Hebrew Foundation School preps for high school open house; Adath concert; and Cummings Centre retirement series
Excitement is building on Montreal’s West Island as Hebrew Foundation School (HFS) prepares to take what could be a historic step: creating the area’s first Jewish day-school secondary institution.
Following the announcement of its new high school earlier this year, HFS is inviting families from across the West Island and Greater Montreal to discover its vision for HFS High School at an Open House on Tuesday, September 29, at 6:30 p.m.
The school is preparing to welcome its founding Grade 7 cohort for the 2027–2028 school year, giving West Island families a new local option for Jewish secondary education.
The trio described a high school built around strong academics, personalized learning, student well-being, leadership development and meaningful Jewish experiences, all within a close-knit community.
Ohnouna explained that the new high school responds to a long-standing request from West Island families for quality Jewish secondary education closer to home. For many students currently pursuing Jewish high school education, the daily commute can mean spending considerable time travelling outside the West Island.
HFS hopes to change that equation—giving students more time for learning, extracurricular activities, friendships, family and community.
“This is about creating the kind of high school our families have been asking for, a school where students are truly known, where their individual strengths are recognized, and where they can continue to grow academically, socially and as young Jewish leaders,” said Ohnouna. “At HFS, we believe that leaders start here, and we are incredibly excited to extend that journey into the high school years and welcome our founding class in 2027.”
Havas said the school is being designed with the individual student at the center, featuring small classes, a low student-to-teacher ratio, differentiated learning, strong student services and enrichment opportunities designed to challenge and support students at different levels.
Academically, the program will put a strong emphasis on both French and English, while continuing HFS’s personalized approach to education. Students will have opportunities to build solid academic foundations while developing confidence, independence, leadership skills and, importantly, a lifelong love of learning.
And school life won't stop when the bell rings.
Plans include opportunities in sports, theatre, leadership, robotics, coding, debate, the arts, clubs and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The goal is to give students opportunities to discover their passions while developing friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
HFS is also investing in the spaces needed for tomorrow’s learning, including a Language Lab, student support services, enrichment programming and dedicated spaces for secondary students.
Another important feature is accessibility. No English eligibility certificate is required, opening the door to students from both French and English educational backgrounds.
Students also do not need extensive Hebrew experience. Whether they are beginners, have some familiarity with the language or have studied Hebrew for years, programming will be adapted to meet them at their individual level.
And you don't have to be an HFS graduate to join the new high school. Students from public, private and Jewish schools are all welcome to explore HFS as an option.
That inclusive philosophy is at the heart of the school's vision: creating a place where students from across the West Island and beyond can enjoy a strong French and English education, meaningful Jewish learning, personalized support and a vibrant community—all much closer to home.
As Havas pointed out, Jewish families living as far west as Vaudreuil and Hudson have never had an option quite like this in their own backyard.
Hebrew Foundation School is located at 2 Hope Street in Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Families interested in learning more or registering for the Open House can visit hfs.qc.ca/en/high-school.
ADATH CONCERT: The Adath in Hampstead will present a concert on Sunday, Oct. 11 (7:30 pm) featuring the Pronto Musica Chamber Orchestra with Conductor Alexis Hauser and Assistant Conductor Mayer Sasson.
Hauser is one of the leading conductors of his generation, internationally recognized as one of Canada's most distinguished conductors, celebrated for the breadth of his orchestral repertoire, his profound commitment to both the symphonic tradition and contemporary music, and his enduring influence as a master teacher of conductors. Rooted in the celebrated Viennese conducting tradition, his interpretations combine architectural clarity, expressive intensity, and stylistic authenticity across a remarkably wide musical spectrum.
Founded in 2013 by cellist Eli Weinberger, Pronto Musica is a Montreal-based chamber orchestra comprised of and administered by young classical musicians transitioning from post-secondary studies to the professional world. Under the artistic leadership of Hauser, its aim is to provide these young musicians with professional-level performance experience. They accomplish this by providing them with opportunities to refine their orchestral skills, expand their knowledge of the orchestral repertoire, and work with esteemed soloists.
Sasson is a Hampstead resident and an active member of both the Adath and Congregation Magem Avraham. In addition to running his business, he is presently studying piano with Professor Pinchas Antal (McGill University), and studying Orchestral and Operatic Conducting with Hauser.
For tickets go to https://adath.crowdchange.ca/158365
RETIREMENT RE-IMAGINED: The Cummings Centre will launch a three—part interactive series on preparing for retirement for three consecutive Wednesdays: Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 5 at the Gelber Centre from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. It is $20 for members and $25 for guests. Retire Inspire is the theme, with speaker Gillian Leithman, PhD, founder of Rewire to Retire™, and Adjunct Professor at Concordia's John Molson School of Business, leading the discussions. The sessions will explore happiness, brain health, relationships, and resilience to help you rethink the years ahead. The goal of the programs, open to all, is to help people think more intentionally about the years ahead and explore what they need for a life of purpose, connection and well-being
The mission of Rewire to Retire is get excited about life after work. They do this by leveraging the latest social science research from the fields of Psychology, Positive Psychology, Management, Neuroscience and Behavioural Economics so that you learn how to successfully transition into this next life phase.
To register call 514-343-3510
Have an item for the SJN? E-mail mcohen@thesuburban.com
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