Trading teachers 2: Israeli schools host local educators

Judi Howg has spent 10 years teaching in Jewish day schools, and while she understood the importance of Israel to Jews, it was really as an outside observer.  “My heart is bigger now,” she says, “I feel closer to the Jewish staff and can relate to their love of Israel. I understand our Israeli students better – they have a special passion for life, a strong independent spirit and, at the same time, a more relaxed attitude towards schedules.”

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Moving on up at King David High School

There is a palpable sense of excitement in the air when you talk to anyone involved with King David High School (KDHS), one of four Jewish day schools supported through the annual CJA campaign. Across the street from the JCC, the construction of the building is progressing with walls and angled roof lines that suggest the dynamic environment and energy of the school.

A major financial barrier to success has been removed by the Diamond Foundation's extremely generous funding of all capital construction costs for the building. The $15 million plus donation will ensure that the building can be completed on time for the 2005/06 school year.

Principal Perry Seidelman is convinced the school is already reaching a level of excellence in education that will only be enhanced by the move into the new facility in September 2005. He says the staff is enthusiastic and creative, and the kids are stimulated and interested by what they are learning. “It’s already a great place to study and will only get better with the move.”

Jill Diamond, Executive Director of the Diamond Foundation said that "by funding the capital cost of this campaign, we are striving to make the King David a sustainable, successful and independent school of excellence as it embarks on a new chapter in its history."

Rabbi Yonatan Gordis, Diamond Foundation consultant, agrees: “An established high school is attractive to people considering a move to Vancouver and signifies a new stage of growth for Vancouver's Jewish community. The goal is to reach a point of fiscal responsibility, covering tuition needs, increasing enrollment and creating a strong community school that we can all be proud of.”

All involved make it clear there is still the urgency of collecting pledges and raising additional funds, which are crucial for ongoing development. The community money already raised for the project will be used by the school to fully equip the building, create an endowment and cover its pressing operational needs. 

Pride is already part of the vocabulary amongst the parents, students and staff of KDHS. Dr. Steven Kaye, co-president of the Board of Directors, is very pleased with how the school is running now, but also sees there is much work to be done. “Things are moving along fantastically as all can see," he said. "We are expecting enrollment to reach about 100 students next year.  We are working on board development, student recruitment and are so appreciative of all assistance we have received. We are working with PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education) consultant Maria Erlitz, from Seattle, receiving valuable coaching and professional development opportunities.

KDHS student Nicole Grubner shares her thoughts about why she likes the school: “King David is the right school for me because everything I need, I have there.  I have all the academics, the extra curricular activities, and most importantly, I have my friends there. The only thing missing now is the new building. I am very excited for its opening in time for my grade 12 year.“

Head of Judaic Studies Rabbi Pesach Sommer concurs. ”While I am excited about the new building, I must admit I am even more excited by what I am already seeing in the old one. I see a school of excellence where there is a wonderful camaraderie between teachers and students and between the general studies and Judaic studies teachers. It is wonderful to see children from across the Jewish community getting a quality Jewish education. Students are enjoying both sides of the educational experience we provide. While the majority of our students come from Jewish elementary schools, we also have students from public schools all across the Lower Mainland who are learning about their heritage. It is truly special to see students who couldn't read Hebrew at the beginning of the year now actively involved in a discussion of Chumash (bible).

Students are learning at a high level and enjoying the experience of being at King David High School. I particularly enjoy listening to the students when they talk about the school to grade 7 students. They describe the warmth they feel and describe it as a place where a grade 8 student can be friends with a grade 12 student. They speak of the close relationships with their teachers. That, to me, says it all.