A100 – 123 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3N 2B4 T: 204-477-7410 F: 204-477-7474 E: info@grayacademy.ca www.grayacademy.caOur Community. Our Family. Our Way of Life.

September 2009 Tevet-Shevet 5769

The Newsletter of Gray Academy of Jewish Education

ReflectionsRuach

Welcome Back!

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Here’s to another great school year!

The ABC’s of Giving

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By SJaiofui JKdsuvu

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• Lsfiveoib eib t dub-piuewb etuib eiubn eutbnebiut biune bueb eutpbneiu

• nfsupfndu dfun sdfov-dav bn dfiubngd bdiubn diugbndb diub ndpsi ng ungspiu nfiugn fsiu f

Out and About

YIn this issue...

Excellence on & off the court 2

Be it resolved 3

Alumni Happenings 4

Look who came to visit 4

Out & About 6

When Teachers Become Students 8

Snap Happy 9

Take Note 10

The buzz at the end of August was “I can’t believe Yom Tov is so early!” I don’t ever remember Rosh Ha-Shanah being right after Labour Day.

Well, that did not stop Gray Academy from getting things done. School started on Sept. 9, and we have been running at full speed ever since.

We welcomed many new families from near and far, another successful P2G delegation came from Israel, debaters have flown all over the country, and a whole lot of student learning and successes have been celebrated.

Welcome to another year of learning and sharing. We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Ruach Reflections. It is truly amazing and exciting to be a part of our learning community.

Chag Sameach/Happy Chanukah!

Shabbat Shalom,

Joyce Kerr Vice Principal

Full speed ahead...Sept - Nov 2013 | Tishrei - Kislev 5774

Elementary students getting excited for our Terry Fox Run.

Excellence on and off the court...

Raiders Boot CampsAccording to the Manitoba Department of Educaion, 40% of high school students in our province lead an inactive lifestyle. As a council we realize the importance of lifelong physical activity, and are excited to announce the creation of our Raiders Boot Camps, in an effort to develop healthy long term goals.This program allows small groups of students in grades 9 to 12 to train with a personal trainer in a variety of theme-based sessions.Sessions began in October and continue running on Tuesdays and Thursdays until mid-December. Interested students can add their names to the sign-up sheets on Mr. Kagan’s class door (rm. 213).

Raiders Pride DaysStarting this year, Raiders Pride Days are fundraising initiatives to benefit our athletic programs. On Raiders Pride Days, students are now given the option to dress in: • Raiders Wear (sweats, sweaters, tops, etc.) for $1. • all blue for $1. • casual clothing for $2. • regular uniform for free (still welcome to donate).Proceeds from Raiders Pride Days will offset program costs for intiatives like our boot camp, allowing all students in gr. 9 to 12 to enjoy them free of charge. The council is currently planning sessions for our gr. 7 and 8 students which will be offered in the new year. The council is excited to offer these programs and is looking forward to the upcoming basketball season!

- Jamie Kagan (Athletic Coordinator)

Athletic Council After being elected into our positions as 2013-2014 Athletic Council chairs, we are proud to tell you about our council, everything we have planned for this year, and about future initiatives at our school. After playing on almost all the Raiders teams since grade 7, we decided to take our role in athletics one step further. We heard our Athletic Council was starting up last year, and that it allowed us to play on teams, and help off the court, we got involved. Since then, we’ve been working with Mr. Kagan, our Athletic Coordinator, to put on the best programs our athletic department has seen.Major events planned for this year are: hosting the JV provincials, our cross-Canada basketball trips for CAIS tournaments and the 1980-85 Alumni Game. This year, we hope to begin “Raiders Give Back” days, the first annual Raiders Banquet, and last year’s intra-murals and Raiders Pride Days. Our teams also have a new member who hopes to boost school spirit: Rocky the Raider. Rocky, our new mascot, would like to thank our varsity girls whose determined attitudes brought him to life.We are looking forward to the excitement and challenges 2013-14 will bring us, both on and off the court. Raiders forever.

- Shiri B. & Zach D. (Athletic Council Chairs for ‘13-’14)

High school girls enjoy endurance training at boot camp.

Gray Academy’s Athletic Council (2013 - 2014)

CONGRATS! Gr. 9 Girls’

Volleyball TeamPembina Trails

Athletic Association’s 2013-2014

Champions!

Be it resolved...

