End of Year Newsletter 2018

‫בס"ד‬

newsletter

2018

chabad torah tots licensed early childcare and jewish preschool

We keep up to date with current early childhood best practices and incorporate the latest research into our program in a colourful and exciting way. Our curriculum combines structured and unstructured activities that encourage young children’s most important work-creative play.

With an emphasis on hands-on exploration and sensory development activities, we use Montessori techniques and Reggio-inspired activities to provide meaningful learning experiences that spark creativity and innovation. #CuttingEdge

TABLE OF

contents 5

Director's Letter

13

Parents of the Year

6

Nursery Reflection

18

Specialty Programs

8

JK Reflection

22

Student Profiles

13

Project Team

26

Staff

#E Le

NR

n ar

i

ICH

liv t,

e

N E M it

o , l

T

ve

it

!

from the director

“And these words, which I command you this day, shall be upon your heart; you shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall speak of them when sitting in your home and walking on the road, when you lie down and when you rise” (Deuteronomy 6:6). The Torah teaches us the important duty to use every opportunity we can to educate our children. The Talmud emphasizes just how impressionable each young child is, by explaining: “When the child begins to speak: It is proper to teach the child to recite verses of Torah.”

And so our mornings at Torah Tots begin with the joyous sound of laughter and the tune of Torah Tziva on our tongues. We recognize the amazing opportunity, in creating the bedrock for our children by valuing every moment as a gift to connect, explore and learn.

As Chabad emissaries, we are taught the importance of truly caring for another. It was a pleasure to impart this important value. I love watching the children discover their individuality and face the challenge of acquiring the tools to work together with others. I watch relationships start and blossom and feel the comforting love of getting through difficult times.

And so although your child may not be able to share with you what they've done each day, they may not have a project to portray their learning or the words to reflect their skills, just know, that etched deep in their minds are pillars of love, learning, and giving.

The Baal Shem Tov teaches how every single one of our steps is divinely guided.

Each one of us was meant to share this year together. I am grateful and humbled, and truly cherish the little village we built together.

The pages of this newsletter speak for themselves. I invite you to take a few minutes to sit with your child and reinforce just how special each of them truly is.

Looking forward to continuing this journey together,

Morah Adina Director

reflections

Dear Nursery Children What a year this has been, full of changes and new faces, fun and excitement. Our students have learned many things, and have gained a great deal of confidence. One major aspect of this is their acceptance and adaptations in our classroom. Accepting changes is hard, but we have seen our students slowly but surely adapt and learn in new ways.

From physical changes to personality growth, these Kinderlach have shown curiosity for differences in one another and themselves, whether it be physical appearance or cultural aspects, they have learned to accept all of our unique characters!

Molly, we will miss your story

telling, growing confidence, and giggly laugh!

Dov Ber, we hope your love for

stories never leaves you, may you never lose that step towards adventure!

Sam, we are going to miss your

enthusiasm in class and eagerness to participate!

Manny, let your imagination run

wild, may you conquer all your dreams!

Lila, your big heart shines when

you welcome your school friends, you are so outgoing and energetic, we will miss you dearly.

Torrie, you’ve kept your Morot on

their toes with your endless curiosity of questions, your thirst for answers will lead you to a life full of discovery.

Miri, your bubbly personality and

eagerness to grow up has always shined through while helping the Morot remind everyone the rules, continue on your path of excitement and growth.

Melissa, we will miss your

entertaining songs and dance that always brightens our day along with those goofy facial expressions.

Romi the day you came to class

telling us there was a “baby” in your tummy, is one that the Morot will never forget!

Yaacov, we cannot wait for you to

turn 3 to hear you say the Bracha and receive a pair of your own Tzitit!

Mia Yanev, your famous “I did it!”

line all made us so proud, never stop rocking those princess dresses.

Adina, we will miss hearing your

Eli, your love for cars and trucks

Mia Lobl, you’ve done a lot of

Emmy you’re enthusiasm for

beautiful singing and playful personality.

growing this year, from making new friends to learning new words, we hope that your new found interest in connecting with others brings you more laughter and more smiles in your adventures ahead.

nursery children

always kept you busy, let your imagination go free!

singing the Aleph Beis and all of the Brachas makes us so proud!

Yossi, when you belt out your Tztit

prayer you shine with greatness, we will always remember your constant laughter.

Love your Morah's

reflections

Dear JK Morning Class It's been a year full of growth and learning. Is it really possible that a whole school year has passed by already? Do you remember the first day each of you walked into the classroom?

Your Morahs sure do. You all seemed so small. Now, it's hard to believe you are the same children. Really you are not, because you have all grown so much, it's hard to compare the beginning to now. The baby steps that brought you hesitantly into your new environment that would be our space together, is now a special place that we created together.

