The Leo Baeck Day School - North Campus Grade Eight … Graduation Program NC Booklet.pdfAbbie Wise Brenda & Jeffrey Nicole Wolfe Nancy & David Hayden Wolff Cynthia & Neil Dylan Yack

Tuesday, June 23, 2015ו׳ בתמוז תשע״ה

The Leo Baeck Day School - North Campus

Grade Eight Graduation

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Graduates and Parents

"There are two experiences of the human soul in which the meaning of his life takes on for a man a vital significance...the knowledge of what is real and the knowledge of what is to be realized." - Rabbi Leo Baeck

Orli Amar Tamara & Patrick

Elliot Aronshtam Flora & Natan

Eliana Barbuzzi Betty & Antonio

Rachel Bloom Lorraine & David

Robert Brill Renee & Jeffrey

Solomon Brown Jenny & Martin

Barry Bytensky Anna & Boris

Jacob Cheskes Lisa & Jason

Amir Doron Kim & Ori

Samuel Dreyzin Anna & Vadim

Daniel Elgez Natalia & Gil

Maxwell Ezerzer Felicia

Jaime Gaines Carrie & Stephen

Logan Garnet Jennifer & Jason

Alexander Giannoulis Heidi & Paul

Kailey Gremont Bonnie & Brandon

Jonelle Grossman Jennifer & Bob

Aaron Herlick Robin & Richard

Amanda Hytman Stacie & Barry

Michael Katsman Kamilla & Jacob

Gavriel Kesik-Libin Agata & Kevin

Maya Khemlin Mirit & Alexander

Amy Kohn Melanie & Ron

Kiley Kramer Lara & Randy

Maya Menn Ilana & Amir

Michael Nissan Stacey & Brad

Sam Prosserman Heidi & Brian

Sarah Prosserman Heidi & Brian

Jillian Rashkovan Natalie & David

Raquel Rutman Tammy & Daniel

Tanya Sadikov Irina & Shalom

Emily Segal Susan & Mark

Samantha Segal Galit & Steven

Lior Shneer Shuli & David

Kelsey Shulman Mandy & Darrell

Joshua Silverman Dafni & Jason

Ryan Steiner Cheryl & Mark

Rebecca Train Alissa & David

David Weiss Marion & Steven

Abbie Wise Brenda & Jeffrey

Nicole Wolfe Nancy & David

Hayden Wolff Cynthia & Neil

Dylan Yack Cindy & Mike

Dan Yaron Bonnie & Golan

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Processional of Graduates and Teachers

O Canada

Introductory RemarksYvette Burke, Principal

President’s AddressShelley Samel Weiner

T’filahBenediction, Rabbi Katz, Dean of Jewish Living

Irith Rosen, Hebrew & Judaic Studies Coordinator

Presentation of Tzedakah Project to Tali’s Fund In memory of Tal Doron

Message from the Head of SchoolEric Petersiel, RJE

Presentation of Abigail Hoffman Athletics Award

Valedictorian AddressJillian Rashkovan

Awarding of DiplomasYvette Burke, Principal, Bev Gitter, Dean of Student Services

Initiation into the Leo Baeck Alumni SocietyRussell Citron

Memories of Grade 8

Hatikvah

*During the ceremony there will be a greeting from Chari Schwartz, representing the Julia and Harold Koschitzky Centre for Jewish Education

Please join the graduates and their families for a reception

GRADUATION CLASS OF 2015/5775

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Orli Amar Even though I only came to Leo Baeck in Grade 5, I have been able to make lifelong friendships and learn from amazing teachers. One of the things I am most proud of is my involvement in Student Council. In Grade 7 I was part of the ProSo team and elected Class Rep. This year I was fortunate enough to be elected VP of Programming and Social (ProSo). From running Wednesday meetings, to planning fun spirit days and events, to sharing ProSo’s ideas during Friday Executive meetings, I have learned a great deal from my time in Student Council. I have learned leadership skills that will certainly help me in the future. I am also very proud that I was able to make the Leo Baeck basketball team this year. Finally, I am thankful to have been taught by amazing teachers such as Mrs. Tabak, Mr. Peters, and Mr. Greenbaum. Even though I will be in high school next year, I will always remember the wonderful friendships that I have been lucky to have. Leo Baeck has been a great experience for me and I can’t wait to move on to the next phase in my life.