The Debates:Asper Cup Debate - Oxford Qualifier Debate Tournament Gray Academy of Jewish Education (Winnipeg, MB)

On Oct. 6, Gray Academy hosted 44 teams from across Winnipeg. Students from Gray Academy, Balmoral Hall, Grant Park, St. Mary’s, St. Maurice, St. John’s-Ravenscourt, St. Paul’s, Acadia, Sturgeon Creek and St. Boniface participated in three rounds of debating.

Bill Blakie Cup Senior Debating Tournament University of Winnipeg (Winnipeg, MB)

A number of students competed, with Braden G. placing 5th overall speaker, Sophie H. placing 2nd overall speaker, and the two of them together getting the honour of 2nd best senior team.

Rupert’s Land Public Speaking Competition Balmoral Hall (Winnipeg, MB)

Stephanie K. placed 6th at this persuasive speaking competition, Sophie H.’s 3rd place ranking earned her a spot to represent us at the Senior National Public Speaking Championship in February.

International Independent Schools Public Speaking Championship Country Day School (King, ON)

From Oct. 15 - 21, Yael R., Sophie H. and Stephanie K. participated at this international debating tournament. They gained invaluable experience and were also excited about the relationships they fostered on the trip.

Oxford Cup Vancouver, BC:

From Nov. 21 - 24, Benjamin S. and Elliot K. competed at the international competition. After a weekend of intense debating, they were ranked Manitoba’s 4th best team.

Our debate students have been competing at numerous events across the country since the beginning of the school year. Here’s a snapshot of a few of them:

Jennifer FreemanWhile the Internet can be an incredible social and educational tool, often children do not consider the risks associated with the Internet and social media. So, our guidance department organized a special guest speaker to speak to our gr. 5 & 6 students about Internet safety in the age of social media. Jennifer Freeman, Program Coordinator for The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, spoke to them about current issues, such as: picture permanency, social responsibility, respecting others’ boundaries, high risk behaviors and the importance of keeping their personal information private.

- Ashley Morgan (Marketing & Communications)

Fun Fair 2013We had a great turnout for this year’s fun fair to kick off the beginning of another fun-filled year at Gray Academy. Families enjoyed inflatable bouncers, pony rides, air brushed tattoos, glitter tattoos and a bubble machine! No one left hungry, as there were plenty of hamburgers, hot dogs and freezies to go around. Yasher koach to our PAC, and the many parent and staff volunteers who made this year’s fun fair such a huge success!

- Ashley Morgan (Marketing & Communications)

Ms. Freeman speaks to our gr. 6 students about staying safe on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Families enjoy a nice, sunny, evening at the Fun Fair.

Alumni happenings...

If you have alumni news or an update you’d like to share with us, please send an email to amorgan@grayacademy.ca.

Look who came to visit...

Mazel tov to the following 2009 alumni for their achievements at U of W:

Joshua Fineblit Chancellor’s Gold Medal for the Highest Standing in Arts Medal for Achievement in a Major (Honours Economics)Allison Marmel University Silver Medal for the Second Highest Standing in ScienceSam Fineblit Medal for Achievement in a Major (Honours Biology)Skylar Kneller Medal for Achievement in a Major (3-Year Combined Major)

Top: Karin listens intently as a student asks a questionMiddle: Karin explains her creative writing process

Bottom: Karin and the gr. 6 students at the end of the day

Karin AdamsThe solitary act of creative writing has its rewards. However, one also nurtures the cre-ative spirit by ‘getting out there’. For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to do just that by teaching Manitoba students about the fiction writing process. My most recent artist residency was at Gray Academy during which I coached grade six students through the steps of writing a short story. It was a truly special experience that I will never forget.Students were challenged to write stories about ‘acts of kindness’ inspired by Star-girl, a thought-provoking book by author Jerry Spinelli. They not only embraced this project, but impressed me with their astute questions about writing fiction. They also offered keen observations and thoughts drawn from their own artistic experiences. It was exciting and energizing for me to be in classrooms that so clearly value hard work, creativity and the exploration of new ideas.With their enthusiasm for trying new things, these students did some excellent writ-ing! They built characters, plotted and planned their stories, wrote and revised, and revised again. I was especially impressed with how readily students embraced the concept of revising, understanding that this important step is not necessarily ‘fixing bad writing’ but finding and revealing their best writing.I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the wonderful teachers, staff and students at Gray Academy. I wish you all the very best and look forward to the time when we will meet again!

