Admissions September 2022 www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply Application deadline: December 1, 2021
Admissions Timeline – September 2022 entry TanenbaumCHAT is open to all students of the Jewish community who meet our entrance requirements. September 2021 – Application opens A $250 non-refundable application fee and $750 tuition deposit must be submitted with the application. October 2021 to February 2022 – Student interviews You will be contacted during this time to book your child’s interview. Tuesday, October 19, 2021 – Parent Open House November 2021 – Student Tours
December 1, 2021 – APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications received after this date will be placed into a wait pool and reviewed in May 2022. A late fee of $500 will apply and we cannot guarantee that space will be available. Sunday, November 28 or Sunday, December 5, 2021 – Mandatory Placement Tests Details to follow. The school must be in receipt of a completed online application prior to students writing placement tests. February 25, 2022 – Offers of Acceptance sent March 4, 2022 – Deadline for returning Offers of Acceptance A $1,000 confirmation deposit, which will be credited towards tuition, must accompany your acceptance.
For full details on the application process and to apply: www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply To register for Parent Open House: tanenbaumchat.org/open-house
Admissions Team – findyourself@tanenbaumchat.org Laurie Wasser, CAEP, Director of Admissions – 416-636-5984 ext. 291 Carly Reed, Recruitment Officer – 416-636-5984 ext. 355 Zanele Minsker, Admissions Officer – 416-636-5984 ext. 292
All photos taken prior to March 2020
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Welcome to TanenbaumCHAT Dr. Jonathan Levy, Head of School
T
he COVID19 pandemic has shown us that we live in an unpredictable world, where what we know or expect one day can change the next. Stability and predictability are more important than ever and can provide a sense of calm and reassurance amid the uncertainty. For the TanenbaumCHAT community, our school provides that stability. As we mark the beginning of our 61st year, I can tell you that TanenbaumCHAT is a journey – one that begins on the first day of Grade 9 and lasts a lifetime. As the Jewish community high school, TanenbaumCHAT fulfills a unique role. Our students come from virtually every corner of the GTHA and represent a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome students from Jewish day schools as well as from many public and independent schools. They come for a premier Jewish high school experience that features an exceptional academic and extra-curricular program, a strong sense of community, and highly-qualified and caring educators. In TanenbaumCHAT’s safe and supportive environment, our students are exposed to new ideas, make new friends and try new things. And they have a great time doing it! Guided by Jewish values, a commitment to the State of Israel and a dedication to tikun olam (repairing the world), our students learn that they are part of a larger local and global community. We foster resilience, creativity, and pride in learning. When they graduate, our students are eminently well-prepared for their transition to university, college, or whatever path they wish to follow. They join more than 8,000 alumni who maintain strong connections to our school, to the TanenbaumCHAT community, and to their fellow graduates. For three generations, Toronto’s Jewish community has relied on our school to equip our young people with the knowledge, character and courage to take their places in the world. Remaining deeply rooted in our Jewish values and core mission, our students will emerge stronger and better prepared for the world of tomorrow. We welcome you to be part of this incredible journey and hope you find yourself at TanenbaumCHAT.
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Jewish Studies / לימודי יהדות W
e embrace the diverse backgrounds of our students and, as a school, are stronger for it. At TanenbaumCHAT, we make Jewish Studies lively and relevant. Many of our courses are unique to our school and have been developed with today’s student in mind. In addition, creative engagement with Jewish texts advances critical thinking and the capacity to ask insightful questions. The interpretive and analytical skills honed in Jewish Studies classes are highly transferable to a broad range of academic subjects as well as to other areas of life.
Through the four pillars of our Jewish studies program – Tanach (Bible), Jewish History, Ivrit (Hebrew language) and Rabbinics (Rabbinic literature and Jewish traditions) – we provide an essential foundation of Jewish knowledge, and help students address challenging questions about God, antisemitism, ethical dilemmas and differences among Jews. Students also have the opportunity to study Talmud (Jewish Law). We offer various levels of learning to ensure that each child is challenged and can thrive. Once in Grade 12, numerous electives allow students to explore areas of particular interest. Our Jewish studies experience is further brought to life by celebrating Jewish holidays as a school community, marking Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Shoah, hearing guest speakers and attending a Shabbaton (weekend retreat).
Benjamin Beiles, Class of 2018
we studied some of John Locke’s writing “in Inmyuniversity political theory class. His work can be very detailed and complex, and it requires a thorough analytical breakdown. While many of my peers struggled with the unfamiliar vocabulary and dense content, I found it remarkably manageable. Drawing from the techniques we used in Talmud class, I was able to find clear messages in a very complex text.
