Strategic Update 2026

Strategic Impact: A Philanthropic Update on Our 2024–2028 Strategic Plan

Passover arrives at the precipice of Spring, well into a remarkable school year. In this season of renewal, joy, shadowed by uncertainty and war, we are sharing a taste of the school’s successes and celebrations with you, our generous supporters and loyal community friends. Following a tremendous community wide Day of Giving in support of our vital Annual Campaign, The DJDS Difference, we are excited to share achievements and milestones in the areas of the four pillars of our 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, Blueprint for Our Future.

Pillar One: Joyful & Rigorous Academics

Strategic Highlight
Over the past two years, every elementary classroom and our faculty room have been purposefully revitalized to embody our commitment to joyful rigour. More than a simple update, these spaces have been reimagined to actively catalyze the growth of our developing learners. Guided by the deep expertise of our education team and fueled by a visionary gift in memory of our beloved founding teacher, Brenda Enchin z”l, our lower school environment now serves as dynamic pedagogical partners to our extraordinary faculty.

The DJDS Difference
Thoughtfully providing best in class professional development for our exceptional faculty as an investment in curricular advancement and skill development.

“All of our teachers are so multi-talented across grades and subjects, which allows us to get to know our students in so many different capacities and guide their learning.”
— Samantha Shubat, Teacher

Pillar Two: Sustaining a Healthy, Secure and Inclusive Community

Strategic Highlight
The expansion of our Middle School has paved the way for a robust new era of extracurricular life at Paul Penna DJDS. By prioritizing Athletics and Wellness — fueled by our 2025 graduation legacy fund and annual campaign — we’ve created an inclusive environment focused on more than just sports. Our programming emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and the intentional community-building that defines our school’s heart.

The DJDS Difference
Engaging in holistic extra curricular programs and community initiatives that create caring, inclusive space for our students and families and foster intergenerational participation in school life.

“The school has provided our family with a community from the very beginning. Not just a place for our children to learn, but a place for us to become a part of Jewish life in downtown Toronto.”
— Karen Rosen and Mark Opashinov, Graduation Legacy Chairs & School Family

Pillar Three: Defining Our Permanent Home

Strategic Highlight
Our vision of a permanent home for Paul Penna DJDS by 2028 has reached a landmark milestone. The January 2026 opening of our 10,000-square-foot Middle School expansion is a testament to the foresight and generosity of over 30 donors who pledged $3.1 million. This achievement was further fueled by hundreds of hours from parent and community experts, allowing 75 students — including our current graduating class — to flourish in a space dedicated to the future of downtown Jewish education. To ensure this momentum continues, the Class of 2026 and our philanthropic leaders have launched a Sustaining Middle School Endowment Fund, with an ambitious goal of $300,000 to anchor our long-term success.

The DJDS Difference
Building a state of the art, urban middle school has expanded our campus reach, creating a space to facilitate curricular programs that reflects the DJDS educational philosophy.

“Reaching the campus campaign goal not only completes construction of this space, but will also fund endowment, ensuring the long-term care of this state-of-the-art facility and the strength of the middle school programming for years to come.”
— Jess Braude and Bobby Pasternak, Campus Expansion Campaign Chairs & School Parents

Pillar Four: Ensuring Financial Stability

Strategic Highlight
This year, the Paul Penna DJDS community has redefined what it means to show up for one another. Our campus expansion was completed in record time — less than a year — fueled by a culture of philanthropy that reached every corner of our school. Our Annual Campaign saw a remarkable 90% participation rate from current families and faculty, and a surge in support from grandparents and alumni (up 30% and 45% respectively), our community has truly “raised its hand.” With growth to 450 donors and 60 supporters to our major gifts Leadership Circle, this collective generosity ensures a sustainable future for Jewish education in the heart of the city.

The DJDS Difference
Closing the gap in the cost to educate, the annual campaign provides tuition subsidy to more than 25% of students to create a diverse, right fit school community for all families regardless of access to financial resources.

“We’re not just investing in a school, we’re investing in a community.”
— Daniel Levitan, Parent & Board Member

Community | Diversity | Individuality | Israel | Learning | Place | Social Justice

Read our Strategic Plan 2024–2028 · View our Impact Reports · Ways to Give