On the 31 January, PaJeS held its third annual Jewish Schools Awards at JW3.
With over 180 people in attendance, the night was an opportunity to celebrate the excellence in teaching and the contributions of non-teaching staff. PaJeS received a record amount of 450 nominations this year, which were then narrowed down and judged by an expert panel.
The panel which was made up by Professor John West-Burnham, Ms Kate Goldberg, Dr Michael Markiewicz, Sir Harry Solomon and Mrs Francine Wolfisz really struggled to decide which of the worthy finalists should be crowned the winners.
Each award winner receives £5,000 and each finalist receives £1,000 to spend on a new project of their choice within the school. The Awards proved again to be a wonderful opportunity to recognise teachers who often don’t get the credit they deserve and to celebrate their dedication and determination.
Joshua Rowe MBE was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award. He was instrumental in the turnaround of The King David High School, Manchester and as the Chair of Governors, he goes above and beyond this role. In between working full-time, he spends at least two hours at the school each day and is able to recount each pupil, parent and their siblings. On the evening Mr Rowe said “Teaching is the noblest of professions. Teachers shape generations and no one ever forgets a great teacher”.
At the end of the evening, PaJeS also celebrated the completion of the Chumash curriculum. The Chumash curriculum has 12 books, as well as other resources and is used in 40 schools in the UK, Australia and South Africa.
Watch a video of the JSA 2018 Awards here
JSA 2018 AWARDS: WINNERS AND FINALISTS
Award for Excellence in Jewish studies in a Primary School
Rabbi David Wilk, North West London Jewish Day School - WINNER
Rachel Coleman, Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School
Jo Jacobson, Wolfson Hillel Jewish Primary School
Award for Excellence in Jewish studies in a Secondary School
Danny Baigel, Immanuel College - WINNER
Pamela Simonsson, Hasmonean High School
Katie Abrams, JCoSS
Award for Excellence in Secular Studies in a Primary School
Daniel Sunshine, Menorah Foundation School - WINNER
Liz Papier, Akiva School
Sara Halter, North West London Jewish Day School
Award for Excellence in Secular Studies in a Secondary School
Lelanie Grobler, JFS - WINNER
Adam Boxer, JCoSS
Tracy Basger, King David High School
Award for Exceptional contribution from non-teaching school staff in a Primary School
Moses Kirosingh, Eden Primary School - WINNER
Dalia Fraser, Etz Chaim Jewish Primary School
Angela Bass, Wolfson Hillel Primary School
Award for Exceptional contribution from non-teaching school staff in a Secondary School
Joanne Bernard, Yavneh College - WINNER
Kevin Lutchmeenaraidoo, Hasmonean High School
Claire Gelband, JCoSS
Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion in a Primary School
Anna Livoti, Wolfson Hillel Jewish Primary School - WINNER
Alexis Gaffin, Immanuel College Preparatory School
Danielle Petar, Sinai Jewish Primary School
Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion in a Secondary School
Amit Singh Kalley, Hasmonean High School - WINNER
Beth Kerr, Immanuel College
Geniece Watson, JFS
Lifetime Achievement Award
Joshua Rowe MBE