Last night, Beth Israel was filled with families, friends, alumni, King David staff, and students, all gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025.

Our Deputy Head of School, Alex Monchamp, served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, striking the perfect balance between heartfelt reflections and lighthearted humour.

Each year, the graduates select a peer to give the student D'Var Torah. This year, we heard from Tom Goodman, who delivered a beautiful and meaningful D'var Torah.

In his thoughtful D’var Torah on Parashat Nasso, Tom reflected on the idea that leadership begins with seeing the value in every individual. Drawing on the Torah’s census of the Israelites, he reminded us that “we count people not just by number, but by acknowledging their presence, their purpose, and their potential.” Through this lens, he shared how experiences at King David have shown that “leadership isn't about standing out, it's about lifting others up,” and how true community is built on empathy, recognition, and shared responsibility. He concluded by saying,"We get to decide what we want to do from this moment forward ... we can look back with pride as this chapter ends."

We had the opportunity to hear from our President of the Board of Directors, Diane Friedman, who brought greetings to the graduates from the Board of Directors.

Next, we heard from our very own Rabbi Berger. He addressed our graduating class, taking the opportunity to offer them some final words of wisdom, and ended with, "May your achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, and may the bonds forged within these halls remain strong throughout your lives. Go forth, Class of 2025, and make your mark on the world."

Our Head of School, Dr. Seth Goldsweig, gave his first graduation address to our Class of 2025. “As the Torah teaches, ‘You have stayed long enough at this mountain’ (Deuteronomy 1:6). Graduates, your time at King David has been meaningful and full of growth, but now, it’s time to take all you've learned and step into your own journey. Carry with you a love of learning, community, kindness, and self. Go out and make a name for yourselves, but know that this will always be your home. Mazal tov, Class of 2025...you are King David forever.”

The Sanctuary was filled with proud supporters who cheered as each Grade 12 student received their Graduation certificate, and King David staff and other community members handed out individual student awards and scholarships.

In her heartfelt student address, Romy beautifully captured the spirit of the Class of 2025, a group bound by shared memories, deep friendships, and meaningful growth. She reminded us that high school is not just a series of milestones, but a journey filled with small, unforgettable moments that shape who we become. As she said, “What really made these years special were the moments in between, the five-minute chats before class, the inside jokes, the spontaneous lunchtime dance parties.”

Romy also emphasized the power of connection and the lifelong bond forged at King David: “We didn’t just go to school together, we grew up together.” She ended her address with, "To the graduating Class of 2025, I will miss walking the King David halls alongside you. All of us here today are a testament to our readiness for what lies ahead. Thank you, and congratulations!"

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the remarkable team of parent volunteers who assisted in planning such a wonderful event, and for decorating Beth Israel so beautifully.

Todah Rabah to our Parent Action Committee (PAC), who gave each graduating student a very special gift: a handcrafted mezuzah. When our graduates use their mezuzah, they will know that a small piece of their King David home will always be with them. 

Thanks also to the many staff members who made the evening such a success. A special thank you to our Graduation Sponsors, Jodi Cristall and Abby Remick, who spent so much time coordinating all the details relating to the ceremony and celebrations! 

To Congregation Beth Israel, our sincere thanks, we are so grateful for their support of our graduation evening and to Jocelyne Halle, who took the wonderful photographs of our grads - thank you!

Our forty five graduates have spent the last five years becoming responsible and socially conscious community members, and we are so proud of all they have accomplished. We look forward to seeing what they achieve in the next stage of their lives. 

Kol Ha'Kavod, Class of 2025!

This past Saturday evening, our graduates and their families, joined by King David staff, came together for a beautiful Havdalah ceremony to honour the Class of 2025.

Rabbi Berger shared some thoughtful words, likening the students' journey at King David to an extended Shabbat. Their time began in Grade 8 during Covid, when they missed the traditional welcoming Shabbat dinner, and concluded with Havdalah, symbolically closing the circle before they head off into their bright futures.

Graduates had the opportunity to express their heartfelt thanks to those who supported them along the way. Their speeches were moving and sincere, a true reflection of the maturity and thoughtfulness they’ve gained over the years.

The evening concluded outdoors with the Havdalah ritual—lighting the braided candle and singing the blessings. The joy on the students’ faces made it clear this was a moment they would always hold close.

A heartfelt thank you to Rabbi Berger, Jewish Life and Student Engagement Leader Orly Naim, and music teacher Johnny Seguin for creating such a meaningful experience, and to all the guests who stayed late to celebrate alongside our graduates.

The numbers are in, and once again, our Grade 12 students have achieved outstanding success with their post-secondary plans. An incredible 98% of our graduates were accepted into their first or second choice programs!

Our students are heading to a wide range of universities across the country, and even beyond. Here’s a look at where the Class of 2025 is headed:

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our graduates. Their hard work, determination, and growth have brought them to this exciting moment, and we have no doubt they’ll continue to thrive in their next chapters.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated teachers, post secondary counsellors, and families who have supported and encouraged our students every step of the way.

MAZAL TOV!