Peter Rewega

Growing up in Sudbury, Peter Rewega had no exposure to Judaism, but became interested in it while attending university in Toronto. He then went through the conversion process with Caterina, who eventually became his wife. Their entire family was fully supportive of their journey, including one brother-in-law who is now a rabbi in Israel.

Peter had always dreamed of being a teacher and so after working as a salesman for a few years, went back to school in his mid 20s to pursue a degree in education. He has worked in special education with TDSB and this has been his passion. He reflects, “when you see the progress that someone who is struggling is making, it really means something.” Motivated by mentors who urged him to move out of the classroom to, “make more of a difference to more people”, Peter transitioned to school leadership, and is now a principal at Huron Street PS.  He still misses the classroom and takes every opportunity he has “ to go back into the classroom. I recently took an additional job at the Mesifta high school teaching a grade 9 business course. I love the sense of community there. But, there is also a reason that Hashem put me in the PS system; some people aren’t as affiliated with the Jewish community and as a kippa wearing person, a lot of people have connected with me, especially about Israel.”

Peter’s transition from teacher to principal was a smooth one. “One of my greatest strengths is the empathy I have for others”. He quotes Rabbi Stern, “Don’t judge, you don’t know their life story.’ I’ve held that philosophy as a leader. I can always put myself in someone else’s shoes, to gain perspective as to why they do what they do. So that skillset has really helped me in my leadership role. I can see both sides and I am able to work with everyone.”

Peter is an ardent sports fan; he is responsible for bringing the Shomrei Shabbos competitive hockey league to Avenue Road Hockey. “There are now over 100 kids playing in the Shomrei Shabbos league who didn’t have that opportunity before; I feel that I have contributed to the community in this way.”

Peter and Caterina are parents of 4 children; 1 current student and 1 ‘20 graduate.