- Karin Adams (Writer)

Look who came to visit... (cont’d)

Here are a few reactions to Karin’s creative writing workshop from the students, themselves: “You are a great teacher. I learned a lot. What I liked about you is that you explained things in a very clear way. The next time I write a story I will remember you and remember what I learned from you.” - Rudy“I liked the part of Mrs. Adams’ program where we got build our own characters for our own stories. I thought it was fun to make up our own characters. I learned some great tips that I think will help me in the older grades and even this year.”

- Hannah“My experience with Karin Adams was amazing. She was so helpful and a great friend. There were so many great tips. She made me the best writer I could be. I would love for her to come back.” - Yosi“Karin Adams made me a more confident, funny, emotional, overall better writer. She really helped me. The only downside is that she didn’t stay longer. Her writing assistance sheets really made a difference to me and probably the whole grade. Karin has influenced, inspired and encouraged me to write throughout my whole life.” - Jonah“My experience was a lot of fun. We all got to make a story. It showed how creative we are. This might help if someone wants to be an author. We liked using juicy words and ‘more show, less tell’. It was a great experience.” - Josh S.

We Day 2013On October 30th, 2013, all gr. 11 students and representatives from our student council were able to attend We Day 2013 at the MTS Centre. This year the speakers included Martin Luther King III, Martin Sheen, Vincente Fox, and many more. We are very lucky that we have been able to attend We Day each year since its inception, and hope to continue to do so in the future. The students use this experience as a spring board for a year of activities from book drives to serving lunch at Siloam Mission. In order to attend, each student completed extra volunteer hours, as well. The next day, our Student Council executives were invited to listen to Craig Kielburger speak at the Federation’s luncheon, and ask him questions about Free the Children; the organization he founded with his brother. It was wonderful to see the positive impact such powerful role models have on our young people and to see the energy from the day fuel them forward into the rest of the year. Although not all Gray students are able to attend each We Day, we will be holding various campaigns and opportunities at school so that any student who feels passionately about issues like literacy, bullying, or human rights can take part.

- Heidi Crowley (Social Studies & English)

Terry Fox RunWe were so lucky to have a great day for our walk/run. JK walked, skipped and jumped their way around the field and then met K – Grade 4 students on their way back from their Willow/Kenaston/Tuxedo/Doncaster route. The students were calling out “Terry Fox” throughout the route and we had lots of horn honking support as we passed the cars on Kenaston and Tuxedo. Grades 5 and 6 students joined the high school for the longer route down Corydon, through the park and back to Wellington Crescent. That day, we collected $1328 for tzedakah for The Terry Fox Foundation.

- Joyce Kerr (Vice- Principal)

Plug In ICAThe AP English trip to the Plug In gallery was a very interesting and enlightening experience for me. The display by Melanie Rocan was absolutely inspiring, and I took notes on it while I was there to aid in my recollection, so that I would not forget the things which I had witnessed. I noticed, primarily, that it did not do to look too closely at her work. It was built on impressions, and looking too closely at the strokes themselves destroyed that impression. The journey to Studio 393 was an interesting experience, especially since, up until that point, I didn’t really have a lot of respect for collage as an art medium. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I’m very glad we had the opportunity to go!

- Rafi H. (gr. 12)

Out about &

Anna takes in the Melanie Rocan exhibit at Plug In ICA.

JK students cheer on K to gr. 4 students as they walk, run, and skip by.

Top: Tens of thousands of students fill MTS Centre for We Day 2013.Bottom: Student Council Executives stop for a picture with

Craig Kielberger, co-founder of Free the Children.

Grosser’s Book LaunchOn Oct. 23, Ms. Buffie’s Grade 9 ELA class went to McNally Robinson to meet Shirley Grosser and to her launch her new book, Resilience: Stories of Everyday Women Coming of Age During World War II. This reading parallels their study of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society … a story about the German Occupation of the Channel Islands and the resilience of the women and men on the island of Guernsey and the resilience of the protagonist, Juliet Ashton.

- Barbera Buffie (English)

Out about & (cont’d)

Good morning to all of you:

I am so delighted and grateful that you folks showed up at the book launch! I was so impressed with the questions you asked and the thoughtful interest you demonstrated. Your questions definitely added a rich layer of meaning to the proceedings, and brought forth perspectives and insights that otherwise, likely, would not have emerged.

Each presentation I’ve made has been different, each set of listeners has been unique, but you folks will stand out in my memory (and in the memory of several other people who were present that evening) for a long, long time, and I’m appreciative for that. Thank you.

Shirley Grosser

Gr. 9 ELA students pose with Shirley Grosser, author of: Resilience: Stories of Everyday Women Coming of Age During World War II.