Elliot Aronshtam My years at Leo Baeck were filled with many memorable moments, such as theme days and various religious services. However, one of my most memorable moments was at this year’s Yom Hazikaron assembly, in which I had a very large role. I volunteered to write and share a creative writing piece about Yom Hazikaron to honour Israel’s fallen soldiers from my point of view. This assembly was also the first time I ever sang in front of the school and it was very rewarding for me to have received a lot of positive and thoughtful feedback from teachers and friends. My involvement in the tribute to these soldiers reminded me of this famous Jewish quote, “Who is honoured? Someone that gives honour to all others.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1)  Being part of the assembly gave me a new understanding about life in Israel and in the IDF. This assembly was one of my favourite and most meaningful experiences as I was very proud of myself and will always remember this assembly even after I graduate.

Eliana Barbuzzi For the past six years, I have gotten the privilege to attend The Leo Baeck Day School. I have learned and achieved so much in this incredible school. The faculty at the school has helped me

overcome many challenges and have all been such role models. They have had an impact on me since Grade 3 and will continue to as I grow up and move into the next stage of life. Becoming the president of Student Council has impacted me in the most positive way possible. I have been a part of four incredible committees that have taught me leadership, teamwork and many more skills. The friendships and memories that I have made are so special and I have been so lucky to study in this amazing environment. Overall, Leo Baeck has made such a positive impact on my learning and I am truly thankful for the support and inspiration that the school has given me.

Rachel Bloom I only started at Leo Baeck in Grade 7, but in that short time I found a way to get involved and participate in the community. I have made some amazing memor ies and made incredib le friendships which will last a lifetime. I have also been on many sports teams which is something I enjoy a lot. This year the girls’ soccer team won a gold medal and it was very exciting to be a part of it. I am so thankful to have been able to try out and join the sports teams of my choosing. Leo Baeck has given me the opportunity to try new things that I possibly wouldn’t have before. Leo Baeck has a very encouraging atmosphere and I am proud to be a part of it. I will miss all the friends I have made here but I will also keep the memories and experiences very close to me.

Robbie Brill During my years at LB I have always loved being on the sports teams. Each year I try out for almost every team and I get really excited when I make the teams because I like being active and spending time with my peers outside the classroom. My favourite team I have been on is the boys’ soccer team. This is mainly because I like soccer and it was fun to play on the team with many of my friends. The challenge I had to overcome to be on sports teams was to try as hard as I could and take the risk (I had tried out before for teams but did not make the team). After the tryouts, I waited anxiously to see if I made the team. I was so excited when I saw my name of the team roster. I showed motivation and dedication during the tryouts which paid off. This all started because of one of my biggest role models in Leo Baeck, Mr. Greenbaum. Not only does he teach me about math algorithms and problems, he told me that if I never give up and

REFLECTIONSby the Class of 2015

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try hard I can make any team. He encouraged me to try my hardest no matter how hard a challenge is. He also taught me that you can be 60 years old and still be good at basketball!

Solomon Brown Since coming to Leo Baeck in 2007, I have made a lot of friends, and have had a lot of very nice teachers, but some of them really helped me and made me feel welcome in the Leo Baeck community. Mr. Martosh first became my teacher in grade 5, when he taught us Math and Social Studies. Whenever I had a problem, Mr. Martosh was always welcoming and willing to answer any questions I had. Mr. Martosh was the first teacher who actually made me feel like a part of the Leo Baeck community. I am extremely fortunate to have spent 8 years at Leo Baeck and feel very confident, prepared and excited for high school next year.

Barry Bytensky My time at Leo Baeck is nearing its end. I have made so many memories and friendships that will always be with me. My journey at Leo Baeck has presented me with some incredible teachers and mentors. My siblings, Jacob and Bailey, always give me support. My parents are great role models and have taught me how perseverance and hard work will help me achieve my goals. They taught me to be proud of myself and my accomplishments regardless of what other people think. At Leo Baeck, my friends and teachers have helped me to become the person I am today. I have been inspired by people like Kim Doron, who brought music into my life. While there are so many people I want to thank, I want to finish this reflection by thanking Mrs. Daniel in particular, who saw my potential and helped me reach for it. Her support and kindness will never be forgotten. Carpe Diem!Jacob CheskesOne of the biggest challenges that I faced when I came to Leo Baeck was the fact that I was new here. Last year I came to LB in grade seven, and it was very weird for me to come to an IB school. The school that I went to previously had nothing relatively close to a reflection. To be put in a place so different was frightening for me. To add to this, I did not have any friends at Leo Baeck, and I didn’t know anyone. It wasn’t long before some of the other kids came up to me and asked if I wanted to play football and I accepted. Those first kids that came up to me to include me are now some of my closest friends. I overcame this obstacle, with help of course. Through the rest of my time at Leo Baeck I had someone to lean on, that means a lot. Including everyone is a part of what Leo Baeck is.

