www.tanenbaumchat.org

A guide to your high school experience

a look at our schoolacademic

spiritual

involved

creative

athletictechnical

new stream

2456899

Learn about our outstanding academics & grade 9 program

Rich in Jewish tRadition, education & expeRience

welcoming StudentS new to the jewiSh School experience

enriching lives through unique experiences

Fostering creativity through music to drama and art

Encouraging tEamwork and HEaltHy compEtition

providing the latest technologies in an ever-changing world

TanenbaumCHAT Testimonials

& OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

Life After TanenbaumCHAT POsT-GrADuATION & BEyOND

Supporting Our Students HElPFul ExTrAs

One School, Two Campuses sEE Our FACIlITIEs13

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We are proud of our school, the vision we have for Jewish education, and the values we embody.

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Visionour & values

See The APPlICATION PACk TO begin* your TAnenbAumCHAT experienCe >>

NEXT STEPS:ready to jump-start your education with TanenbaumCHAT?

Then proceed to the enclosed application pack for

complete details of the application process, application fees

and deposits, deadlines, important dates and FAQs.

How to Apply!

a look at our school

1For our VIsION & VAluEs brochure, please visit tanenbaumchat.org/values or request a print copy at the school office.

The ANNE & MAx TANENBAuM COMMuNITy HEBrEw

ACADEMy OF TOrONTO—TanenbaumCHAT—aims to offer

the best and most inspired teaching with outstanding

faculty, and to characterize the school by its care for

each individual student. TanenbaumChAT educates it

students to be committed Jews and concerned,

active citizens.

TanenbaumCHAT began with only a small number of students in

1960. Over fifty years later, our school has a student body of roughly

1,400 and a teaching faculty of 185 across two campuses.

TanenbaumCHAT is the co-educational community high school of the greater Toronto Jewish Community. We welcome students of all Jewish affiliations and beliefs.

tanenbaumCHATAbout

a Brief History lesson

a: The TANENBAuM name has been associated with our school since

1998 when philanthropist Dr. Anne Tanenbaum z”l made a major

gift to our school. She cared deeply about Jewish education and

her gift made possible extensive additions to the Wilmington (now

Wallenberg) Campus. in honour of a further substantial gift she

made before her passing in 2008, the entire school was renamed the

Anne & max Tanenbaum Community hebrew Academy of Toronto—

TanenbaumChAT in every day usage.

q: what’s in a name?

TANENBAuMCHAT Is kNOwN FOr ITs ClOsE sTuDENT

TEACHEr rElATIONsHIPs AND FAMIly ATMOsPHErE.

GuIDANCE COuNsEllOrs ENsurE THAT sTuDENTs

rECEIVE CArING, INDIVIDuAlIZED ATTENTION. We offer

a comprehensive range of educational services to meet

students’ individual academic and social needs. Our

advanced programs offer academic enrichment to the

most gifted students. Through specialized ‘Learning

Centres’ we provide special education, remediation

and eSL. Successful peer counselling and peer tutoring

programs maintain our tradition of student-to-student

help. both campuses accommodate students with

physical disabilities.

a nurturinG environment

our Mission statement:

The TanenbaumCHAT experience begins with many activities to welcome students—and their parents—to their new surroundings.

At the beginning of the school year, grade 9 students attend an orientation day at CAMP rOBIN HOOD to get to know their teachers,

meet new friends and learn about TanenbaumCHAT in a fun and relaxed environment.

Grade 9 is a very exciting time for students as it marks a transition to the next chapter of their lives. For some kids, and even

parents, the transition to high school can be daunting. Our GuIDANCE DEPArTMENT offers programs designed to make the

adjustment to grade 9 as smooth and enjoyable as possible. We can help them quickly adjust!

GENErAl sTuDIEs:

english

geography

mathematics

French

Science

physical education

every grade 9 student takes 11 courses.

each course has three one-hour lessons per week.

our Grade 9

by grade 11 many of the ministry of education

requirements have been satisfied and students have a

wide range of electives to choose from in grades 11

and 12.

