The Corner of Spadina and Bloor: Exploring Paul Penna DJDS

This week on the podcast, we’re proud to share a special episode dedicated to our graduating class. Host Jay Rosenthal is joined by a number of wonderful guests. Students Ma’ayan and Sheelo reflect on their time at PPDJDS and the experiences that shaped them and brought their class closer together. Morah Danna and Morah Ali offer a thoughtful look at the Grade 8 year and how we prepare students academically and socially for high school while nurturing the values that will guide them beyond. We also hear from Jessamyn, parent of graduating student Dahlia, who shares what it’s been like to join the school community in later years and what it means to reach this milestone. 

On today’s episode of The Corner of Bloor and Spadina, we’re diving into the world of the Middle School Musical! First, we chat with students Maya, Eytan, and Evan about their roles in this year's production of High School Musical Jr.. Then, we’re joined by Moreh Mark, Moreh Jeremy, and playwright Julie Tepperman for an exclusive look at what it takes to bring the show to life. 

This week, our host Jay Rosenthal is joined by Principal Amy and Ryla Braemer, school parent and Executive Director of the Miles Nadal JCC. Their conversation focuses on the growth of early years programs at Paul Penna DJDS and the MNjcc.

You'll hear from Amy about the decision to open a JK class in September 2025 and how families interested in joining PPDJDS can connect to the school.

You’ll also hear from Ryla about the growing interest in community engagement within the Jewish community, as well as the incredible programs that the MNjcc offers year-round.

The Paul Penna DJDS Podcast is back and better than ever! In this first episode of the year, our host, school parent Jay Rosenthal dives into the heart of our incredible athletics program. 

First, you'll hear from Principal Amy and athletics coordinator, Moreh Avee, about the importance of athletics and this Wednesday's special visit from Basketball Star, Tamir Goodman. 

Then, three of our talented PPDJDS students join the conversation, reflecting on how their experiences on school sports teams have impacted them both on and off the court. 

Morah Rena, our Vice Principal and Rabbi Marc Wolf recount their participation in Prizmah’s Israel Educators Mission, in which 23 school leaders and Israel educators were brought together to consider the question “What has changed and what stays the same in Israel Education after October 7th?”

This year's ShinShiniot, Shelley and Raz share their experience as part of UJA's ShinShinim Israel engagement program. They are joined by Principal Amy, our Vice Principal, Morah Rena, and Jess Weiss, a ShinShinim host family.

In our first podcast episode of the year, Principal Amy, Eric Cohen, our Director of Judaics, and Morah Adeena, our SK core teacher, discuss our curricular and community responses toward the current crisis in Israel. Stream this new episode and past episodes on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In our final episode during the 2022-23 school year, we recount the many events and celebrations that have taken place over the last month, and look ahead to next year. A big thank you to everyone who helped make these events possible, and who celebrated out 25th anniversary with us.

Leora Schaefer, the Executive Director at Facing History and Ourselves, Michelle Sadowski, an Educator for the Holocaust Survivor Memoirs Program at the Azrieli Foundation, Jaime Saltz, the Grade 5 Core Teacher, and Principal Amy engage in conversation on the week of Yom HaShoah about the best practices surrounding the introduction of Holocaust education, and how our students observe such an impactful event in history. We also hear from Shira Wolch and various students across all Toronto Jewish Day Schools at the Yom Hashoah V’hagvurah 2023 Community Commemoration.

In this bonus episode, Middle School students detail their experiences during our school's first ever Tikkun Olam Day, a day dedicated to promoting social action within our community. Students volunteered their time  with Makers Making Change to create switch adapted toys for kids with disabilities, building and painting ramps at StopGap to make our city more accessible, prepping meals for The Breton Food Cupboard, and sorting clothing donations at Transforming Style.