lifelong learning l’apprentissage continu passion for...

Solomon Schechter Academy 5555 Côte St-Luc RoadMontréal, Qc H3X 2C9 514.485.0866

Amiel Early Childhood Centre4940 MacDonald AvenueMontréal, Qc H3X 2V3514.486.0866

www.solomonschechter.ca

Lifelong learningL’apprentissage continu

Passion for excellencePassion pour l’excellence

Jewish traditionsTraditions juives

Handbook 2016 -2017

Solomon Schechter Academy 5555 Côte St-Luc RoadMontréal, Qc H3X 2C9 514.485.0866

Amiel Early Childhood Centre4940 MacDonald AvenueMontréal, Qc H3X 2V3514.486.0866

www.solomonschechter.ca

ACADÉMIE SOLOMON SCHECHTER ACADEMY

Welcome Dear Students and Parents,

I am glad to have this opportunity to welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year at Solomon Schechter Academy. I look forward to another year as part of the Solomon Schechter team as Head of School. I am here to help ensure your child has an enjoyable and successful year.

Please take the time to look through this hand-book for important information and answers to some of the questions that you may have.

If you have any further questions after the school year starts, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or e-mail.

I hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer holiday. I look forward to seeing you all again at the end of the month; well rested and ready for the new academic year.

Steven Erdelyi [email protected] Head of School

HANDBOOK 2016/17 .

Table of Contents

Our SchoolHistory of SSA 7Curriculum 8After School Activities/ Extended Day Program 11Teaching Staff 12

PoliciesSSA Uniform 15Lost & Found 16School Security 17Requests for EarlyDismissal & Late Arrivals 18Birthday Parties 19SSA Head Lice Guidelines 19Allergies 19

Administration & CommunicationGovernance 21Communications 24

Home & SchoolUniform Shop 27Volunteer Committees 29

Our School

History of SSA 7Our Mission 7Our Philosophy 7Tzedakah 7Our Facilities 7General Studies 7English Program 8French Program 8Judaic Studies 9Azrieli SMART Floor 10Afterschool Activities 11Extended Day Program 11Teaching staff 12

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 7

History of SSAThe Shaare Zion Synagogue opened its own day school called the Shaare Zion Academy in 1958. When the synagogue had difficulty sustaining the school on its own, the parents stepped in and began managing the school. Solomon Schechter Academy in Montreal became an independent corporation in 1969 catering primarily to families committed to the values of Judaism.

Our VisionTo be the leading elementary school in Mon-treal that develops students who are creative thinkers and future leaders with strong Jewish values

Our Mission Solomon Schechter Academy lays the founda-tion for a lifetime of learning and instills a passion for excellence and Jewish traditions.

Our Values

Respect IntegrityResponsibility Tikun Olam

Innovation Excellence

Our PhilosophyOur focus is on the needs and growth of its students in order to foster lifelong learn-ing, a passion for excellence and a strong connection to Jewish values. The goal of an education at Solomon Schechter is to develop students that are dynamic, critical thinkers who respect the Jewish traditions of the past. The Academy’s educational process is a vibrant partnership between students, parents and educators.

Tzedakah An important part of our education program is to teach every child to be committed to his community and his people. We will therefore ask children to bring money for various chari-table funds in order to develop their sensitivity to the needs of others.

We have incorporated teaching units in Jewish Civics and Good Citizenship into our curricu-lum. In addition to Jewish National Fund and Combined Jewish Appeal projects, each grade will do a project on the theme chosen by their teachers. The project will entail learning about a needy cause and performing good deeds.

Our FacilitiesThe school functions from a modern, spacious facility on Cote St. Luc Road attached to the Shaare Zion Synagogue and the newly ac-quired Amiel Early Childhood Center on Mac-Donald Ave. With the acquisition of the new campus, the school has three playgrounds, three gyms, a full commercial kitchen, the Mel Hoppenheim Family Foundation Theatre center and the Azrieli SMART floor in which students are offered Science, Music, Jewish Arts, Com-puter Animation, Robotics and Technology.

General Studies CurriculumSolomon Schechter Academy integrates its Judaic and General Studies programs so that classes in both of these areas are interspersed throughout the day. The general studies program includes instruction in Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Technology (including coding), Physical Education, Instrumental Music, Drama and Art, Computer Animation and Robotics. In all grades, there are groups based on those skills which students have to master. Teachers have Teaching Assistants with them in order to be able to give more individualized assistance and enrichment to their students.

8 . ACADÉMIE SOLOMON SCHECHTER ACADEMY

M.E.L.S. Requirements (Le Ministère d’Education, Loisir et Sport)

Both our English and French curriculums exceed the M.E.L.S. requirements. Subject specific skills are integrated into the devel-opment of intellectual skills in order for our students to develop their personal identity.

English ProgramLanguage Arts

Language Arts is taught in our English section for five hours per week. Our French section receives English instruction in Cycle One for 3.25 hours. In Cycle Two and Cycle Three, French section students receive 3 hours of English instruction weekly.

The English program integrates the major components of literacy: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. A love for literature is fostered in each cycle through a variety of texts. The main objective of our Language Arts Program is to motivate lifelong readers who can access texts for a variety of purposes. Literal and inferential comprehension skills are developed through independent and collab-orative activities utilizing an array of strategies. The writing process evolves through exposure to different genres and experiences. Students are encouraged to express their opinions and judgments while respecting other points of view.