JEwIsH sTuDIEs:

ivrit (modern hebrew)

Jewish history

Tanakh

rabbinics or Talmud

Plus ONE OF:

Art

Drama

music

Communication Technology

information Technology in

business

Beyond Grade 9

Beginning the Journey at tanenbaumCHAT

Starting high school is exciting; Our Grade 9 students come together from many different schools to start a journey that will last a lifetime!

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programThe program includes:

Your child earns one credit for each ministry-approved course successfully completed.

• Earn a minimum of 18 required credits • Earn a further 12 elective credits • Pass the Grade 10 Literacy test

TO GrADuATE, A sTuDENT MusT: • Complete 40 hours of Community Service (tanenbaumCHAT requires 72 hours)

TanenbaumCHAT is an outstanding academic school. Students

follow the high school curriculum of the Ontario ministry of

education and Training, leading to an Ontario Secondary School

Diploma. Our generAL STuDieS curriculum provides a range of

courses, offering choices at each level.

At the time of the entrance interview, a grade 9 course calendar

is available to help students choose their courses.*

historically, our students have easily fulfilled the credit

requirements for high school graduation and have an

exceptional rate of entrance to universities across

the world.

positive feedback from universities, colleges and from our own

graduates indicates that a TanenbaumCHAT education is an

outstanding preparation for university and college study

– both in knowledge and skills.

The bi-cultural content of our program offers an enriched

education. Our academic courses provide gifted students with

a high level of intellectual challenge.

a hiGh school eXperience that Fits Your child:here are two examples of possible course selections throughout four years at tanenbaumCHAT.

our General Studies

working towards the goal...*

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITESMusic Junior Band Senior Band Choir(s) Live Music Club Public performances, concert & tours Music support for school events and drama productions

Drama/Performing Arts School plays School musicals Talents show Dance/Fashion showVisual Arts Art Show/Vernissage School murals Clay ClubMedia School-wide ‘tech’ support crews Yearbook Committee Music Recording Club Comic Animation Club School-wide publicity & promotion crew Photography Club

Video-Making Club Film Festival

CURRICULAR CHOICES

Grade 9 & 10MusicDramaVisual ArtsCommunication Technology

Grade 11Music – ‘U’Drama – ‘U’Visual Arts – ‘U’Communication Technology – ‘U’Media Studies

Grade 12Music – ‘U’Drama – ‘U’Visual Arts – ‘U’Communications Technology – ‘U’

DAVID – was active throughout TanenbaumCHAT in school drama & music. After graduation, he started a Communications course at University. With help from an other TanenbaumCHAT grad, found through our Alumni Mentorship Program, he was introduced to a Science journalist on the ‘Discovery’ channel. This led him to his present career as an associate producer on CBS ‘Sixty Minutes’ in New York- where he once found himself translating a breaking-news story in ‘real time’ from the Ivrit television news for his colleagues! ”It got us five minutes over the rival channels.”

DAVID wants to specialize in CREATIVE ARTS and MEDIA STUDIES. His choices* & opportunities at TanenbaumCHAT might include:

CURRICULAR CHOICES

Grade 9 & 10

Math – Academic or Enriched

Science – Academic

Communication Technology

Grade 11 Combination from:

Functions & Applications – ‘U’

Biology – ‘U’

Chemistry – ‘U’

Physics – ‘U’

Computer Science – ‘U’

Grade 12 Combination from:

Calculus & Vectors – ‘U’

Biology – ‘U’

Chemistry – ‘U’

Physics – ‘U’

Computer Sciences – ‘U’

EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITES

We normally participate in these

contests every year. There may be other

from time to time!

Sun Life Financial Canadian Open

Mathematics Challenge

University of Waterloo:

The Pascal Contest (Grade 9)

The Cayley Contest (Grade 10)

The Fermat Contest (Grade 11)

The Euclid Contest (Grade 12)

University of Toronto National Biology

Competition

Avogadro Chemistry Competition

Sir Isaac Newton Physics Contest

Weizmann Institute, Rehovot-

Shalheveth Freier International Physics

Tournament (Twice international

Champions!)

