Head of School Eitz Chaim Schools

Head of School
Eitz Chaim Schools
Toronto, Canada
OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
SUMMARY SCHOOL PROFILE
Eitz Chaim Schools offers an exceptional opportunity to lead and build upon the legacy of a 100
year-old educational institution, which for generations has been and continues to be the center
of Torah education in Toronto. Located on three campuses across Toronto (one boys and two
girls), families throughout the city seek out Eitz Chaim for its ability to bring together people
from all stripes of Orthodoxy for an outstanding and inspiring experience of education and
Yiddishkeit.
As a K-8 school with close to one-thousand students, Eitz Chaim is committed to educating all
students in their individuality, developing good midos as a foundation for chinuch, and
understanding that each child’s path is both academic and experiential.
Drawing on the thriving and continuously growing Jewish community in Toronto, Eitz Chaim
prides itself on being a school for the Orthodox community, embracing the achdus of Klal Yisroel
that makes such a reality possible.
The school’s solid foundations and strong communal ties, along with a core commitment to
continuous improvement, make Eitz Chaim an exciting opportunity for the incoming Head of
School.
EITZ CHAIM TODAY – MISSION AND VISION
MISSION
Eitz Chaim Schools provides an inspiring, nurturing, intensive and challenging Jewish studies
and general studies program.
Eitz Chaim prepares students for a joyful, life-long relationship with Hashem rooted in Torah
learning and Yiras Shomayim, mitzvah observance and Derech Eretz.
Eitz Chaim promotes Ahavas Yisroel for all Jews and inspires students to make a Kiddush Hashem
in the wider Jewish community and world.
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VISION
For 100 years Eitz Chaim has represented the finest in Torah education, combined with
excellence in General Studies. The core values that inspire and guide Eitz Chaim today are the
same that guided our founding leaders.
Derech Eretz Kadma LaTorah – character development and good middos are critical parts of
chinuch.
Chanoch LaNa’ar Al Pi Darko – Each child must be educated according to his or her strengths
and individual characteristics in order to achieve his or her maximum potential.
Educate the Whole Child – Educating the whole child means reinforcing academics with an
emotional and experiential component, bringing the joy of Yiddishkeit into school. Eitz Chaim
inspires the hearts and souls of our children, gently shaping and molding their character, and
connecting them to Klal Yisroel.
Continuous Improvement - Eitz Chaim is committed to ongoing growth and improvement in all
areas. This includes staff development, curriculum enhancement, creating programs for parents
and ensuring that modern technology and new educational methods are used in the school in a
way that is consistent with Eitz Chaim’s values. As part of our accreditation process with our
local Jewish Federation (UJA), we have undergone a comprehensive school review in both our
Limudei Kodesh department (conducted by the YU Institute for School-University
Partnerships) and our General Studies department (by Dr. Bev Freedman). These reviews have
resulted in the creation of a School Improvement Plan that the school administration and staff
are now confidently embracing.
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VITAL STATISTICS
LOCATIONS
OPERATING BUDGET
Patricia – Boys Grade 1-8
$10.9 million
Viewmount – Co-ed Pre-school, Girls 1-8
Spring Farm – Co-ed Pre-school, Girls 1-8
ENROLLMENT
FUNDS RAISED 2014-2015
950 students across all 3 campuses
$1.54 million
EDUCATIONAL FACULTY
FINANCIAL AID
185 Teachers
$4.3 million
ACCREDITATION 2015-2016
Accreditation by the Julia and Henry Koschitsky Centre for Jewish Education, through the
auspices of Yeshiva University (Judaic Studies) and Dr. Beverly Freedman (General Studies)
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STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
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In a recent series of focus groups with parents, teachers, administrators and donors, we
consistently heard that the following are the areas that are priorities for the Head of School.
