Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
September 16, 2016 - Elul 13, 5776
Parshat Ki Teitzei - Candle Lighting: 7:06 - Havdallah: 8:12
 
Last week I spoke to the girls after davening about a tweet which originated from a life coach by the name of Tony Robbins. The title of his tweet was "9 Things to Give Up if You Want to Be Happy." The first three things he listed were complaining, limiting beliefs and blaming others. This is no easy task for anyone, let alone adolescents.

For anyone who watched the Rio 2016 Olympics this past August, the words of Tony Robbins reminded me of American gymnastics sensation Simone Biles. Her story is truly one of resilience and determination. She was born to an absent father and a mother who struggled for many years with drug and alcohol addiction. She and her younger sister were sent on many occasions to foster homes until ultimately her mother's father, Ronnie Biles and his second wife Nellie, adopted Simone and her younger sister Adria when Simone was only 6 years old. Simone's gymnastics abilities were discovered when she was only a little girl who never made the same mistake twice on the trampoline in her backyard. She blossomed into one of the greatest gymnasts in history who won five medals, including four gold, at the most recent olympic games The combination of strength, grace, and beauty displayed by Simone Biles was truly a sight to behold.

If anyone had the right to complain about the hand she was dealt in life it was Simone Biles. She grew up without a mother or a father and moved around time and time again. But at the end of the day, Simone Biles knew what Tony Robbins tweeted - that in order to be happy she had to take the life that was given to her and run with it.

We currently find ourselves in the month of Elul, and in just a few weeks we will all stand before G-d on Rosh Hashana. Elul is a time of reflection, introspection and teshuva. As I told the students of Ulpana, everyone has "stuff." We all have circumstances in life to blame and I am sure we all have what to complain about. But at the end of the day, in order to truly be happy, we have to look ourselves in the mirror and realize that only we, together with the help of Hashem, can determine our happiness. May we all be given the strength of Simone Biles, to be resilient and determined enough to find happiness and a truly meaningful relationship with G-d.

Shabbat Shalom!

Mrs. Sara Munk
Assistant Principal, Ulpanat Orot
Recent Events
Parent Information Evening

Tuesday night, YOC hosted a jam-packed Parent Information Evening for both schools. Sessions included a "meet and greet" forum for grade 11/12 parents to speak with teachers; formal curriculum sessions for grade 9 and 10 parents; basic BAS introduction sessions for grade 9 parents; preliminary university information for grade 11 parents; and yeshiva / seminary explanations for grade 12 parents. Thank you to all parents who attended, to student volunteers and to teachers and administrators.

UO Grade 9 Retreat

This week we went to Kinark for our grade 9 retreat. We did lots of exciting team-building activities, such as high and low ropes, archery, hiking, and canoeing on the beautiful lake. At the end of the first day we had a bonfire, where we sang songs and bonded together. We also did lots of fun trust and leadership activities. Although we got bitten alive by mosquitoes, this was a memorable experience that we will never forget, and keep in our hearts forever. A special thank you Mrs. G, Mrs. Weinberg, Mrs. Cohen, Shilat and Hodaya for chaperoning!

- Hannah Aaron and Leora Kronenberg, grade 9 students

Matmidim Launch

Our first session of Matmidim was really interesting. We learned about the three types of teshuva that a person can do, according to Rav Kook: (1) teshuva that can come naturally; (2) teshuva that comes based on faith; and (3) teshuva that makes logical sense.Then we chose the different subjects that we will learn later, including Gemara, Machshava, Halacha and Torah. We finished with a pizza dinner. It was really nice to have students from all grades attend.
- Avishai Mirlas, grade 9 student 

Upcoming Events
Grade 9 Literary Night - Sept 21

As a mandatory part of the English program, students are expected to read one of their summer reading choices and participate in a discussion at the Literary Night on Sept 21 at 6pm. Parents are encouraged to read one of the choices as well and participate in the discussion. Students who would like to order dinner to eat before the program should bring $5 to the office no later than noon on Sept 21. Looking forward to an evening of stimulating discussion.
University Fair - Sept 25

Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts a university fair on Sunday, September 25. We encourage students in grades 11 and 12 to attend to learn more about programs available across Ontario. Please see their website for more information.
YOC 11 & 12 Stratford Trip - Sept 29

YOC Grade 11 and 12 students will be traveling to Stratford to view All My Sons on Thursday, September 29. Payment for this trip was included in the trip fee. Grade 11 students will leave soon after davening so they can participate in an exciting stage combat workshop in the morning. Grade 12 students will leave after second period. We anticipate returns to Thornhill and YOC around 6:30pm. Students should bring a lunch. Looking forward to an enriching cultural experience!
UO Lunch forms!!

