After three days of intense competition, Sinai with superior organization was able fight off the challenges from their rivals, to win the lower school division.
The upper school tournament was more keenly contested, as it took goal difference to separate the winners Sinai and the pre- tournament favorite Masada. Congratulations to all who participated and supported their Teams.

Ms. Olive Senior, world famous Jamaican writer, visited the 6th form students at Hillel Academy on Thursday, January 26, 2012. She was hosted by Mrs. Angella Bennett and the English Department. After an overview of her craft and hopes as a Jamaican at the time of independence, Ms Senior reviewed the struggle to give due credit to Caribbean cultures and languages. She went on to discuss her poetry, of special interest to the IB students. Heartfelt thanks to Ms. Senior and congratulations to the English teachers on an inspiring event.

Hillel Academy had the honor of hearing very entertaining remarks from former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall at the second PTA Evening of Excellence on January 25. PTA President Dr. Nigel Clarke introduced Sir Kenneth after a beautiful musical interlude performed by Miss Amy Hussey. Refreshments were offered, courtesy of "Uncorked". Congratulations to the PTA on a truly excellent evening!

On January 24, 2012 speeches were given by the candidates for Student Council Executive positions. Every speech was well delivered and meaningful, as testified to by the rousing applause and cheers of the students. Elections will be held next week. Good luck to all!

Student Council candidates names and positions are: President - Kayla Campbell, Jodi-ann Chung, Katrina Dabdoub; Secretary - Kieran Cousins and Bradley Chen- see; Lower School Coordinator - Adam Griffith, Darius Smith, Steven Dabdoub.

Prefects for 2012-13 were invested at the January 24, 2011 assembly. Outgoing officers Ali Matalon, Chiraig Khemlani, Karina Max-Brown and Khaed Fagan gave their best wishes and badged the new Head Boy, Tim Skyers, the new Head Girl, Marianna Samuda, and the deputies Alex Brewster and Renee Morecroft. Deepest gratitude to the outgoing team was expressed by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Holmes. Congratulations, officers and prefects, and best wishes for a vibrant and successful term of office.

The PTA, the Chinese community at Hillel and the Chinese Benevolent Association helped the School to join in the world-wide celebration of the Year of the Dragon on Jan. 23. ' Kung Hee Fatt Choi' rang out as martial arts displays prepared students for the Lion Dance to come. Many thanks to Marie Chin and all the ladies who helped with the beautiful banner and backdrops. May this be a year of peace and prosperity!

The IDJ Committee presented a cheque to Mr. Paul Bennett, for musical equipment. The funds were from a fund raising event put on by the students.

On January 9 and 10, 2012, Hillel Academy celebrated its 43rd birthday in style. Our traditions and Founders were honored in Founders' Day Assemblies across the School. Prep School student leaders cut a symbolic cake and honored the gifts given to the School by all stakeholders. A celebration video was shown in the High School and birthday cupcakes were provided for all the School community, courtesy of our wonderful PTA.

HILLEL EXCELLS: All the Hillel entrants in the National Table Tennis Championship made it to the Semi Final Round in their respective age groups and all were medalists or trophy winners, placing from 3rd to 1st. Pratik Harjani, National Champion 10 and 13 age group Championship Singles, Also Joseph Rousseau Doubles under-10 winner and Doubles under- 13 winner and Justin Barrow, finalist in the Doubles under- 15. Amy Hussey placed 2nd in the Under- 10 girls. Congratulations to all!!!!

On January 9 and 10, 2012, Hillel Academy celebrated its 43rd birthday in style. Our traditions and Founders were honored in Founders' Day Assemblies across the School. Prep School student leaders cut a symbolic cake and honored the gifts given to the School by all stakeholders. A celebration video was shown in the High School and birthday cupcakes were provided for all the School community, courtesy of our wonderful PTA.

On December 15, 2011, the first International DJ competition at Hillel was held before an appreciative crowd of 120 fans. The 5 finalists from the original run-off were J. Harris, Steve Dabdoub, Jas Baugh, Brandon Heitman and Isaac Mair. Dance moves by Mr. Herdsman enlivened the tense waiting for the decision. Judges Zachary Chin, Dominic Lee, Kashka Mottley and Krishani Boothe deliberated to name the 2 finalists: J. Harris and Brandon. Crowd response and judges decisions gave the day to Heitman. Congratulations, contestants, judges and your crew. A re-match is promised in June. All funds raised were for the music department.

Celebrating the 20th St. Andrew Brownie Pack: Brownies, Hillel's oldest extracurricular traditions, continues to grow with the enrollment of eight Brownies at their Promise Ceremony on November 30, 2011. The Ceremony was led by leaders Judy DeSouza (our first Brown Owl), Renee Rennalls, Charmalyn Walker and Zanovia Hall. The enthusiastic group of Brownies enrolled included Alexandra Azar, Mia Todd, Annabelle Chung, Hannah Gayle, Savanah Robinson, Cristina Subratie, Ritika Harjani and Anna Issa.

The ceremony was enhanced by musical items from Nilukshi Chen who performed "Rag Time Blues" and a trio of Annika Stewart, Sarah Hughes and Leah Robotham who played the School Song on the recorder. The enrolled Brownies sang the Brownie song beautifully for the onlookers, making them eligible for a badge on the completion of their pledged commitment.

The Brownies participated in many areas earning them badges in the following areas: Hostess, Music lover, Jester and conservation.

It was a truly pleasant afternoon well attended by Principal Lee, parents, class teachers and well wishers.