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bnei akiva schools STUDENT LIFE

Behaviour, Attendance, Dress code and Form.pdf

Ulpanat Orot

Student Life at Ulpanat OrotA students experience at Ulpanat Orot extends well beyond the classroom. The wide array of extra-curricular activities, teams and programs encourage students to get involved in school life. Students are part of an environment that stresses contributing to the Jewish people while at the same time channeling their passions and honing their leadership skills. Bnei Akiva Schools emphasize a commitment to Medinat Yisrael. We expect our students to demonstrate Ahavat Yisrael, Derech Eretz and social responsibility towards the Jewish Community, Canada, and the world at large.EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIESBnei Akiva Schools Torah SocietyThe Bnei Akiva Schools Torah Society has been established to encourage voluntary Torah learning. Students who learn up to a minimum of 100 hours over and above what they are required to do for classes will be recognized for their dedication to Torah learning and inducted into the society at a program scheduled in the spring. Included towards these hours are non-class chavruta, attendance at out of school shiurim, Chidon HaTanach and independent Torah learning.Torah ChugimSeveral times a week, students have the opportunity to participate in voluntary Torah Chugim after school which are lead by school teachers and avreichim from the Yeshiva University Torah MiTzion Kollel on various topics. Chidon HatanachOur school provides coaching and weekly preparation sessions for interested students to compete in the National Bible Contest with Tanach teacher Mrs. Ofra Gemara. Each year a group of students advance to the final rounds. As in past years, an Ulpana student this year has qualified to compete in the International Chidon Hatanch Competition held in Israel on Yom Haatzmaut.Model UNEach year, our students participate in two different Model UN programs. Under the guidance of faculty members, students research the politics of the country they have been selected to represent, in order to play the roles of real United Nations delegates at the conference. Participating in the Model UN programs adds to participants knowledge of world affairs and their public speaking skills.Qualifying Grade 11 and 12 students participate in Yeshiva Universitys Model UN Conference with hundreds of other yeshiva high school students across North America. All students are invited to participate in the Jewish Canadian Youth Model UN held in Montreal. Modern Middle East ConferenceAs part of the Grade 12 Modern Middle East course, students participate in an after school mock Middle East Conference with the Consul General of Israel to Canada. Parents are also invited and encouraged to attend. The first part of the event is comprised of student thesis presentations on topics varying from Iran, Turkey, al-Qaida and Hizbulla, the 1973 war and Ariel Sharon. The Consul responds to each presentation individually, from his perspective and the perspective of the State of Israel. This is followed by questions posed by other students of the course prepared based on his/her research. The evening is not only an opportunity for parents to see first hand what their children are learning in the classroom but also for a committed Zionistic community to take its appreciation of Israel's role in the Middle East to an entirely new level of sophistication.LEADERSHIPStudent CouncilStudent council is made up of a cadre of students (two grade 12 students, one grade 11 student and one grade 10 student and class representatives from grades 9, 10 and 11) who are responsible for administering and running student and school oriented programs. Activities coordinated by the student council include Colour War, Rosh Chodesh programs, school barbeques, school lunch programs and various other initiatives throughout the school year. The student council also oversees other various clubs including; tisch club, book club, film club and Spanish club. Much of the funds raised from student councils programs are donated to various local and Jewish charities. W.O.W (Women of the World)Grade 11 and 12 students participate in W.O.W., a program inaugurated in 2010 with the goal of exposing our grade 11 and 12 students to outstanding women who have made a difference in their specific fields. By inviting guests to Ulpana, we introduce our students to influential women who they otherwise would not have met. In its first year, W.O.W. welcomed three very different women who each spoke at a coffee morning after davening, followed by a meaningful question and answer session. ATHLETICSBasketballThe basketball team is open to all qualifying Ulpana students. The team has previously competed in the TDCAA league and is on the verge of joining the Federation of Small Schools. The team has the opportunity to play in various tournaments