Announcing our New Head of School

May 4, 2026
17 Iyar 5786

Dear Members of the TanenbaumCHAT Community,

On behalf of the Board of Directors of TanenbaumCHAT, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Amy Platt as our next Head of School.

This moment follows a thoughtful and comprehensive search process led by a dedicated committee of current and former board members. We are deeply grateful to all who contributed their time and effort in helping shape this important decision.

Dr. Platt joins TanenbaumCHAT with almost 25 years of experience in Toronto’s Jewish day school system, having served as both a teacher and administrator, and most recently as Head of School of Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School for the past nine years. She brings a proven track record of visionary leadership, expanding organizational capacity, and advancing academic excellence, and is a passionate advocate for Jewish education, with a demonstrated commitment to both Jewish studies and Israel education.

We are confident that Dr. Platt will build on our strong foundation while guiding our community into an exciting future.

Dr. Platt will officially begin her role on August 4, 2026. In the coming months, there will be opportunities for members of our community to meet Dr. Platt and begin building the relationships that are so central to the life of our school. We are working closely with Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School to support a thoughtful and collaborative transition that sets both communities up for continued success.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize Principal Renee Cohen ‘96 for her leadership and partnership over the past six months in particular. During this period of transition and anticipation, Principal Cohen ‘96 has been a steady and reassuring presence within our school. Her deep knowledge of our community, her thoughtful leadership, and her unwavering commitment to students, families, and staff have helped provide continuity and confidence during a time of change.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Jonathan Levy for his many years of dedicated service to TanenbaumCHAT and the broader Jewish community. His contributions have helped shape the school we are today, and we are appreciative of his lasting impact.

Please find a letter below from Dr. Amy Platt, Incoming Head of School.

Thank you,

Craig Rimer
President, Board of Directors

Dear Members of the TanenbaumCHAT Community,

It is with honour and enthusiasm that I take on the role of Head of School at TanenbaumCHAT.

As a native Torontonian who has been immersed in the Jewish community for my entire personal and professional life, joining the team at TanenbaumCHAT is a true privilege. For almost twenty-five years I have worked in Toronto Jewish day schools—first as a teacher, then as a Director, and for the past nine years as Head of School at Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School. I have truly enjoyed working with elementary students and families, and I am now excited to support students in the next vital step of their educational journey: high school.

I am eager to become part of the TanenbaumCHAT community, reconnecting with colleagues and families I already know, and meeting the many staff, students, parents, grandparents, alumni, and community members who care deeply about the school and have helped shape its exceptional reputation in Toronto, Israel, and beyond.

TanenbaumCHAT has experienced tremendous growth and success over the past decade, under the leadership of Dr. Jonathan Levy. I am grateful for the opportunity to build on these successes and keep that momentum growing. Even amid the complexities of the world around us, there are bright and hopeful centres of Jewish life, and in Toronto, TanenbaumCHAT shines brightly. I feel both humbled and inspired by the opportunity to help lead the school into its next chapter.

I am deeply grateful to the search committee and the Board of Directors for the trust they have placed in me and for the thoughtful and thorough search they conducted. It has been a pleasure getting to know governors who are so committed to Jewish education and to TanenbaumCHAT’s mission in particular. I also want to thank Dr. Levy for his support, confidence, and partnership in ensuring a smooth and thoughtful transition.

Over the coming weeks and months, I will be at the school to meet with faculty, students, and families in advance of my August 4, 2026, start date. During those visits, and throughout the early months of my tenure, I look forward to building relationships and to learning more about the many voices that make this community so vibrant.

I am so proud to be joining such a talented faculty and a distinguished organization. I look forward to what lies ahead—seeing the school grow, and growing alongside TanenbaumCHAT.

Warmly,

Dr. Amy Platt
Incoming, Head of School