We, the child study team at She’arim Hebrew Day School, are very concerned about the future of Jewish education for Toronto’s special education students (“She’arim parents fear school will close if funding ends,” CJN, Dec. 20).  

For the past 26 years, She’arim has provided its hundreds of students and graduates with the tools, strategies and academic and emotional support needed to be successful. Our graduates have moved on to secondary and post-secondary education and fulfilling careers.

We use various therapies and techniques in our small classes (a maximum of nine students). She’arim sees itself working with the whole child. Our students develop self-esteem and a love of learning.

The possibility for our students to remain within the Jewish education system is a responsibility of the community. Without a setting like She’arim, we believe our students will be denied the chance of a Jewish education.

Shelley Allen, Alan Bardikoff, Andy Goldberg, Aaron
Lightstone, Alisha Marks, Doris Wexler, Tami Zimner
She’arim Hebrew Day School
Toronto

I’m currently in Grade 12 and planning on going to York University when I graduate. She’arim Hebrew Day School is responsible for my ability to succeed at TanenbaumCHAT (“She’arim parents fear school will close if funding ends,” CJN, Dec. 20).

I spent four years at She’arim, where I learned the necessary strategies to get the high marks I’m currently achieving. When I heard that She’arim might close next year, I was very upset. Why should the students who can’t function in mainstream day schools not have the opportunity for a proper Jewish education? I can assure you that had I not gone to She’arim, I probably wouldn’t be completing my day school education.

I hope that Mercaz (formerly the Board of Jewish Education) doesn’t decide to close She’arim down. You may not end up knowing if your child needs to go there until it’s too late.

Zachary Perlmutter
Toronto