TFS - Canada's International School

30 Parents' Handbook 2020– 2021 PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS CURRICULUM-BASED ACTIVITIES The Health and Physical Education courses, including in Level II, are part of the regular curriculum, after which Healthy Active Living Education becomes an option (Level III). TFS appreciates the benefits of physical activity to academic performance. Students with higher levels of fitness have a more developed brain structure, perform better on cognitive tests, and have heightened levels of focus and retention. A comprehensive program of swimming instruction is offered from Grade 2 to 5 at the Toronto campus, and from Grade 3 to 5 at the West Campus. Swimming is also part of the physical education curriculum at the Senior School in Grades 6 and 7. Swimming will not take place during 2020-2021 unless deemed safe. ATHLETICS In the pursuit of excellence, TFS' Athletics Department strives to have an innovative and successful athletics program, one that is both a part of the larger commitment to excellence in education and an integral component of student life at TFS. TFS' athletics program has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. The TFS Cougars athletics program encompasses more than 90 competitive sports teams across 14 sports on our two campuses, from Grade 3 to Level V. We also offer clinics to Grade 2 and 3 students. Teams usually practise twice a week and play against teams from other independent schools. Team practices are typically held either before or after school. TFS is a member of the provincial Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) and competes for championships in a wide variety of sports. West Campus students compete mainly in competitions organized by the Private School Athletic Association (PSAA) in Peel region. For the 2020-2021 school year, CISAA and PSAA will be providing guidance to schools regarding the offering of competitive athletics. TRYOUTS TFS competes in three athletic seasons per year. In order to reduce the amount of missed class time and to avoid scheduling conflicts, student-athletes at the Toronto campus are generally permitted to participate on only one competitive team each term. Prior to the start of each season, a period of tryouts is held to select athletes for each team. A limited number of places is available on each team. Student-athletes are expected to commit to attending all practices and matches for the entire season. A schedule of practice times and matches will be provided to members when the team list has been finalized. Team information and schedules can be found through the branch sites. We recommend that parents and students subscribe to the appropriate team calendars. Team competitors will be selected not just on the basis of ability and physical fitness, but also on their attitude, listening skills, willingness to learn and try new things, personal commitment and overall contribution to the team. For these reasons, we focus on each candidate's work ethic, ability to listen attentively and follow directions, willingness to work collegially with others, punctuality, compliance with wearing the uniform, and demonstrated skills and knowledge. Due to the competitive nature of the program, the coach(es) may be unable to guarantee equal playing time for all participants. At the Junior School, TFS has a very successful development program that ensures every participant, regardless of age, gender, ability level and experience with sports, has the opportunity to participate. The coaches adapt and modify aspects of their coaching and create an environment that caters to individual needs and allows for everyone to participate in team sports. All students who want to be part of a team have an opportunity to do so.

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