The 2014-2015 school year draws to a close at Or Chadash. We’re only saying goodbye to the school year though, not to each other. After a quick visit home, we are all coming back to a transformed campus next week when the summer program begins.

At the closing assembly, the girls were addressed by the deans and principals. They also celebrated each other’s accomplishments as the outstanding students were presented with certificates and gifts for their achievements.

An afternoon to unwind… In these last few days of school, with all the cramming and exams, the girls found a bit of respite on a trip to the beach. Some girls just relaxed while others released their pent up energies at the park overlooking the water.

Wednesday eve marked the completion of high school education for our graduating class. This momentous occasion was celebrated in the attendance of the parents, grandparents and, siblings of the graduates as well as the teachers and staff of Or Chadash.

In the lineup of speeches, the girls had the privilege to hear from Rabbi Moshe Tanami, the dean. In his talk, Rabbi Tanami likened Or Chadash to Noah’s Ark. For the years leading up to this moment, the girls were tucked away at Or Chadash surrounded by love and protection, while the world spun rapidly around them. However, now they are leaving Or Chadash for their next stage in life, and they are going out into the whirlpool of the world. Rabbi Tanami bid them much success, and reminded them to take with them the teachings which they received at Or Chadash and to draw strength from them.

The girls are moving out of our rooms, but they will remain in our hearts forever.

The girls at Or Chadash were given a little taste of what’s in store for them in this summer’s camp program. They watched a video presentation of the fun activities to come, while they enjoyed their frozen treats distributed by the GO coordinators.

The countdown to summer break continues…