The moment you have all been waiting for is finally here: lunch! Please click here to access the order form and click here to view the dates of each lunch. Orders must be submitted by Sunday, September 18th and all payment must be submitted to the Lunch Committee or the office by no later than Monday, September 19th. Please make the cheque out to Ulpanat Orot Fundraising.
YOC Student Council Lulav / Etrog Sales and Lunch Weeks

YOC student council will be selling lulavim and etrogim. Please click here to order online. 
If you ordered lunch, please make sure to check our list of dates to know which days you will be receiving lunch.

YOC Film Club - Sept 21

This Wednesday at lunch: your chance to suggest which films the club will be viewing this year. Join Mr. Teversham for this brainstorming session!
Pre-Rosh Hashana Alumni Shiur with Rabbi Goldberg - Sept 25

Rabbi Moshe Goldberg will be giving a shiur next Sunday evening, September 25, from 8:00pm to 9:00pm about Inyanei Rosh Hashana. Maariv will follow if enough men are present for a Minyan. The shiur is organized by Or Chaim alumni, though everyone is encouraged to attend. The shiur will take place in the lower level Minyan room in the Glenhurst Medical Centre (2797 Bathurst St., at the north-east corner of Bathurst and Glencairn). Parking is available in the lot behind the building, or in the adjacent lot of Shaarei Shomayim, and the shiur room is located near the back door when entering from the parking lot. Click here to watch to a short video that shows where the room is . While not required, RSVP is appreciated  by Thursday, September 22 by emailing Hyim Bessin
In Pictures

On Sunday, September 11, YOC grade 9 and 11 students heard from Allan Simon. Mr. Simon was an EMT with an Ambulance Corp that was fifty feet from the World Trade Centre when it came down. Students connected with his personal story and appreciated him taking the time to join us.
Over 70 girls attended the Matmidot launch, featuring words of Torah from Rabbi Mazer, Rabbi Kleinberg and Rav Yair. We look forward to an amazing year of extra learning!

#UOrespectscellphonechallenge

Ata medaber Ivrit? Click above to check out the latest video from the Or Chaim Ivrit department
Athletics
UO girls next basketball practice will be Thursday, September 22 at YOC from 5:30 - 7:00pm.

YOC senior basketball team try-out will take place after school on Monday, 5:30 - 7:30pm.
YOC junior basketball team try-out will take place after school on Tuesday, 5:30 - 7:30pm.
Important YOC Parking Announcement
When dropping your son (or carpool) off, this should only be done on the south side of the street or through the parking lot. Students should not be walking across the street (to the north side). We should also avoid blocking traffic or other people's driveways.
Community Events & Announcements
Volunteer Opportunities

The Forest Hill Jewish Centre is looking for youth leaders! They are offering paid positions and can arrange for leaders to stay in the area. High school or university students would be ideal. Please contact Rifky for more information.

The BAYT is urgently looking for volunteers to help create a video for their annual Holocaust Education Week breakfast. Community service hours are available with this project. To help with this important, valuable project, please contact Harriette Fleising.

Interested in a bus from Thornhill to YOC?

We currently have a small bus that takes students to / from YOC. If there is enough interest, a second bus may be added. Please contact Ronit at Anteby Community Transportation at 416-841-8136 or ronit613@gmail.com if you would be interested in joining the Thornhill bus.
The Jerusalem Science Contest

Click here to learn more about the Jerusalem Science Contest. Through JSC, you can, earn a college tuition scholarship and cash prizes, and receive a certificate of completion (great for
colleges!)

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