B"H
THRIVE
Building Resilience in Mind, Body, and Soul
Building strong bodies, strong minds, and strong Jewish identity
THRIVE is a unique after school program that helps children grow in three key areas: physical strength, emotional resilience, and Torah based values. Through a combination of self defence, mindfulness, guided discussion, and structured social time, children build confidence, self awareness, and a strong sense of Jewish identity in a safe and supportive environment. Thanks to a Multicultural NSW grant, the program is heavily subsidised for Term 2.
More Than Just an Activity
THRIVE is not just another after school class. It is a structured program designed to help children grow into confident, grounded, and capable young people.
Our aim is to equip children on three important dimensions:
Physical
Developing confidence, awareness, coordination, and practical self defence skills
Emotional
Building calmness, resilience, self control, and the ability to manage stress and challenges
Torah / Spiritual
Strengthening Jewish identity, values, responsibility, and inner confidence through a Torah based perspective
By developing all three together, we hope to give children tools that will help them not only in the program itself, but in school, at home, and in life.
What Children Will Experience
Each session is structured to be engaging, practical, and supportive. Children will take part in:
- Self defence and movement training
- Mindfulness and emotional wellbeing activities
- Torah based discussion and values
- Supervised games and social connection
- Light snacks on arrival
The program is designed to help children feel stronger, calmer, more confident, and more secure in who they are.
The Torah Dimension
A key feature of THRIVE is that it includes a Torah based values component.
This means children are not only learning physical skills and emotional tools, but also connecting these lessons to Jewish values and identity. Through short guided discussion and practical examples, they are introduced to ideas such as self discipline, responsibility, inner strength, respect for others, and pride in being Jewish.
This is an important part of what makes THRIVE different. It is not just about activity. It is about growth with purpose.
Program Details
Primary School Details:
Term: Term 2 only
Duration: 10 week program
Start Date: 28 April 2026
Location: Kesser Torah College
Schedule:
Girls: Tuesdays
Boys: Wednesdays
Time: 3:20pm – 5:00pm
Ages: Years 1–6, divided into age appropriate groups
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High School Details - Self Defence only
Term: Term 2 only
Duration: 9 week program
Start Date: 5 May 2026
Location: Kesser Torah College
Schedule:
Girls: Tuesdays - Self Defence only
Time: 4:05pm – 5:00pm
Ages: Years 7-10
Cost
Thanks to support from a Multicultural NSW grant, this program is heavily subsidised.
Full value: $450
Priamy school Parent contribution: $90 for the full 10 week term
Hi School Parent contribution: $75 for the full 9 week term
That works out to less than $10 per session.
Who Is Behind the Program
THRIVE is delivered by Chabad Youth NSW in collaboration with trusted community professionals.
The program includes:
- Professional self defence instructors
- Mindfulness and wellbeing support
- Experienced youth supervisors
- A structured and caring environment
Who Are the Instructors
The THRIVE program is led by experienced and trusted professionals who are well known in the community.
The self defence component is run by Jeff Krug and Jackie Chilchick from Jeffsunn Karate. With decades of combined experience, they specialise in teaching children in a safe, structured, and supportive way, focusing on confidence, awareness, and discipline rather than aggression.
For girls sessions, training will take place in a girls only environment with a female instructor present.
The mindfulness component is coordinated by professional staff from Jewish House, who bring experience in working with children and supporting emotional wellbeing through practical, age appropriate techniques.
The Torah based resilience sessions are led by Chabad Youth NSW staff, including Yisroel and Gavriella Feldman, who guide students through engaging discussions and stories of biblical personalities, helping them develop a strong sense of identity and inner strength.
Together, this team creates a well rounded program that supports each child’s physical, emotional, and spiritual growth.
What clothing is needed
As the program includes a self defence component, children should bring a change of comfortable clothing in their school bags.
This should include relaxed pants and a suitable top that allows for movement. Shoes are not worn during the self defence sessions.
Girls who prefer may bring a flared skirt that allows for comfortable movement.
While the instructors are highly experienced karate professionals, this program is not focused on formal grading or belts. Instead, students will build practical skills and confidence throughout the term, and will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the program.
For safety reasons, we recommend avoiding jewellery or loose accessories during the session.
Why We Believe This Matters
Children today need more than activities to fill time. They need support, direction, confidence, and a strong sense of identity.
THRIVE was created to help meet that need by giving children practical tools, emotional support, and Torah based values in one integrated program.
Our hope is that every child leaves the term stronger in body, steadier in mind, and prouder of who they are.
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