We can celebrate your many victories; We can celebrate all that you learned; We can celebrate how you can all work together as a team to figure things out; We can celebrate your physical growth; We can celebrate your emotional growth;Â We can celebrate all your accomplishments; We can celebrate all of the fun times we had together;

We know we can celebrate when... ...we hear you singing the letters and being able to recognize and name most of them ...we hear you asking for a toy with your words ...we see you being able to walk together ...you don’t get upset when someone is sitting in the spot you wanted ...you ask questions about the things we are learning ...you incorporating the learning into your play ...you sit nicely at the table during eating times ...you rejoice at someone else's victory ...we see the excitement you have at shabbos party

...we see you cutting with scissors by yourself ...we see your concern for a friend who is hurt ...you bounce into school with a smile on your face ...you pause your play at clean up time and help clean up We know we will be able to continue celebrating with you as you continue on with all your learning and growing. We can hardly wait to be back together again in September for another fun year together.

We wish you a healthy and exciting summer.

Keep being the amazing children we know you are!

Love all your Morahs

JK CLASS

AFTERNOON

Dear Children, It has been an absolute pleasure working with your children everyday and watching them grow throughout this year. There are so many things that they have learned and seeing how proud they are of their accomplishments truly warms our hearts.

"We learned the life cycle of a butterfly and even got to watch our own caterpillars turn into chrysalis’s and butterflies!"

We have spent time learning the days of the week and months of the year, singing the alphabet and learning that each letter has a special sound.

We have had fun exploring many different themes such as colours, animals, families, shapes, opposites, fruits and vegetables and insects...just to name a few.

We learned the life cycle of a butterfly and even got to watch our own caterpillars turn into chrysalis’s and butterflies!

We have also spent time playing, painting, creating beautiful masterpieces with different art supplies and getting messy doing all sorts of fun science experiments! (One of our favourites was making different colours of baking soda and creating fizzy rainbows by adding vinegar to it!)

But we have also had many other important victories this year that should not be overlooked, such as learning to put on our own shoes and jackets, stand in line, and sit quietly together in circle time. We’ve also learned to share the toys, take turns, say sorry to friends, express our feelings and be kind to one another.

We would like to thank all the parents, for trusting your children with us each and every day.

When we teach we also learn, and this past year has been wonderful and rewarding.

Have a great summer and we hope to see you all soon!

Love your afternoon JK teachers

PARENT OF THE YEAR

Awards Our 2017-2018 award is presented to Mrs. Anna and Dov Korkh.

Your cheerful dedication to the growth and development of your children is truly exemplary. You rose to the occasion numerous times and participated in the Torah Tots events with love and commitment. Thank you for supporting our staff and partnering with us, tending to your child’s needs and helping us make a great year at Chabad Torah Tots.

A SPECIAL THANKS Thank you Hofit Yanev, Val Benevet, and Michal Lobl for captaining the Parent Board this year. Together with your team, you invigorated and supported our Torah Tots community. You helped enrich our children’s school experience created an effective forum for feedback and organized staff gifts and appreciation. A big shout out to the parents who attended parent meetings and volunteered their time. Your support is so appreciated!

Boy, do I love being Jewish!

A peek into the life of a Torah Tots Nursery Child

Thank you Mom and Dad for sending me to Torah Tots and giving me the opportunity to expand my Jewish knowledge and identity. Throughout the year we partook in davening each day, we sang our Aleph Beis, and stood proudly while reciting our Tzitit Bracha.

Willaby Wollibie Worah, you taught us all about Tzedaka, Morot! That's the rhyme we sang each day. We all had a chance to guess which friend was being called and then to jump up and put a penny in pushka all by ourselves.

Every week we made new friends from our Shpy team.

From Ricky and Picky to Happy Heart, Pleasant Pessy to Derech Eretz Doll, and Mr. Hooray to Thinking Brain.

They all gave us a hand, and taught us new Mitzvot and how to love our friends; the fun just never ends!

Ricky and Picky were a chatty pair, teaching us how to ask and share, use nice words, and be polite, without putting up a fight.

Happy Heart keeps us sharp, when our friends are sad, we lend a hand, “Hey, are you okay? How can I make this a better day?”

Pleasant Peassy was a silly little fishy, she made sure we asked simply, before we take, let’s not make a mistake.

Derech Eretz Robot has so much respect, he knows what our Morot expect.

With our Thinking Brain in our heads, he whispers “just follow my advice, you will have so many friends, just think twice!”

"Ricky and Picky were a chatty pair, teaching us how to ask and share, use nice words, and be polite, without putting up a fight."

After a busy week of learning, crafting and playing, on Shabbat we love to bake challah, by squishing, rolling and kneading the dough before “we put it in the oven and watch it rise”. Every Shabbos a new Ima and Aba would welcome their families to our shabbat party, and help us bless the candles and “wine”. We sing and dance and hold each others hands!