among the highlights are The David Cooper Memorial Tournament in Riverdale, New York and the Captain Galbut Tournament in Miami. Tryouts for the basketball team are held at the beginning of the school year and the season typically lasts from September to March.COMMUNITY SERVICEAs part of their graduation requirement outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education, students at Bnei Akiva Schools must complete 40 hours of documented community service. The vast majority of our students however, complete well more than the ministrys requirements. The philosophy of Bnei Akiva is central to our school and many of our students volunteer as youth leaders running weekly Shabbat programs, organizing shabbatonim and various other activities. Chessed CommitteeThe Chessed Committee, organized by Grade 12 students, promotes opportunities for students to get involved in various activities including calling an elderly person each week, participating in Yachad programs, visiting nursing homes, volunteering with JIAS Toronto (Jewish Immigrant Aid Services) D.A.N.I (Developing and Nurturing Independence) Chai Lifeline, Friendship Circle and Bnei Akiva Shevet Yuval to name a few. The Chessed Committee also organizes an annual Mother-Daughter Evening for Ulpana students and their mother, grandmothers and sisters, the proceeds of which are donated to a tzedakah.Young Philanthropists Initiative (Y.P.I.)In conjunction with their Careers course, Grade 10 students participate in The Young Philanthropists Initiative (Y.P.I.) an academic philanthropy program founded by the Toskan Casale Foundation. Students are given the skills to assess community needs and make grants to a grassroots charitable organization of their choice. Y.P.I. is a combination of in-class learning and practical, hands-on experience. Students visit the charity, meet with members of the organization and have the opportunity to ask questions. They then prepare a multi-media presentation demonstrating the benefits of their charity to a panel of judges comprised of teachers and past Y.P.I. winners who decide which groups charity will receive the $5,000 prize award.ARTSChoirUlpana is well known for its outstanding choir. Students have the opportunity to be involved with our school choir which performs several times throughout the year at various events including our school shabbaton, Open House for prospective students and annual Mother-Daughter evening. The choir is run by several Grade Twelve choir heads who select the songs and coordinate the arrangements. At the culmination of the year, students record a CD in a professional recording studio which are sold as a fundraiser for charity.Art ExhibitionAt the culmination of the school year, Bnei Akiva Schools hosts an Art Exhibition evening. The work displayed is a representative survey of all the artwork done throughout the year from all grades at both schools. The high quality artwork comprises pieces in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and multi-media. Invitations go out to all Bnei Akiva families, as well as to those in the wider community. Visitors typically come away with great enthusiasm and inspired by the quality of artists done by our students. Book Club EveningAs part of their summer reading curriculum, Grade 11 students participate in a book club evening. Parents are encouraged to read the books and participate in the program. Students craft the discussion questions and a faculty member moderates the discussion. This evening is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their thoughts, prefect their public speaking skills and engage their classmates, parents and teachers in a sophisticated literary discussion.Rabbanit PurimRabbanit Purim is one of the longstanding Ulpana traditions. In the spirit of Purim, Grade 11 students write, direct and choreograph a play. They are responsible for ticket sales and for organizing a raffle which takes place during the intermission. At the end of the play, the Rabbanit Purim, is announced. She is the student elected by her peers to lead the school in the week preceding Purim. Proceeds from ticket and raffle sales are donated to tzedakah. Public Speaking ContestBnei Akiva Schools runs an Annual Public Speaking Contest available to all students. Speaking topics have ranged from eating disorders, to superstitions, to tributes to grandparents, to name but a few. Judges vary from year to year, usually made up of a panel of teachers, administrators and community members. In 2010, a "people's choice" component to the competition was instituted, whereby the audience members themselves act as judges and text the number of their favourite finalist. The public speaking competition is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn to successfully communicate orally, to hone their public speaking skills and to give students an opportunity to share their beliefs in an encouraging atmosphere.