1.! Developing a strategic vision: The HOS will direct and guide the school as it clarifies,
develops and shares the school’s mission, vision and values for all of its stakeholders,
and as a legacy institution, with the entire Orthodox Toronto Jewish community. He will
inspire parents and students to choose Eitz Chaim, showcasing it as a leading and long
standing Torah educational institution in Toronto. He will galvanize our donors to
increasingly support the important work Eitz Chaim does.
2.! Improving communication between all stakeholders: The Eitz Chaim Head of School
will need to be an outstanding communicator. He will be able to communicate clearly,
regularly and purposely, directly and through media. He will do so with parents,
administrators, teachers, donors, and of course, students.
3.! Raising the level of educational excellence: The Head of School will be a master
educator, educational leader, and deep innovator. He will have deep knowledge and
understanding of how children learn; contemporary best practices in education;
educational technology; and be an advocate and supporter of special education. He
must also know how to lead adult learners (e.g. teachers, administrators) through a
process of educational growth and change. He will enact structures and policies for
supervision and oversight, to ensure the highest level staff, and transition everyone in
the institution to a higher level of educational excellence. He must have a vision for
excellence in education in general and Torah education in particular, and be able to
articulate this vision for teachers and parents, as well as implement it at each Eitz Chaim
campus.
4.! Developing and managing systems within and across campuses: The HOS will be an
outstanding organizer and manager, be able to bring together, align and coordinate
three separate campuses and a central business/admissions/tuition office. He must be
able to create and oversee the system structures that are necessary for a three-campus
school.
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SCHOOL PROFILE
EITZ CHAIM – CHINUCH FOR THE MIND AND HEART
Eitz Chaim does everything possible to ensure that each classroom is a caring, welcoming
environment that inspires children to learn. It is a school that remains true to its mission: to
prepare Jewish children for a joyful, life-long relationship with Hashem rooted in Torah learning,
mitzvah observance, and Derech Eretz.
Eitz Chaim strives for excellence in its Torah and general educational program with the goal of
fostering pride and self-confidence in its students, and for whom outstanding midos are of
ultimate concern. As a school stress Ahavas Yisroel, teaching our students to accept, respect and
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help all Jews. We live this mission in so many ways, in particular our housing a branch of the
Zareinu Educational Centre, a school for children with physical and developmental challenges.
Eitz Chaim helps children grow into adults who will make a Kiddush Hashem in their
community and the world. Our commitment to the Jewish community is broad, and we are
proud to partner with the UJA and the Center for Jewish education in fulfilling our communal,
educational and financial goals.
Toronto is a large North American city with a vibrant Jewish, and a wide variety of strong yet
deeply linked Orthodox communities. As an established Jewish community, the largest in
Canada and fifth largest in North America, we are dynamic and constantly growing in depth
and breadth. There are multiple options for schools and synagogues, and vast arrays of kosher
establishments that help create the small town feel in a large metropolitan city suffused with
culture and character. Toronto’s Jewish community is extremely philanthropic, supporting a
plethora of local resources and communal needs. Eitz Chaim, as a school that teaches not only
the children but grandchildren of its graduates, benefits from and continues the legacy of such a
powerful history.
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AN INSIDER’S LOOK AT EITZ CHAIM
PRESCHOOL
From the day a young child enters the doors of Preschool to the exciting graduation evening,
eleven years later, Eitz Chaim is committed to creating the best school experience. The
Preschool Program fully integrates Judaic and General Studies. The curriculum immerses
children in Jewish themes, holidays and mitzvah awareness, teaches Aleph Bais, and gives
children a great exposure to mitzvos and middos tovos.
Knowing that each child matures at a different pace, Eitz Chaim screens preschoolers to identify
students who need more advanced learning, and children who need more support as their fine
motor skills, speech, and social interaction develop.
The Eitz Chaim Preschool provides a warm and nurturing atmosphere. Each child feels loved,
safe and welcome in a school where the simcha of living a Torah life is constantly modeled. By
the end of SK, the children are fully ready for the exciting transition to Grade 1.
