December 13, 2024 / 12 Kislev 5785

Shabbat Begins: 3:56 p.m.  Shabbat Ends: 5:09 p.m.  

Parashat Vayishlach

INSIGHTS INTO ISRAELI POLITICS

Thank you, Tal Schneider, for taking the time to speak with our students during your visit to Vancouver.

As a distinguished political correspondent for The Times of Israel, Tal provided an engaging and insightful analysis of Israeli politics and international relations. Her expertise illuminated the complexities of the region, offering our students a deeper understanding of the challenges and dynamics shaping Israel's political landscape.



Tal’s visit to Vancouver, in her capacity as a Scholar in Residence with Congregation Beth Israel, was an invaluable opportunity for our community to engage with her vast knowledge and thoughtful perspectives. We are grateful for her willingness to share her expertise, fostering meaningful conversations and enriching the educational experience for our students.

HONING RESEARCH AND PRESENTATION SKILLS

In English 12, students refined their research, presentation, and public speaking skills through an engaging project. Tasked with identifying a community problem and proposing a solution, they presented their ideas in under six minutes to a group of community members. They challenged the presenting student with questions, and Ms. Glendinning proudly watched the students rise to the occasion, defending their ideas with confidence and poise!

HONOURING THE PAST

As part of their commitment to preserving Holocaust education and remembrance, students in the Holocaust Studies program had the privilege of hearing from Jack Micner, a dedicated member of the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre. Jack shared his perspective as a second-generation Holocaust survivor, reflecting on his family's experiences and emphasizing the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of history within the community.

GUIDANCE WORKSHOPS FOR GRADE 9

Over the past several weeks, Andrea Alkalay and Lu Winters, our dedicated Wellness Counsellors, have been leading an impactful program called Mind Flip with our Grade 9 students. Mind Flip is an engaging online program designed to support youth, whether in one-on-one settings or group environments, as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.

The program consists of four thoughtfully structured lessons, each focusing on essential topics to promote mental health and emotional well-being. These lessons delve into:



• The Science of Thought and Emotion: Understanding how our thoughts and feelings are interconnected and the role they play in shaping our experiences.
• Emotional Regulation: Equipping students with techniques to manage their emotions effectively, especially in moments of stress.
• Self-Awareness: Encouraging reflection and mindfulness to help students better understand themselves and their responses to various situations.
• Practical Tools for Stress and Overwhelm: Providing actionable strategies to cope with life's pressures, emphasizing resilience and balance.
• Gratitude and Recognizing the Good: Highlighting the power of gratitude, even during challenging times, and how a positive outlook can enhance overall well-being.

This program has been a valuable addition to our students' learning, empowering them with skills and insights that will support their growth and resilience throughout their teenage years and beyond.

You can learn more about Mind Flip and other programs that the BC Crisis Center offers here.

A CONVERSTAION ON ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

We were privileged to welcome Noah Bogdonov, a King David graduate, and his mother, Elana Epstein, for an impactful and deeply personal presentation about their journey through Noah's drug addiction and recovery. Their candid discussion not only shed light on the challenges of addiction but also broke the stigma surrounding it, encouraging those struggling to seek help without hesitation.

Our Grade 12 student, Netta M., shared his experience with addiction and recovery too. We are so proud of you, Netta. Thank you for sharing your journey and being an inspiration.

This powerful session resonated with our students and staff, fostering greater awareness, empathy, and hope. We are grateful to Noah and Elana for sharing their story and inspiring our community to approach such challenges with compassion and understanding.

If you are looking for support, please do not hesitate to reach out to Noah Bogdonov or Elana Epstein. They want to help in any way they can.

EXPLORING MATH THROUGH CREATIVITY AND TEAMWORK

The Grade 11 Pre-calculus students were tasked with finding and studying an area of math that applies to everyday life. Two students, Dustin and Sharon, chose to explore the mathematics behind truss bridge building. 

The project is not just an engaging activity but a memorable highlight that fosters learning through creativity, competition, and fun. It's a blend of education and teamwork that leaves a lasting impression, especially when the bridges are tested to dramatic effect!

In the photos, Sharon and Dustin, show intense focus as they test the strength of their innovative designs!

GREEN CLUB CHAMPIONS ZERO WASTE

Over the past four weeks, the King David Green Club welcomed Ella from the Elements Society, who facilitated engaging and informative "Zero Waste Place" workshops. During Tuesday lunch sessions, Green Club members explored various waste streams, the environmental impacts of landfill garbage, and the complexities of recycling and composting. The workshops culminated in a lunchtime trash cleanup, where students collected an astonishing amount of discarded materials from around the school grounds and sidewalks. Inspired by these sessions, the Green Club has begun developing an action plan to reduce the amount of soft plastics ending up in landfills. Stay tuned for a soft plastics campaign launching in the new year!  

MAZAL TOV, RABBI AND SARAH BERGER!

A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER AND LOAVES!

The King David atrium buzzed with laughter and the aroma of fresh dough as the Parent Action Committee (PAC) rolled up their sleeves for a special Challah Bread Bake. With plenty of enthusiasm and teamwork, parents and children kneaded, braided, and shaped their challah, bringing tradition to life. Judging by the photos and smiles, this was a memorable experience!

MUSICAL KABBALAT SHABBAT

Our Grade 10 Music students, joined by several Grade 12 students, visited Vancouver Talmud Torah to lead Kabbalat Shabbat for Grade 3 students. The older students brought warmth and energy to the sessions, guiding the younger ones through meaningful songs and prayers.

PHYSICAL HEALTH EDUCATION IS FUN!

The Grade 10 Girls' PHE class had a blast ice skating at Hillcrest Arena. Smiles were seen all around and everyone participated and represented King David very well.

The Grade 8 students rolled into a day of strikes and spares during their PHE class bowling adventure!

NEW STUDENT APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!!

Applications are due Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click on image for more information

International Human Rights Day

Rally

Sunday, December 15

2:00 p.m.

NEW LOCATION:

VANCOUVER CITY HALL.

Latkes & Applesauce Fundraiser

Order by December 13

Order here

Pre-Hanukkah Fun House: Fire & Ice

Featuring King David

Grade 10 Singers

Saturday, December 14

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Register here.

USY Hanukkah Party

Saturday, December 14

8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Register here.

Lights, Camera, Latkes

YJP event

Sunday, December 15

7:00 p.m.

Registers here.

Chanukah Marketplace

at JCC

Chanukah Party

Sunday, December 15

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Marketplace

December 17-19

10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.⁠

Solstice Havdalah

Saturday, December 21

4:45 - 8:00 p.m.

4:45-5:30 p.m.

Meditation & Light Snack

Register here

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Musical Havdalah

7:00 -8:00 p.m. 

Candle-Making Activity for Adults

Register here

Winter Solstice

Movement Meditation + Dance

Monday, December 23

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Register here.

Chanukah Celebration

With KlezWest & Kol Halev

Wednesday, December 25

5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Register here.

YOUTH COUNSELLING AT JFS

King David High School acknowledges we teach, learn and live on the traditional and ancestral lands of the Coast Salish nations of Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), the Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh), and the Tsleil-Waututh (səl̀ilwətaʔ).

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