Math

Mathematics is taught in our English section for 4.25 minutes per week. The Pearson Mathematics Program (Digit, Numbers & Deci-mal) provides the foundation of our mathemat-ics curriculum and meets the requirements set by MELS. The children are introduced to a variety of application and situational problems.

Happenings

Each year the parents of two grade levels are invited to attend either a Language Arts or Math Happening. These “Happenings” provide parents with an opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience affording them insight into their child’s daily learning.

Horizons Art program

The Horizons Art Program is offered to the English section students. The program provides the students with opportunities to define, recognize and use the elements of art. They develop an appreciation of the historical and cultural influences of a number of works of art. The program is designed to strengthen their perceptual awareness and cognitive skills through sensory experiences. The students analyze, compare, interpret and evaluate their own creations with other students’ work, and that of major artists. It culminates with the production of visual art in a wide variety of media and techniques with a strong emphasis on English writing.

French ProgramThere is special emphasis on teaching the French language and living French culture through song, theatre, animation and French Literature. Students in the “English Section” receive 14.5 hours of classes taught in French per week. Physical education, computer classes, field trips and French theatre are all part of our French Department.

Theatre & Exhibitions

As part of the French curriculum as defined by the Ministry of Education, the French program alternates annually between French theatre and an artistic exhibition.The French plays are written by our own teachers for their classes and relate directly to material being studied in class. The play is used as a reinforcement of the class learning using a different medium.

Livromagie

Our Livromagie program encourages the students to read French books in a fun and entertaining manner.

Art

Students study art in French as part of the curriculum. Students study major artists of the world and their unique style. Our young art connoisseurs develop a vocabulary as well as a knowledge base in a more esoteric discipline.

Physical Education

Students participate in Physical Education 3 times per week as part of the French program.This includes ice skating trips throughout the winter.

Field trips & special guests

Children participate in annual field trips, outdoor activities and sports. Authors and animators are regularly invited to the school to provide our students with additional learning experiences. These activities are partially spon-sored by the Home and School Association.

Judaic Studies

The formative years of the Solomon Schechter students are spent studying the customs and traditions in accordance with Judaism as well as the basics of the Hebrew language. They use the TAL AM Hebrew Language Curriculum and each class holds a Model Seder.

As our students learn to read in Grade One, they are introduced to their first Hebrew text and the Siddur (prayer book).

Students begin the new iTAL AM program in grades Two and Three. The highlight of the Grade Two program is the introduction of the Bible and the accompanying Torah consecra-tion. The students in grade Three present the

“Hagigat Bereshit”.

Grades Four and Five introduces our students to the Bible from the original text, as well as an ever-expanding Hebrew vocabulary. The theme for the year is the formation of the people of Israel and possession of its national homeland. Grade four classes host Shabbat services and dinner while grade Five students lead a Havdalah service for their families.

The grade Five and Six students learn about Jewish history making connections with what they have learned in previous years.

An annual trip to Israel is organized for grade Six students who wish to attend during mid-Winter break. Space is limited and students are chosen on a first come basis.

State of Israel

The love and support for the State of Israel are integral parts of our program and are reflected in every area of the curriculum. This is ac-companied by a strong emphasis on Hebrew proficiency. Students participate in varied programs including art and dance that allow them to engage with the culture and music of the State of Israel.

Afik School, Be’er Sheva

We are particularly proud of our contact with the Afik School in Be’er Sheva, Israel and we encourage all students and their families to maintain and nurture this contact with regular mail and e-mail correspondence.

Bnot Sherut

Some religious young women in Israel opt to do community service instead of military service. In their second year, they can choose to do their community service abroad. The Bnot Sherut help the school bring the spirit of Israel and Jewish Traditions through regular experiential activities.

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 9


Tikun Olam

Another important dimension in the program is the emphasis on our own community. Students visit Federation CJA as well as other sites in Jewish Montreal. In addition, they participate in community wide campaigns by raising funds within the school for Federation CJA, MADA and others.

Bar and Bat Mitzvahs

Grade 6 students attend programming in preparation for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs encompassing religious practices, community service and other complementary activities.

In planning for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the office maintains a list of dates of grade 6 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for your reference.

Report CardsJr. Prek & Prek

Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year to discuss the child’s growth both academically and socially.

Grades K-6

Report Cards are issued three times per year.

Parent-Teacher interviews are twice per year.

TechnologyCurriculum

From Pre-Kindergarten on, students are introduced to the computer as part of the educational curriculum. The computer classes in grades K-6 are taught in French.

In the computer lab, students are taught Microsoft Office and the basics in website design.

Computers in the classroom

Class computers with Internet access provide opportunities for reinforcement, remediation and enrichment.

Mobile computer & iPad lab

We also have 2 wireless mobile computer & iPad lab connected to our network and the internet. The mobile labs have over 50 laptop computers and 25 iPads and are available for special projects for all classes. Students in older grades use these resources regularly and for special projects in all three languages.

Azrieli SMART FloorOur school’s SMART floor affords students the opportunity to study Science, Music, Computer Animation, Jewish Arts, Robotics and Technol-ogy. The SMART floor introduces students to curriculum that enhances critical thinking.

Computer Animation

Creative computing prepares our young people for more than careers as computer scientists, or programmers. It supports and al-lows young people to learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.