ELEMENTARY - LIMUDEI KODESH
From the beginning of Grade 1, boys and girls learn in separate campuses. This allows Eitz
Chaim to cater to the different educational needs of boys and girls with a dedicated Limudei
Kodesh curriculum for Chinuch HaBanim, and a separate curriculum dedicated to Chinuch
HaBanos.
Eitz Chaim offers boys a Traditional track and a Maharal track. The Traditional track
emphasizes grammar and translation skills to provide a strong foundation for advanced studies
in Chumash, Mishnah and Gemora. By the end of Grade 8, boys in this track have completed the
entire Chumash and an entire Seder (compilation) of Mishna. Eitz Chaim’s renowned Gemora
instruction opens the doors to any yeshiva boys may choose for high school.
The Maharal Track offers a cheder-like approach that begins with the boys using the trop nigun
to sing the psukim they are learning, as well as chant for mishnayos (girsa). Once the boys know
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the psukim, they learn the meaning of each pasuk (peshat). The final step is review, (chazara),
leading to mastery (kinyan).
In both tracks, boys learn a complete Limudei Kodesh curriculum, including Chumash, Navi,
Dinim, Mishna, Gemora, and Ivrit. Boys from both tracks daven together, share recess and
lunchtime, and form a cohesive social group.
In the Girls’ Division, talmidos learn Chumash, Navi, Dinim, and Ivrit. In Chumash they begin by
learning the texts, and then proceed to analyze words and themes. The next stage is exposure to
commentaries like Rashi which develops critical thinking skills. By the end of Grade 8, girls
have studied most of the Chumash and are independently prepared to translate Meforshim.
Classes in Dinim teach girls about the theoretical and practical sides of Jewish life. Knowledge
of Halacha is stressed, as well as a strong emphasis on laws of shabbos and mitvos ben adam
lechavero like bikur cholim and kibud horim.
Girls also study biblical, medieval and modern Hebrew. This allows them to understand
Chumash, Navi and mefarshim, and to communicate in Hebrew.
Tefilla at Eitz Chaim is a way of life. All the boys and girls receive comprehensive Tefilla training
including decorum, siddur knowledge, punctuality and proper dress. Davening is slow and
explanatory so students can become fully proficient and appreciate the spirituality of Tefilla.
Every Limudei Kodesh teacher at Eitz Chaim is also a role model, allowing students to learn from
mechanchim and moros who have dedicated their lives to Torah and to Chinuch.
Professional Development is an ongoing initiative in the Limudei Kodesh Division. Presently,
Rebbeim and Moros are involved in programs such as Rabbi Karmi Gross’s Chumash
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curriculum, and the development of PLCs- Professional Learning Communities. Teachers are
working on a number of initiatives, aligned with our School Improvement Plan, designed to
increase student achievement.
A love for yidishkeit is actively supported, enhanced and fostered at Eitz Chaim through a
variety of activities and programs, including: Chidon Hatanach, Shmitah Fair, Zechor Yemos Olom,
Mishmar and Avos Ubanim, inspirational speakers and shmuzen, a Bas Mitzvah Programme,
Shabbatonim, and graduation trips.
ELEMENTARY - GENERAL STUDIES
The task of Elementary School is to teach children to learn and love learning. Students and their
teachers focus on three core questions at all times: What am I learning? Why am I learning it?
How will I know that I have learned it? Eitz Chaim uses outstanding programs and powerful
teaching strategies to provide high levels of literacy and numeracy. Students study Language
Arts, Mathematics, History, Geography and Science to gain the skills required for high school
and university. In addition to these core subjects, our students learn music, art, keyboarding,
and participate in physical education. Girls also study Home Economics in Grade 7, and French
in Grade 7 and 8.
The General Studies curriculum at Eitz Chaim closely follows Ontario Ministry of Education
guidelines, and students continually score above average on the provincial standardized
testing.
