Frequently Asked Questions
What security measures will the school implement to ensure the safety of our children?
The school is placing the utmost importance on ensuring the safety of both children and staff. Consequently, they have partnered with a security company that offers professional and customized advice specific to the school’s needs.
Does the school adhere to orthodox religious practices?
Our goal is to establish a school where every Jewish child, regardless of their background, affiliation, or level of observance is able to experience a sense of belonging and inclusion. It’s a community Jewish day school it isn’t an orthodox school. Children will delve into Jewish holidays, values, and traditions, while also receiving top-notch secular education. Additionally, they will benefit from immersive experiences in both French and Hebrew languages.
Does my child have to wear a uniform? Does my child have to wear a Kippah?
All Tamim Academy students must wear a uniform. At KTA, students are required to wear a polo shirt available for purchase through the school. Additionally, kippot are mandatory only during the morning Tefila and songs.
How does it work Kindergarten – Grade 2 in 1 class?
Our modules offer plentiful space for independent work, ensuring minimal interference. Children are grouped based on their proficiency level and supervised by two teachers. This setup fosters opportunities for older children to mentor younger ones, cultivating leadership skills. Additionally, integrating children into groups based on their level rather than solely by age allows each child to perform at their best.
We wish for our children to attend the school, yet the cost is prohibitive for us. What steps can we take in this situation?
No Jewish child will be denied Jewish education due to their family’s financial circumstances. We will collaborate with every family seeking to enroll their children. For the initial three years (2024-2026), the school provides an automatic $4,000 scholarship for each student. Furthermore, tuition fees for the second child are substantially reduced (please refer to our website for detailed tuition fee information). In addition, we will have a special discount of $1,500 for early bird registration for the first year of KTA (by May 15, 2024)!
What does a daily schedule look like?
At drop-off, we will offer optional supervised outdoor play for 15 minutes. The day will begin with an affirmation of Jewish values and identity through a 15-minute Tefila and songs, followed by a cooperative, community-building whole-group activity.
Hebrew and Judaic studies will follow, the themes of which will be linked to secular interdisciplinary studies (science and social studies). There will be snacks and outside play time, followed by an extended block of French language arts, including stories and songs. Lunch will be accompanied by a story in Hebrew, French, or English, and the children will be given the opportunity for unstructured play outside. After lunch will be Ivrit or Yehadut and an extended math block, interdisciplinary studies (science and social studies), art, drama, and P.E.
Fridays will be a special day to honour Shabbat at KTA. We will have an altered schedule in order to infuse the day with connection, contemplation, and celebration!
With a Montessori-inspired curriculum, KTA will provide many opportunities for hands-on, individual, and small-group learning. At the start of each day, students will establish their daily and weekly goals for their individual work (or “playlist”) with the support of an educator. Regular opportunities for reflection and feedback on progress will be provided to students and student progress will be communicated to parents weekly. Each child’s individual educational needs will be addressed and supported in a nurturing and child-centred environment with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
What are the extracurricular activities?
Some of the extra-curricular activities to be offered include:
- PISE (Pacific Institute of Sport Excellence): physical literacy program.
- Humble Hooves: developing communication skills, confidence, and empathy through interacting with horses on a farm.
- Outdoor education: regular “outdoor classroom” experiences at CRD parks and at local beaches.
- Seaquarium program: biology, ecology, and marine stewardship program on-site.
- Community-based and curriculum-related field trips.
- Fostering Jewish connections: we will have a “penpal” program with one of our affiliated Tamim schools in the States and will welcome members of the local community to share knowledge and skills with our students.
- Music program, and we are in the process of exploring options for this important element of a well-rounded education.
These are just a few examples, we will take advantage of the many opportunities, destinations, and resources available to us in the Greater Victoria area!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!