In our Animation class we explore computing languages to program custom projects. We animate creative storyboards and observe the stages that the Pixar’s software animators use to create their state-of-the-art movies, and much more.

Robotics

In our Robotics class, students get acquainted with the fundamentals of 3D construction, pro-gramming concepts, electrical and mechanical engineering while making an intelligent robot that can perform complex linked tasks.

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 11

After School & Lunchtime Activities Extra-curricular activities

Some activities offered are: Art, Dance, Sport ball, Music, Beading, Babysitting, Chess and Mad Science. Activities are offered during lunch and after school. Fees are kept to a minimum to encourage as many participants as possible. Registration starts in September.

After school sports

In grade 5 & 6, we have a hockey team as well as basketball, soccer and ultimate frisbee teams for boys and girls. Tryouts begin in August.

A basketball clinic is offered to grades 3, 4 & 5 in the Fall and/or Spring.

Extended Day Program The Extended Day Program will be offered until 5:30pm for all grades.

Parents may register in advance by complet-ing the registration form found in the office.

If a child is not picked up by 4:15pm, they will be sent to the Extended Day Program and parents will be charged the daily fee.

If a parent knows they will be late on a given day, please contact the office by 2:30pm to ensure that you child is sent to the Extended Day Program.

You will be receiving more information by e-mail to register for half-day and Ped. day programs

Please note that there is no extended day on early Friday dismissals due to Shabbat.

First Aid Opening hours

8:30am - 3:30pm (5 days a week)

Medication

Please advise Joy Rodgers, our First Aid co-ordinator of any of your child’s medical issues (Allergies, asthma or prescribed medication) and make arrangements with her regarding medications which need to be administered during the school day or stored at school (Epipens, Benedryl, puffers).

School trips

We take first aid kits on all school trips. These include the particular medications of individu-als who need them regularly or on occasion.

Student ServicesOur Student Services department is com-mitted to the advancement of all students. The team is made up of dedicated, multidis-ciplinary specialists including psychologists, social workers, art therapists, remediation specialists and counsellors. This team of compassionate and seasoned professionals practices a whole child approach in collabora-tion with the school, family and community to address specific needs as they arise. They are committed to help staff and teachers learn about each student to better enable them to meet his/her individual needs.

The program of support and prevention services is designed to provide students with an environment conducive to learning and to the development of a healthy lifestyle. This includes consultations with parents and teachers, interventions such as therapy, test-ing, referrals and resources and educational activities such as workshops, presentations and trainings offered to the students, teachers and parent body.


Our LibraryVolunteers

The assistance of parents, whether for a few hours weekly or for a regular “day” greatly helps the librarian. If you wish to volunteer your time please call Talya, the Head Librarian.

Birthday Card Fund

Each student will receive a birthday card from the library. Your tax-deductible contributions to the library are most welcome as they help us purchase new books. A book plate with an appropriate inscription will be placed in a library book for your child, who has the privilege of being the first to borrow that book, in their honor.

Tribute fund

You can make a donation to the library for any occasion: bar/bat mitzvah, graduation, loss of a family member, teacher appreciation, or any other event you would like to commemorate. A book plate with your dedication will be placed in a selected new book and a card will be sent out to the honoree notifying them of the donation in their name.Your donations are tax deductible and all funds go towards purchas-ing new books for the library.

Teaching Staff 2016/2017Head of School

Steven Erdelyi

Dean of Students

Tina Roth

Early Childhood Director

Randy Mendel

Director of French Studies.

Judith Dahan

Director Judaic Studies

Chani Cohen

Director of English Studies.

Darra Lang

Jr. Prek & PrekEmma Petts, Ellie Parker, Ashley Malet, Judy Brown and Catherine Anderson

KindergartenÉquipe de français

Karyne Dolev, Katie Fortin & Joanne Lalonde

Hebrew team

Simona Parynte & Lily Bahrat

English team

Elaine Goldberg & Tammy Perez

Grade 1 Équipe de français

Guyla Elijarat, Chantal Grenon, Geyda Nayman France Legault & Audrey Letellier

Hebrew team

Nicole Abeassis, Miriam Ne’eman & Glenda Stoller

English team

Darra Lang, Etti Sands, Dahlia Monk & Jennifer van der Hoeven

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 13


Chantal Grenon, Guyla Elijarat, France Legault & Geyda Nayman

Hebrew team

Nicole Abeassis, Shoshana Buch & Adi Mor

English team

Etti Sands, Shira Satov & Jennifer van der Hoeven


Vicky Benarroch, Alexander Montoya & Esther Sebban

Hebrew team

Esther Bruder, Shoshana Buch & Adi Mor

English team

Dahlia Monk, Elaine Povitz, Shira Satov & Shari Stone


Vicky Benarroch, Mery Kadoch, Geyda Nayman & Esther Sebban

Hebrew team

Ronit Faitelis, Hilla Friedman, Miriam Ne’eman & Rachel Zunenshine

English team

Jackie Karpman, Dahlia Monk, Ellen Reider & Shari Stone


Hélène Carrière, Judith Dahan, Maryse El Haik & Mery Kadoch

Hebrew team

Mor Elgrably, Ronit Faitelis, Lee Pinto, Mira Segal & Rachel Zunenshine

English team

Susan Bercovitch, Marissa Carr, Jackie Karp-man & Ellen Reider


Hélène Carrière, Maryse El Haik, Joanne Lalonde & Audrey Letellier

Hebrew team

Lily Bahrat, Esther Bruder, Mor Elgrably, Lee Pinto & Mira Segal

English team

Susan Bercovitch, Debbi Feldman, Tammy Perez & Ellen Reider

NOTE: This list does not include specialists, assistants and special program instructors.