Slomovic-Berg Summer Scholarship in

Ophthalmology at the Toronto

Western Hospital – open to

TanenbaumCHAT graduating students

LAURA – continued on to thirteen years of University studies at McGill, U of

T, and Harvard where she won substantial Scholarship and price funding.

She now works at the HQ of the World Health Organization in Geneva,

where she used material ‘from my TanenbaumCHAT Rabbinics class’ in a

recent presentation to a WHO Ethics Panel.

LAURA wants to specialize in MATH and SCIENCE.

Her choices* and opportunities at TanenbaumCHAT might include:

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* (While every effort is made to meet our students’ and

parents’ wishes, TanenbaumCHAT reserves the right to

determine student courses and class placement.)

Meet Alex!

Meet Melanie!

Meet Lori!

wATCH THEIr sTOrIEs AT tanenbaumchat.org/parents >>

exploring Jewish history, heritage, and future...

“Judaism is the ability to come together as a community

and bond over what unites us rather than what separates

us. It’s being a moral person and doing good as a

citizen of the world.”AlEx MAGED, tcK

WE OffEr: shaBBaton retreat, Jewish & israeli aFFairs, optional dailY minYan, chidon hatanaKh

BiBle contest; moot Bet din competition, holidaY celeBrations & more!

“You really shouldn’t be nervous.

Everything is attainable. Teachers are

there to help you at all times and it’s

really not as hard as it seems.”MElANIE CITrON, TCW - Class of ‘11

preparing young minds...WE OffEr: enGlish, GeoGraphY, mathematics,

French, science, phYsical education, art,

drama, music, communication technoloGY,

computer & inFormation science & more!

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the freedom to express yourself...WE OffEr: visual arts, perFormance arts/drama, music, dance,

musicals, BlacK BoX theatre, Band & ensemBles, paintinG/sculpture/

drawinG, talent & Fashion shows & much more!

“Whether students like theatre, dancing or

modeling, there is something for everyone in

terms of the performing arts.”

lOrI OssIP, TCW - Class of ‘11

Our Jewish Studies programs concentrates on four areas: TANAkH

(Bible); IVrIT (Modern Hebrew); JEwIsH HIsTOry; and rABBINICs (study

of texts relating to ethical and philosophical issues). A TALmuD option

is also available. Jewish philosophy, ethics and other electives are

also available in grade 12. A rich experiential program of retreats,

shabbatonim, visiting speakers, family education evenings and other

events complement our curriculum.

israel and ivrit figure prominently and positively in our school life.

Our students develop exceptionally strong ties to israel and are

encouraged to undertake further israel study or volunteer programs in

isreal after graduation.

An optional daily minyan is held at school. parents are welcome too.

The school is always happy to accommodate suggestions from our

students for different traditions of minyanim. Opportunities for both

traditional and non-traditional services are offered at our Shabbaton

program and other school events.

every grade 9 student attends a Shabbaton as one of their first Jewish

experiences at TanenbaumCHAT. A favourite of many students, this

weekend retreat is an opportunity to bond with new classmates

and have an all around good time while exploring Jewish values and

traditions.

Jewish Studiesat tanenbaumCHAT

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We encourage students to explore their Jewishness in an open, enthusiastic and pluralistic atmosphere, welcoming curiosity and thought-provoking discussion.

learn more about New Stream at tanenbaumchat.org/newstream

The NEw sTrEAM PrOGrAM is open to students who have never attended Jewish day

school, or who have been out of Jewish day school since grade 6.

not coming from a Jewish day school? no problem! Our New Stream program is designed to integrate into our school students with little or no formal Jewish education.

please see the APPlICATION PACk for details on how to apply to the new stream program.*

*Taught in English

maKe Friends Fast beginning in grade 9, NEw sTrEAM students journey through their four Jewish

studies classes together. They become a very close-knit group through their four

years of high school as they explore Judaism.

new Stream students have the same school day structure and extracurricular

opportunities as other TanenbaumCHAT students. During general Studies

classes, they are fully integrated with the other students in their grade. new

Stream applies only to Jewish Studies courses. Just like all other TanenbaumChAT

students, new Stream students carry four Jewish studies subjects each year.

however, except for ivrit, new Stream classes are taught in english.

