The Corner of Spadina and Bloor: Exploring Paul Penna DJDS

This week on the podcast, we’re proud to share a special episode dedicated to our graduating class. Host Jay Rosenthal is joined by a number of wonderful guests. Students Ma’ayan and Sheelo reflect on their time at PPDJDS and the experiences that shaped them and brought their class closer together. Morah Danna and Morah Ali offer a thoughtful look at the Grade 8 year and how we prepare students academically and socially for high school while nurturing the values that will guide them beyond. We also hear from Jessamyn, parent of graduating student Dahlia, who shares what it’s been like to join the school community in later years and what it means to reach this milestone. 

On today’s episode of The Corner of Bloor and Spadina, we’re diving into the world of the Middle School Musical! First, we chat with students Maya, Eytan, and Evan about their roles in this year's production of High School Musical Jr.. Then, we’re joined by Moreh Mark, Moreh Jeremy, and playwright Julie Tepperman for an exclusive look at what it takes to bring the show to life. 

This week, our host Jay Rosenthal is joined by Principal Amy and Ryla Braemer, school parent and Executive Director of the Miles Nadal JCC. Their conversation focuses on the growth of early years programs at Paul Penna DJDS and the MNjcc. You'll hear from Amy about the decision to open a JK class in September 2025 and how families interested in joining PPDJDS can connect to the school. You’ll also hear from Ryla about the growing interest in community engagement within the Jewish community, as well as the incredible programs that the MNjcc offers year-round.

The Paul Penna DJDS Podcast is back and better than ever! In this first episode of the year, our host, school parent Jay Rosenthal dives into the heart of our incredible athletics program.  First, you'll hear from Principal Amy and athletics coordinator, Moreh Avee, about the importance of athletics and this Wednesday's special visit from Basketball Star, Tamir Goodman.  Then, three of our talented PPDJDS students join the conversation, reflecting on how their experiences on school sports teams have impacted them both on and off the court. 

Morah Rena, our Vice Principal and Rabbi Marc Wolf recount their participation in Prizmah’s Israel Educators Mission, in which 23 school leaders and Israel educators were brought together to consider the question “What has changed and what stays the same in Israel Education after October 7th?”

This year's ShinShiniot, Shelley and Raz share their experience as part of UJA's ShinShinim Israel engagement program. They are joined by Principal Amy, our Vice Principal, Morah Rena, and Jess Weiss, a ShinShinim host family.

In our first podcast episode of the year, Principal Amy, Eric Cohen, our Director of Judaics, and Morah Adeena, our SK core teacher, discuss our curricular and community responses toward the current crisis in Israel. Stream this new episode and past episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In our final episode during the 2022-23 school year, we recount the many events and celebrations that have taken place over the last month, and look ahead to next year. A big thank you to everyone who helped make these events possible, and who celebrated out 25th anniversary with us.

Leora Schaefer, the Executive Director at Facing History and Ourselves, Michelle Sadowski, an Educator for the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program at the Azrieli Foundation, Jaime Saltz, the Grade 5 Core Teacher, and Principal Amy engage in conversation on the week of Yom HaShoah about the best practices surrounding the introduction of Holocaust education, and how our students observe such an impactful event in history. We also hear from Shira Wolch and various students across all Toronto Jewish Day Schools at the Yom Hashoah V’hagvurah 2023 Community Commemoration.

In this bonus episode, Middle School students detail their experiences during our school's first ever Tikkun Olam Day, a day dedicated to promoting social action within our community. Students volunteered their time  with Makers Making Change to create switch adapted toys for kids with disabilities, building and painting ramps at StopGap to make our city more accessible, prepping meals for The Breton Food Cupboard, and sorting clothing donations at Transforming Style. 

Our Middle School recently had their inaugural Tikkun Olam Day, and what a success it was! Shira, a Middle School teacher and Tikkun Olam Day leader, Jason, a Middle School student teacher, Kate, our Director of Core Curriculum, and Principal Amy discuss our school’s value of social justice, and share more about this special day, how it was structured, and what our students got up to.

As we transition back to school from our mid-winter break, our faculty gathered for 2 days of Professional Development. Principal Amy and Samantha Florence, one of our middle school teachers, discuss the value of PD, as well as their main takeaways and teachings from this dedicated time. 

Our annual Day of Giving campaign is taking place on March 1. David Koffman, Co-Chair of our Institutional Advancement Committee, Jay Rosenthal, a board member and matching donor, Principal Amy and Elana Paice Lidsky, our Director of Institutional Advancement, shed light on the importance of this special day and highlight the many ways to give.

Our science curriculum is more creative and innovative than ever before. Kate, our Director of Core Curriculum, and Jeremy, the Middle School science and math teacher discuss updates to our science program, standout student experiments, and highschool readiness.

Our first episode of 2023 is international! Principal Amy, Morah Elana, and Dan Held, the chief program officer at UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, share their experience and takeaways from the Prizmah Conference in Denver, Colorado, where they are joined by over 1000 North American Jewish Day School professionals.

We made it to the winter break! Francine, our School Counsellor shares her best self-care tips to ensure students and parents make the most out of their break, and come back to school in the New Year feeling refreshed.

Our Director of Student Services, Lindsay, our Primary Resource Specialist, Rachel, and Paul Penna DJDS parent, Jon, share the successes of the new literacy program we've implemented in our core curriculum called Sounds-Write. Stream this episode and more on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts.

As we approach the winter season, we’re looking forward to our annual Chanukah concert and are starting to get our Middle School musical off the ground! Director of Middle School, Eric, and music teacher, Moreh Mark, join hosts  Dr. Amy Platt and Blair Rotstein to talk about how our students will be taking to the stage!

Let’s go Panthers! Hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Blair Rotstein are joined by Vice Principal Rena, Head Coach Moreh Avee, and student athletes Aiden and Yael as we celebrate this year’s success of our athletics program.

Meet our ShinShiniot! This week, Mika and Lotem join hosts Jay Rosenthal and Dr. Amy Platt to share their experience so far at Paul Penna DJDS, and their goals within the UJA ShinShinim program. For more information about hosting Mika or Lotem next term, please reach out to alumni parent, Jo Pukier jpukier@rogers.comor Morah Rena rmarkus@djds.ca. If you would like to host them for a weeknight dinner, please reach out to Mika and Lotem directly, msegev@djds.ca and lyosef@djds.ca. Listen to this episode and more on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts.