As we begin a new school year, I am thrilled to be writing to you for the first time in my role as Head of School. It is with both gratitude and excitement that I step into this position, ready to partner with you in shaping the next chapter of your children’s Bialik experience. I am especially excited to meet our new Bialik families and to get to know our Himel community even better.
This year marks an important moment for our school, a moment to dream boldly while staying grounded in the values and traditions that make Bialik so special. I see Bialik not only as a place of academic excellence, but also as a vibrant hub of Jewish life, values and learning in the Greater Toronto Area. Our school provides students with a school culture and learning environment that is warm, safe and supportive — one where every child feels known, valued and inspired to grow. In a world that continues to present challenges to the Jewish people, our aim is clear: to provide our students with the knowledge, skills and pride they need to carry our Jewish heritage forward and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
In the years ahead, our vision for Bialik will guide us to:
- Deepen our commitment to providing exceptional Jewish Studies and General Studies education — academically rigorous, inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our students.
- Nurture graduates who are proudly Jewish, durably Zionist, intellectually curious, morally grounded and ready to lead.
- Harness innovation thoughtfully, including technology and emerging tools like AI, while protecting the joy and authenticity of childhood.
- Expand access to the value of a Bialik education for more families, always with integrity and excellence at the core.
In the coming months, you will hear from our Senior Leadership Team about three areas of focus for our teachers’ professional development this year. These priorities will shape our teaching, align with our vision and have a positive impact on your children’s learning experience:
- Intentional and Balanced Use of Educational Technology
Bialik is taking a thoughtful look at how technology is used in our classrooms, identifying which tools and platforms truly support and enhance learning and which may distract from it. We want to ensure that our students and teachers are using technology intentionally and responsibly. This work is supported by our commitment to the parent-led initiative, Unplugged Bialik, which brings our parents together to give their children a childhood free of the perils of smartphones and social media. Our goal is not perfection, but progress, helping students benefit from technology while still maintaining healthy and focused learning environments.
- Meeting the Needs of All Learners
We are renewing our commitment to applying best practices in teaching across both General and Jewish Studies. Our focus will be to meet the diverse needs of all students through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). These instructional approaches, supported by our Resource and Shiluv programs, will ensure that every child will have the opportunity to thrive — growing as confident, capable and compassionate learners.
- Cultivating Strong Classroom Communities Through Social-Emotional Learning
In Grades 1 to 5, we are embracing the Responsive Classroom approach, which blends social-emotional learning with hands-on academics and community building. Through daily practices such as morning meetings, group activities and thoughtful routines, teachers aim to create classrooms where every child feels safe, connected and excited to learn. These strategies help students develop self-awareness, empathy and perseverance, all while advancing academically in a caring environment.
As we work toward these three priority areas, we continue to place the safety and security of our students at the forefront of our planning. In the coming weeks, I will be sharing with you our approach to security procedures and protocols at our two Branches.
I am privileged to work alongside an outstanding Leadership Team whose talent, wisdom and dedication inspire me every day. At the end of this email, you will see our stellar Admin line-up, many of whom will be familiar and some who are new to Bialik or are taking on new roles. I encourage you to connect with them throughout the year. Together, we aim to ensure that every student and family feels supported, engaged and proud to be part of our community.
I look forward to meeting you in our hallways, at events and in the many conversations that will build our lasting relationships. May this year bring joy, growth and meaningful connections to your children, your family and our entire Bialik community.
Here’s to a year of purpose and possibility.
Jake Gallinger
Head of School