Robbins Hebrew Academy

Great Students Take Great Educators RHA honours two of its outstanding faculty. Donnie Friedman Donnie Friedman is most comfortable among a throng of students and happiest when she's introducing them to the passion of Romeo and Juliet and the horrors of run-on sentences. Joining RHA (formerly USDS) fresh out of grad school, Donnie has done it all. She has taught middle school English language and literature, history, geography, Jewish history and (yes) Latin. She has served as a student council advisor, yearbook co-ordinator and mentor to rookie teachers. She is a writer and editor, the co-author of a Jewish Canadian history textbook, and a coach of one of the top debate teams in the city. Mrs. Friedman's classroom is casual and welcoming. But amidst the informality, this is a place where literacy rules, mediocrity is not tolerated and passionate debate is encouraged. It is a place where students experience the power and beauty of words. The consensus? It's unanimous. Donnie's students find her classes exciting, relevant and memorable. It's no wonder graduates come back to thank Donnie for preparing them so well for high school. No matter whom you ask, the answer is always the same: Donnie is special. Aviva Brenner It's been more than 30 years since Aviva Brenner arrived at RHA, yet her passion for teaching the Hebrew language has never waned. She loves nothing more than to see her students read and write Hebrew for the first time. Aviva has taught children in every grade. But no matter the age of the student, she challenges each of them to grow, to take risks and to think critically and deeply. She finds new and exciting ways to connect them with Israel. Aviva's students are the first to tell you how she impacts their lives. They say she's happy and smiling when they come into class. They say she is always there to help them, even when they're in trouble. They say that even when she has to get tough with them, she is often hiding a giggle because she knows kids are kids and she loves them for it. Aviva's colleagues are equally enamored. Her kindness, her willingness to mentor fellow teachers and her desire to make them feel comfortable and accepted are never lost on those who work with her. She is funny, she is charismatic and she strives for the best in both her students and herself. RHA is privileged to have Aviva Brenner on our faculty. Rhonda Charlat Receives the Volunteer of Distinction Award No matter the time or the event, Rhonda Charlat is there. She is running the lunch program. She is making sure the school BBQ goes off without a hitch. She is organizing Bingo night. She is bringing challah to new families. She is clapping for our kids in the school play (which she has made possible). She is raising money at the annual RHA Book Fair. She is the driving force behind the eighth grade graduation ceremony. And that's just on a Monday. Since 2012, Rhonda has led the way as the president of the Parents' Association. Strong, generous and dedicated, Rhonda is one the reasons RHA's community is celebrated for its closeness and warmth. And she epitomizes the Jewish value of communal responsibility. At RHA, we believe in creating a joyful experience for our students, staff and parents. With her energy and her laugh, Rhonda brings spirit to our community every single day. And for that, we are ever grateful. Donnie Friedman Aviva Brenner Rhonda Charlat F I F T E E N

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