The goal of our curriculum is to achieve “comprehensive literacy”, which is considered the gold
standard in the English-speaking world. The world-acclaimed “First Steps Writing” is the core
of the Eitz Chaim language arts curriculum. “First Steps Writing” prepares students to write for
any purpose and on any subject matter, and is currently in use in many schools in the United
States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
he Math program is based on the textbook “Math Makes Sense”. This program provides
students with mathematical understanding and helps them develop critical thinking skills.
“Math Makes Sense” emphasizes making connections to the real world. In addition, the Eitz
Chaim Math program focuses on problem solving, and skill building in all areas of math, and at
all levels.
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TUITION
OPERATING BUDGET
The 2015-16 (FY16) budget calls for income of $10.7M, which includes 60% from tuition
revenues, 16% from fundraising, 20% from UJA related grants and the balance from other
sources. Costs in 2015-16 are budgeted to be $10.9M, including approximately 80% for direct
payroll and related expenses, 13% for general/administrative, 5% building occupancy, and 2%
financing costs (interest and related fees). Elementary expenses are approximately 70%
operating costs, with 30% allocated towards Preschool.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
As a community school, Eitz Chaim does not consider finances a barrier to an Orthodox Jewish
education. In partnership with the generosity of UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Eitz Chaim
Schools offers financial aid to students from Grades 1-8. Families are able to apply for financial
aid through the Tuition Office as soon as they submit an application for admission. A lay
committee makes financial aid decisions, based on guidelines provided by UJA-Federation.
Families are notified of financial aid decisions, and are able to appeal them if they choose.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact our search consultant at YUSP, Rabbi
Maccabbee Avishur (avishur@yu.edu) to confidentially discuss the opportunity and the process.
Applicants should submit no later than the following November 9th:
•! A cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in leading Eitz Chaim
•! A current resume
These materials should be transmitted via email attachment to the email addresse above.
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Eitz Chaim Through The Years
The school’s name is changed to
Talmud Torah Eitz Chaim, but for Rabbi Yehuda Leib Graubart, zt’’l,
the next 30 years is referred to as arrives from Stashov, Poland,
D’arcy Talmud Torah.
and assumes the post of spiritual
leader of the Talmud Torah.
The school’s first building on
Chestnut Street is inaugurated.
He introduces more Hebrew
Additional classes are held at a
instruction and a more intensive
branch on Simcoe Street
Torah curriculum
u"gr,
j"gr,
1916
A fire destroys the
wooden school building
on D’arcy Street.
A new, larger school is
constructed on the same
site and dedicated on
December 30, 1927
z"pr,
1918
1927
1915
1917
1922
1929
The Polishe Talmud Torah
opens in the Elm Street Shul,
beginning with a few students in
one classroom guided by one
teacher. Classes are offered in
late afternoons, on Sundays and
throughout the summer
Joseph Cooper, z”l, Itshe
Meyer Korolnek, z”l, Yosef
Shidlowsky, z”l, and Avraham
Tanenbaum,z”l obtain a
provincial charter to open
a religious school, and are
instrumental in purchasing
the Italian Club at 68 D’Arcy
to accommodate the school’s
growing enrollment.
Rabbi Pinchas Ravid, zt”l,
is appointed principal.
Student
enrollment
begins to
increase at
Eitz Chaim.
v"gr,
z"gr,
Thousands of people,
including prominent politicians,
are present
at the Tu B’Av opening
ceremonies of the D’Arcy
building
EITZ CHAIM SCHOOLS
c"pr,
During Rabbi Ravad’s
tenure,
a separate girls’ class is
formed and the first female
teacher hired.
y"pr,
1929 300
Students
1931 400
Students
1933 503
Students
1938 600
Students
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Maharil Graubart Yeshiva
is established at 80 D’Arcy
Street, next door to Eitz
Chaim, with Rav Yaakov
Kamenetsky, z’t’l’, serving
as Rosh Yeshiva from
1941 through 1945.