E-mail correspondence

Every staff member in the school has a school e-mail address. It is made up of the first initial of their first name, the full last name @solomonschechter.ca. John Smith would have an e-mail of [email protected]. The one exception is our receptionist; Tara Pardo who can be reached at [email protected].

PoliciesUniform & Clothing 15Lost & Found 16Textbooks &School Material 16Lunch Time 16School Security 17Parking & Transportation 17Absenteeism 18 Requests for EarlyDismissal & Late Arrivals 18School Trips 18Birthday Treatsin School 19Birthday Parties 19SSA Head LiceGuideines 19Allergy Policy 19

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 15

Uniform & Clothing 15Lost & Found 16Textbooks &School Material 16Lunch Time 16School Security 17Parking & Transportation 17Absenteeism 18 Requests for EarlyDismissal & Late Arrivals 18School Trips 18Birthday Treatsin School 19Birthday Parties 19SSA Head LiceGuideines 19Allergy Policy 19

The Uniform StoreUniforms may be purchased at “The Shop”, our Home and School store located in the Dufferin campus.

“The Shop” is open and will have regular hours (announced in weekly eNewsletters) as well as private appointments. Please contact them at [email protected] to set an appointment time if needed.

UniformSSA has a dress code policy that is strictly en-forced during the entire school year for grade 1 through grade 6 students. Students will be sent home if the school uniform is not worn.

• Shirts must be buttoned and neatly tucked in.

• If the temperature is too hot, you will be informed that students may wear their gym shorts and T-shirts during the months of September and June.

• No turtle-neck jerseys are to be worn under oxford shirts. During the winter, students should leave their shoes in school. Boots may not be worn in the classroom.

Girls’ uniforms

Navy blue SSA box-pleated tunic with belt (belt should be sewn onto the tunic) or grey pants, school crest on the left side, SSA blue oxford shirt with collar, navy blue SSA sweatshirt, navy blue or white socks, shoes and/or gym shoes. Girls are expected to wear their tunic belts at all times. Navy blue SSA leggings may be worn under the tunics during cold weather.

Girls are asked to tie back their long hair. No hats, coloured laces, wedge or high heeled shoes may be worn. Minimal jewelry and hair accessories may be worn with the uniform.

Boys’ uniform

Blue shirt with collar, navy blue sweater (sleeveless or pullover) or sweatshirt with school crest on the left side, plain grey slacks, shoes and/or gym shoes, kippah. No hats, except for a kippah, are to be worn indoors. Boys may not wear earrings in school.

Kippot

All boys in grades 1-6 will be expected to wear their kippot throughout the day. This new policy has been instated to promote respect for the kippah and to encourage students to take care of their personal kippah. We strongly recommend purchasing a kippah for your son that they have chosen and con-nect with so they are more inclined to love, respect and hold on to it during the school year. Please label all kippot and include a clip to prevent it from falling off.

Special events

Boys and girls will be asked to wear a white collared shirt on certain special days. (Shabbat programs, Yom Haatzmaut, Chagigot, Torah Consecration and choir performances.)

Gym uniform (Boys & Girls)

Running shoes, navy blue shorts with SSA crest, Solomon Schechter Academy T-shirt. The gym uniform must always be worn during gym class. Students who are not wearing the gym uniform will not be permitted to attend gym classes.

Trends

Parents should be aware that we are a school with a uniform policy and any fad which is not consistent with the conservative look that such a policy reflects will not be allowed in school. For example, hair dye and knee high running shoes are not permitted in school


Kindergarten, Jr. Prek & Prek ClothingWe recommend that your child wear casual clothes in school. We would like your child to feel free to paint, use clay and water and sit on the floor without too much concern for their clothes.

Please be sure that your child is always prepared for outdoor play. This includes hats (winter and summer), boots, gloves, snow pants, sunscreen etc. Outdoor clothing should go on easily so that educators can help children become autonomous. All outdoor and indoor clothing, including boots, shoes, kippot, and smocks should be labeled.

Lost & FoundLabels should be attached to clothing, boots, school bags, etc. Valuable clothing items are lost each year in school and cannot be re-turned to their owners if they lack proper iden-tification. There is a lost and found box near the office and in the lunchroom in the main campus and at the Kindergarten entrance at the Amiel Early Childhood Centre.

Cleanliness Students are expected to keep classrooms and halls clean. Children must respect the school property and are responsible for any damages. All facilities are thoroughly cleaned daily.

Textbooks & School Materials All textbooks are supplied to the students with the exception of some paperback literature, dictionaries and special resource books. Each textbook given has a number and students are responsible for it. We expect all books to be treated with care and respect. Book covers

are encouraged at all times. Students who damage or lose any textbook must pay its replacement cost.

Lunch TimeChildren in Jr. Prek, Prek and Kindergarten will be eating lunch under the supervision of their teachers and assistants in the classrooms.

The lunch hour for grades 1-6 takes place in the lunchroom & is supervised by anima-tors while teachers are having lunch. We ask parents to encourage appropriate behaviour during lunch. Students not behaving properly during lunch will be asked to be removed from school to eat lunch at home.