Amir DoronMy years at Leo Baeck have been unforgettable. Over the years, I have formed relationships and friendships with not only other students, but with faculty too. One of the things I am most proud of achieving at Leo Baeck is becoming the student I am now. It took a lot of hard work and dedication for me to become a more responsible and organized person. All of my teachers over my years at Leo Baeck have each taught me something new and helped me develop as a person and a student and have brought be to where I am today. They have given me endless support and encouragement through all my endeavours and I am thankful for each and every one of them. The community project, for example, was an incredible experience and made me more aware of how easy it really is to give back to the community. Overall, the 8 years I spent at Leo Baeck are undoubtedly some of the best years I will have in my life. I cherish the friendships I have made and even though I’m excited to go off to high school, I sure will miss it at Leo Baeck.

Sam Dreyzin My proudest achievement at Leo Baeck was becoming the senior boys’ basketball team captain. In grade seven I barely ever played, and just one year later, I have been able to contribute much more to our team. To achieve the captain’s position, I had to practice a lot, and I made sure to always give the most effort I could in all of my games. Throughout my middle school years, Mr. Greenbaum has been my role model. He taught me to never give up; even if that means struggling through your problem, to eventually succeed. He was also this year’s senior basketball boys coach, and he really helped the team.When I think about how prayer has enriched me at Leo Baeck, eilu devarim stands out. Honouring your father and mother speaks to me. This is very important because our parents do so much for us, including paying for our education at Leo Baeck. I thank all of my friends, parents, and teachers for so many years filled with happiness and joy.

Daniel Elgez This school has taught me a lot. I have learned about myself, and the world around me. I have had many amazing times at the school, from first to eighth grade. One of the challenges that I faced was during the Bnei Mitzvah service. We were supposed to write speeches based on certain prayers. On the day of the service, I discovered that the three paragraphs I wrote were not in context with the prayer. The rabbi asked me to say something different, which would apply to the prayer better. I created a second speech that made more sense to the text. It was fun for me, because I prefer spontaneous public

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speaking. That way I can throw in a joke or two. This was a very fun moment for me at Leo Baeck. This is what I love about Leo Baeck, how the environment is very open and allows you to express your opinions freely. I will surely remember it for the rest of my life.

Max EzerzerI have achieved greater self-confidence since I have been at Leo Baeck. I have learned to be confident in myself and pursue my dreams. It has taken a lot of hard work and studying to get to this point. The most memorable project to me was my Community Project, which taught me how fortunate I am and how grateful I should be, after holding a toy drive and later handing toys to less fortunate children. The Eilu D’varim sentence “to perform acts of loving kindness” really connects to me considering I was a Respectful School Ambassador for two years. This really taught me to treat others the way I want to be treated. The prayer that speaks to me the most is the Shema. This teaches every Jewish person to carry on and pass down their family traditions. This is important to me because I enjoy participating in family traditions and I hope to pass them down one day.

Jaime Gaines Throughout my nine years at Leo Baeck I have grown as a person, made lifelong friends and memories, and have learned many lessons that will aid me in both academics and in my social life. But Leo Baeck has also connected me more deeply to my Jewish identity, by strengthening my connection to Israel. Out of all of the assemblies I have attended, this year’s Yom Hazikaron ceremony made a particularly strong impact on me. I had always understood what Yom Hazikaron was, but only this year did I really appreciate its meaning. I then realized that the IDF is not just fighting for Israel and for the Israelis, but for my second home and the home for all the other Jews in the world. Although I am going to public school next year, I hope to always remember my Hebrew and my Jewish morals. I would like to thank Leo Baeck for giving me so many opportunities to strengthen my bond with God and Israel. I will miss my friends and teachers from LB, and I know it will be very hard for me to say goodbye.

Logan Garnet During my eight years at Leo Baeck, I have made so many friends and memories that will last me a lifetime. I believe that my proudest achievement at Leo Baeck was being in this year’s middle school play Grease. It was challenging at times but we all worked really hard together and I am extremely proud of the final product. I believe that it is important to approach things with a

positive attitude which reminds me of a Jewish quote: “Happy are those who act justly, who do right at all times.” (Psalm 106:3). When you act justly I believe that whatever you are doing will turn out differently for you and even the people you are with. I want to thank Leo Baeck for everything. I will miss my friends and everyone else who I met here very much.