Or Chaim

Student Life at Or ChaimA students experience at Yeshivat Or Chaim extends well beyond the classroom. The wide array of extra-curricular activities, teams and programs encourage students to get involved in school life. Students are part of an environment that stresses contributing to the Jewish people while at the same time channeling their passions and honing their leadership skills. Bnei Akiva Schools emphasize a commitment to Medinat Yisrael. We expect our students to demonstrate Ahavat Yisrael, Derech Eretz and social responsibility towards the Jewish Community, Canada, and the world at large.EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIESBnei Akiva Schools Torah SocietyThe Bnei Akiva Schools Torah Society has been established to encourage voluntary Torah learning. Students who learn up to a minimum of 100 hours over and above what they are required to do for classes will be recognized for their dedication to Torah learning and inducted into the society at a program scheduled in the spring. Included towards these hours are non-class chavruta, attendance at out of school shiurim, Chidon HaTanach and independent Torah learning.MishmarEvery Thursday from 5:30-7:00 PM, students participate in a school wide mishmar program. Mishmar is an opportunity for students to spend extra time learning about a wide array of topics including upcoming Jewish holidays, current events and ethics. Guest speakers from the community are often invited to address the students as well as well as visiting scholars from Israel and abroad.Torah ChugimSeveral times a week, students have the opportunity to participate in after school Torah Chugim which are led by avreichim from the YU Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash Zichron Dov. Topics include: Gemara Bekiut (various masechtot) Aggadot Chazal (Perek Chalek). Yeshivat Or Chaim also offers the YU Talmud Bekiut program at the BAYT in Thornhill in order to accommodate students who live up north and are unable to arrange carpools to allow them to participate in the after school Torah chugim at the yeshiva. Chidon HatanachOur school provides coaching and weekly preparation sessions for interested students to compete in the National Bible Contest with Tanach teacher Mrs. Ofra Gemara. Each year a group of students advance to the final rounds. As in past years, an Ulpana student this year has qualified to compete in the International Chidon Hatanch Competition held in Israel on Yom Haatzmaut.Model UNEach year, our students participate in two different Model UN programs. Under the guidance of faculty members, students research the politics of the country they have been selected to represent, in order to play the roles of real United Nations delegates at the conference. Participating in the Model UN programs adds to participants knowledge of world affairs and their public speaking skills.Qualifying Grade 11 and 12 students participate in Yeshiva Universitys Model UN Conference with hundreds of other yeshiva high school students across North America. All students are invited to participate in the Jewish Canadian Youth Model UN held in Montreal. Modern Middle East ConferenceAs part of the Grade 12 Modern Middle East course, students participate in an after school mock Middle East Conference with the Consul General of Israel to Canada. Parents are also invited and encouraged to attend. The first part of the event is comprised of student thesis presentations on topics varying from Iran, Turkey, al-Qaida and Hizbulla, the 1973 war andAriel Sharon. The Consul responds to each presentation individually, from his perspective and the perspective of the State of Israel. This is followed by questions posed by other students of the course prepared based on his/her research. The evening is not only an opportunity for parents to see first hand what their children are learning in the classroom but also for a committed Zionistic community to take its appreciation of Israels role in the Middle East to an entirely new level of sophistication.LEADERSHIPStudent CouncilStudent council is made up of a cadre of grade 12 students who are responsible for administering and running student and school oriented activities with class representatives from grades 9, 10 and 11. Annual activities coordinated by the student council include sukkah building, pre-pesach car wash, school lunch programs, Sports Day and basketball intramurals. A portion of the funds raised from student councils programs are donated to various local and Jewish charities. AthleticsOur athletic teams foster a sense of school pride amongst the student body. The school has two basketball teams: Junior Varsity for grade 9 and 10 students and Varsity for grade 11 and 12 students. The teams compete in the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA). The varsity team has the opportunity to play in various tournaments, among the highlights - Yeshiva Universitys Sarachek Tournament in New York. Tryouts for the basketball teams are held at the beginning of the school year and the season typically lasts from September to March.The Cross Country Running team, open to all students who qualify, also competes in