Healthy snack & lunches

For those who do not participate in the school’s meal program, please send healthy foods and let us teach the children about nutrition together. Send fruit, vegetables, and healthy drinks. Due to allergies, we strongly discourage sharing food with others. We are a nut free school. Please do not send peanuts or nuts to school.

Lunch program

Our school has a full dairy and meat commer-cial kitchen. We offer a daily lunch program that can be ordered on a monthly basis. Please place your order online 1 week before the start of the month at www.meal-go.ca.

NB. Check your calendar for days when your child will not be in school to receive catered lunch (field trips or a personal appointment.)

Kosher meals

Meal times are excellent opportunities for children to put into practise the Laws of Kashruth. Please ensure that your child’s meal is either meat or dairy. We ask students between grades three and six to sit at different sides of the table which will be designated as meat and dairy.

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 17

RecessNo student is allowed to remain indoors dur-ing recesses when the rest of the school is outdoors. Students benefit from fresh air and exercise. Only students with a medical note are permitted to stay indoors during recess.

Toys and Games in SchoolPlease do not send toys and games to school including balls and yoyos unless specifically requested by the teacher. Cell phones, smart watches (including Apple watches) and other electronic communication devices are also not permitted in school. We will confiscate toys and cell phones that compromise learning or safety. A repeat occurrence will result in parents coming to remove the toy or game. Ignoring school rules may result in a perma-nent confiscation of an item.

School Security Water pistols, hard, small or spiked balls or other sharp and dangerous objects may NOT be brought to school. If a child is found in possession of such items, they will be confiscated.

We are not responsible for any damage or loss. iPods, expensive watches, jewlery etc. are thus discouraged.

School boundaries

The school boundaries are the school building, the side of the school and the playground. Students are not permitted outside school boundaries. The school cannot be responsible for children if they leave its premises.

Buffer zone

For the front entrance to the Main Campus on Cote Saint-Luc Rd. during morning drop off from 7:30-8:00am and after school from 3:45-4:15pm (2:15-2:45pm on early

Fridays), parents should be dropping off their children before the 2 steps leading to the raised landing in front of the door.

At the end of the day before pick-up parents must not be waiting in the lobby area or on the raised landing.

For the rear entrance through the school yard, parents should be dropping off children at the gate on Snowdon Rd. and not enter the school yard area. This applies throughout the day and for drop off as well.

Parents visiting the school

When visiting the school, parents are request-ed to report to the office to sign in and wear a visitor’s bracelet. Walking through school corridors can be disruptive and compromises school safety. Parents should not converse with teachers or assistants who are on duty or in class.

Fire drills & lockdown

There are regular fire drills and lockdown drills. Children are made aware of the procedure for quick evacuation in case of an emergency. A lockdown will occur if there is an intruder in the school building.

Parking & TransportationTicketing

Police will ticket any double-parked vehicles. Driving cars into the school yard is forbidden. When students are dropped off on Snowdon Avenue, they must enter through the play-ground and not the parking lot. To alleviate potential congestion, locations for car pools, pick-ups, and drop-offs will be arranged prior to the opening of school. Cars are not allowed to idle outside the school for longer than 3 minutes according to the city’s rules


Our Safety and Security Committee has instituted a protocol to protect our students at pick-up and drop-off times. We urge parents to strictly follow the guidelines which have been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Academy in the service contract sent to you in July.

Other transportation

The Academy does not provide bus trans-portation. Parents are welcome to make arrangements with a company or taxi service of their choice. While we will cooperate with every company, we will accept no respon-sibility for the quality of the service. That is entirely a matter between the parents and the car service.

Absenteeism & Buddy System (gr. 1-6)

• Every child is assigned a “buddy” who is asked to make sure that homework and messages are relayed to their buddy.

• If your child will not be coming to school they are asked to notify the buddy who will make sure to let the teacher know of any absence. If your child is absent for more than one day, please make sure you have made arrangements to receive your child’s homework (via the buddy) or call the school office in the morning to arrange for the homework to be brought to the office for you to pick up at 4pm.

• When your child returns to school, please send a note to the teacher explaining your child’s absence.

Extending vacations

We strongly urge parents not to extend vaca-tions. Extending vacations compromises the learning of the absent student and of the other students in the class. It is the absent student’s responsibility to make up the lost learning.

We have instructed teachers to continue teaching until the very last days prior to all holidays and vacations. We are unable to control those who leave early. However, they must recognize that there will be a significant loss of learning for those who leave early.

Requests for Early Dismissal & Late Arrivals For the safety and protection of our students, we have adopted the following procedure for requests for early dismissal:

• Children will be dismissed early only if a note is sent to school requesting early dismissal. No phone calls please.

• To minimize disruptions to the class, we ask that parents avoid calling the school to announce early dismissal unless there is an emergency.

• Parents or authorized persons must sign out and pick-up students in the front office.

• Students will be allowed to sign them-selves out only if it is indicated in their parents’ note. Otherwise, parents will have to pick up the student (see above.)

School TripsClass trips are taken throughout the year. Your signing a permission slip at the begin-ning of the school year allows your child to go on trips. This form was sent to you in July and only those who submit the waiver will be permitted to go on school trips.