Alex Giannoulis My journey through Leo Baeck has been a memorable and an incredible experience. A huge factor of what truly made my journey a worthy one was all of the friends I’ve met along the way. I don’t think I would be the same person I am today if I hadn’t met the amazing people I call my classmates. The teachers I’ve had along my path through Leo Baeck are all the teachers that I wish I could have next year. Each teacher has not only taught me something about their subject, but also has set a great example of what I would like to be when I’m older. I feel confident that I am leaving Leo Baeck with the skills I am going to need to be successful in high school and in the years to come. I want to thank my parents, teachers, and friends for making this all possible.

Kailey GremontBeing on the Tikkun Olam Committee really taught me what healing the world means. The experience that impacted me most was the fundraiser we did for the Liv Wise Fund. I was on the Tikkun Olam committee when Olivia Wise passed away. I brought up the idea to do a fundraiser for the Liv Wise Fund, and took the lead on this project. We made tons of Rainbow Loom bracelets to sell for a minimum of two dollars each. By the end of this fundraiser, we ended up raising over one thousand dollars. This really had an effect on me because I got to organize this, and raise a lot of money for something that I feel very passionate about. This experience taught me how to take a leadership role, work cooperatively with others and plan something from beginning to end. Moving forward I will always be able to use these skills and I will never forget the feeling of giving to others.

Jonelle Grossman I have made so many friends and memories over the past 10 years at Leo Baeck that I know will last forever. My most memorable moments would be participating in the school shows, assemblies and special presentations. One thing I will miss most about Leo Baeck is how all the teachers are so supportive to all the students. Leo Baeck is such an amazing school and it has taught me a lot that I will definitely take with me to high school. Not only has Leo Baeck provided me

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with the knowledge that I need to succeed in future years, but Leo Baeck has taught me life lessons, how to achieve a goal, and the importance of giving back to our community. My e x p e r i e n c e s a t L e o B a e c k h a v e b e e n unforgettable and I know it will be extremely hard to say goodbye.

Aaron Herlick Through many ups and downs, my ten-year journey at Leo Baeck has definitely been one to remember. I overcame numerous challenges, including tests, assignments, projects and deadlines and the Leo Baeck teachers have always been there, supporting me the entire way. Leo Baeck has taught me lessons and has encouraged me to participate in many religious services. So much so, that I feel comfortable saying that a mitzvah that speaks to me is, “to honour father and mother.” This mitzvah is important to me personally because my parents mean a lot to me as they have supported me throughout my journey. They have provided me with a Jewish education and taught me how important my Jewish identity is. Thank you Mom and Dad for giving me this opportunity.

Amanda Hytman I have only been at Leo Baeck for the past four years of my education, but they have been some of the best four years of my life. Over these four years, I have made amazing friendships that will last me a lifetime, and I have learned some very valuable lessons from my teachers that will stay with me forever. The amazing teachers at Leo Baeck have really opened up, and they have sha red so many impo r tan t s to r i es and experiences with us. I am proud of many of my achievements, but one thing I am especially proud of is being on a lot of sports teams, participating in many tournaments, and being part of multiple clubs and committees at school. I am happy to say that I got the chance to be very involved with my school community. Being involved in school has given me opportunities to learn from my peers and classmates, which I am thankful for.

Michael KatsmanThroughout my 8 years at Leo Baeck, I have grown as a person, made great friendships, and learned some very important skills that I will use in the future. My time at Leo Baeck has introduced me to some incredible teachers and mentors. I have enjoyed learning from all my teachers, which reminds me of this famous Jewish quotation: “Who is wise? Someone who learns from all people.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1)   I would like to thank Leo Baeck for giving me a great education, preparing me for high school, and most of all, for the incredible relationships I have

made. I can’t believe how fast time has passed and honestly it will be hard to say goodbye.

Gavriel Kesik-Libin During my short time at Leo Baeck (three years) my proudest achievement was being able to make friends and acquaint myself with every single person in the grade. Throughout my years here, I have been placed in classes with a variety of people and I have been able to bond with almost all of them through different means such as school trips and school-wide activities. One of the biggest obstacles in reaching this was having to come out of my shell, forget about my shyness, and talk to people even though I may have been afraid. This has benefited me very much; as I have been able to connect with people I never imagined being friends with in the first place. A n o t h e r t h i n g t h a t I a m p r o u d a b o u t accomplishing is being able to attend the Keep The Promise Student Summit in Ottawa in November. Through that summit, a fellow classmate and I learned so much about the impact that child poverty has on all of our lives and the ways we can try and stop it. One person who has helped me achieve all these things and has been a role model to me is Mrs. Tabak. She not only has taught me a lot throughout my years and has prepared me for high school, but she has encouraged me to always do my best.

