Halpern Akiva Academy closes off 2025 with style

(Calgary) – Halpern Akiva Academy was fortunate to host and participate in several special events before the students headed off to winter break. All of the students, from toddlers to teens, took part in the school Chanukah show. They created beautiful and creative artwork, performed Chanukah songs in both Hebrew and English, and shared their learning and talents with family and friends.

This year, the Akiva students joined with children from CJA in singing at the 37th annual Calgary Community Menorah Lighting at City Hall. Decked in hand-painted dreidel shirts, the children inspired the crowd with their rendition of “Maoz Tzur” and “Chanukah oh Chanukah”.

In addition, Halpern Akiva Academy was honoured to have Rabbi Joshua Levy, Ed.D., visit the school. He is an executive school consultant for Torah U’Mesorah, an organization with a mission to ensure that every Jewish child in a Torah day school in North America receives the highest standards of Torah education, along with the skills to lead a successful life and become a productive member of society.

Rabbi Dr. Levy was impressed by several things he noticed at Akiva during his visit. First, the quality of the administration and staff and their commitment to the highest professional standards. He also noted that the administrators at Halpern Akiva Academy are both excellent educators and leaders, taking parent concerns seriously and fostering a warm, caring learning environment. Finally, Rabbi Dr. Levy commented on the big-tent feeling in the school, noting that it provides an inclusive learning space that can be relied on to foster the Jewish and general education of the children entrusted there. These remarks provided reassurance to everyone at the school–staff members, parents, and students–that they are all part of creating an excellent educational institution, respected and appreciated both locally and in the broader world of Jewish education. Reflecting on Rabbi Dr. Levy’s feedback, combined with a growth mindset, will help Halpern Akiva Academy stay strong and become even better going forward.

Looking ahead in 2026, there will be even more excitement with the upcoming Special Friends Day, Science Fair, and Open House. Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers are invited to see the magic for themselves with “PJ Goes to Preschool” on Friday, February 20, 2026. Please contact Sydney Truax at struax@jewishcalgary.org for more information.