Take Your Kid to Work DayYesterday, for “take your kid to work day” I had the privilege of visiting two different hospitals and watching three different operations. Maxine and her Dad were nice enough to invite me along with them and arranged an amazing day for us. First, Maxine and I were dropped off at the St.Boniface Hospital. We were told we would be watching a heart surgery so we both had to change into hospital greens before entering the operating room. I’m not sure what exactly I was expecting but I found that this is something that really interests me. I thought I was going to have to close my eyes because I wouldn’t be able to handle it, but I found myself intrigued with the operation. It was amazing of the doctors to be so considerate and make the day all about us. They stepped back during parts of the surgery just so we would be able to move up and observe the patient. Seeing the heart and the lungs so close up was amazing. It’s so different actually experiencing it hands on, than it is sitting in a classroom learning about it. After that, it was hard to imagine things could get much better, yet they did. We were given a tour of the ICU and then drove to Concordia Hospital. There, we went around and talked to different patients recovering from surgeries. Maxine and I both really enjoyed this and are planning to volunteer soon to go back and visit them again. While there, we also saw a knee surgery and a hip replacement. It was neat see-ing how different each one of these operations really are. We also watched some x-rays being taken, as well as some ultra-sounds. Overall, I would have to say that the heart surgery was my favourite. Before yesterday, I thought I knew what I wanted to be, but after that I am seriously considering becoming a heart surgeon. I am so glad I got to experience so many different aspects and enjoy it so much. I knew from the beginning that we would have fun, but the entire day completely exceeded my expectations!

- Stephanie K. (gr. 9)

One week after attending the book launch at McNally, Ms. Buffie and her grade 9s received the picture to the right, and the following letter, from Ms. Grosser:

When teachers become students...

Gray Academy’s Faculty’s 2013 PD Opportunities:Our administration and staff were very active in challenging their skills through taking part in a variety of conferences, beginning in the summer and continuing into the school year.

Administration participation included: • National Association of Independent Schools • RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network • Day School Leadership Training Institute.

Staff participated in numerous professional development activities taking them across the country, continent and globe, including:

• Jewish Education & Technology Institute (San Francisco, CA) – 3 staff members • Israeli Educational Leadership Seminar (Tel Aviv, Israel) – 1 staff member • StandOUT Conference (Winnipeg, MB) – 3 staff members

While our students took time off in the summer to relax their brains and enjoy some time away from school, our faculty took the opportunity to kick their learning into high gear. Here’s a snapshot of the professional development our staff and administration participated in over the past few months:

Top: DSLTI participants from across Canada, stop for a picture.Middle: IELS group sits inside a room in the Knesset and speaks with an MP.

Bottom: Stacey & Lindsey use their iPads at JETLeft: Staff and admin join students at the StandOUT Conference in Nov.

Snap happy! We took plenty of pictures during the holidays. We hope you enjoy taking a peek into our celebrations and services.

Simchat Torah

Remembrance Day/Kristallnacht

Sukkot

Y

Take note...

If you have any school news you’d like included in an upcoming issue, please let us know:

Joyce Kerr Vice Principal 204.477.7409 jkerr@grayacademy.ca

grayacademy.ca

Ashley Morgan Marketing & Communications 204.477.7489 amorgan@grayacademy.ca

What’s Coming Up...

Chanukah Nov. 27 - Dec. 4Early Dismissals (2:15pm) Nov. 29 (2:30pm) Dec. 3, 6, 13, & 20 Band Concert Dec. 5Casual Day for a Cause Dec. 6Trial of the Big Bad Wolf Dec. 9 - 12Gr. 8 - 12 Exams Dec. 13 - 19Winter Break Dec. 23 - Jan. 3

Our Gr. 5 and 6 students present:

COMING SOON TO A BERNEY THEATRE NEAR YOU...

The Trial of the Big Bad WolfDecember 9 - 12 @ 7pm

Berney TheatreTickets $10

Or join us for our special Pre-Show Gala Evening

Dec. 9 @ 6:30pm for $18.

All tickets are available at the school office

or by calling 204.477.7410

The Association for Rights and Liberties, The Manitoba Human Rights Commission, and

the Canadian Human Rights Commission just named Gray Academy’s Gay-Straight Alliance

the 2013 recipient of the

Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award

“The Sybil Shack Human Rights Youth Award recognizes exceptional young people

(individuals or groups under 25 years of age) who work tirelessly towards the promotion and

protection of human rights either within Manitoba or abroad.”

Student representatives will be presented with the award at this year’s ceremony on Dec. 10.