Maharil Graubart Yeshiva
is affiliated with Eitz Chaim
and physically connected
via a walkway between the
two buildings.
y"mr,
1939
The first
kindergarten
class opens
Both afternoon
and day classes
are instituted
at Eitz Chaim’s
Burnside branch.
The Tanenbaum
Building is
added to the
Viewmount
complex,
constructed
by Dr. Julius
Kuhl, z’l
c"a,
h"a,
j"ha,
1942
1950
1958
1941
1949
1956
Rabbi Jacob I.
Wohlgelernter, z’t’l’,
is appointed as
principal of
Eitz Chaim
Rabbi Chaim Nussbaum, z’t’l’,
is appointed as principal of Eitz
Chaim, serving until 1969.
Torath Emeth Jewish Centre is
established at 1 Viewmount Ave.
t"a,
y"a,
z"ya,
A full-day curriculum is offered.
Beginning with only a Grade One
class, new grades are added
every year until Grades One
through Nine are in place.
Rabbi Dr. David Ochs, z’t’l’, is
appointed as Rosh Yeshiva of
Maharil Graubart Yeshiva and
spiritual leader of Eitz Chaim
EITZ CHAIM SCHOOLS
TRIBUTE DINNER 2014 / 5774
Eitz Chaim Through The Years
Eitz Chaim’s Spring Farm
campus opens.
Rabbi Shlomo Jakobovits is
appointed as principal.
Patricia building is completed,
housing Eitz Chaim’s boys’
campus
Mrs. Esther Weinstock is
appointed as principal of
the Spring Farm campus,
serving until 2005.
c"fa,
k"a,
j"na,
1962
1970
1988
1961
1966
1975
1995
The Korolnek Building is
added to the Viewmount
complex, constructed by
Mr. Avraham Bleeman, in
cooperation with Mr. Chil
Elbaum, z’l
The two buildings on
D’Arcy Street are sold,
with the proceeds going
towards the purchase
of the new Patricia
campus.
Rabbi Leibish Adler is
appointed as principal of
the Viewmount campus
and serves until his
retirement in 2000.
Rabbi Aaron
Levine is
appointed as
principal of
the Patricia
campus,
serving until
2002
t"fa,
u"fa,v
Rabbi Shneur Weinberg
is appointed as senior
principal and serves until
his retirement in 1995
EITZ CHAIM SCHOOLS
v"ka,
v"ba,
TRIBUTE DINNER 2014 / 5774
Thornhill Talmud Torah
merges with Eitz Chaim.
Rabbi Mordechai Gewirtz
is appointed as principal of
the Viewmount campus,
serving until 2010.
x"a,
2000
TTT’s former principal, Rabbi
Yosef Rennert is appointed as
principal of the Maharal Program
at the Patricia campus and, in
2014, is appointed site principal
at the Patricia campus.
Mrs. Henya Schechter is
appointed as principal of the
Spring Farm campus
Rabbi Shimon Newman is
appointed as principal of the
Viewmount campus for the
academic year and, in 2013, is
appointed as site Menahel and
General Studies principal of the
Spring Farm campus.
2005
2012
v"xa,
Present
c"ga,
2002
2010
2013
Rabbi Isser Pliner is
appointed as dean and
principal of the Patricia
campus, serving until 2013.
Mrs. Nechama Motzen is
appointed as principal of
the Viewmount campus,
serving until 2012
Rabbi Yuval Kernerman is
appointed as principal of
the Viewmount campus
and site Menahel
c"xa,
g"a,
d"ga,
Rabbi Uri Kaufman is
appointed as associate
principal of the Patricia
campus, serving until 2013.
Rabbi Shmuel Klein is
appointed as associate
principal of the Viewmount
campus, serving until 2008.
EITZ CHAIM SCHOOLS
TRIBUTE DINNER 2014 / 5774