AdmissionsSeptember 2020

www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply

Admissions Timeline – September 2020 entryTanenbaumCHAT is open to all students of the Jewish community who meet our entrance requirements.

September 2019 – Application opens

• Apply at tanenbaumchat.org/apply • A $250 non-refundable application fee and $750 tuition deposit

must be submitted with the application.* • Note: Student interviews take place between October and February.

Tuesday, October 29 & Wednesday, October 30, 2019 – Open House

• Register at tanenbaumchat.org/open-house

November 2019 – Grade 8 students visit TanenbaumCHAT

• Current Jewish Day School students attend with their Grade 8 cohort on a pre-arranged date.

• New Stream tours will be held on Friday, November 15, 9:30 – 10:45 AM. Register at tanenbaumchat.org/new-stream

December 1, 2019 – APPLICATION DEADLINE

• Applications received after this date will not be considered in the first round of acceptances. A late fee of $500 will apply and we cannot guarantee that space will be available.

Sunday, November 24 or Sunday, December 1, 2019 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM – Mandatory Placement Tests

• Note: The school must be in receipt of a completed online application prior to students writing placement tests.

February 21, 2020 – Offers of Acceptance sent

March 6, 2020 – Deadline for returning Offers of Acceptance

• Offers of Acceptance must be signed and returned to the school by this date along with a $1,000 confirmation deposit which will be credited towards tuition.

*Please refer to our refund policy at www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply

Admissions Team

Laurie Wasser, CAEP, Director of Admissions – 416-636-5984 x 291Carly Reed, Recruitment Officer – 416-636-5984 x 355Zanele Minsker, Admissions Officer – 416-636-5984 x 292

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Welcome to TanenbaumCHATDr. Jonathan Levy, Head of School

TanenbaumCHAT is a journey – one that begins on the first day

of Grade 9 and lasts a lifetime.

As the Jewish community high school, TanenbaumCHAT fulfills a unique role. Our students come from virtually every corner of the GTA and represent a wide range of backgrounds. We welcome students from Jewish day schools as well as from many public and independent schools. They come for a premier Jewish high school experience

that features an exceptional academic and extra-curricular program, a strong sense of community, and highly-qualified and caring educators.

In TanenbaumCHAT’s safe and supportive environment, our students are exposed to new ideas, make new friends and try new things. And they have a great time doing it! Guided by Jewish values, a commitment to the State of Israel and a dedication to tikun olam (repairing the world), our students learn that they are part of a larger local and global community. We foster resilience, creativity, and pride in learning. When they graduate, our students are eminently well-prepared for their transition to university, college, or whatever path they wish to follow. They join more than 8,000 alumni who maintain strong connections to our school, to the TanenbaumCHAT community, and to their fellow graduates.

For three generations, Toronto’s Jewish community has relied on our school to equip our young people with the knowledge, character and courage to take their places in the world.

We welcome you to be part of this incredible journey and hope you find yourself at TanenbaumCHAT.

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Jewish Studies

We embrace the diverse backgrounds of our students and, as a school, are stronger for it. At TanenbaumCHAT, we make

Jewish Studies lively and relevant. Many of our courses are unique to our school and have been developed with today’s student in mind. In addition, creative engagement with Jewish texts advances critical thinking and the capacity to ask insightful questions. The interpretive and analytical skills honed in Jewish Studies classes are highly transferable to a broad range of academic subjects as well as to other areas of life.

Through the four pillars of our Jewish studies program – Tanach (Bible), Jewish History, Ivrit (Hebrew language) and Rabbinics (Rabbinic literature and Jewish traditions) – we provide an essential foundation of Jewish knowledge, and help students address challenging questions about God, antisemitism, ethical dilemmas and differences among Jews. Students also have the opportunity to study Talmud (Jewish Law).

We offer various levels of learning to ensure that each child is challenged and can thrive. Once in Grade 12, numerous electives allow students to explore areas of particular interest.

Our Jewish studies experience is further brought to life by celebrating Jewish holidays as a school community, marking Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Yom Ha’Zikaron and Yom Ha’Shoah, participating in Shabbatonim (Shabbat retreats), hearing guest speakers and getting involved in special projects.

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Benjamin Beiles, Class of 2018

“ In university we studied some of John Locke’s writing in my political theory class. His work can be very detailed and complex, and it requires a thorough analytical breakdown. While many of my peers struggled with the unfamiliar vocabulary and dense content, I found it remarkably manageable. Drawing from the techniques we used in Talmud class, I was able to find clear messages in a very complex text.”