In Jr. Prek, Prek and Kindergarten, parents are sometimes asked to accompany the class. Your support is needed to enable teachers to undertake the responsibility of a class trip.

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Birthday Treats in SchoolWe remind parents that treats for birthdays must be ordered through our Home & School association at www.ssahs.com in August.

Birthday PartiesInclusive parties

We invite parents to work in partnership with the school to provide a healthy social environ-ment for all students. It is our policy that a few students should not be excluded from a party. Invitations may be distributed in school only if the entire class is invited or all girls or all boys.

Dietary laws and Jewish holidays

It is the school’s religious philosophy that kosher food be served at parties and that parties not be held on Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Breaking these rules forces students to choose between their religious values and their peers. The school calendar clearly indicates all Jewish Holidays.

Party menus

Parents can avoid the problem of the dietary laws by simply serving dairy or vegetarian foods. We welcome calls from parents who may want to check menu possibilities with us. We appeal to your respect and good sense and ask that the school policy be strictly adhered to.

Gifts to Faculty MembersSSA recognizes its exceptional staff. We pres-ent our staff with a token gift on Chanukah and a year-end gift in June on behalf of the students. Your Home and School Association fees go towards the purchase of these gifts.

SSA Head Lice Guidelines• If a child has been found to have head

lice, the first aid coordinator will check the other children in the child’s class and the affected child’s siblings who attend SSA.

• The first aid coordinator will immediately notify the parents of a child that has been found to have head lice. This child will not necessarily be removed early from the class as this has not been shown to decrease head lice transmission and may cause significant embarrassment to the child.

• Once the identified child has received treatment for head lice, the child’s head will be checked for live lice before reen-tering the class.

• A child can re-enter the school if s/he still has nits since the nits are very hard to remove and do not reflect continued infestation once the child has been treated. Please be aware that this policy is supported by both Canadian and American experts.

• Within 24-48 hours of discovering head lice in a child, parents of children in the same class as this child will receive notification.

Allergy Policy Parents of allergic children have the oppor-tunity to make an informed decision for their children as to whether or not they wish to participate in the Catering Program and the Classroom Offerings. This consent from will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

The School also requires that your child car-ries his/her own auto-injector (“EpiPen”) to ensure the safety of children with allergies.

ACADÉMIE SOLOMON SCHECHTER ACADEMY

Administration & Communication

Executive Committee 21Board of Trustees 21Volunteering 21Standing Committees 22Administration 23Fundraising 23Communications 24School Closing 24Messages & Phone Calls 24

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 21

GovernanceSolomon Schechter Academy is governed by an elected Board of Trustees whose members are drawn primarily from the parent body. The President of the Board, Jonathan Amiel, is the school’s Executive Officer, and presides over all meetings of the Board of Trustees.

Executive CommitteePresident

Jonathan Amiel

Immediate Past President

Lisa Singer Miller

Vice-President

Hélène Bussières

Treasurer

Daniel Levine

Home & School President

Lisa Mashaal Steinberg

Board of TrusteesMatthew Cutler

Liz Freedman

David Elfassy

Elliot Greenstone

Steven Karachinsky

Shari Munk-Manel

Nathalie Noik-Elharrar

Olivia Oiknine

Karen Payne

Larry Rinzler

Harold Scharf

Francine Sternthal-Wiseman

Howard Szalavetz

Yair Szlak

Bonnie Frank-Waxman

Volunteering on Board and Head of School Committees

All of the committees are essential to the well-being of our school and we encourage parents to volunteer on the committees of their choice. There are several committees re-quiring different levels of involvement. We are certain you will find one to suit your interests and your strengths.

How to get involved

An e-mail is sent home at the beginning of the school year describing the mandate of each committee and inviting parents to volunteer to the committees of their choice. You can also visit ssahs.com/volunteer-form to volunteer with the Home & School Association.


Standing CommitteesDEVELOPMENT

Specializes in areas of strategic fundraising and cultivation of relationships with future donors and planned giving.

FINANCE

Acts in cooperation with the Head of School and the Executive Director to oversee the operational finances of the school.

HEAD SUPPORT & EVALUATION

Provides support to the Head of School.

HOUSE COMMITTEE

Oversees, reports on and makes recommen-dations concerning the long term operation and maintenance of the school’s facilities, grounds & major capital expenditures.

COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES

Ensures that SSA’s governance practices are continually reviewed and improved.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Reflects on the policies and procedures ap-plied at SSA in order to ensure that they are in line with best practices.

HEAD OF SCHOOL ADVISORY

Provides support, advice & recommendations to the Head of School and to his team on matters that are brought before this commit-tee.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Makes recommendations concerning major hardware and software purchases, IT infrastructure, e-mail requirements, Internet security and system configurations.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Makes recommendations concerning pro-grams and equipment needed to maintain the safety and security of students and staff.

MEDICAL ADVISORY

Provides medical advice to the Board and the Administration on medical issues brought to the committee’s attention.

PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Amiel Centre has a Parent Advisory Com-mittee that is comprised of parent members who work in conjunction with the Preschool Director to better the experience of the children and the parents in our school. The P.A.C. was established 5 years ago to fulfill the government’s requirements, provide a place for parents to be involved and make the Preschool shine.

PARENTING MATTERS COMMITTEE

The Parenting Matters committee provides our parents with an opportunity to be ambas-sadors for our school and focuses on raising spirit at SSA by assisting at school wide events and wherever else needed.