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Tessa Rootenberg, Class of 2014
In university, I often returned to high school “lecture notes to clarify my course material, and recognized a clear advantage afforded me compared to my peers... The TanenbaumCHAT faculty went above and beyond, and helped me realize the standards to which I should aspire. 6
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General Studies O
ur school offers a full general studies program leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Along with required courses, more than 100 electives allow students to round out their studies based on personal preferences as well as requirements for post-secondary programs. Our courses are wide ranging and offer enriched learning environments that encourage students to gain confidence, tackle problems, take risks, and freely express their ideas. We foster innovation, creativity and collaboration so that our students are well prepared for the challenges of today’s fast-moving world. Our dual curriculum and extensive extra-curricular program are excellent primers for life after TanenbaumCHAT. Feedback from universities, colleges and our graduates indicates overwhelmingly that our students are equipped for the rigours of post-secondary study and cope exceptionally well with their workloads and commitments. Our facilities include: • Abramsky Family Art Studio • Buckstein Family Fitness Centre • G ales Family Engineering & Robotics Workshop, in conjunction with the Anita and Daniel Chai Engineering Academy • Gorewicz Music Studio • Greenberg and Samuel Families Greenhouse • G uttman Family Science Wing featuring state-of-the-art science labs • Hennick Family Atrium • Levy Family Centre (Mercaz) for Torah Studies (Beit Midrash) • Matlow Black Box Theatre • Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium • O ssip and Flatt Families Business Boardrooms (for business studies courses) • Singer and Zagdanski Families Learning Resource Centre
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New Stream F
or decades, through our New Stream program, we have been proud to open our doors and provide a Jewish community high school experience to students from a wide range of educational backgrounds – many of whom may be completely “new” to Jewish learning. The program serves young people from public schools and secular independent schools, along with those who have been out of the Jewish day school system since the end of Grade 5. It currently represents one in four new admissions. New Stream offers students an opportunity to discover and engage in Jewish learning together, in a tailor-made Jewish Studies program, while fully integrating with the rest of their cohort for General Studies classes. New Stream students follow the four pillars of our Jewish Studies program. By the time they reach Grade 12, they are equipped to become mainstreamed into the full range of Jewish Studies electives. Please note that entry into New Stream is in Grade 9 and applications for Grade 10 are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Irina Gross, current parent
New Stream opens up Jewish “education to families who may not have sent their kids to Jewish day schools from the beginning. The program is great at getting kids from disparate educational backgrounds to become close very fast.
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Sophie Gilbert, Class of 2020
The New Stream program has been the “highlight of my TanenbaumCHAT career. I have learned so much about my Jewish identity and how I am connected to the Jewish community as a whole.
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TanenbaumCHAT Quick Facts Largest Jewish community high school in North America
Founded in 1961
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% of new students
enter New Stream
More than
Over
8,000 alumni
70 clubs and committees
Tikun Olam Jesin-Neuberger Community Service Program
Students complete more than 27,000 hours of community service annually 10
Daily
optional Minyan
20%
65%
100
Grade 9 Electives
Over of current faculty and current parents are TanenbaumCHAT alumni
Over electives, Grades 9 to 12
of students take a TanenbaumCHAT school bus
ARTS: Instrumental Music, Vocals, Drama, and Visual Arts or
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TanenbaumCHAT sports teams that compete in the TDCAA
TECHNOLOGY: Anita and Daniel Chai Engineering Academy offering robotics and STEM learning
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Extra-curriculars T
anenbaumCHAT enjoys a lively school culture and ruach (spirit), with an extensive roster of extra-curricular activities. More than 70 clubs and committees provide a full array of options. Students can deepen existing interests or explore new ones, strengthen their skills, make new friends and take on leadership roles. The school fields 26 sports teams and competes in the TDCAA league. There is an active Student Council, and there are many special events throughout the year including school plays and musicals, a talent show, celebrations and competitions. Here are just a few examples of the activities available: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Arts Café Athletic Council Business Council Daily Minyan Debate DECA business conference & competition Intramurals Jewish holiday celebrations Model UN Spirit Day Musical stage production Talent Show
Talia Levitt, Class of 2020 Valedictorian
What makes TanenbaumCHAT so “special, beyond the outstanding academics, are the incredible student activities and school spirit. There truly is something for everyone here.
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Israel Engagement I
nstilling a strong and vibrant connection to the State of Israel enriches our students’ own identities as Jews, while fostering a deep understanding of the important role Israel plays on the global stage and in the lives of Jews around the world. Israel engagement pervades our curricular and extra-curricular programming and is a shared vision – part of the consciousness of all our teachers and educators. Through connecting with our staff, guests and visiting speakers, our students develop relationships with Israeli peers and other Israeli role models, and enjoy special Israel weeks. The celebration of Jewish holidays is infused with an Israel component and we emphasize the centrality of Hebrew language to creating a strong bond with Israel.
