Margaret Park School’s Hebrew Language/Culture Celebration Program for kindergarten to Grade 6 is having its Open house/Information Evening for kindergarten  on February 24 from   from 6:30-7:30p.m.  Childcare will be available. 

The program is in its 28th year.

As Principal Cynthia Dutton says: Truly one of the most beautiful pieces about this program is the rich example of cultural diversity it brings to our school.  We have lots of diversity in language and culture within our school beyond the English Hebrew Bilingual Program.  But because of regular sharing that has occurred between our English programming and the Hebrew program, we have become much more comfortable learning more about each other, the different languages represented by all of our backgrounds and the customs/traditions that we all enjoy. We have children attending our school whose families are from all over the world.   This is a big step towards acceptance, peace, empathy and respect.”

At Margaret Park Hebrew Bilingual Program there are Shabbat Festivities on Friday Afternoons, which are often shared by different grades. A Channukah performance is given to the seniors at Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre.  For Purim, there is a carnival shared by the whole school. For Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day the older students attend the community memorial service at the legislature and sing a song.”

As Sharon Maltz, who is a long-time parent at the school, says ”All activities help children feel connected with different aspects of their culture.”

Maltz’s three children attended Margaret Park since kindergarten, and two of them have graduated and the youngest is in grade five.

Maltz adds “The staff is dedicated to the education and well being of the children. The staff has always been receptive to communication with parents, and teachers challenge the children with the material presented.”

Dutton notes, “This year, due to smaller class sizes in our program, students in the English program and the Hebrew program have enjoyed music and gym together.  We are extremely excited to have dance classes for all students twice a cycle.  We are hoping again this year to run an Israeli/folk dance club, for any interested participants, after school.  The school is also moving forward with Smartboard technology in the classrooms.”

Other activities offered by the school include violin lessons for children in grades 3-5, school concerts, which showcase the talent of the children, and a School Fair. 

Maltz says that “Being part of this program is like being part of an extended family. The different programs and activities encourage friendship with children in Different grades. Margaret Park has been an important part of my children’s lives…I know we made the right decision to send them there.”

Families interested in knowing more can contact the school at 338-9384.  Please feel free to visit our website (see accompanying ad in the Winnipeg Jewish Review)at www.7oaks.org/school/margaretpark.