Message Sent out By Gray Academy:
Throughout this very eventful school year, Israel has remained top of mind for our students, staff and families. Events of the past 24 hours have intensified these feelings, as we continue to pray for the safety and well-being of Am Yisrael.
Each and every day, connections to Israel are woven into the very fabric of life and learning at Gray Academy. As we approach Shabbat, we wanted to share some very special and meaningful highlights from the past week.
A virtual voyage
Click here for more photos from Grade 3's Virtual Voyage to Israel
Last Friday, our Grade 3 students enjoyed a fun-filled full-day imaginary trip to Israel.
Students packed their bags, and had their passports ready to board their El Al "flight" to Israel, where they would enjoy a falafel picnic, Art in "Tzfat," and swimming in "Eilat," (the Rady JCC pool).
This elaborate, day-long experience is the highlight of a full year of learning about Eretz Yisrael. It is also a much-anticipated milestone that brings learning to life and makes memories that will last for years to come.
Celebrating Israel through art
In April, a group of our Grade 6 students took part in the National Library of Israel (NLI) Curate & Create Poster Competition in honor of Israel's 77th Yom Ha'atzmaut. The NLI received 272 entries from 18 different countries. We were thrilled to learn that Gray Academy's entry was chosen as the winner in the Grade 6 category!
The judges selected Gray Academy's poster because it "effectively communicates a powerful message of Jewish unity, kindness, and peace. The thoughtful use of color beautifully symbolizes the diversity of the people in Israel, while the inclusion of Jerusalem as a central focal point highlights its significance to the various religions in the country."
We are so proud of the artists: Daniel Blinder, Lyla Chisick, Shoshana Chochinov, Ronen Mass, Zev Micflikier, Jaxen Peel, Ezra Piché, Miri Plotnik and Eduardo Rafoul. The piece is now on permanent display on the wall near our Grade 6 classrooms and on the NLI website.
Inspired to learn our family stories
Click here to read about Miri's project.
“My Family Story” is a flagship program of The Koret International School for Jewish Peoplehood, the educational division of ANU – Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv. This year our Grade 6 students participated in this annual program, researching and sharing their family story artistically and creatively.
In May, we were incredibly proud to learn – live from Israel via Zoom – the project submitted by Miriam Plotnik had been selected as a finalist in the 2025 contest component of My Family Story. Miri's project will now be part of display at the museum – incredible recognition from the world's largest Jewish museum.
We can all take pride in the lifelong connections Gray Academy students are building to their Jewish roots and their Jewish homeland.
Shabbat Shalom
Am Yisrael Chai!