(Entry to the New Stream program is in Grade 9; applications for higher grades is

considered on a case by case basis.)

NEw sTrEAM JEwIsH sTuDIEs:

ivrit (hebrew language)

Tanakh (bible study)*

rabbinics (Jewish Oral Law)*

Jewish history*

New Stream program and students

read REALstories

from real kids

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PlACEMENT TEsTs are written prior to the application due date. please

refer to the application pack for dates and times. Students write four

short placement tests of 30 minutes each in english, math, hebrew

and French. no advanced preparation is required as they are based on

acquired knowledge.

All NEw sTrEAM students must be able to, with reasonable fluency,

read hebrew with vowels and write the alphabet in cursive writing.

most students should be able to master these requirements within

a few days. There are many online courses available to assist

students, including a tutorial from hebrew university at http://tinyurl.

com/3qmxge. new Stream applicants are required to take their hebrew

placement test at the time of their intake interview.

pl acement tests

I love being in New Stream at TanenbaumCHAT. I’m exposed to all different aspects of Judaism that I didn’t know about before... in a really relaxed environment.

It makes it a really great learning environment.

lOrI OssIP, TCW - Class of ‘11

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open here

With over 70 opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom, we are positive there is an activity, event, or club perfect for

your child’s interests and talents. These change from year to year based on student interest and available resources.

Our students make a difference. TanenbaumCHAT encourages students to choose from a myriad of clubs or events which

develop leadership skills and teamwork. These include everything from Student Council to charity events to academic endeavours

like DeCA or model un. Students often travel across Canada, the uS and israel to participate in competitions and events with

other Jewish and non-Jewish high schools. TanenbaumCHAT is also an active participant in the DukE OF EDINBurGH AwArDs—an

international, self-directed leadership development program for young people, currently operating in 120 countries.

Our students are creative. We’ve got visual, performance and musical art activities that will tap into their creativity while giving

them an outlet to showcase their talents. Our students are athletic. There are sports of all types and all levels available at both

campuses, promoting teamwork, achievement and, most importantly, fun! Our teams are regular competitors and winners in

their respective leagues. Our students are technical. TanenbaumCHAT boasts high-tech facilities, including computer labs and

recording studios for students to use in exploring all the possibilities of new media and technology.

we believe in practising tikkun olam—making the world a better place, teaching our students their responsibility to others. Our students must log

18 HOurs of community work each year. Our students will complete 72 HOurs of

service in their four years at TanenbaumCHAT.

Through their community service, our students contribute almost 30,000 hours of

volunteer work to our community each year, supporting an enormous range of Jewish

and non-Jewish causes and organizations.

Supporting our Communities throughService

Full details of our community service program are available in the school handbook or on our website at tanenbaumchat.org/community-service.

At TanenbaumCHAT, every experience is part of learning. We encourage all of our students to get involved in something that interests them.

Experience

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tcK students at the annual Habitat for Humanity trip in west virginia.

Beyond the classroom...Think Pink campaign in support of Breast cancer research.

Meet Aryeh!

Meet Rebecca!

Meet Jonathan!

Full details of our community service program are available in the school handbook or on our website at tanenbaumchat.org/community-service.

the tools to make your mark...WE OffEr: state oF the art eQuipment/laBs, music recordinG studios,

student Film Festivals, Green screen Film production Facilities &

much more!

“I love filmmaking at TanenbaumCHAT because

they offer me the resources I need to make the

vision I have in my head come to life…”

AryEH ANsEl, TCK - Class of ‘11

something for everyone...WE OffEr: OVER 70 OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVOLVEMENT LIKE STUDENT COUNCIL, YEARBOOK, MODEL UN,

Jewish & israeli aFFairs, haBitat For humanitY, deca, thinK pinK, various charitY events &

much more!

