Recently Hodgson P.S. hosted the Middle School Jewish Affinity Day in conjunction with the TDSB Equity Department.  This event happened thanks to Principal David Finklestein and the incredible team of Hodgson teachers (many of whom are JHC members).  It was a day filled with so much enthusiasm, meaningful programming, and rich engagement from the students.  

Approximately 15 schools participated, which felt like hundreds of Grade 6, 7, and 8 students. 

In the spoken word section many students came forward to talk about how they feel being part of a community, the smells of their Bubbies’ kitchens, the importance of their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and how you can thrive in a public school environment as a proud Jewish student.  They expressed their emotions on the paper tree (see right).  They ate falafels from Tov Li.  It was a true celebration of Jewish Joy, which will hopefully lead to the establishment of Jewish student groups in their schools.  We currently have about 22 Jewish Student Associations in our TSB high schools.  How beautiful it would be if we could add to that list at our elementary/middle schools.

Thank you to everyone involved and especially to our Equity Department for making it happen!