Maya KhemlinI had to overcome many challenges to reach this exciting milestone. In order to achieve good marks and be a helpful student both in and outside of the classroom, I had to work very hard. I reached my goals by studying at home every day, finishing daily homework, meeting deadlines, and always helping whenever I could.   Without studying at Leo Baeck, it would have been challenging for me to become the academic learner that I am. Leo Baeck has taught me so many things such as how to be responsible, hardworking and someone who wants to make a difference in the community. I was able to demonstrate these skills through the Community Project that inspired me to help my community. As a result, I have chosen to participate in fundraising activities including walk-a-thons to help different organizations across the GTA.

Amy Kohn During my ten years at Leo Baeck, one of my favourite programs that really inspired me was the interfaith Seder that we participated in in grade seven. I believe that everyone is the same, and even if someone looks different, it doesn’t mean that they are not a normal teenager just like everyone else in the room. I think it was very interesting to watch and experience eating and praying with people from different religions and races than students at Leo Baeck. It showed

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everyone at the Seder that we are all the same. I met many new friends. We all watch the same television shows, listen to the same music, and act the same way as each other — in other words, we are all normal teenagers. I really enjoyed learning about their religion and language, and am very thankful I got to do something like this. I don’t think we are exposed to all the other races in our world enough. Leo Baeck has taught me so much, but this program was definitely one of my favourite activities. I am so proud that I got to be a part of this program because it was a truly amazing experience. Moving forward, I will use this experience to approach all people I meet with an open mind and positive outlook.  

Kiley KramerThroughout my seven years at Leo Baeck I have made memories, learned new things, and have grown as a person. This school is more than just a school, it is a safe place where you can begin new journeys and learn new things. Leo Baeck has taught me things that I will never forget and will take with me in the future. To be completely honest I didn't expect to learn all of the skills that I have, but after spending so many years here I have been taught that these skills are necessary in the future, some for academics and some for my social life. I have developed new passions for writing and the arts and learned so much from my teachers and from the people around me; my fellow classmates and friends. “Who is wise? Someone who learns from all people.”   (Pirkei Avot 4:1) I would like to thank Leo Baeck for my Jewish education, the inspirational learning and mostly for the incredible experience.

Maya Menn One thing at Leo Baeck that has definitely had an impact on me is my interaction and learning from the Shinshinim. It makes me very proud to say that I am part of a school that supports the Shinshinim program. Every year two teenagers from Israel come to the school and teach all the students about Israel: places you can visit, interesting facts and fun-filled games that the entire class enjoys while learning about Israeli culture. As I was born in Israel, I find this program to be especially interesting as I get to see my homeland from a different perspective. Every time Noam and Asaf come to our class everyone b e c o m e s v e r y e x c i t e d b e c a u s e o f t h e relationships we have formed with them. For us, they aren’t just teachers — they are our friends, people who we connect with on a personal level and have built deep relationships with. They teach us so many valuable lessons that I will always remember as they have had such a strong impact on me as a Jewish learner.

Michael Nissan During my nine years at Leo Baeck I have accomplished many achievements and goals, but the achievement that I am the most proud of is completing the Community Project. It taught me many skills that will help me in my years to come. I am now able to take initiative and responsibility to help others and to make my community a better place.   I felt incredible when I knew that I was making a difference by helping the daily lives of people just like me.   I would like to thank The Leo Baeck Day School for giving me so many opportunities to help make a change in my community and I will never forget being a part of doing the Community Project for the first year ever at the Leo Baeck Day School.

Sammy Prosserman      During my two years at Leo Baeck I have made friends and lasting memories that will stay with me forever. In my short time here, everyone has made me feel so welcome and immediately included me in the Leo Baeck community. My teachers and fellow classmates have all been posi t ive ro le models and f r iends to me throughout my experience here. They encourage and support me in whatever I do. I am so fortunate to have such supportive and inspiring people surrounding me every day and teaching me lessons that I will apply in the future. The IB attributes that taught me to think critically, be reflective, kind, and take risks, also helped me throughout my education here at Leo Baeck.   I will be sure to carry on these lessons in high school.

Sarah Prosserman Some of my proudest achievements at The Leo Baeck Day School are the sporting events in which I have participated and the learning skills I have improved upon. Even though I came to the school in Grade 7, I have participated in several sporting events and have learned many skills and improved in many different areas. I loved being introduced to a different way of learning during these past two years and I am so happy that I came to Leo Baeck last year. Another one of my achievements is making so many new, caring, and wonderful friends who I love so much. I know that we aren’t all going to the same school next year, but I know that we will keep close relationships anyways.

