You’ve gotten to know me quite well in this, my first year as Education Director at Temple Etz Chaim. You know I’m pretty reserved, but right now I want to share other feelings bubbling up from inside, so I’m letting you in on a secret. Inside I am twirling and dancing and kicking my legs. Shouting and singing and laughing. And even pumping my fists! We have not just gotten to the end of the year, but we did it with wonderful learning, fun projects, joyful singing, and energized t’fillah. Together as a team with you, our parents, we have worked to pass on our Jewish values to our children.
At the beginning of school, the year ahead was like a big dark tunnel to me, and I was pretty nervous. But the whole Temple Etz Chaim community gathered around and supported me. You were so understanding, when I didn’t know which parents went with which kids, or even mixed up students’ names. You were patient and helpful, with words of support and helpful suggestions.
While you gave me your support, the teachers took my hands to lead me through that tunnel. The tunnel, of course, got brighter as the year progressed and I understood more about the daily workings of the school program. Your teachers were always there to show the way and offer me advice. Early in the year, as I would go into the classrooms and listen to the students, it was amazing how each teacher knew just what to do. Their lessons were not only well-planned, but the concern they showed for their students was evident in every class through the tone of their voices, and the friendly and caring look in their eyes.
As an educator, one of my favorite quotes is from proverbs: iחנוך לנער על פי דרכו (Hanoch L’Noar al Pi Darko)
“Teach a child according to his way.” Throughout the year your children’s teachers were always looking to better their teaching skills as we explored new ideas at our faculty meetings and reflected on how to best meet the needs of students in the 21st century. Not only did they look at each child’s skills and interests, but also realized that in this computer age, learning needs to take place in a different environment than what we grew up with. This change has happened in general education and is now transforming Jewish education as well. You will see some of these new ideas in next years’ program. Thank you, teachers, for a wonderful year!
– Hana