The Corner of Spadina and Bloor: Exploring Paul Penna DJDS

SK Core Teacher, Adeena Zeldin, and SK Hebrew Teacher, Michelle Bernstein, join hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal as they discuss our exceptional SK program and share what they love most about working with our youngest learners.

Hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal are joined by our Director of Core Curriculum, Kate Sable, and Paul Penna DJDS parent and board member, Sarah Flicker, as they share the many ways our students are marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through meaningful age-appropriate learning and initiatives, including the making of our very own orange t-shirt. 

Middle School teacher, Shira Wolch, and students Adam, Sheelo and Lev reflect on their recent middle school trip to Camp Ramah for a wonderful community building overnight.

As we enter our 25th year as an institution, the faculty had the opportunity to tell the Epic Tale of Paul Penna DJDS. Using our different experiences to guide us and our years of service to group us, we present the story of our special school from its earliest moments as a vision of our founder, to this current day K-8 downtown Jewish day school.

Hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal close out our first season of the podcast by sharing their favourite moments from the 2021/2022 school year, and looking ahead to the 25th year of Paul Penna DJDS.

Alumni parent, Jodi Tanenbaum, and Paul Penna DJDS Institutional Advancement Coordinator, Janice Feldman, join hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal for a look back on the history of the school and a discussion on alumni connection as we prepare to celebrate our 25th year.

Hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal speak with Paul Penna DJDS music teacher, Mark Feldman, about the upcoming Middle School production of Fiddler on the Roof, and how after many years in the making, our unique take on this classic musical is sure to be a must-see!

Ahead of Yom Ha’atzmaut, our Shinshinim, Yahav Gross and Erel Suissa, take us through their experience working at Paul Penna DJDS and living in Toronto’s downtown Jewish community, and along with insight from Hebrew teacher, Danna Matthews, share how we strive to infuse Israel into our classrooms.

Dara Solomon, Executive Director at Ontario Jewish Archives and Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre, Jaime Saltz, Grade 5 Teacher, and Rena Markus, our Vice Principal, join hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal to share their philosophies, educational approaches, and experiences surrounding Holocaust Education at Paul Penna DJDS.

Hosts Dr. Amy Platt and Jay Rosenthal are joined by new Paul Penna DJDS Middle School students, Joah Bowie and Lotus Lampert, as they share their experience joining our school community this year.