About
Our School
At Ohr HaEmet, our educational approach aligns with our core values of Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chassadim.
Our rich, Sephardic heritage impacts our educational approach with its emphasis on family, community, and Jewish pride.
We maintain a warm and supportive environment, without compromising on our challenging curriculum in both Kodesh and Chol. This means, that your child is happy at school, while also being encouraged to achieve excellence.
The convenience of one campus. The benefits of separate schooling.
At Ohr Haemet, our campus caters to all our students; boys and girls. However, our classes are strictly separate and the schedule is customized so that the boys and girls fully enjoy the campus grounds without mixing.
Even drop off and pick up are supervised by tens of staff members in our highly organized and safe entry and exit procedures. This prevents unnecessary socializing; and our students and staff are accustomed to maintaining and respecting the rules in this regard.
Principal’s Welcome
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Ohr HaEmet! I am honoured to lead a school that is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education rooted in Jewish values and traditions.
Our school is a vibrant and dynamic community where students are encouraged to explore their Jewish identity, develop their academic skills, and engage in meaningful experiences that will shape their lives for years to come.
Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment where students can thrive and grow.
At Ohr HaEmet, we believe in the importance of instilling a love of Torah, Jewish history, and Hebrew language in our students. We also recognize the importance of academic excellence and the need to prepare our students for success in the broader world. Our rigorous academic program challenges students to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and become lifelong learners.
We also believe in the importance of character development and the cultivation of strong moral values. Our students are taught to be kind, compassionate, and responsible members of their communities, both locally and globally.
I am confident that Ohr HaEmet will provide your child with an outstanding education and a strong foundation in Jewish values and traditions. I invite you to explore our website and learn more about what makes our school so special.
Mission
Ohr HaEmet is committed to lead the field of chinuch and education by developing and delivering an exceptional individualized learning experience incorporating quality assessment, technology, differentiation, research, and professional development.
This will take place in an environment which remains loyal and committed to the traditional Sephardic lifestyle and Torah values of previous generations.
We embolden our students to succeed as members of both the Jewish Community and the global society at large.
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We treat each other and those we serve with dignity and respect.
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We embrace innovation, ingenuity, and creativity.
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We honour the Ohr HaEmet spirit of achievement and middot.
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We act with honesty, integrity, and compassion.
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We foster an environment of communication and teamwork.
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We reflect Torah values, loyalty to our Tradition, and a drive for Excellence.
Rabbi Elishai Kohananoo, Menahel
Rabbi Kohananoo has been an integral part of the JDOHSS staff since 2014. Since his arrival he has made it a priority to build positive relationships with individual students and their parents. His strong interpersonal skills have given him the ability to relate to a wide range of people within our school community and beyond.
Rabbi Kohananoo received his Semicha from Harav Yaakov Shiknazi shlita who is the head of the Sephardic Beit Din in Yerushalayim. He has experience in congregational leadership and counselling and is also a Posek Halacha who is sought after for halachic guidance from both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. In addition to his Rabbinical experience, Rabbi Kohananoo brings extensive educational experience and a strong interest in student wellbeing to the role of Menahel. He has his Master’s in Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Loyola, Chicago and his Mashgiach Ruchani and mental health Training Certification from Torah Umesorah. He is committed to instilling in our students a love and devotion for Torah and mitzvot and lead our school towards educational excellence.
Joanna Fox, Principal
Ms. Fox joined JDOHSS with the determination and the dedication to continue to strengthen and develop our General Studies program to the highest levels possible. She is thrilled to lead our wonderful team of teachers with her knowledge, experience and great vision.
Ms. Fox has been an educational professional for over 20 years, with experience in the Toronto Jewish Day School and U.S. public school systems. In addition to her experience as a school administrator, middle school teacher and high school teacher, Ms. Fox began her professional career as an Engineer. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard University. Her experience brings forth strong problem solving abilities, collaborative skills and the ability to lead by establishing positive relationships.
Ms. Fox also holds Ontario College of Teacher certifications at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions in math and science, as well as Principal's Qualifications Parts 1 and 2.
Sara Cohen, Vice Principal
Mrs. Cohen possesses over 25 years of experience in Israel, Russia and Canada. She shares our commitment to excellence. She holds a BA from York University and Teacher Certificate from Michlelet Beit Rivka in Israel.
Mrs. Cohen has also taken formal training in Hebrew as a Second Language, Hebrew Grammar, Junior High Math, and Special Education. Mrs. Cohen continues her Professional Development by taking courses through The Centre for Jewish Education and is a member of the Principals Association. In addition to her Vice Principal duties, Mrs. Cohen is charged with developing our Grades 7 & 8 Girls Hebrew Studies curriculum.