Boy, do I love being Jewish!

Look how much I’ve grown!

2017-18 GRADUATION VIDEO POEM

Do you remember way last fall When I was only just this tall?

Now look at me! I'm up to here!

And my, I've learned a lot this year!

Language and Literacy:

I’ve said my first words and made great new friends I loved reading books and chatting on end Exploring Alef bet and ABC’s I can express my wants and needs Physical development

Climbing those steps and riding the cars Throwing and balancing from near and far I strengthened my muscles to run, jump and play And loved dancing around on Music and Movement day Social-Emotional skills

Ricky and Picky, from Project TEAM Taught me to THINK and to learn and to dream I’m proud of my choices and had many victories too Because “Sharing is Caring”, for me and you

Problem Solving- Math and Science Skills

The classroom, my world, right here for me Filled with so many discoveries Hmmmmmm, my brain turned and turned As I splashed, counted, sorted, and learned!

(---or add picture of child thinking...(and boy oy boy did I love getting dirty!)

Instilling a Love for Jewish Life and Community

I felt so much love, davening each day And cherished how we prepared for every Holiday When mom and Dad joined me, it made me feel proud “Am Yisroel Chai”, I can shout out loud!

My Morahs

My fun and patient Morahs, I kept them on their toes, They tied my shoes, combed my hair, and even wiped my nose Like every week at Shabbos Party we reflect upon all you doToda Raba, Toda Raba, T -H- A-N-K Y- O- U! But more than all the knowledge, Torah Torah Tots gave to me Was to really know myself and be the best i can be My own look, my own likes, my own personality Thank you Chabad Torah Torah Tots for supporting the WHOLE ME!

life at torah tots.

Top: Special Shabbat Party with Brian Middle (L-R): Morah's having a blast, Family Israel Celebration Bottom (L-R): Skill building, friendship

Top: Shavuot @ Torah Tots Bottom: Parker and Mom @ the Kotel

specialty programs DID YOU KNOW?

Torah Tots children enjoy cutting-edge specialty programming including professional Art and Drama classes, an award-winning Music and Movement program, holiday and family events , Bayit Cham play-dates, Layla Tov home visits, Challah baking and a weekly Shabbat Party .

Learn it, live it, love it!

JK Afternoon A poem for your children: From ABC’s, and 123’s, learning to share and saying please.

Cleaning up, and playing together, learning the seasons and types of weather.

From days of the week to months of the year, we can’t believe the end is here!

We’ve watched you laugh, and learn and grow, and we will always love you so!

after care

by Ms. Chloe, Morah Maya, and Ms. Hazel

If you thought the fun and learning ended at 4 o’clock, then guess again. At Extended Care, we got a chance to revisit some of the neat things we learned in class and tried our hands at something new with all our friends big or small. Some days we were little artists, builders, scientists or explorers. We are who our imaginations let us be. We played with water and oil, made a colourful rain-clouds, melted ice to find some treasure and drove around with cars in a little city we made. We practiced sharing our feelings and telling stories of our day, as we shook our colourful feelings jar and watched the glitter swirl.

Each day was something new and we have so much fun, that it’s a surprise when Mommy and Daddy arrive to take us home!

Happy summer!

art class

by Morah Shirith

This year in the Art course, the students were exposed to techniques of art and artists.

Through the eye of the artist, the students learned how to express their feelings about what they saw in a painting or drawing by showing their feelings through their own drawings. They learned various techniques of art by using different materials. They learned skills and techniques of selfexpression in their creations. Teamwork in art expression was an essential part of this course. The students worked together on some projects, cooperating and encouraging each other. Self-critique was also very important, The students learned the skill of self-evaluation by critiquing their first art theme and then saw how much they have progressed by comparing it to the same art theme they did at the end of the year. The students' creativity was challenged in different art forms and was an enjoyable and inspiring experience for them.

All About Me...

I LOVE CRAFTS AND SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS OWLIES.

I LOVE PAINTING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS POTATOES.

I LOVE THE PARK. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHIPS.

I LOVE PLAYING DRESS UP. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS TUNA AND CUCUMBER.

Lila Fisher

I LOVE COLOURING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CEREAL BAR.

Sam Gilbert

I LOVE PLAYING WITH TOY CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS EVERYTHING.

I LOVE EXPLORING THE SENSORY BINS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHALLAH.

I LOVE SINGING & COLOURING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHEESE.

I LOVE COLOURING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHOCOLATE AND KETCHUP.

Molly Wolodarsky

Yakov Baker

Dovber Heidingsfeld

Adina Pood

Yossi Altein

Immanuel Chimanovitch

Mia Yanev

All About Me...

