By Alexa Bryn ('08)
and Shira Borzak ('07)
Freshman
Orientation
On Friday, August 25th, anxious freshmen
took
their first steps through the doors of WYHS for
their “Freshman Orientation.” While this could have
been a nerve-wracking experience for the new
freshmen, Student Council took the edge off right
from the start, leading the freshmen upstairs for their
first ever Rosh Chodesh chagigah, with a
beautiful davening, good music and a delicious
breakfast.
The freshmen then heard from Vice President of
Torah Affairs, Rachey Berkowitz (‘07), who discussed
the importance of grasping each opportunity for
spiritual growth presented at WYHS. The
freshmen then heard from Rabbi Tirschwell and Mrs.
Kanner who explained the inherent differences
between middle school and high school and the
uniqueness of being in a Yeshiva high
school.
The freshmen then recieved their large stacks
of books for the upcoming year. “There are just so
many of them,” Shira Wolkowicz ('10) commented. “I
was a little overwhelmed, but I think I’m getting the
hang of things.”
The stress of books and classes seemed to melt
away instantly as the Student Council played
an “icebreaker” game with the freshmen in which
they were asked to volunteer details about
themselves. “It really helped me remember
everyone’s name and meet my class. It took
away a lot of the tension and was a lot of fun,” said
Shana Itzkowitz ('10).
The orientation was a
huge
success, and we are sure that the class of 2010
will accomplish great things over their next four years.
New Parent
Orientation
While the first day of school may be
hard for the students, it can be even tougher for
new
parents. Dozens of new parents came to Sunday’s
New Parent Orientation to understand first-hand the
inner workings of their child’s new school. Speeches
from Rabbi Tirschwell, Mrs. Kanner and Mr. Dobrick,
ranging in topic from the role models in WYHS to
keeping tabs on students’ academic progress, all
informed new parents of how to assist their child
in making the most of his or her high school career.
A passionate testimony from former new parent
Faye Wolkowicz, mother of Danielle ('09) and Shira
('10), who assured her fellow parents of
the wonderful job the students and staff do to help
new students transition smoothly into WYHS
put
many new parents at ease. The new parents
walked away confident and informed, with one
parent even saying “I wish I went to this
school!”
General Student
Orientation
As the entire school convened for the general
orientation on Monday, the scene was loud and
exciting: students greeting one another with hugs
and high-fives, catching up on each others’
summers, discussing classes, activities, and plans for
the new year.
However, when everyone sat
down in the
Beit Midrash to hear Rabbi Tirschwell address
the students, the mood instantly changed. Rabbi
Tirschwell spoke movingly of his
experience in Israel at the funeral of Nimrod
Cohen, who was one of the first
soldiers killed in Lebanon. He said, “the image that
struck me most from Nimrod’s funeral was hearing the
wailing cries of his high school buddies mourning
him.”
Rabbi Tirschwell’s message was that while we are
worrying about the upcoming school year, we must
keep the kidnapped soldiers and all of our
brothers and sisters in Israel at the forefront of our
minds and hearts.
The day continued with Mrs. Kanner’s beautiful
dvar Torah about the possibility of change
and
renewal, Mr. Dobrick’s useful college guidance tips,
and Rabbi Spodek’s enthusiasm about trips and
programs. Co-Presidents of Student Council Raquel
Amram (’07) and Avi Lasko (’07) urged the entire
student body to “Get Into It” and become
involved in the activities and spirit of the school
throughout the year.
Together, they conveyed the school’s unique
commitment to Torah and spirituality, academic
excellence, service to the school and greater
community, and—through it all—having fun.
Hopefully,
the inspiring words of our faculty will guide us all
towards a year of growth and success!
Click on the play button
on
the
picture below
to
watch an unbelievable video!
