News
As you know, Hillel Academy and Yitzhak Rabin High School (now OJCS) have spent the past two years examining our curriculum. Acting upon a report from curriculum consultant Dr. Uri Korin, of Korin Consulting for Jewish Education, as well as several surveys and consultations with the parent body, teachers and stakeholders of the OJCS, the Vision Committee developed a new curriculum that will impact General Studies, French and Judaic Studies.
The changes that will be instituted for the curriculum are as follows:
- Grades 1 – 4 will continue to use the Tal Am program currently in place for the Judaics program. This will provide the students with a solid foundation in the prayers, holidays, and traditions of Judaism
- Building on that foundation, Grade 5 and up will focus less on facts and more on the ideas, values and concepts central to Judaism.
- Daily tefillah will be integrated into Judaic classes (all grades)
- Ottawa is a unique environment and this requires a strong emphasis on French. Last year, we introduced Physical Education classes in French. This year, we are going a step further and providing a greater emphasis on conversational French for students from grade 1 – 8, core and extended inclusive
- Following the guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Education, our curriculum will focus on the thought, knowledge, application and communication of information and ideas.
The class breakdown is as follows:
- 18 General Studies classes per week
- 14 Judaic Studies classes per week (includes one Jewish art/music a class per week)
- 6 French classes
- 2 gym classes in French
Highlights for Judaics, Grade 6 – 8:
- Monthly Rosh Chodesh services, with parental participation
- Thematic approach to Torah study, including such topics as relationships, ethics, and the relationship between G-d and humanity
- Introduction of the parasha of the week
- A Torah convention where the students will debate a particular theme in front of community rabbis, parents and teachers
- Integration of tikkun olam into study of Dinim
- Emphasis on conversational Hebrew
- Judaic Special Education support from Grades 1 – 12
- An emphasis on love of and commitment to Judaism
Administrative changes are as follows:
- Head of Schools – Donna Palmer-Dodds
- Principal of General Studies, 9 to 12 - Donna Palmer-Dodds
- Principal of General Studies, K to 8 – Wendy Waxman
- Principal of Judaic Studies, 7 to 12 – Rabbi Howard Finkelstein
- Spiritual Advisor, K to 12 – Rabbi Howard Finkelstein
- Judaic Curriculum Coordinator, K to 6 – Ruth Lebovich
Curriculum Survey – 2009/10 School Year
1. Please tell us in which grade(s) your child(ren) are
currently enrolled.
ADK – 3: 65%
4 – 6: 48%
7 – 8: 33%
2. Would you like to see art, music and drama formally taught once per week?
Yes: 77%
No: 20%
No response: 3%
3. Would you like to see extended French begin in Grade 3? (It currently begins in grade 4 and consists of social studies in French as well).
Yes: 64%
No: 19%
Do not know: 14%
No response: 3%
4. Would you like to see the ADK model (1/2 day General Studies, 1/4 French,1/4 Judaic) in other grades?
Yes: 73%
No: 21%
No response: 6%
5. If yes, which grades?
1 – 3: 85%
4 – 6: 82%
7 – 8: 71%
6. Would you like to see an additional period of Physical Education each week?
Yes: 74%
No: 20%
No response: 6%
