After Winter Break, the school buzzed with excitement as students and staff reunited, filling the hallways with laughter and warm greetings. Friendships picked up right where they left off, and classrooms quickly became vibrant spaces of learning and collaboration once again. We’re ready to embrace the new term with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

As we wrap up the first term of the year, we are filled with immense gratitude and pride for the journey we’ve embarked on together. This year has marked an important milestone with the arrival of our new Head of School, Dr. Seth Goldsweig. Since stepping into his role, Seth has infused King David with fresh energy and thoughtful insights, embracing the vibrant spirit of our community. In the message below, he shares his reflections on his first few months in Vancouver.

Thank you, Tal Schneider, for taking the time to speak with our students during your visit to Vancouver. As a distinguished political correspondent for The Times of Israel, Tal provided an engaging and insightful analysis of Israeli politics and international relations. Her expertise illuminated the complexities of the region, offering our students a deeper understanding of the challenges and dynamics shaping Israel’s political landscape.

We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming generosity of our King David family. Thank you to our parents, alumni, friends, community members and matchers—we surpassed our goal, raising $77,868 in just one day!
Our heartfelt thanks to our matching donors Richard and Darlene Ames, Diane Friedman and Mark Liedemann, Dr. Jonathon and Karly Leipsic, Dr. Robert and Elke Mermelstein, Norman and Sandra Miller, and Yvette Porte, for helping us achieve this incredible goal.

This term in the music elective has been an incredible journey of growth and creativity! Students from Grades 8 and 9 have honed their skills across various instruments, including guitar, drums, and keyboard, while also developing their vocal abilities.

On Monday, we launched our much-anticipated Random Acts of Chesed (RAC) Week with an inspiring school-wide assembly, introducing this year’s Monsters Inc. theme. The message? We all have an inner “monster”—a source of strength and determination—that we can channel to spread kindness and make a positive impact. We were thrilled to have students from Vancouver Talmud Torah and Richmond Jewish Day School join us for the Kick-off Assembly and appreciated their help in making sandwiches and care packages for their Grade 12 hosts to deliver to residents on the Downtown Eastside. Throughout the week, our students ventured across the Lower Mainland, volunteering with a variety of organizations and embodying the spirit of chesed (kindness) in action.

On Friday, we gathered for a truly meaningful and beautiful Remembrance Day assembly, led entirely by our Grade 10 students. Their poise and thoughtfulness were inspiring, demonstrating the depth of understanding and respect they hold for this important day. A special thank you goes to teachers, Shira Bogner, Amanda Cameron, and Matt Dichter for their dedication and hard work in organizing this assembly. Their commitment ensured a powerful and reflective assembly that resonated throughout the school community.

Last week, our Grade 8 students took part in a tech-focused day designed to enhance their digital skills and well-being. The day kicked off with a session on social, emotional, and wellness topics led by our Wellness Counsellor, Andrea Alkalay. Following this, students rotated through four interactive workshops, each covering essential technology skills and responsible digital practices. They learned to navigate Google Suite tools, responsibly integrate AI (focusing on ChatGPT) into their studies, master sourcing and citation basics, and explore digital citizenship, including responsible social media use and school policies. This immersive experience equipped students with practical skills for thoughtful and effective technology use, setting them up for success in their academic journey!

On Wednesday evening, the King David Atrium was filled with prospective families eager to experience our annual Open House and discover what makes our school truly unique. Through a video presentation, informative talks, and engaging interactive tours, guests encountered “the King David difference”: a vibrant community of students who love to learn, imagine, challenge themselves, and build connections. At King David, we nurture individual strengths and encourage students to excel in academics, sports, the arts, culinary arts, and, importantly, as mensches.