To the power of nines

In September 2021, we welcomed more than 350 students to Grade 9. They had a unique transition to make, from online middle school studies elsewhere to in-person high school at TanenbaumCHAT. Nevertheless, the ruach, energy and enthusiasm on display as they arrived at school for orientation was formidable, and a wonderful way to kick off their high school journey. “Our hearts were full when we pulled up on Orientation Day”, says Grade 9 parent Celeste Ivers. “Hudson was welcomed with spirit signs, a mascot, and warm, smiling student ambassadors and administrators.”

The kids of our Class of 2025 come from eight Jewish day schools and 35 public or independent schools – a broad catchment by anyone’s standards. Consequently, a focus on integrating the students and facilitating connections between them, and with older students and staff, was considered a priority – this year even more than others. Students were provided with a plethora of opportunities to meet one another, both in their classes and as part of extracurricular activities. “There are definitely extra challenges this year with Grade 9,” says Ryan Peters ’09. “I personally found that even after a few days, the students in class didn’t all know each other’s names. We actually played some fun name games throughout the first week to try to build more of a community despite all the distancing and masks.” It was all about finding ways for students to “not only learn, but to form stronger bonds and friendships with each other,” observes Michelle Hyde ’11. More and more parents are selecting TanenbaumCHAT for their children – and their kids are often driving or, at the very least, supporting that decision. “I was so eager to come to TanenbaumCHAT,” says Grade 9 student Sabrina Merkur. “Think about this: I’m fortunate enough to go to a great school, with tons of people, and friend possibilities, supportive teachers, fun clubs, and great opportunities!” The school is continuing to experience significant growth, both in admissions from feeder Jewish day schools and to the New Stream program which serves students with little or no previous formal Jewish day school experience. Orli Goldberg ’98 notes that she and her husband, Ari Baratz ’92, are proud alumni. “The school definitely shaped both of us as scholars and as people,” she says, so selecting TanenbaumCHAT was a natural progression for their daughter Carmel, who came from Robbins Hebrew Academy. “We were drawn to the school’s excellent academic reputation, and above all else we wanted her to be a part of the spirited and inclusive community that TanenbaumCHAT offers.”

With students entering Grade 9 from over 40 different schools, TanenbaumCHAT continues to be the centre of Jewish high school learning in the GTHA, and reflects the diversity and strength of our community.

(*201 after gift announcement)

%of Jewish day school Grade 8s now enrolled in Grade 9 at TanenbaumCHAT:

%of Grade 9 class enrolled in New Stream

TanenbaumCHAT’s Grade 9 class by the numbers:

8Number of feeder Jewish day schools represented 35Number of public or secular independent schools represented 81Number of Grade 9 families with at least one alum-parent 10Number of staff members who are parents of a Grade 9 student 203Number of Grade 9 families who are completely new to the school this year

More than 50 student leaders were on hand at Grade 9 Orientation to welcome the newest cohort of TanenbaumCHAT students. Celeste Ivers, whose son Hudson entered New Stream, notes that “the option to be immersed in Jewish learning at this juncture felt unique and welcoming… We knew that the New Stream experience would be as much about educating our son’s mind as it would be about nourishing his soul.”

The school’s reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence, and warm and welcoming community, is undeniable. In addition, TanenbaumCHAT’s commitment to the student experience has been no more clearly evident than over the last two years. The school adapted nimbly to the vicissitudes of the pandemic, adjusting learning models thoughtfully and seamlessly in order to continue to deliver excellent educational programming, despite COVID-19.

The current situation is also an extraordinary affirmation of the paradigm-shifting tuition initiative that began five years ago (and that has been closely watched by schools across North America). It has provided greater financial accessibility, making a first-class Jewish high school education more realistic for many more families. (See p. 20 for more on this.)

Notes Head of School, Dr. Jonathan Levy: “For as long as the school has existed, the idea of serving the Jewish community as a community school has been absolutely central, and intrinsic to our mission.”

With students entering grade 9 from more than 40 different elementary schools, “not only does TanenbaumCHAT continue to be the centre of Jewish high school learning in the GTHA, but it also reflects the diversity and strength of the community,” he says. “It’s enormously gratifying to see the increase in the number of families who are choosing to send their kids here and to watch as the school’s reach expands.” ◆