Jillian RashkovanThe past ten years at Leo Baeck have been incredible and I am proud of al l of my achievements. I have learned to become more involved and I feel very connected to the school. By be ing a member of s tudent counci l committees and sports teams I have learned a

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variety of life-skills that I will take with me to the next stage of my life. The community project was really impactful and taught me about helping the community and creating change, and it was one of the many great experiences I’ve had at Leo Baeck. I have had many great and inspiring teachers and made so many amazing friends who I will miss. Overall, Leo Baeck has shaped me into the person I am today and I am thankful for the opportunities I have been able to participate in.

Raquel RutmanThroughout my 10 years at Leo Baeck, my proudest moments were when I made sports teams, participated in the Middle School plays and participated in Leo Baeck’s outreach event (We Day). These experiences allowed me to find my passion in the arts, sports, and being part of a community that wants to make the world a better place (Tikkun Olam). Even though I did not make every team I tried out for, I learned that it is important to keep trying. My family has been a big part of my success as they always encourage me to do better and never give up. This sentiment of striving to achieve as a community and never giving up was also the message shared with us at “We Day.” which made me very proud to go with the school to this event. This event had a huge impact on me because I loved hearing how one can change “me too we” and if all come together as a global community. These moments have had a huge impact on me and as I go through high school, I hope they will stay with me as I take on greater challenges in life.

Tanya Sadikov My journey through Leo Baeck has been an adventure that I will remember for the rest of my life. Throughout the seven years that I have been a student at Leo Baeck I’ve made friends, memories, and learned so many new things. I’ll never forget the teachers I’ve had or the memories I’ve shared with my friends. I’m excited to be going to high school next year, but I will certainly miss the familiarity and comfort I feel at Leo Baeck. Although I am upset that I will have to part ways with some of my closest friends, I’m excited for what the future holds. I will definitely miss the celebrations of the holidays at Leo Baeck as well as the spirit days. Leo Baeck will always be a part of me and I will remember my experience here fondly for the rest of my life!

Emily Segal My ten-year journey at Leo Baeck had been one that I will remember for the rest of my life. The experiences I have shared with my friends and teachers have impacted the person who I am today. Although I am excited to begin a new journey when I leave to high school, it will be upsetting to leave behind the school that I have

known for 10 years. I have met so many amazing people and made so many memories that I will never forget. Being a student at Leo Baeck has taught me to be kind to others, take risks, and to always try my best. One memorable moment I have from years as a student here was the Interfaith Seder. I really enjoyed being able to spend time with the Catholic and Muslim students and learn about their customs. After talking to some of them, I realized that we had a lot of similar interests. It was also very interesting to be able to share our traditions with them and see the similarities that our traditions have with theirs. I am so grateful that I was able to spend the past years as a student here and I want to thank Leo Baeck for the incredible experience.

Samantha Segal“Know from where you came from and to where you are going” (Pirkei Avot 3:1).   This year I am graduating from Leo Baeck, the place where I spent ten years of my life.   This quote is significant for me because it represents my transition from Leo Baeck to high school.   Leo Baeck is where I come from and high school is where I am going.   I have made so many wonderful friends here at Leo Baeck and I am sad that many of us will not be going to the same school next year.   I will never forget all of the teachers that have taught me and helped me to grow in the past ten years.   I really appreciate all that Leo Baeck has done for me, and I will remember this time in my life forever.

Lior ShneerMy time at Leo Baeck has been truly influential for me. I have spent ten years of my life here, a decade that has really set me up for success in my future. I think that my whole experience at Leo Baeck has been a positive one. Throughout my journey, I have deepened my learning about real life experiences and about things that will help me in the future. Along the way I have faced many challenges, but everyone at Leo Baeck helped me through them and made a truly positive impact on me. Every speech, lesson or service at Leo Baeck happens for a certain reason and has lasting value. “Know from where you came and to where you are going” is a famous Jewish quotation. I believe that Leo Baeck has taught me to model this in every aspect of my life. I will never forget where I come from, and I will always think about where I can go in life. Leo Baeck has taught me so many things and it is like a second home to me.

Kelsey ShulmanAs my 10 years at Leo Baeck has come to an end, there is someone in particular that stands out in my mind as being an amazing teacher. At the beginning of grade 6, Mrs. Tabak was my teacher

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and I have to admit, I was kind of scared of her because I heard she was a hard teacher. Writing has always been a huge part of school, and I had always struggled with it. She quickly identified my struggle and immediately took me under her wing. Week after week she patiently offered to help me improve my writing even if it meant coming in early or giving up her lunch hour to help me. Today, I am so much more confident in my writing and I have her to thank for it. I am so grateful to Mrs. Tabak because her help and encouragement has made a huge difference in my writing and my education in general.

