Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/109181
Thriving at 50 A message from Dr. John Godfrey, Headmaster Photography: Lisa Petrole This year we celebr ate our 50-year journey, rich with inspiring stories of leadership, innovation and bold thinking. What is remarkable at this stage of our growth is that the momentum that catapulted the school forward in the beginning continues today. I am proud to say that TFS is truly blossoming on all fronts. We have reached our stride and, true to TFS nature, we are not standing still for even a second. In this issue of Entre Nous, we celebrate where the school is headed, and showcase some of the many exciting initiatives that are driving discovery, excitement and pride. You will see that the spirit of TFS, which was sparked 50 years ago, focused on high academic standards, bilingualism and bold leadership, is alive and well. I encourage everyone to visit our 50th anniversary website, 50.tfs.ca, to learn more about our extraordinary history. As we mark this golden milestone, the age-old question arises - what's next? For our school, it's continuing to master what we already do so well. Providing an unparalleled educational experience for our students will always be our first priority. On this front, we have been working diligently to implement the Primary Years and Middle Years Programs of the International Baccalaureate (IB). What this means is a curriculum that is even further connected to the real world and relevant to students' own lives. Once authorized, we will become the only bilingual fullspectrum IB school in Canada. While a rigorous curriculum is one important part of the equation, another critical element is recognizing the diversity of learning styles in our students, and providing the support and resources to ensure every child's success. With the creation of the Learning Forum @ TFS, not only will we be able to better support the whole child, but we will also enhance our teaching and continue to connect and lead important research. Deepening what it means to be international will also be a priority. As Canada's only bilingual school that brings together three distinct curricula, teachers from around the world and a diverse student body, we open up a wide world to our students. But we can always go further. For example, we know that the gift of bilingualism is the first step on the road to acquiring other languages, learning about other cultures and becoming an internationally-minded person. That's why the Toronto campus is piloting a Mandarin third-language program starting September 2013 for Grade 6 students. Similarly, we will explore additional opportunities for students and teachers to immerse themselves in French cultures around the world via student exchanges, summer camps and service projects. Whether it's weaving our ravine into our teaching and learning, or connecting innovative technology to every pocket of the school, we will drive forward our bold ambitions for what an international education can and should be. Harry Giles, our founder, once said, "We are always looking for new ideas." Some things never change. Thank you to everyone who has been part of our incredible 50-year journey. The future looks bright. Allons-y! entre nous 3