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General Studies

Our school offers a full general studies program leading to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Along with required courses, more than 100 electives allow students

to round out their studies based on personal preferences as well requirements for post-secondary programs.

Our courses are wide ranging and offer enriched learning environments that encourage students to gain confidence, tackle problems, take risks, and freely express their ideas. We foster innovation, creativity and collaboration so that our students are well prepared for the challenges of today’s fast-moving world.

Our dual curriculum and extensive extra-curricular program are excellent primers for life after TanenbaumCHAT. Feedback from universities, colleges and our graduates indicates overwhelmingly that our students are equipped for the rigours of post-secondary study and cope exceptionally well with their workloads and commitments.

Our facilities include:

• Abramsky Family Art Studio

• Buckstein Family Fitness Centre

• Gales Family Engineering & Robotics Workshop, in conjunction with the Anita and Daniel Chai Engineering Academy

• Gorewicz Music Studio

• Greenberg and Samuel Families Greenhouse

• Guttman Family Science Wing featuring state-of-the-art science labs

• Levy Family Centre (Mercaz) for Torah Studies (Beit Midrash)

• Matlow Black Box Theatre

• Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium

• Ossip and Flatt Families Business Boardrooms (for business studies courses)

• Singer and Zagdanski Families Learning Resource Centre

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Tessa Rootenberg, Class of 2014

“ In university, I often returned to high school lecture notes to clarify my course material, and recognized a clear advantage afforded me compared to my peers... The TanenbaumCHAT faculty went above and beyond, and helped me realize the standards to which I should aspire. ”

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New Stream

For decades, through our New Stream program, we have been proud to open our doors and provide a Jewish community high school experience to students from a wide range

of educational backgrounds – many of whom may be completely “new” to Jewish learning. The program serves young people from public schools and secular independent schools, along with those who have been out of the Jewish day school system since the end of Grade 5. It currently represents one in four new admissions.

New Stream offers students an opportunity to discover and engage in Jewish learning together, in a tailor-made Jewish Studies program, while fully integrating with the rest of their cohort for General Studies classes. New Stream students follow the four pillars of our Jewish Studies program. By the time they reach Grade 12, they are equipped to become mainstreamed into the full range of Jewish Studies electives.

Please note that entry into New Stream is in Grade 9 and applications for Grade 10 are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Daveda Goldenberg, past parent

“ The school provides an incredible value-based education that prepares its students to succeed in the complex world. ”

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Sophie Gilbert, Class of 2020

“ The New Stream program has been the highlight of my TanenbaumCHAT career so far. I have learned so much about my Jewish identity and how I am connected to the Jewish community as a whole. ”

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Founded in 1961

Largest Jewish community high school in North America

25% of new students enter New Stream

Over 70 clubs and committees

Tikun OlamJesin-Neuberger Community Service Program Students complete more than 27,000 hours of community service annually

More than 8,000 alumni

TanenbaumCHAT Quick Facts

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Over 20%of current faculty and current parents are TanenbaumCHAT alumni

Over 100 electives, Grades 9 to 12

65%of students take a TanenbaumCHAT school bus

26 TanenbaumCHAT

sports teams that compete in the TDCAA

Grade 9 Electives

ARTS: Instrumental Music, Vocals, Drama, and Visual Arts

orTECHNOLOGY:

Anita and Daniel Chai Engineering Academy offering robotics and

STEM learning

Daily optional Minyan

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Extra-curriculars

TanenbaumCHAT enjoys a lively school culture and ruach (spirit), with an extensive roster of extra-curricular activities. More than 70 clubs and committees provide

a full array of options. Students can deepen existing interests or explore new ones, strengthen their skills, make new friends and take on leadership roles. The school fields more than 25 sports teams and competes in the TDCAA league. There is an active Student Council, and there are many special events throughout the year including school plays and musicals, a talent show, celebrations and competitions.

Here are just a few examples of the activities available:

• Arts Café• Athletic Council• Business Council• Daily Minyan• Debate• DECA business conference & competition• Intramurals• Jewish holiday celebrations• Model UN• Spirit Day• Musical stage production• Talent Show

Talia Levitt, Class of 2020

“ What makes TanenbaumCHAT so special, beyond the outstanding academics, are the incredible student activities and school spirit. There truly is something for everyone here. ”

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Photo: Sheldon Freeman 1313

Israel Engagement and Shabbatonim

Instilling a strong and vibrant connection to the State of Israel enriches our students’ own identities as Jews, while fostering a deep understanding of the important

role Israel plays on the global stage and in the lives of Jews around the world.

