Changes ahead for Edmonton Talmud Torah School

by Gerald Sorokin

(EJNews) – As we (finally) enter spring, the home stretch of the 2017-18 school year is upon us at Talmud Torah. And there’s some big news: our principal for the past six years, Judith Boyle, is being transferred to a new school. Ms. Boyle has been a great asset to TT, combining a deep commitment to educational excellence with a sincere interest in enhancing the Jewish experience for all of our students and their families. We will miss her friendly presence around the school, but we know that her impact will be felt for many years to come. We wish her “hatzlacha” at her new school, Bessie Nichols.

Another big change coming up: for the first time in many years, there will be no junior high classes in 2018-19. Both in 2017 and this year, most of our Grade 6 families chose to send their children to other junior high programs. We simply had too few students to allow us to offer junior high classes next year. The Talmud Torah Society, the school administration, and our partners at EPSB are all committed to continuing to respond to the preferences of TT parents. When we have sufficient interest in reviving the junior high program, we will do so.

Enrollment in elementary grades for 2018-19 is looking good. As of the April 16 pre-registration deadline, our K-6 numbers were up by about 5%. And that’s taking into account 9 children who are moving out of town. We’re optimistic that our numbers at the youngest grades will continue to grow and we’re working on maintaining our class size through the elementary grades.

Please check out the photos from our recent Celebration of Learning. There’s some great stuff going on at TT, and our kids couldn’t have been prouder to share what they’re doing in Hebrew, science, math, social studies, English, and more.

The Talmud Torah Society’s Annual General Meeting is coming up on May 9 at 7:00 pm. The entire Jewish community is encouraged to attend. Please consider serving on the TTS board: all TT parents and UJA donors are eligible to run.

Gerald Sorokin is Executive Director of the Edmonton Talmud Torah Society. He can be reached at geraldsorokin@talmudtorahsociety.com or 780-481-3377.