I LOVE PAINTING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS VEGGIES.

I LOVE COLOURING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS NOODLES.

Miri Pfeffer

Romi Borzykowski

I LOVE RUNNING & SINGING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CUCUMBER.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH MY FRIENDS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS YOGURT.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH TOY CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS PIZZA.

Emmy Bowyer

I LOVE PLAYING WITH MY FRIENDS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHALLAH AND CEREAL.

Mia Lobl

Melissa Kulnev

Eli Mureyko

I LOVE SINGING & READING BOOKS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS MEATBALLS.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS MASHED POTATO.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH PUZZLES AND PLAYING WITH CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS BANANA.

Torrie Fliker

Shoshi Chochinov

Haim Wajnsztejn

All About Me...

I LOVE PAINTING. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS SOUP.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH TOYS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS LASAGNA.

I LOVE THE TOYS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS PIZZA.

I LOVE HAVING ART WITH MORAH SHIRIT. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS WATERMELON AND MARSHMALLOWS.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH THE CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CEREAL WITH NO MILK.

I LOVE ALEF BEIS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS ICE CREAM.

Zakkary Shkolnik-Atkin

Ofer Fogler

I LOVE PLAYING CARS. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHALLAH.

I LOVE SHABBAT PARTY. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS NOODLES.

I LOVE PLAYING WITH PLAY DOUGH. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS ORANGE.

Alisa Kulnev

Jacob Zelenietz

Parker Matzkin

Nachum Baker

Talia Taranov

Luke Eisenstein

Aiden Lobl

All About Me...

I LOVE PLAYING WITH MOMMY. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS PEARS.

Yaakov Heidinsgfeld

I LOVE CENTRE TIME. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS RICE AND NOODLES.

Eitan Yanev

I LOVE TO PLAY. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS CHOCOLATE AND CANDY.

Adam Korkh

I LOVE TO PLAY. MY FAVOURITE FOOD IS PASTA.

Goldie Altein

torah tots staff

From left to right:

Ms. Chloe Morah Matana Ms. Leah Morah Ana Morah Hazel

Morah Mila Ms. Bree Ms. Alli Morah Gagen Morah Chana Morah Marina

Morah Adina & Rabbi Shmuly Morah Ahava Morah Shirit Linda Morah Anastasiya Morah Maya Morah Amy

We miss you...

MORAH DANIELLA

MORAH MAJA

When I think back to the beginning of the year, I see how young you were.

Some of you didn't walk very well. Some of you didn't talk so much. Some of you cried and cried for "mommy", "dada", "ima". Look at you now, grown-up boys and girls. Independent, confident, happy children. Although we were together for a short time, we made every moment count. We built a relationship of trust and love. We planted the seeds of what matters most. And that's not counted by time. It's something priceless. It's something we don't forget. It changed you. It changed me. I'm glad to see your confidence. I'm proud to see your personal victories. I'm thankful to G-d and to the amazing Torah Tots team for being part of this process. Looking forward to seeing you next year.

I am so glad that I was with you for the most part of the school year. I want to congratulate to our girls and boys for a fantastic and fun year. It was great to watch them grow and learn. I’m so proud of all of you. Also a big Thank You you to my colleagues (and friends) for hard work, dedication and support. I wish everyone happy, safe and fun summer. Sending warm greetings and love from Croatia,

MORAH RIVKAH I miss you all so much and think about you all the time. I really enjoyed watching you all grow and explore the world around you. I cherish every moment we had together. Wishing you all a wonderful summer and many years of success and growth in all your learning experiences, With love always, Morah Rivkah

THANK YOU TO OUR BEHIND THE SCENE STAFF!

GRANDMA ALLA

LINDA FILBERT

HOT LUNCH

FRONT DESK RECEPTION

Thank you for being our valued customers, and choosing us to prepare food for your kids! We are always ready to serve, and continue to expand our services. Looking forward to partnering with Torah Tots again to offer you the best nutrition for your growing little ones.

I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and your amazing children in my first year here @ Chabad.

Thank you for making me feel so welcome. Have a fun-filled summer, and remember, I’m always here to take your Challah orders:)

LARRY PETERS AKA LANNY FRIEDMAN CUSTODIAN

ZOLTAN

DOV, DORA, SAMASA

OFFICE

CATERING

Chabad Torah Tots is a community for children where the seeds of positive learning, proud Jewish identity, language communication, and independence are planted. At Chabad Torah Tots we see each child entrusted into our care as a unique and precious gift with infinite potential to absorb, grow and become, and we are proud to offer a program of the highest quality.

Jewish Learning Centre 1845 Mathers Ave Winnipeg, MB R3N 0N2 204-339-8737 www.chabadtorahtots.com Always here for you!