Teaching Students How to Deal with Social Conflicts

As an administrator I have many duties throughout the day, with one of the most vital being helping my students to resolve social conflicts, both big and small. On any given day, conflict could look like Jacob taking Ethan’s Show and Share and not returning it, Samantha kicking the ball too high and hitting Michael […]

From Principal to Dad Principal

They say time flies when you’re having fun and that is certainly the case for me. It’s hard to believe that I’m now in my sixth year as Viewmount Branch Principal and it’s extremely exciting to serve a thriving and vibrant Jewish day school. While the job is not without its challenges, I wake up […]

Our Parents’ Farewell Address

At our Graduation Breakfasts at each of our branches, we were privileged to hear from two parents — Alisa Daly’95 at our Himel Branch and Ilana Graben at our Viewmount Branch. Both their heartfelt addresses to the Class of 2022 spoke of the impact Bialik has made on their lives and those of their families. […]

Celebrating Pride Month at Bialik

We all have a lot to be proud of. Whether our accomplishments in life are big or small, we should be proud of ourselves for getting up each day and facing our challenges head on. Many of us take pride in our education, our careers and our successes, but how often do we simply take […]

Becoming Digital Mensches at Bialik

Changes in technology are a permanent reality for all of us, like it or not. From my first PalmPilot in 1997 (yeah, I’m that old) to my latest iPhone 13, my career in IT has tracked along with this generational change. Over that same period, I have been amazed to see some head-turning changes in […]

Speaking With Your Child About the War in Ukraine

As Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine continues to take its devastating toll on the lives of so many people, our parents and caregivers may feel confused about what to share with their children and how to do so in an age-appropriate way. At Bialik, this world issue has been addressed as a humanitarian crisis, with […]

Understanding Differences and Exceptionalities

Imagine being told to tie your shoelaces while wearing oven mitts. How about trying to understand someone speaking to you in a language that you do not speak? Imagine trying to hear a song while wearing noise-cancelling headphones. While this may all sound like a round of the game “Minute to Win It”, learning feels […]

JDAIM: Striving for Inclusion!

How do we create inclusive communities where diversity is celebrated? Bialik has joined synagogues, schools, camps and not-for-profit organizations to mark JDAIM — Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month. Established in 2009, the Jewish Special Education International Consortium spearheaded this initiative to take place each February. The aim is to unite Jewish communities worldwide […]

When Is a Mistake Not a Mistake?

When my sons were learning to walk and they fell down, I cheered loudly, giving them the confidence to get up and try again. And then, when they were building their LEGO and one of them accidentally bumped into it and broke the other’s creation, I would always jump in with, “Oops! No big deal. […]

From Remote to In-Person…Executive Functioning Reboot

A favourite part of my day occurs when students knock on my door and want to give me an update of how they are feeling and what they are up to. The latest chatter was amusing: “I have to wake up so early, just to eat breakfast, get dressed and get here on time.” A […]