 The HHA provides a comprehensive and progressive general studies curriculum that meets the guidelines of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Our nurturing and dedicated faculty is committed to meeting the specific needs of each child. In addition to our home-room teachers, our staff includes full-time teaching specialists in the areas of science, computers, French, and special needs. Our media center, athletic facilities, science lab, and resource Room enhance the core curriculum to provide the optimal learning environment for the full development of our students.
At the Hamilton Hebrew Academy we believe that education extends beyond the walls of the classroom. Our educational philosophy places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of each child focusing on self-development and the building of leadership skills. Our program includes public speaking forums, leadership development retreats, invention conventions, Science Fairs, Student Council, various assembly performances, yearbook committee, dance, community initiatives, tzedakah (charity) projects, Maccabia, inter-city competitive sports teams, and intramural leagues.
The Hamilton Hebrew Academy also initiates programs and joint activities with Shalom Village Nursing Home, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, The Canadian Heart Foundation, and the Jewish Social Services Food Bank. Our goal is to sensitize our students to the various challenges that many face in life. The warm and caring atmosphere of the HHA is conducive to the development of each child’s self-respect, confidence, and Jewish identity.
 Our Judaic Studies program portrays Judaism as a “Torat Chayim” – a living dynamic that is both relevant and meaningful to our students. Our program incorporates the most innovative and progressive curriculum currently available. In our primary grades, the Tal Am program activates learning by utilizing a wide range of activities through multiple learning modalities. The curriculum creates a visual and oral Hebrew environment integrating Hebrew language acquisition with the development of Jewish concepts and skill sets. In the upper grades special emphasis is placed on Hebrew language development, Jewish history, and on providing an appreciation and grounding in classical Jewish texts including Chumash, Navi, Mishna, and Talmud. In addition to our half-day instruction in Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language development, the HHA also provides a Judaic enrichment program that meets throughout the school week prior to the commencement of the school day.
Throughout the scholastic calendar, as the Jewish Holidays approach, the world of the HHA comes alive. Each holiday develops its own character and flavour with innovative programming such as: Shofar Factory, Sukkah Fair, Purim Carnival, Matzah Baking, Model Seders, Chanukah Latkeh Baking, Chanukah candle lighting at City Hall, Tu Beshvat Seders, to name a few. In addition, our students participate in the Rikudiyah dance festival and in the International Chidon Hatanach Bible Contest.
One of the paramount goals of the HHA is to instil within our students a love and appreciation for the State of Israel. An important bond with the Jewish state is created by exploring its history from ancient times through the present. Throughout the school year, students are introduced to various Israeli speakers that share first-hand challenges that face our nation.
Among our many specialty teachers, the HHA employs five Israeli student instructors that enhance the Judaic component of our school. In addition to assisting in various classrooms and spearheading special events, these instructors teach in our Jewish studies enrichment programme an extracurricular initiative which meets before and after the school day.
 All HHA students, preschool through Grade 8, experience an exceptional physical education programme highlighted by daily intramural sports throughout the year in badminton, volleyball, newcomball, basketball, soccer, floor hockey, broomball and bordenball.
The hallmark of our athletics program is the junior and senior level teams in track and field, cross country, volleyball, and basketball that compete and excel in the Hamilton-Wentworth Middle School Athletic Association. Students in grades 5 to 8 have the formative opportunity of being team members and competing against students from across Hamilton-Wentworth. Over the past six years, the HHA has accumulated 17 championship banners often competing against schools ten times the size. These championship pennants are on prominent display in our gymnasium as a reminder of our exceptional sports achievement.
In addition to our many athletic achievements at the middle school level, we are proud of the numerous athletic accomplishments of our past students at the high school level. A great number of HHA alumni, both male and female, have gone on to become members of their respective high school teams, taking part in games across the region.
Education Committee
This body advises the Dean and the Principal on educational matters pertaining to the HHA. It is comprised of a Chair, the Principal, the Vice-Principals and six lay members.
House and Finance Committee
This body advises the Dean and the Principal on fiscal and physical plant matters pertaining to the HHA.
It is comprised of a Chair and six lay members.
Parent-Teacher Association
The HHA is extremely proud of its partnership with the parents of its students. The Parent-Teacher Association is a vital volunteer component of and plays a significant role in enhancing and nurturing many programs throughout the academic year. These programs include fund raising events, special lunches, a Purim carnival, etc.
Any parent who is interested in volunteering for the PTA is asked to contact the school office at
905-528-0330.
|