Joshua SilvermanDuring my time at Leo Baeck I have made many friends and memories. I am proud of my involvement and hard work and dedication to my grades. I have excelled in many subjects, especially in math. The amazing teachers that have guided me through my years at Leo Baeck have helped me to become a well-rounded person and I would like to thank them for that. My experience at Leo Baeck would have not been complete if I had not made all of the friends I have. My friends have always been there for me through the good times and the bad times. My experience at Leo Baeck was a positive one and one that I will never forget.

Ryan SteinerOver my years at Leo Baeck, I have done many things, which form my memories that I hope will stay with me for the rest of my life. Out of all the memories, I would have to say that winning the JDSSL hockey tournament my first year on the senior team was the achievement I am most proud of; as it was the only championship I won playing on an LB sports team. Over the years, Mr. Martosh has been a big role model for me by inspiring me to have a passion for science. He has brought out this passion, which I never knew I would have and he has encouraged me to follow through with science in the future. Mr. Martosh has been not only a great teacher but also a supportive person in general not only to me but to everyone around him.

Rebecca Train Leo Baeck has been like a roller coaster. It has been the ride of my life. My journey had its ups and downs, bumps, bruises and smooth rides but overall, these 10 years from JK to grade 8 have been the experience of a lifetime. Since JK, I created new memories, each and every day through my learning, my teachers and my friends. I have overcome many challenges to get where I am in grade 8, such as big projects, difficult tests a n d m e e t i n g d e a d l i n e s f o r i m p o r t a n t assignments.  Leo Baeck staff and administrators have been there for me through it all. If there was a conflict, they would be there to solve it and I

am so grateful of that because if I didn't have help with a problem, I wouldn't be here today graduating from Leo Baeck. On Fridays at school, we all come together for a Shabbat service. During the service we sing many prayers, but there is one prayer that really speaks to me. This prayer is Misheberach. This prayer speaks to me because I get to think of family members who have passed away in my life and to never forget their memory. Through my years at Leo Baeck, teachers have been there to support me. There are so many enthusiastic, intelligent and kind teachers. Most students just see these teachers as adults who stand up in front of you and lecture you all day, but I see these remarkable teachers as human beings who really do care. These teachers are like my parents because I see them every day. I probably see them more than my actual parents. There are so many teachers that I have learned with, spoke with and even laughed with. If I could talk about every teacher that I have had since JK, we would be here all night, but one teacher that has really encouraged me throughout the years is Mrs. Daniel. Mrs. Daniel has not only helped and encouraged me through my learning, but she has also helped me become a better person. She was only my teacher for one year but I learned so many new things from her and she has impacted me tremendously. I am sad to leave Leo Baeck because I have been here for so long, but it is also exciting to move on and start a new chapter in my life.

David WeissWhen I came to Leo Baeck in SK I had no idea what Tikkun Olam or community service meant. As I learned about Tikkun Olam throughout my years at Leo Baeck I decided I wanted to help the world somehow, in a way that was specifically close to me. Leo Baeck really helped me put my goal into action through our Community Project in grade 8 this year. The Community Project was a yearlong project that involved making a plan to change the world in some way. When we received this project my first thought was to involve hockey, as hockey is my passion. Many kids are not as fortunate as me and do not have enough money to pay for hockey equipment. Two friends and I decided to hold a hockey equipment drive at the school. Throughout the year long process of this project I have learned how hard some kid’s lives are. It felt very good to know that more kids can play hockey just like me. My 9 years at Leo Baeck have been very memorable and all my teachers have been great role models in guiding me and teaching me that giving is a better gift than receiving, and I hope to keep those morals for the rest of my life.

Abbie Wise I am going to miss this school, my friends, my teachers and my classes so much. This school has provided me with such a great education and

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I am afraid to leave not knowing what lies ahead. Despite some fears, I am excited about change and going to high school, although I will miss my ten years here at Leo Baeck.   My favourite memory was going to Ottawa with the whole grade 7 class last year. It was a great bonding experience between the students and teachers. I had a lot of fun just sitting on the bus and talking to everyone. I also enjoyed going to the museum where we were able to walk around in groups and explore. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go to this school, and it has been an experience that I will never forget.