Israel engagement pervades our curricular and extra-curricular programming and is a shared vision – part of the consciousness of all our teachers and educators. Through connecting with our staff, guests and visiting speakers, our students develop relationships with Israeli peers and other Israeli role models. Students enjoy special Israel weeks and IDF days. The celebration of Jewish holidays is infused with an Israel component and we emphasize the centrality of Hebrew language to creating a strong bond with Israel.

It’s been said that more than the Jewish people have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jewish people. This idea

comes alive on TanenbaumCHAT Shabbatonim (Shabbat retreats) which provide students with a unique opportunity to celebrate Shabbat together and have a safe space to talk about personal practices and beliefs. Teachers, older peers and young alumni serve as madrichim (guides) and lead participants in fun and creative activities and meaningful discussions. There’s also plenty of singing around the campfire – in English and in Hebrew!

Pearl Gropper Berman and Drew Berman, current parents

“ TanenbaumCHAT is a remarkable high school environment, unparalleled in Toronto. ”

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Israel Engagement and Shabbatonim

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Student Support

We recognize that every child has unique social, emotional and academic needs. We are committed to creating an environment in which all our students have the

opportunity to thrive. The Student Services team is coordinated by the Director of Student Services and comprises the Centre for Differentiated Learning (CDL), the Deans’ Office, and the Guidance Department. Together, they offer a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to supporting the whole student. We see parents and guardians as active partners in this endeavour.

Freedman Centre for Differentiated Learning & Nussbaum Jewish Studies Remediation Centre

The CDL provides support to students with exceptional medical, physical and learning needs. Through ongoing consultation with parents and students, the CDL oversees academic accommodations to help ensure that the student’s unique learning profile is addressed in all academic and extra-curricular settings.

Rotman/Rohringer Deans’ Office

The Deans’ Office offers students and parents an added layer of support. The Deans oversee matters related to managing behavioural and school expectations, workload, tardiness and absences due to illness and many other important issues in the life of a high school student. The Deans are available to assist in all aspects of school and teenage life.

Guidance Department

A team of guidance counsellors advises students on course selection and personal educational planning, career counselling, university and college entrance, and study programs in Israel. Confidential personal counselling is also offered to students who wish to discuss academic, social or personal issues.

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Malka Lebi, Class of 1997, TanenbaumCHAT teacher and current parent

“ TanenbaumCHAT gives you a foundation for the rest of your life and provides you with a framework Jewishly, socially and academically. It makes you proud of who you are. ”

The Journey Continues

Upon graduation, as our students go out into the world to continue their journeys, they remain firmly a part of the TanenbaumCHAT community.

Our alumni number more than 8,000. TanenbaumCHAT friendships endure and there is an ever-increasing number of three-generation

alumni families. Many meet their life partners here, and 20% of current parents and current teachers are alumni.

Our Alumni Mentorship Network connects younger alumni with more experienced grads. Alumni also take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and give back to the school,

for example, serving as TanenbaumCHAT board members, visiting classes to work with students, and donating

their time and resources to strengthening the school. We are immensely proud of the fact that our alumni

contribute in numerous ways to the wider community, both within Jewish frameworks and beyond,

in Toronto and further afield.

For TanenbaumCHAT alumni, it’s never just “shalom” but, rather, “le’hitraot”!

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TuitionTanenbaumCHAT is powered by the generosity of an entire community.

We thank the Jesin-Neuberger Foundation and the Granovsky family for recognizing TanenbaumCHAT as an important destination for major philanthropic donations. Their gifts – along with the contributions made to our Annual Fund campaign by parents, grandparents and friends, and in collaboration with UJA Federation of Greater Toronto – mean that we are able to set tuition for the 2020-21 school year at $18,999.

Tuition Assistance

We welcome families from a wide spectrum of economic backgrounds. The Tuition Assistance Program, substantially supported by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, is completely confidential and is administered within the UJA Federation guidelines. Financial circumstances should not prevent you from applying to the school.

For further information on financial assistance, please contact:

Angela Buslovich, Manager, Business & Tuition 416-636-5984 Ext. 234 abuslovich@tanenbaumchat.org

www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply19

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TanenbaumCHAT

200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8

416-636-5984

findyourself@tanenbaumchat.org

www.tanenbaumchat.org

Apply now!

www.tanenbaumchat.org/apply

Application deadline: December 1, 2019