One School, One Community

From the very first day I stepped into this role, one of my guiding goals was to ensure that our school is not just united in name, but in spirit, practice, and lived experience. Though our school operates across two campuses — the Amiel Early Childhood Centre (Preschool and Kindergarten) and our Main Campus (Grades 1 to 6) — my vision has always been to foster a true sense of one school, one community.

This vision has come to life in beautiful and meaningful ways. School-wide assemblies like the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Remembrance Day, International Women’s Day, Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), and Yom HaAtzma’ut have brought us together as one — not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually. These shared moments allow even our youngest learners to engage with important values and causes, side by side with our older students. It's in these gatherings that the heart of our school truly shines.

Beyond assemblies, we've created intentional opportunities for our students to connect and collaborate across ages. From regular Reading Buddies sessions where older students read with our preschoolers, to a growing mentorship program where students in upper grades serve as leaders and role models for younger children, the relationships being built are joyful, authentic, and deeply impactful.

We’ve also seen rich collaboration through combined holiday celebrations, joint art projects, and mindfulness moments that stretch from Junior Pre-K through Grade 6. These shared experiences offer students a chance to express themselves creatively, learn from different perspectives, and build community across age groups. Whether it's decorating for a holiday, painting a mural, or joining in a moment of school-wide reflection, these activities strengthen our shared identity and reinforce the values we hold dear.

A particularly special tradition has been inviting our preschool and kindergarten classes from the Amiel Early Childhood Centre to visit the “big school.” For our youngest learners, these visits feel like exciting field trips filled with curiosity and joy. During these visits, the older students and staff go out of their way to make our little visitors feel like superstars. These meaningful experiences help build familiarity and confidence, making the eventual transition to Grade 1 something they look forward to with pride and excitement.

Our commitment to unity extends to our staff as well. Teachers across both campuses regularly collaborate, creating opportunities for cross-campus projects in literacy, science, art, and social-emotional learning. These partnerships inspire creativity, support professional growth, and ensure that our students — from Junior Pre-K to Grade 6 — benefit from a rich, coherent, and connected learning experience.

We are incredibly fortunate to have a school structure that supports such meaningful inter-campus integration. While it takes intention and coordination, the results speak for themselves — a more vibrant, inclusive, and interconnected school community where every student is known, valued, and inspired.

Maya Doughan

Principal