Nicole WolfeEven though I have only been at Leo Baeck since grade 4, these past 5 years have been so memorable. One of my proudest memories at Leo B a e c k w a s w i n n i n g t h e g i r l s ’ s o c c e r championships. Since I started at Leo Baeck, I have been on the soccer team. I was thrilled in grade six when I got to continue onto the middle school team. In grade seven, I was proud to be a starter and earn second place in the JDSSL tournament. As this is my last year at Leo Baeck, I was ext remely determined to win the championships of the team that I have been a part of since I came to Leo Baeck. Sure enough, with the combined efforts of our whole team, we pulled through, and won first place! I felt so proud of myself and the team when we revealed our banner at the sports assembly. The lessons of being part of a team, communication and collaboration that I learned while on the soccer team will follow me for the rest of my life.

Hayden Wolff I think that the prayer that best speaks to me would be the Modeh Ani prayer. I grew up with this prayer from nursery and I feel that it is the one memory I remember from preschool. Whenever I go to a Rosh Chodesh or a B’nai Mitzvah honouring, I always look forward to singing this prayer because it reminds me of my preschool years. I like how this prayer is thanking God for letting us wake up and giving us another glorious day. I feel that in my mind there is no other prayer that is better than Modeh Ani. This prayer makes me thankful for all of my wonderful years here at Leo Baeck.

Dylan Yack I have attended Leo Baeck for nine years, and they have been some of the greatest years of my life. I will miss all my friends and teachers. I want to thank them for teaching me everything I know. The two things I am most proud about during my time at Leo Baeck is winning the hockey championship twice (junior and senior division) and being named team captain for the first time. The biggest challenge I have faced was learning French with five different teachers in the span of

one year. Mr. Greenbaum has definitely been my role model throughout middle school. He is an amazing teacher but what makes him my role model was that he told us that there was a brighter side to everything and you always need a good laugh. I am really going to miss all my friends and teachers. Thank you Leo Baeck for making my time so memorable.

Dan Yaron I have been at Leo Baeck for eight years and they have been eight years that I will never forget. One of my greatest achievements at Leo Baeck was two years ago when we won the senior ice hockey championship. It was an important milestone for me at Leo Baeck because I contributed a lot to the team and it felt good to help bring my school to victory. One challenge that I had was that I wasn’t a great math student but with hard work and dedication, I have managed to achieve good results. One thing that has always stood out for me is the school has always placed importance on Tikkun Olam. One major event that stands out to me the most was when we participated in The Inside Ride to raise funds for camp Oochigeas. It felt good to know that in some small way, I could help kids with cancer. A prayer that I often think about is eilu d’evarim and this is because I value the mitzvah to honour your mother and father. Without my parents support, I would never have achieved all that I have in my years at Leo Baeck and I am grateful to have had them beside me throughout this journey. So now that I am leaving Leo Baeck, I realize just how much I have grown from a restless child to a very mature teenager and I want to thank everyone who helped make this happen.

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Teachers

Educational Leadership Team Eric Petersiel, RJE Head of School

Yvette Burke Principal

Dorothy Hartman Vice Principal

Jody Blum Dean of Academic Development

Bev Gitter Dean of Student Services

Rabbi Noam Katz Dean of Jewish Living

Revalyn Faba Sack MYP Coordinator

Irith Rosen Hebrew & Judaic Studies Coordinator

Bonnie Gremont Preschool Coordinator

Board of DirectorsOfficers

Neil Abramson Eli Mogil

Sara Arnstein Shannon Moldaver

Jeremy Burke Micki Mizrahi

Laurie Davis Gavin Naimer

Richard Davis Marc Newburgh

Mark Katz Jamie Spinner

Bradley Lenet Carole Sterling

Paul Leszner Alissa Train

Adam Zalev

Rabbi Arthur Bielfeld Honourary Chair of the Board

Erika Rubin Co-President

Shelley Weiner Co-President

Avi Greenspoon Secretary

Alan Maresky Treasurer

Risa Amar

Marni Appel

Magi Binyamini

Wendi Bonder

Karen Cohen

Noa Daniel

Irit Dor

Olga Fainer

Carlee Fossella

Sam Fruitman

Glenda Godfrey

Ashley Gordon

David Greenbaum

Bonnie Gremont

Sara Haas

Alicia Kesten

Shelley Klugman

Elise Levinson

Mike Levy

Jessica Levy-Johnson

David Martosh

Mara Mazer

Shoshana Meron

Leanda Miller

Ryan Peters

Elaine Platt

Joanna Sadowski

Alla Sagalov

Zlatko Sarcevic

Rhonda Schlanger

Cheryl Shapiro

Aviva Sinuk

Randi Solomon

Michelle Spritzer

Shari Standil

Monica Stewart

Alina Tabak

Ilana Walderman

Shari Zacks

Michal Ziskind

Elaine Zuckerman