“you can be a part of whatever it is that you are

interested in, and being involved will make your

experience that much better.”

rEBECCA HOwArD, tcw

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no matter what your child is interested in, TanenbaumCHAT

offers an experience like no other high school!*

spirit, determination & having fun...WE OffEr: Badminton, BaseBall, BasKetBall, cross countrY runninG, GolF, ice hocKeY,

ruGBY, sKi/snow Board, soccer, soFtBall, swimminG, tennis, volleYBall & much more!

“What is really special about the athletic program is

the variety of different sports you can play. you don’t

have to be a star athlete to participate.”

JONATHAN sHErMAN, TCW - Class of ‘11

wATCH THEIr sTOrIEs AT tanenbaumchat.org/parents >>

Testimonials

The TanenbaumCHAT experience did not end at

graduation. TanenbaumCHAT has accompanied each of its

graduates, it will always remain a part of us, and only now

can i genuinely appreciate the values, skills and work ethic

that TanenbaumCHAT helped imbue in us.

sAM rEITMAN, Valedictorian TCW - Class of ‘05

The school absolutely exceeded my expectations—

i walked away impressed by the sense of community, the

commitment to yiddishkeit, the open-minded acceptance

of different approaches to Judaism, the academic rigor in

both secular and religious studies, and the dazzling array

of extracurricular activities—in short, i was overwhelmed

by the richness and texture of this extraordinary high

school.PrOFEssOr GIl TrOy, mcGill university

The opportunity for students to gain confidence and

develop invaluable skills—thinking on their feet, speaking

in public, learning leadership and entrepreneurship—will

certainly stand them in good stead in the future, regardless of

their ultimate career path. The fact that they have a lot of fun

while doing all of this is just a bonus!

rOMA BlECHEr, parent (Discussing extracurricular activities)

The TanenbaumCHAT new Stream program is the ultimate

hybrid in high school education. it offers introductory

courses in religious studies for public school students with

limited hebrew backgrounds.

JOsH sTErN, TCW - Class of ‘08

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TanenbaumCHAT is one of the outstanding schools in north America. it is the kind of school to which you

should want to send your child — academically superb, caring, safe and where they have every academic,

extra curricular and sporting opportunity. it has a unique pluralistic and inclusive Jewish ethos.

The best investment in your family future you will ever make!PAul sHAVIV, Former

director oF education

here are what some of our students, parents, and others say about the TanenbaumCHAT high school experience.

TanenbaumCHAT’s OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT encompasses all the activities performed at a school that develop, maintain, and reinforce the relationship between the school and its current and potential families, faculty and staff, alumni and their families, friends and supporters, and the greater community. as an independent, not-for-profit school, we continue to benefit and grow through the generosity of our families and friends.

advancementoffice of

lEArN MOrE Or DONATE TODAy AT support.tanenbaumchat.org

Life after tanenbaumCHAT...

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TanenbaumCHAT is proud of its active Alumni Association representing over 6,000 alumni from over the past 50 years.

The AluMNI AssOCIATION is proud of our ever-expanding

MENTOrsHIP NETwOrk and the relationships it fosters

between mentors and mentees. mentorship is a vital

way to make a marked difference in the life of a young

person. having a mentor can foster self-confidence by

imparting relevant and honest advice to anyone in need

of guidance. The TanenbaumCHAT mentorship network

is an alum to alum program that was created for

TanenbaumCHAT alumni of all ages. TanenbaumCHAT

mentees are paired with alumni mentors with experience

in a similar field of interest. With so many successful

TanenbaumCHAT graduates who are leaders in various

industries already registered as mentors, this program is

very successful and has proven to be an integral part of

the TanenbaumCHAT experience.

Our grade 12 students attend a day long program held off campus

called lIFE AFTEr TANENBAuMCHAT. The day guides students through

their first steps after high school. TanenbaumCHAT alumni are

invited as panelists to address topics like “one Degree – Many

opportunities”.

life after tanenbaumCHAT G12 Programmentorship network

like all independent schools, tanenbaumCHAT relies upon the enthusiastic and dedicated participation of our alumni. Passion for the mission of the school remains inspiring and strong.

sTAy CONNECTED wITH TANENBAuMCHAT AT alumni.tanenbaumchat.org

reunions Alumni Basketball Career Day

moreafter tanenbaumCHAT events:

