Rabbi Elishai Kohananoo, Menahel
Rabbi Kohananoo has been an integral part of the JDOHSS staff since 2014. Since his arrival he has made it a priority to build positive relationships with individual students and their parents. His strong interpersonal skills have given him the ability to relate to a wide range of people within our school community and beyond.
Rabbi Kohananoo received his Semicha from Harav Yaakov Shiknazi shlita who is the head of the Sephardic Beit Din in Yerushalayim. He has experience in congregational leadership and counselling and is also a Posek Halacha who is sought after for halachic guidance from both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. In addition to his Rabbinical experience, Rabbi Kohananoo brings extensive educational experience and a strong interest in student wellbeing to the role of Menahel. He has his Master’s in Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Loyola, Chicago and his Mashgiach Ruchani and mental health Training Certification from Torah Umesorah. He is committed to instilling in our students a love and devotion for Torah and mitzvot and lead our school towards educational excellence.
Joanna Fox, Principal
Mrs. Fox joined JDOHSS with the determination and the dedication to continue to strengthen and develop our General Studies program to the highest levels possible. She is thrilled to lead our wonderful team of teachers with her knowledge, experience and great vision.
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Mrs. Fox has been an educational professional for over 20 years, with experience in the Toronto Jewish Day School and U.S. public school systems. In addition to her experience as a school administrator, middle school teacher and high school teacher, Mrs. Fox began her professional career as an Engineer. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan, Master of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard University. Her experience brings forth strong problem solving abilities, collaborative skills and the ability to lead by establishing positive relationships.
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Mrs. Fox also holds Ontario College of Teacher certifications at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Divisions in math and science, as well as Principal's Qualifications Parts 1 and 2.
Sara Cohen, Vice Principal
Mrs. Cohen possesses over 25 years of experience in Israel, Russia and Canada. She shares our commitment to excellence. She holds a BA from York University and Teacher Certificate from Michlelet Beit Rivka in Israel.
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Mrs. Cohen has also taken formal training in Hebrew as a Second Language, Hebrew Grammar, Junior High Math, and Special Education. Mrs. Cohen continues her Professional Development by taking courses through The Centre for Jewish Education and is a member of the Principals Association. In addition to her Vice Principal duties, Mrs. Cohen is charged with developing our Grades 7 & 8 Girls Hebrew Studies curriculum.
Janet Arnold, Coordinator of Student Wellness
Mrs. Arnold currently serves as the Coordinator of Student Wellness at Joe Dwek Ohr HaEmet Sephardic School (JDOHSS). In this role, she is responsible for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. Her expertise in coaching, consultation, training, and resource development has been instrumental in enhancing the well-being of the school community.
Mrs. Arnold is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) with a strong foundation in applied behavioural analysis and is also a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and a certified Triple P Practitioner (Positive Parenting Practices). Since 1996, she has been dedicated to working with children, their families, and individuals across various clinical and educational settings across Canada.
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Janet is also an author, having written the children's book "What Do You See When You Take a Look at Me?" and co-authored "How to Explain a Diagnosis to a Child - An Interactive Resource Guide for Parents and Professionals."
Actively engaged in the community, Janet chairs the Bullying Prevention Partnership and holds memberships with several professional organizations, including the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe.
Joelle Dayan, Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator
Joelle Dayan is the JDOHSS Gan Ohr Preschool Coordinator. With over 30 years of experience teaching preschool and school-age children from grades one to eight, she has cultivated a deep passion for education. Joelle holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from York University, an Early Childhood Education degree from Seneca College, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toronto.
Her extensive background in education has allowed her to utilize her caring and supportive approach, along with her diverse skill set, to foster the development of countless students. At Gan Ohr, Joelle is dedicated to creating a strong foundation of Torah values, fostering a love for Hashem and His teachings while nurturing each child’s spiritual, emotional, and intellectual growth.