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RAIN OR SHINE, WE HAVE FUN!
On Tuesday morning, nine intrepid staff members headed off to Keats Camp with 80 of our Grade 11 and 12 students for senior retreat. Deputy Head of School, Alex Monchamp, kept us all up to date with the fun goings-on at the camp.
Day 1
Ethan Axler, Noah Marciano, Ezra Tischler, David Clark, and Ben Chelin, all Grade 11
Despite the rainy weather, there were lots of smiles and laughter as the students headed off to an afternoon of activities, including high ropes, kayaking, and archery.
One of the attractions at retreat is the meals – and we started with a fan favourite – burrito night! And despite the food fervor of the students, our kids still manage "pleases" and "thank-yous" and cleaning up when they’re done.
The evening closed out with some welcomed time indoors. We divided the kids into groups for a sharing activity called "Boundary Breakers" where the students took turns answering questions like, "What’s your high school legacy going to be?" or "What is a way you can set up a friend for success?"After sharing their answers in quite surprising and meaningful ways, we all gathered together for a fun-filled trivia contest. Students and staff battled for brain supremacy, answering general knowledge and school-specific questions for bragging rights and fun prizes.
For the full Day 1 update, please click here.
Day 2
Megan Isserow, Emma Cooper, Dina Ferera, Rebecca Laskin, and Rachel Cantor, all Grade 12
We woke this morning to a beautiful, bright blue sky and warm sun that quickly brought a summer-like feel to our retreat. The result was widespread smiles and laughter as our kids took part in the day’s worth of activities.
Many in our graduating class have been here 5 years in a row. When they are asked why they keep coming back, the majority of responses all ring the same; they like being with one another, having fun sharing in the camp activities, and returning each year to do it all somewhere with which they are familiar.
As sun set, we trekked down to the campfire area, which is a short five-minute walk through the woods. Around the fire’s glow, the rabbi shared a story highlighting the importance of embracing things outside their experiences, and everyone took in the requisite campfire pastimes: singing and s’mores. The night then wrapped up with a lively karaoke night where many of our students and staff bravely distinguished themselves in some silly singing and powerful dance moves!
Many thanks to the dedicated staff members who helped make retreat a success: Richelle McKenzie, Amanda Cameron, Brady Mymko, Cameron Metcalfe, Breanne Rogers, Dave Gorski, Irit Uzan, and Rabbi Berger. Thanks as well to Matt Dichter, who put a lot of time and care into preparing everything for our trip and making sure it all went so smoothly – and for taking the time to put together the video below. And lastly, a tremendous thanks and kudos to Stacey and Renee Kettleman for all their hard work and providing such excellent meals.
For a wonderful collection of memories from retreat, please click the image below.
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ANOTHER GESHER CHAI!
Head of School, Russ Klein with the members of the Galil-Up Leadership
Program participants
On Wednesday, King David was pleased to welcome 15 participants of the Galil-Up Leadership Program from our partnership region in Israel. They heard from Head of School, Russ Klein about the role of a Jewish high school school in the community and the value of the Gesher Chai program we have established with Har Vagai School in their region. As Russ says, "we take Grade 8 students to Israel every year to have them fall in love with the country and its people, and to understand why it is important for them to learn about their heritage, religion, and Hebrew." The group also experienced an Israel Advocacy class with Dorin Eilon-Heiber, King David’s Israel Coordinator. She explained the importance of preparing our graduates to deal with the anti-Semitism on many university campuses.
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HAPPENINGS THIS WEEK
On Wednesday our Grade 8 girls PE classes went to CrossFit 604 for a hard – but fun! – workout!
On Thursday, our Grade 10 Foods students had a cake competition, creating beautiful and delicious cakes and competing for the honour of making the cakes served for our Grade 12 Havdalah ceremony on June 1.
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LOOKING FOR HOST FAMILIES FOR SHINSHINIM!
Next year’s shinshinim are already preparing for their year in Vancouver, volunteering for our community.
As you know, an important aspect of this program is the host families!
The Jewish Federation is looking for families who would like to host Omer or Camille for 3 months during the year, starting in September.
If you’re interested and want to hear more details, please contact Dan Stern.
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ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT! DON’T MISS OUT!
Here’s what people say about Raising Kids to Love Being Jewish!
"Simply a fantastic, inspirational and clear how-to masterpiece… full of practical advice and surprising strategies that work."
"Doron Kornbluth is a very interesting storyteller and readers would enjoy his book just for the stories, but he also has very keen ideas that are significant. He addresses the important issue among Jews: what can Jews do to assure that their children will remain Jewish? He stresses that parents must make their children see the joy of Judaism, and tells parents how to do it."
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
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Shabbat with a Difference
Featuring March of the Living
Click on image for more information
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Life is Funny VI
Sunday, May 26
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Click on image for more information
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Celebrate Israel’s Birthday
Musical event
Tuesday, May 28
7:00 p.m.
Click on image for more information
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Paint Night and Blintze Bake
Sunday, June 2
6:30 p.m.
Click on image for more information
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Geneskool Summer Program
Summer Science Program
August 19-23 Click on image for more information
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