The TanenbaumCHAT experience did not end at

graduation. TanenbaumCHAT has accompanied each of

its graduates, it will always be part of us, and only now can

i genuinely appreciate the values, skills and work ethic that

TanenbaumCHAT helped imbue in us.

sAM rEITMAN, VALEDICTORIAN TCW – CLASS OF ‘05

a: EDlINE is TanenbaumCHAT’s online

system for student / teacher / parent

communication.

here students can access their homework

assignments and marks, and get information

on upcoming field trips and Shabbatonim.

parents receive personal and confidential

login names and passwords once school

begins to allow them to access information

regarding their children’s progress and

school news.

Our GuIDANCE COuNsEllOrs advise students on course selection and personal

educational planning; career counselling; university and college entrance and

study programs in israel. personal counselling is also offered to students who

wish to discuss academic, social or personal issues and is strictly confidential.

TanenbaumCHAT works closely with social service agencies of the Jewish and

wider community.

Accommodations can be made for sTuDENTs wITH DIVErsE lEArNING sTylEs who

have an assessment and/or iep (individual education plan). These documents must

be submitted at the time of application. (Please note, accommodations cannot

be considered if the assessment is more than three years old.)

The sCHOOl HANDBOOk is issued at the beginning of each new school year. it contains our Safety and behaviour Code, our

expectations of students and parents, and describes other essential school routines. We encourage parents to see themselves as

partners with staff and administration in ensuring a safe and positive atmosphere within the school.

by attending TanenbaumCHAT, students and their parents agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the handbook and

other rules set by administration. Copies of the handbook are included in the application package and are always available from the

school office. it can also be accessed online at tanenbaumchat.org.

A comprehensive annual TanenbaumCHAT COursE CAlENDAr gives full information to students and parents about available courses

and electives, and includes an individual academic planning chart.

School Handbookthe & Course Calendar

Supporting our students

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q:what is edline ?

Our kids are precious assets. At TanenbaumCHAT we have many resources to guide our students on the path to achievement and success.

KimeltanenbaumCHAT Family education centre

WallenbergtanenbaumCHAT

campus

learn more about Our Locations at www.tanenbaumchat.org/locations

Joseph and wolf lebovic Jewish community campus 9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8 TEl: 905.787.8772 | FAx: 905.787.8773

200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8 TEl: 416.636.5984 | FAx: 416.636.7717

Opened in York region in September 2000, TanenbaumCHAT’s northern branch,

the Kimel Family education Centre, moved to the Joseph & Wolf Lebovic

Community Campus in September 2007. it boasts a contemporary

design and state-of-the-art resources.

Since 1979, the school has been located on Wilmington Avenue. in 1999 the school

underwent a major expansion featuring a new 28-classroom wing, gym, an enlarged library,

and the opening of the hub of student activity, the hennick Family Atrium. The campus continues to

evolve, highlighted by the newest addition, the guttman Family Science Wing.

CAMPus sErVICEs sTuDENTs lIVING

NOrTH OF sTEElEs AVENuE

CAMPus sErVICEs sTuDENTs lIVING sOuTH OF sTEElEs AVENuE

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TanenbaumCHAT is one school with two campuses: Wallenberg & Kimel. This allows us to provide top-quality education with a unique experience to more of the greater Toronto Area Jewish community.

One SchoolTwo Campuses

Affiliated with the Centre for Jewish education of uJA Federation of greater Toronto

Kimel family Education Centre Joseph and wolf lebovic Jewish community campus

9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 3Z8 TEl: 905.787.8772 | FAx: 905.787.8773

Wallenberg Campus 200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8 TEl: 416.636.5984 | FAx: 416.636.7717

Enquiries: rosemary tile, recruitment manager

TEl: 416.636.5984 x 377 | CEll: 416.688.9727 EMAIl: r t i le@tanenbaumchat .org

200 Wilmington Avenue, Toronto, ON M3H 5J8 TEl: 416.636.5984 | FAx: 416.636.5755 EMAIl: info@tanenbaumchat .org

parents.tanenbaumchat.org

Anne & Max Tanenbaum Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto