Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1421996
Parents' Handbook 2021– 2022 27 SOCIETIES Societies, focusing on the 19 key global issues identified by the United Nations, are facilitated by teachers, with direct input from students. TFS focuses on themes such as gender equality, sustainable food production, climate change, human rights, international law, water, migration and refugees, amongst others. Partnerships with organizations include Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada, Toronto Youth Equity Strategy, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International Canada, DECA Ontario, War Child Canada, and many more. For Levels IV and V, societies provide a great opportunity to gain significant CAS hours. For all students, societies are an incredible opportunity to be a part of either a project or an organization that focuses on an issue or area they really care about and to meet like-minded people from all grades at the Senior School. Year after year, graduating students rely on these experiences when composing reflective essays required by many universities during the application process. OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Something for everyone to learn, share, and discover! TFS students are action-oriented. TFS raises students' level of awareness and engagement while teaching them leadership skills. Students show respect and empathy, act responsibly, and demonstrate integrity and discernment while engaging with purpose and a high level of commitment with various non-governmental organizations in the GTA and internationally. TFS students are involved actively in outreach programs at school and in the wider community. There are a number of different initiatives including Pencils for Kids, Pennies for Children, Feed the Children's 30- hour Fast, and Pantene Beautiful Locks Cut for Cancer. Also, students work with a number of different non- governmental organizations (NGO) including Save the Children, The Cure breast cancer research, WWF Save the Panda, Right to Play, Terry Fox Foundation, Sick Kids, and Nellie's. Members of the Senior School's Outreach Council work collaboratively to provide opportunities for engagement in school and community events including TFS' Kermesse. At TFS, leadership is considered to be an attitude and not a position. EXCURSIONS (FIELD TRIPS) Excursions are an important part of the TFS curriculum. Students explore and discover in settings beyond the classroom. Excursions are planned by faculty. Some examples include: Royal Ontario Museum, Queen's Park, Toronto Zoo, Aga Khan Museum, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Evergreen Brick Works, Ontario Science Centre, Billy Bishop Airport, Zion Schoolhouse, Harbourfront Centre, and Scarborough Bluffs. Following health guidelines from Ontario, excursions may be cancelled or will be adapted to on-campus experiences for the 2021-2022 school year. OVERNIGHT AND INTERNATIONAL TRIPS Traditionally, we offer an off-site overnight excursion for students in Grade 3 to 7. These activities are both popular and highly engaging; they allow students to interact positively with their peers and the faculty in non-academic environments, and further develop their social and leadership skills, critical thinking and creativity. Most of these activities provide an opportunity for French-language immersion. All Level II students are enrolled into the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program. Students in Level II normally participate in an Outward Bound experiential program. Optional international cultural and/or service learning trips are offered to a variety of destinations including Switzerland, France, Spain, Martinique, India,