Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1433414
The West Campus is indeed characterized by a community of heart, character and commitment to each other, which adds to its cozy, welcoming small-town feel. The West Campus has been at its present location on Meredith Avenue in Mississauga since 1971, after moving from Port Credit. The branch has about 200 students, so the small town feel is apt. There's a natural grassroots community feel here, which is in large part attributable to the parents' commitment to and deep involvement in the life of the school. And everyone knows each other, too. "We really like it here," remarks Rob Galaski, a TFS Board member. "You see the same parents on the same days, so you'd have to work really hard not to make friends here." "We didn't know anyone when we first sta ted, but by October I was on the Foundation Board," laughs Kristen Bechara. "That's just the way it is— everyone's warm and everyone gets involved." There's a spirit of giving here that makes the West Campus special. It's a place where parents say yes whenever possible because they see the direct benefit their collective action generates. It's evident in just how much West Campus parents give of their time, energy and generosity—from acts like providing coffee or events by the Desrochers family of Back Road Coffee Roasters, to the transformation of the Bibliothèque Famille Sprott by the Sprott Foundation, to the countless hours of volunteering by parents, everyone gives. TFS Foundation thanks the West Campus branch of the PA for contributing $50,000 for the pending electrical upgrade and the redevelopment of the playground at the West Campus. Thank you for making us better together! "Of the 22 children in my son's grade two class, nine families have formal roles on the Parents' Association," observes Kristen. "That gives you an idea of just how involved our families are." "The West Campus is a uniquely close community with a shared vision to make the school experience exceptional for each child," says Juliana Sprott '93, West Campus parent, TFS Board member, and a former West Campus student. They're a small group, so they work hard—and efficient . There's a common understanding here that one should give what one can, when one can, to an area best suited to that family's interest and ability. It's important to everyone that volunteering and giving be highly positive experiences for all. "Within the walls of our village," says Mme. Natalie Doucet, JK teacher at the West Campus, "we take care of each other and protect each other." "I noticed our parents' dedication immediately upon joining the community," says West Campus Principal Davy Marques, who arrived at TFS just prior to the pandemic. "The only way to fully appreciate the culture of giving within this small community is to see it for yourself! And that's no trouble for this hospitable community," he laughs. Vice Principal Ulrik Bédos nods at this and smiles. After 21 years of service at the West Campus, he speaks for all when he fondly says, "this campus is in our heart." "If the Toronto campus is fi uratively the big city of the two TFS campuses, then the West Campus is a small town," remarks Kristen Bechara, a 2020-21 West Campus Class Parent and TFS Foundation Board member. WEST The return of soccer is eagerly awaited by these West Campus youngsters. 1 3 R A P P O R T À N O T R E C O M M U N A U T É 2 0/2 1 Thanking our Parents' Association 20/21 West Campus branch of the Parents' Association Rumina Ratansi , Branch Coordinator Kristen Bechara Urszula Brock Helen Chen Tanya Delorey Ida Keenan Nupur Kotecha Ingrid Liu Tariq Rehemtulla Marwa Shalaby Lesley Vaughan Paul Winsor