the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA). Tryouts and practices start at the beginning of the year and the season typically lasts until the winter. The team also competes in the Hanukkah Hustle in Hamilton, a fundraiser for a seniors fitness centre in the Hamilton community. The Soccer team is open to all students who qualify. While the soccer season is typically in the spring and summer, tryouts and practices usually begin in January. The soccer team also competes in the Toronto District Catholic Athletic Association (TDCAA). Our Student Council also runs a year-long Intramural Basketball Program during lunch hour which is open to all students to participate. COMMUNITY SERVICEAs part of their graduation requirement outlined by the Ontario Ministry of Education, students at Bnei Akiva Schools must complete 40 hours of documented community service. The vast majority of our students however, complete well more than the ministrys requirements. The philosophy of Bnei Akiva is central to our school and many of our students volunteer as youth leaders running weekly Shabbat programs, organizing shabbatonim and various other activities. Chessed CommitteeThe Chessed Committee, organized by Grade 12 students, promotes opportunities for students to get involved in various activities with organizations such as Chai Lifeline, Zareinu, Yachad, Free the Children and Friendship Circle. Once a week, our students invite members of DANI (Developing and Nurturing Independence), young adults who experience physical and/or cognitive challenges, to play basketball and have a pizza dinner. The committee also organizes an annual pre-Pesach food drive, collecting food items and money. Our students then help to package food for Torontos needy. Young Philanthropists Initiative (Y.P.I.)In conjunction with their Careers course, Grade 10 students participate in The Young Philanthropists Initiative (Y.P.I.) an academic philanthropy program founded by the Toskan Casale Foundation. Students are given the skills to assess community needs and make grants to a grassroots charitable organization of their choice. Y.P.I. is a combination of in-class learning and practical, hands-on experience. Students visit the charity, meet with members of the organization and have the opportunity to ask questions. They then prepare a multi-media presentation demonstrating the benefits of their charity to a panel of judges comprised of teachers and past Y.P.I. winners who decide which groups charity will receive the $5,000 prize award.ARTSMusical ActivitiesOur student-run choir performs several times throughout the year, including at the beginning of the year, school Shabbaton and community wide events including the Yom Hoshoah program and the Mizrachi/Bnei Akiva Yom Hazikaron/Yom Haatzmaut program. Students who play an instrument are invited to join the school band which also plays school events including the annual Simchat Beit Hashoeva and school Shabbaton. In previous years, some bands have recorded and sold their music, with profits going to charity Art ExhibitionAt the culmination of the school year, Bnei Akiva Schools hosts an Art Exhibition evening. The work displayed is a representative survey of all the artwork done throughout the year from all grades at both schools. The high quality artwork comprises pieces in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, and multi-media. Invitations go out to all Bnei Akiva families, as well as to those in the wider community. Visitors typically come away with great enthusiasm and inspired by the quality of artists done by our students. Book Club EveningAs part of their summer reading curriculum, Grade 11 students participate in a book club evening. Parents are encouraged to read the books and participate in the program. Students craft the discussion questions and a faculty member moderates the discussion. This evening is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their thoughts, prefect their public speaking skills and engage their classmates, parents and teachers in a sophisticated literary discussion.Public Speaking ContestBnei Akiva Schools runs an Annual Public Speaking Contest available to all students. Speaking topics have ranged from eating disorders, to superstitions, to tributes to grandparents, to name but a few. Judges vary from year to year, usually made up of a panel of teachers, administrators and community members. In 2010, a peoples choice component to the competition was instituted, whereby the audience members themselves act as judges and text the number of their favourite finalist. The public speaking competition is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn to successfully communicate orally, to hone their public speaking skills and to give students an opportunity to share their beliefs in an encouraging atmosphere.

Forms

Immunization Form.pdf

Behaviour, Attendance, Dress code and Form.pdf

Release for Emergency Medical Treatment Form.pdf

Blanket Permission Form.pdf

Shabbat Deferment Form.pdf

Community Involvement Form.pdf

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Ulpanat Orot
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