At The Toronto Heschel School, student life isn’t something that happens outside the classroom—it’s a vibrant, hands-on expression of how students live their learning every day.
Whether they’re organizing events, advocating for social justice, or showing up with ruach (spirit), students help shape our school culture that reflects their values and builds community from the inside out.
With curiosity, care, and a deep sense of purpose, they make Heschel a joyful place to learn, lead, and grow.
Leadership in Action
Leadership starts early at Heschel. Not someday, but now. Through a robust and joyful student government, Junior High students take on real roles with real responsibility. They design campaign posters, deliver speeches, run in democratic elections, and serve in positions like Minister and Prime Minister. And once elected? They plan events, address school-wide issues, and represent student voices with heart and accountability.
At Heschel, leadership means:
- Living our values and lifting others
- Cultivating agency, accountability, and a strong sense of community
- Making a real difference, not just holding a title
Student-Led Committees
Our student government includes active, themed committees that give students space to lead, collaborate, and express their passions:
Social Committees
- תרבות | Tarbut (Culture): Creates spirit days, assemblies, and cultural celebrations
- תקשורת | Tikshoret (Communications): Manages school announcements and internal communications
- ספורט (Sport): Leads athletic events, team spirit, and sportsmanship initiatives
Activist Committees
- איכות הסביבה (Environment): Promotes eco-literacy, sustainability, and green school initiatives
- תיקון עולם | Tikkun Olam (Reparing the World): Organizes social justice actions and community outreach
- ענייני ישראל (Israeli Affairs): Fosters advocacy, celebration, and learning about Israel
Whole-School Programs That Build Values
Every year, our school comes together for signature programs that reflect who we are—curious learners, compassionate citizens, and caretakers of the Earth.
A.J. Heschel / MLK Pluralism & Diversity Week
Inspired by Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this week invites students from JK to Grade 8 to engage in age-appropriate conversations and activities around justice, advocacy, and empathy. From artwork and storytelling to dramatic vignettes and student-led projects, it’s a week of powerful, values-driven learning.
Environment Week
Rooted in Tu Bishvat and our commitment to sustainability, students:
- Race energy bikes
- Make bird feeders
- Collect batteries for recycling
- Join in a community-wide field cleanup (the winning class gets a home-cooked meal!)
Spirit Days
Whether it’s “Dress Like a Teacher Day” or our school-wide Poetry Festival, these moments of joy, inclusion, and ruach create lasting memories and build school spirit from the ground up.
After-School Enrichment
After school, the fun continues. Our enrichment programs give students the chance to explore passions, try something new, and connect with friends in a relaxed, joyful environment.
Programs vary by term and are led by experienced third-party facilitators.
Recent offerings include:
- Arts & Performance: Heschel Players, Dance, Beading
- STEAM & Creativity: Mad Science, Lego, Chess, Creative Clay
- Sports & Wellness: Elite Soccer, Little Kickers, Karate, Yoga
- Gardening & Cooking: Garden Club, Master Chef Kids
- Music: Little Fingers Keyboard, Music Exploration for Beginners