GALA COMMITTEE

The Gala Committee plans and executes movie day in mid March and an end of year gala to celebrate the school year, and raise money for the Academy.

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AdministrationHead of School

Our Head of School, Steven Erdelyi, conducts the affairs of the school with his administrative team.

Dean of Students

Tina Roth is responsible for all matters relating to discipline, student services & day-to-day operations of the school related to the students.

Executive Director

The management of the day-to-day business activities is under the direction of Jonathan Kuczer.

Director of Development and Admissions Coordinator

Contact Naomi Blumer for further informa-tion about registration, admissions and donor opportunities.

Director of Communications

Vienna Blum oversees SSA’s communications with parents including the weekly newslet-ter, while managing the school’s marketing initiatives.

Early Childhood Director

Get in touch with Randy Mendel for informa-tion about the daily ins and outs of Jr. Prek, Prek and Kindergarten.

Director of French Studies Judith Dahan directs the French program including gym, field trips and computers.

Director of Judaic Studies and the B’not Sherut Program

Chani Cohen is responsible for the Judaic Studies and Hebrew Department including the Bnot Sherut program.

Director of English Studies

Darra Lang directs the English department.

FundraisingWith the Ministry of Education’s limited funding to private schools and the changing demographics in the city, fundraising, which was done on a voluntary basis in the school, is becoming an operational necessity. It is incumbent upon all parents to participate in school fundraising to the extent of their ability.

The Academy essentially has three sources of funds; government subsidies, tuition fees and fundraising. Two areas that remain untapped thus far are corporate sponsorships and en-dowments. Parents who are associated with companies where either one of the above is a possibility are encouraged to contact Naomi Blumer. We appeal to parents to support the school by participating in all the fundraising efforts and serving as volunteers on our com-mittees.

Any parent who has creative ideas for fun-draising projects is asked to contact Naomi Blumer at [email protected]


CommunicationsWeekly eNewsletter

Our primary means of sending information to parents is by eNewsletter which is sent every Friday to the e-mail address/es provided to the school with the Student Information Sheet at the beginning of the school year. It is extremely important that we are notified of a change of e-mail addresses.

Agenda

Please check your child’s agenda every day in case a teacher has sent a note or reminder home. You may also use the agenda to send the teachers a note.

Telephone messages

Please allow a day for a return phone call, and please do not phone teachers at home. Your child and your conversation deserve privacy and confidentiality. Please suggest an appro-priate time when teachers can reach you for a follow-up discussion to take place.

E-mail correspondence

Every staff member in the school has a school e-mail address. It is made up of the first initial of the first name, the full last name @solomonschechter.ca. John Smith would have an e-mail of [email protected]. Please refer to the school website for a full list of faculty names and e-mail addresses. The one exception is our receptionist; Tara Pardo who can be reached at [email protected].

School ClosingFor school cancellations please check on our web site www.solomonschechter.ca, Face-book or listen to CJAD and CKAC. School cancellations will generally be sent to parents

by eNewsletter around 6 am. (Unless a power failure prevents such communication from being distributed).

Please do not phone the school during such emergencies. At such times, all our attention needs to be dedicated to the children.

Messages and Telephone CallsCommunicating with your children during school hours

It is difficult to deliver messages to students during the day. Messages will not be ac-cepted except in case of an emergency. Please do not ask to give a message to the child the same day after 2:30pm.

At the beginning of the school day, our secretaries are occupied with the needs of the children. Consequently, the telephone is not answered until 9:00am.

Children are not allowed to use the school telephone except for emergencies. In the case of a sick student, they must visit the first aid coordinator who will then call the parents. on his or her behalf.

When to notify the school

If a student goes home in a car pool other than his own, please send a note to that ef-fect. This will avoid any misunderstandings at dismissal time, especially among the younger children.

It is important that the school be kept informed if parents intend to be away from the city for any length of time during the school year.

The school should also be notified of any events which could affect the behaviour of a child.

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Home & SchoolHome and School Association 37The Year at a Glance 28Volunteer Committees 29

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Home and School Association 2016-2017The Home and School Association is dedi-cated to the enhancement of academic, social, cultural and recreational programs of Solomon Schechter Academy. It is run entirely by parent volunteers with numerous committees providing services and/or event planning for the school community as a whole.

Annual fees

The Association’s annual family fee is $80.00. There is also a fee of $100.00 per child allocated to the student’s individual and class pictures, school supplies, in addition to gifts purchased on behalf of SSA families for teachers, administrators, and faculty. These fees are collected with the general school fees.

Our programs

Throughout the year, the Association is able to undertake the purchase of new equipment, resources and materials in addition to fund-ing numerous special events. These events include bowling, teacher appreciation lunches, and graduation breakfasts. The Home and School also pays all admission fees for school trips. We sponsor special programs and visits from animators and authors in all languages and underwrite the costs of performances put on for our students by various theatre groups.

In past years, The Home and School Associa-tion has organized, purchased or partially funded the following special programs through fund-raising activities: Books and equipment for the school library, holiday treats and re-freshments, challahs for each class on Shab-bat, the SSA dance festival, computers and other gym or technology related equipment.

The Uniform StoreThe Uniform Store, “The Shop”, is open and will have regular hours (announced in weekly eNewsletters) as well as private appointments. Please contact us at [email protected] to set an appointment time if needed.