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t’s been said that more than the Jewish people have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jewish people. This idea comes alive on every TanenbaumCHAT Shabbaton (Shabbat retreat), providing students with a unique opportunity to celebrate Shabbat together and have a safe place to talk about personal practices and beliefs. Teachers, older peers and young alumni serve as madrichim (guides) and lead participants in fun and creative activities and meaningful discussions. There’s also plenty of singing around the campfire – in English and in Hebrew!
Jason Mausberg, current parent
We have experienced an unbelievable community “environment led by remarkable, caring, knowledgeable and wise teachers and administrators. The real foundational strength has been the love of learning that has been fostered within the students and the love of teaching that exists within the staff.
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Student Support W
e recognize that every child has unique social, emotional and academic needs. We are committed to creating an environment in which all our students have the opportunity to thrive. The Student Services team is coordinated by the Director of Student Services and comprises the Centre for Differentiated Learning (CDL), the Deans’ Office, and the Guidance Department. Together, they offer a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to supporting the whole student. We see parents and guardians as active partners in this endeavour. Freedman Centre for Differentiated Learning & Nussbaum Jewish Studies Remediation Centre The CDL provides support to students with exceptional learning and academic needs who have a current psycho-educational assessment. Through ongoing consultation with parents and students, the CDL oversees academic accommodations to help ensure that the student’s unique learning profile is addressed in all academic and extra-curricular settings. Rotman/Rohringer Deans’ Office The Deans’ Office offers students and parents an added layer of support. The Deans oversee matters related to managing behavioural and school expectations, workload, tardiness, absences due to illness, and many other important issues in the life of a high school student. The Deans are available to assist in all aspects of school and teenage life. Guidance Department
Social Worker (from Jewish Family & Child Services)
PALS Support (Gr. 11 & 12 mentors)
Educational Assistants Math Support
Supports & resources available to facilitate student success
A team of Guidance Counsellors advises students on course selection and personal educational planning, career counselling, university and college entrance, and study programs in Israel. Confidential personal counselling is also offered to students who wish to discuss academic, social or personal issues.
Project Support
Guidance Counsellors
Deans
The Learning Space
Exam preparation sessions
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The Journey Continues Upon graduation, as our students go out into the world to continue their journeys, they remain firmly a part of the TanenbaumCHAT community. Our alumni number more than 8,000. TanenbaumCHAT friendships endure and there is an ever-increasing number of three-generation alumni families. Many meet their life partners here, and 20% of current parents and current teachers are alumni. Our Alumni Mentorship Network connects younger alumni with more experienced grads. Alumni also take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and give back to the school, for example, serving as TanenbaumCHAT board members, visiting classes to work with students, and donating their time and resources to strengthening the school. We are immensely proud of the fact that our alumni contribute in numerous ways to the wider community, both within Jewish frameworks and beyond, in Toronto and further afield. For TanenbaumCHAT alumni, it’s never just “shalom” but, rather, “le’hitraot”!
Malka Lebi, Class of 1997, TanenbaumCHAT teacher and current parent
gives you a foundation “for TanenbaumCHAT the rest of your life and provides you with a framework Jewishly, socially and academically. It makes you proud of who you are. 18
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Tuition n E hancing nancial accessibility is a priority for TanenbaumCTAH and we welcome families from a wide spectrum of economic backrg ounds. Financial circumstances should not prevent o y u from applying to our school. eW understand that aording a Jewish high school education can be dicult. To respond to this challenge, through school fundraising we are proud to have established the TanenbaumCTAH Tuition cA cessibility rP ogram (T TA.) P Taking eect for the 2022-23 school e y ar, it will provide tuition relief for families who earn between $150,000-$350,000. TanenbaumCHAT Tuition Accessibility Program (TTAP) 2022/23 Tuition for 2022/23 $22,500 For households with income up to $249,999 First child enrolled: 10% reduction $20,250 Each additional child: 15% reduction $19,125 For households with income between $250,000 and $350,000 First child enrolled: 5% reduction $21,375 Each additional child: 7.5% reduction $20,815 Families earning less than $150,000 who do not u q alify for TTAP should consider applying for the s’ AJU tuition assistance program ,)JCP(A which is administered by TanenbaumCTAH within the AJU Federation u g idelines. Both programs are completely condential.
To learn more, please visit our website at: www.tanenbaumchat.org/tuition or contact: Angela Buslovich at abuslovich@tanenbaumchat.org 19
APPLY NOW.
www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply Application deadline: December 1, 2021 TanenbaumCHAT 200 Wilmington Avenue Toronto, ON M3H 5J8 416-636-5984 findyourself@tanenbaumchat.org www.tanenbaumchat.org Follow us on /TanenbaumCHAT1 @tanenbaumchat TanenbaumCHAT Alumni Association /tanenbaumchat