What are the school hours?
School runs from 8:20 AM to 3:45 PM (Preschool-Grade 3)
8:20 AM to 4:00 PM (Grades 4 & 5)
8:20 AM to 4:15 PM (Grades 6-8)
Does the school offer before and after care?
Yes. Before care begins at 7:45 am and after care runs until 5:30 PM (at an additional fee).
Do you Provide Lunch Programs?
Yes. The Toronto Heschel School offers a nutritious, kosher, flexible lunch program designed to support student well-being and reflect our community’s values. Participation is optional and available for an additional fee.
Key Features of Our Lunch Program
Kosher Meals:
All lunches are prepared in adherence to strict kashrut guidelines from Kosher restaurant/catering vendors that offer child-friendly menu options.
Nutritious Options:
Our meals are balanced and designed to meet the dietary needs of growing children, featuring a variety of healthy choices.
Convenience for Families:
The lunch program takes the daily task of meal prep off your plate, offering a worry-free solution that you can adjust each month based on your child’s changing tastes.
Cultural and Environmental Responsibility:
We incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as minimal packaging and sustainable sourcing where possible, reflecting our commitment to environmental stewardship.
Does Heschel have an Allergy Policy?
Heschel is an allergy-aware school. We request and encourage families to be vigilant in reading ingredient lists and being very cautious about foods sent to school. Staff are trained to respond swiftly to allergic emergencies, reflecting our deep commitment to student well-being.
Any food that is shared by the school will always be kosher and nut-free.
Are there Transportation Options?
Yes. We offer a bus service for students in select areas of the city. To find out if your route is covered, please contact Student Services at info@torontoheschel.org.
What Kind of Community and Culture will my Family be Joining at The Toronto Heschel School?
At The Toronto Heschel School, your family will join a warm, inclusive, and pluralistic community that celebrates the diversity of Jewish traditions and practices. We welcome families from various backgrounds, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. By joining The Toronto Heschel School, your family becomes part of a dynamic community committed to educational excellence, Jewish values, and personal growth.
How can Parents Get Involved?
At The Toronto Heschel School, we believe that parent involvement is essential to creating a vibrant, supportive, and engaged school community. Parents are valued partners in their children’s education, and we offer numerous opportunities for them to contribute and connect.
Ways Parents Can Get Involved
1. Parent Ambassador Program:
- Represent the school by sharing your experiences with prospective families.
- Help with outreach efforts such as open houses, tours, and community events.
2. Volunteering:
- Assist in classrooms, school events, and extracurricular activities.
- Help organize special programs like holiday celebrations or book fairs.
3. School Committees:
- Join committees such as the School Council, Admissions, Fundraising, or Social Action.
- Provide input on school policies, initiatives, and long-term planning.
4. Event Participation:
- Attend and support school events like the annual fundraiser and cultural celebrations.
- Help plan or volunteer during events, fostering a strong sense of community.
5. Class Parents:
- Serve as a liaison between teachers and families in your child’s class.
- Help coordinate activities, field trips, and classroom communications.
6. Workshops and Parent Education:
- Participate in parent workshops, speaker series, and educational programs to learn alongside your child.
- Topics include parenting strategies, Jewish values, and supporting children’s learning at home.
7. Chevra (Parent Association):
- Join Chevra to help organize social, cultural, and fundraising events that bring the community together.
- Contribute to initiatives such as holiday celebrations, teacher appreciation events, or special projects that support the school.
Why Parent Involvement Matters
By participating in school life, parents strengthen their connection to the community, enrich their child’s educational experience, and contribute to the shared success of The Toronto Heschel School.
What Extracurricular Activities are Offered?
Students have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that support personal growth, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. Some activities are included as part of the school day or offered at no cost, while others are available through optional, fee-based after-school programs.
- Sports and Physical Activities: Students can join school teams like soccer, basketball, baseball, or track and field — great for building fitness, discipline, and teamwork.
- Arts and Creative Pursuits: Opportunities in visual arts, music, theatre, and dance invite students to unleash their creativity and express themselves artistically. Our school Choir proudly participates in the Toronto Jewish Day Schools’ Zimriyah program, while our Dance group takes part in the Rikudyia program. For those looking to dive even deeper, additional after-school options—like theatre productions and our Lego club—are available for an extra fee.
- Academic Clubs and Competitions: Participation in clubs like Debate, Chidon Hatanach and Chess encourages intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.
- Leadership and Student Government: Roles in student council and leadership programs are built into the school year, encouraging responsibility and developing organizational and leadership skills.