Visit our Website ssahs.comSign-up and pay online

It is on this website where you are able to sign up for Challah, Lunch Program, Cool Treats, Entertainment Book, Birthday Cupcakes, Mummies Card, etc.

Learn about our programs

Please visit the Home and School Association website, www.ssahs.com, to find brief descrip-tions of all committees and programs.

Volunteer!

Whether you have a few hours per month or a few hours per year, we would love to have you! We can always use an extra hand in the library, or distributing challahs & TCBY. Get familiar with all our different volunteer commit-tees and join us! YOU make the difference.

You can also visit the Home & School website at www.ssahs.com or e-mail [email protected] for more details and volunteering opportunities today.

Thank youOn behalf of the Home and School Executive and all Committee chair people, we thank you for your support and participation.

Lisa Mashaal Steinberg

Home and School President


Home & School Year at a GlanceGeneral Prepayment August 1 - September 6

Chocolate Bar Sale August 29 - September 19

Cool Treats September 14 & 28 May 3, 17 & June 7

Challah Program Begins October 7

Class Pictures October 26-31

Teacher Appreciation Lunch November 16 & February 14

Bowl-a-Thon March 10

Graduation Pictures January 25

Home and School Executive Board [email protected]

President

Lisa Mashaal Steinberg - [email protected]

Vice-President

Elizabeth Stermer - [email protected]

Treasurer

Randi Greenberg - [email protected]

Secretary

Robbie Miller- [email protected]

Past President

Mona Fischer - [email protected]

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Home and School Committees [email protected] Cupcakes

Robyn Amiel - [email protected] Laurie Buch - [email protected] Avital Goldenblatt - [email protected]

Bowl-A-Thon

Erica Isenberg - [email protected] Robyn Amiel - [email protected]

Challah

Randi Greenberg - [email protected]

Micol Haimson - [email protected]

Chocolate Bars

Marni Zeidel - [email protected] Robbie Miller - [email protected] Heather Frank - [email protected]

Class Pictures

Jordana Greenspoon - [email protected] Diana Fellen - [email protected]

Cool Treats

Erica Isenberg - [email protected] Sara Bergman - [email protected]

Good and Welfare

Robbie Miller - [email protected]

Holidays and Special Events

Marla Fox Hirscheimer - [email protected] Mel Weinstock - [email protected] Lauren Segal – [email protected]

Art Cardz

Heather Kugler - [email protected] Diana Fellen - [email protected] Laurie Buch - [email protected] Avital Goldenblatt - [email protected]

Library Tribute Cards

Erin Michaels Twik- [email protected]

Library Volunteers

Diana Fellen - [email protected] Alex Reich - [email protected]

Mummies Card

Marni Zeidel - [email protected]

Passover Chocolates

Heather Kugler - [email protected] Elizabeth Stermer - [email protected]

School Supplies

Erin Michaels Twik - [email protected] Tiffany Pinchuk Rinzler - [email protected]

Teacher Appreciation

Lisa Farber – [email protected] Brittany Zalkin – [email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator

Robbie Miller - [email protected] or email [email protected]


Home & School Committee Volunteer Task DescriptionsBowl-A-Thon

Committee Members promote the event, dis-tribute isponsor forms to each class, reserve buses, make arrangements with the bowling alley, organize groups per class, hand out lane divisions, collect forms and money, organize volunteers, and distribute holiday treats.

Challah

Every Friday morning (October through June) from 8:00 to 8:30am, the committee mem-bers label and distribute challah to each class for Shabbat as well as deliver to the class-rooms to those who have pre-ordered/prepaid for a weekly challah.

Chocolate Bar Sale

(end of August/mid. September) Volunteers help by distributing a box of assorted choco-late bars to each student as well as collect/count the money and deliver more boxes of chocolate bars to the students.

Class Pictures

(4 picture days in October/1 picture day for graduates and teams in January) Parent volunteers assist the photographer in lining up and organizing the students.

Cool Treats

(5 times a year) Volunteers help serve Cool Treats during afternoon recess. Volunteers are needed from 1:30-2:45pm.

Cupcake Program

Order cupcakes to be sent to the class to celebrate a birthday.

Holidays and Special Events

Volunteers are asked to help out for each holiday event celebrated in school: Rosh Hashanah - distribute apples and honey in class and honey filled jars to each student; mini gift boxes of chocolates to staff. Chanukah - distribute boxes of Chanukah candles and serve latkes.Sukkot - distribute dried fruits Purim-distribute hamentashen Passover - provide refreshments at model seders and prepare the seder platesYom Haatzmaut - distribute falafels

Art Cardz

Art Cards by Kids brings art into the classroom while fundraising in a fun and rewarding way. These beauttiful cards are a great memento of your child’s artwork to share with family and friends.

Library Volunteers

Volunteers help the Library staff in sorting and shelving books. A minimum 1.5 hours per week commitment required.

Library Tribute Cards

The committee meets once a month to sort through new library books and select appro-priate books for distribution from donations.

Mummies Card

The committee members distributes Mummies cards to those families who purchased them.

Passover Chocolates

Sellichocolates during the model seders.

School Supplies

Organizing and packing school supplies.

Teacher Appreciation

Organize and serve a luncheon 2 times per year. Must be committed to help organize and attend each event.

HANDBOOK 2016/17 . 31

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