: Vine
Gefen is the word for grapes growing on the vine. A grape is something that by itself has no importance. No one buys one grape. Grapes are bought in bunches. In a similar way a humble person is a person that sees importance in being by himself. His role in life is one of importance only when he is together with a social structure. Together, with his society, he shares his life with others.
Kita Parpar: Butterfly
The butterfly is a symbol of freedom and hope, it is a colourful, vibrant and significant creature in nature. The word Parpar is only used once in the Bible and is therefore one of a few rare and unique Hebrew words. In the visual arts, butterflies are depicted as symbols of hope for a better future. With this name we also celebrate the aspect of children leaving the "cocoon" behind and exploring the world around them as butterflies do.
**Please bring:
- closed-toed, gym-appropriate indoor shoes - no crocs (kept at school)
- 1 to 2 sets of spare clothes, including socks (kept at school, sent home when necessary and must be replaced)
- water bottle
- kippa/head cover (kept at school)
- photo (new children only, to help identify cubby)
- fabric table mat for lunch (full-day and extended half-day only)
**Label everything with your child's name or family name. Please no backpacks, everything can remain in their cubbies or lunch boxes.
Elementary and Middle School Environments
Kita Magen David: Star of David
Lower Elementary
The Star of David is the quintessential symbol for Judaism and has been since ancient times. The Magen David represents the number seven: that is the six triangles plus the hexagonal centre. The number seven has special significance in Judaism relating to the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest. Our classroom environment reflects the six days through the hard work that is performed by each child and each adult, constantly creating and building ourselves in the process. Yet, we also hold dear the idea of perfection from the seven, recognizing the beauty of each child as they are and for who they are right now, each and every day.
Kita Shalhevet: Flame
Upper Elementary
When the name "Shalhevet", which means "flame" was suggested for our classroom we thought it was perfect. Somehow the class, the children and the way we are, brought this name to mind. It is also relevant as Maria Montessori said that good education is to look on the mind as a fertile field in which we sow seeds that can "grow under a flaming ball of imagination". We have a class full of children who love to learn. Never was a name so well chosen.
Kita Rimon: Pomegranate
Middle School
The Middle School children chose the name "Rimon" for many reasons. Rimon is the Hebrew word for pomegranate. It is said that there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate, which corresponds to the 613 mitzvoth or commandments of the Torah. The Middle School years correspond to the years in which a child has his bar-mitzvah or her bat-mitzvah and when they become an adult responsible for fulfilling the 613 mitzvoth.
Please bring:
- closed-toed, gym appropriate indoor shoes (kept at school)
- cloth table mat for lunch
- kippa/head cover (kept at school)
- water bottle
- label everything with your child's name or family name
- please no backpacks
***Class contact lists will be emailed from your child's class***