Winnipeg, MB – The new leadership team for Gray Academy of Jewish Education has been finalized. Commencing in September 2015, Lori Binder will assume the role of Head of School and CEO. Rory Paul will serve as Head of School Emeritus leading up to his retirement in January 2016, after almost 13 years of tremendous leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lori as our new Head of School and Chief Executive Officer for Gray Academy of Jewish Education as she leads a new team of exceptional administrators. We have been inspired by her leadership and look forward to working together with her and the new leadership team as they guide Gray Academy of Jewish Education into the future, shaping the lives of each and every student and the growth of our community,” says Sean Shore, President of the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education.

The members of the new leadership team are:

Lori Binder (class of ’91) – Head of School and CEO: Lori is a gifted educator, nationally recognized in the Jewish Day School and Independent School networks. After a year of study in Israel, Lori obtained her Bachelor of Education degree in English and Judaic Studies from the University of Winnipeg. Lori received both her Level I Administrator and Level II Principal certificates from the Province of Manitoba and also holds a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University in Chicago. She is a graduate of both the Day School Leadership Training Institute at the Davidson Jewish Theological Seminary in New York and the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools’ (CAIS) Leadership Training Institute.

Lori is a newly appointed Fellow of RAVSAK’s Professional Excellence Project, a cohort for outstanding educational leaders in North America. Most recently Lori was selected as one of Canada’s top 40 minds in education and has accepted an invitation to attend the CAIS Summer Leadership Institute for the 2051Project to be held this summer in Victoria, British Columbia.

Tracy White - High School Principal: A teacher, director, leader and administrator, Tracy has 18 years of experience in independent high school education through her tenure at Balmoral Hall School in Winnipeg. Having served as Middle School Principal, Tracy brings a leadership philosophy that is deeply embedded in the notion of community. Tracy brings with her extensive experience fostering relationships with parents, students and teachers in order to create a positive learning environment that empowers students. Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Manitoba, a Bachelor of Education degree from Brandon University, and a Diploma in Independent Day School Leadership from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).

Joyce Kerr – Elementary School Principal: For over 25 years Joyce has served our school as a teacher and Judaic Studies coordinator, and for the last 10 years as Vice Principal. Joyce is dedicated to the success of all children and creating a respectful and nurturing learning environment. She was awarded the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for excellence in Jewish Education in 2006 and completed both the Bar Ilan Lookstein Leadership Program as well as the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Program. Joyce holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from York University, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary and a Manitoba School Administrator’s Certificate.

Rob Dalgliesh - Director of Teaching and Learning – With almost 30 years of educational experience, Rob comes to our school from his current role at Pembina Trails School Division where he has had an extremely successful career. Most recently, as Program Leader at Oak Park High School, he has developed and delivered cross-curricular and integrated course material, developing opportunities focused on implementing literacy, engagement and technology advancements in the classroom as well as enhancing student success using “blended” learning environments. Rob holds a Bachelor of Music degree and Bachelor of Education degree in English Language Arts from Brandon University as well as a Master of Science and Instructional Technology degree from the New York Institute of Technology.

We are also pleased to announce that Dr. Ruth Ashrafi will support the new leadership team in her role as Judaic Studies Advisor, assisting Rob as he works collaboratively with staff to institute best practices with a focus on 21st century learning and innovation in both General and Judaic Studies.

Ruth will work with staff to continue to provide a rich and meaningful Jewish educational environment in our school.

The new structure has been created in accordance with the Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education’s Strategic Plan (2015-2019), developed with the input of our stakeholders and in keeping with the recommendations from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Partnership for Excellence In Jewish Education (PEJE).

We invite the entire community to join us on Monday, June 15th at 7:30 p.m. in the Multi Purpose Room as we welcome the new leadership team and hear their vision as Gray Academy of Jewish Education launches the future! To RSVP please call (204) 477-7425

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Lisa Boroditsky

Executive Assistant

Winnipeg Board of Jewish Education

(204) 477-7425

[email protected]