Talmud Torah Society and the 2024-2025 School Year

By: Natalie Soroka

(Edmonton) – On August 27, 2024, the day before the start of school, parents and students participated in Talmud Torah School’s unique welcome event for kindergarten to grade 6 students. Talmud Torah Society (Society) was thrilled to take part, along with Jewish Federation of Edmonton and Jewish National Fund – Edmonton. Rather than holding a traditional “meet the teacher” event, Principal Darin Johnson chose to welcome families the day before school, so that they could drop off their school supplies, visit their new classrooms, and meet and chat with their teacher(s).

At a table outside at the front of the school a Society board member welcomed families with a first day of school activity sheet, where kids could write their favourite subject(s), their height, grade, age, teacher, and what they want to be when they grow up. Parents took pictures of their kids holding the completed sheet, and were able to take it to display in their home. They were offered a yummy ice cream treat, and a high-five and/or hug from Ari the TT lion mascot. Many new families to TT, and to Edmonton, were thrilled to be welcomed to the TT family.

Not only does the Talmud Torah School building educate students from kindergarten to grade 6, but the littlest ones, starting at twelve months, learn, explore and grow in a warm and caring environment, immersed in Jewish culture and tradition. Talmud Torah Society oversees our bustling and busy Talmud Torah Early Learning Centre & Out of School Care (TTELC), that recently hosted its own welcome event. Children ages 12 months to 12 years gathered in the TT gym for activities and treats, while families chatted with each other and our incredible TTELC team of educators. A fun time was had by all!

For those new to Edmonton, Talmud Torah School has been in partnership with Talmud Torah Society since 1975, when TT was brought into the Edmonton Public School education system. Every principal that works at Talmud Torah understands this important partnership. This has and continues to be a unique relationship where students receive excellent public-school education in English subjects as well as in Hebrew language arts, art, music and Judaic studies. As the only Jewish public school in Alberta, Edmonton families know that when they choose to send their children to TT, they receive the best of both worlds. Talmud Torah families are families for life, and generations of alumni love to return to visit and reminisce about their school days and love for being part of something bigger than themselves. The Talmud Torah institution goes back much farther than 1975, though, as we have been in existence since 1912. With the support of our families, the generosity of our donors, and many Jewish community organizations, including Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and the Edmonton Jewish Community Charitable Foundation, we hope to continue educating children for generations to come.