There are years that feel like just another link in the chain, and then there are years that simply cannot be forgotten.
This past year was precisely the latter — an extraordinary year. Not only because of the national and security-related events that unfolded around us, but also, and perhaps especially, because of the choices we made within our educational journey. 

The school year began as planned, accompanied by a prayer for the safe return of the hostages and healing for the wounded. 

From the very beginning, I felt the immense responsibility as principal: to restore a sense of routine for our school community–and not to stop there. We understood that this year would demand more of us–
More listening, more empathy, more initiative and more courage. 

And together – as a community of educators, students, and parents – we chose not to remain in the comfortable position of being a nationally recognized leading and exemplary school. Instead, we aimed higher and dared to grow further. 

This year, we welcomed a 30% increase in new student enrollment – a record high in demand for enrollment. We were excited to welcome them, alongside returning students, and were pleased to see that their responses to our climate and wellbeing surveys significantly exceeded the national average – particularly in areas such as belonging, capability, and safety. 

With great anticipation, we awaited the results of our technological matriculation exams — part of a new track we recently launched. Encouragingly, the number of students taking these exams has already tripled. 

Step by step, we advanced our school’s vision: promoting personalized, meaningful, innovative, and relevant learning — the kind that breaks down the traditional “classroom walls.” We integrated excursions, initiatives, special programs, and a wealth of interdisciplinary projects. 

For example, our 9th-grade students from the Yahalom program led sustainability workshops for students from ten elementary schools across the city. Surrounding the subject of sustainability and environmental quality. Together, they created the “Among the Garden Flowers” project — in collaboration with the local municipality and the tech industry. This initiative became a hub for both educational and social activity, a space that blossomed not only with plants but also with students’ sense of responsibility and environmental impact. A garden that teaches us that when we act together — beautiful things bloom. 

We also created together the “Unity Dress” – an exciting initiative born from the creativity of our industrial design students. This project evolved into a deep educational dialogue around identity, belonging and connections. Thanks to such collaborative efforts centered on Israeli values and unity, we proudly earned top places in multiple categories of the national “Atid Network Majors Olympics.” 

Throughout the year, our entire school participated in enriching activities: a leadership seminar in Jerusalem, a culture day in Tel Aviv, and an annual journey to Haifa and the Carmel region. We also led the network’s delegation to Poland with the participation of 8 creative schools. A profound educational and values-based journey of 150 students and staff. Together, we walked the path of memory and revival. 

Through this and a wide range of meaningful, innovative activities, far too many to list here– we have truly lived up to the title of a leading school in the national “Creative Education Reform” program, led by the Ministry of Labor, JDC Israel, and Chotam. 

Throughout the year, I was reminded time after time how exceptional our educational and administrative staff are– deeply committed, dedicated, and fully invested in meaningful educational work. Together, we expanded partnerships with the local community, with high-tech industry leaders (where 80 of our graduates now complete their hands-on training as full-time interns), and strengthened connections with academia and nonprofits– enabling our students to dream big and achieve those dreams. 

All our students were exposed to an inspiring series of “Golden Lectures”– featuring changemakers and thought leaders. We continued to proudly lead our unique school, which believes in every student and sees in each one a world of potential – individuals who can shape their environment, not merely adapt to it. 

This year also solidified for me how fortunate we are to be part of a network with one of the strongest, most dedicated central teams in the country – perhaps the strongest. 

I had hoped to end the year the way we usually do– but life had other plans. Still, I’m proud that we managed to bring things full circle in such an inspiring way. 

We were able to hold a meaningful and emotional graduation ceremony in person. However, due to the unfolding situation, our end-of-year parent meetings, class wrap-ups, and staff celebrations had to take place online. 

I am deeply proud of our staff– for their unwavering commitment, humanity, and creativity. Even as rockets flew and the threat of war loomed, they continued their sacred work with care, love, and devotion to our students. 

I’m equally proud of our students– for their growth, perseverance, and their ability to learn and rise above any challenge. This year, once again, I had the privilege of watching them mature, take responsibility, and evolve as leaders. I have no doubt they will become exemplary citizens and remarkable individuals. 

I am also proud of the broader community– our network, the municipality, and the Ministry of Labor– for standing by our side as true partners every step of the way. Together, we never gave up for a single moment. Together, we moved forward with full force toward a hopeful future. 

May we continue to preserve this spirit– of action, belief, and education that knows no boundaries– anytime, anywhere.