The “Vaad” is the student leadership of AJRCA and it is a unique and integral part of the school and of student life. While the entire student body is actively involved, the Vaad takes the lead in planning and organizing several key programs during the school year. One such example is the “Angels” program. Shortly before the school year begins, the Vaad assigns each new student an “angel;” a returning student who offers support to the new student throughout his or her first year at the Academy. The angel contacts the new student before school begins and introduces the student at the always warm and exciting opening of the school year celebration, the latter of which is also organized by the Vaad. The Vaad is responsible for planning the theme, program design and overall logistics of the Annual Retreat, an “all school” retreat which is held each February on the beautiful campus of Brandeis-Bardin in Simi Valley. The planning of festive holiday celebrations is also part of the Vaad’s responsibilities as is providing refreshments for the all-important “Snack Table,” a favorite of students and a daily source of “nosh and kibitz.” It coordinates the sign-ups for the student-led minyanim and also offers discount book sales throughout the year. The Vaad meets with the student body once a month to share information and announcements and to hear concerns from students that may need to be communicated to faculty and administration. A Vaad representative attends the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors as well as certain Faculty Committee meetings.
