TFS - Canada's International School

9 R A P P O R T À N O T R E C O M M U N A U T É 2 1 /2 2 LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD Over the past few years, TFS has been conducting an assessment and strategic planning exercise. Led by the TFS Board and the Head of School, this exercise involved planning for the evolution of our academic program, as well as defining the facilities and resources required to support our plan. We have already started to put some of our plan into action, including new coding programs and the expansion of design thinking to many subjects, all important elements of our STEAM-based, multidisciplinary approach to teaching and learning. There have also been improvements to our facilities including renovations of classrooms and connecting spaces in La p'tite école, a new Junior School playground, the much-needed electrical upgrade at West Campus, an expanded kitchen in La Terrasse, and new technology in classrooms at all branches. Our most ambitious plans are about to be presented. These plans have been in development for several years, and after extensive community consultation, and following deliberation by the TFS Board and school leadership, are almost ready to be shared with the greater community. INSPIRING FAMILIES LEAD THE WAY Over the past five years, a number of board members and their families have shown their support with $1M gifts. These gifts will provide a solid base for the realization of transformative projects, including the creation of innovative spaces that enable THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE GENEROSITY The collective generosity of our board members will make a direct and positive impact on the day-to-day experience of every child at our school, and will ensure our students are well-prepared to thrive in a constantly changing world. "We are so grateful to all of our board members for these leadership gifts. In the coming months we will share more stories of the gifts made by this dedicated and generous group," says Cathy. "We hope that these gifts will be a catalyst to realizing our vision, and will inspire others to come forward to truly make an impact." different ways of teaching and learning, and the enhancement of our rigorous academic programming. Jennifer and Christian Lassonde, who have been valued members of our community for 12 years and whose four children have all received their start at TFS, took the lead early in this process by making a new $1M commitment. Christian, a visionary entrepreneur who was serving as Chair of the TFS Foundation Board at the time this gift was made, put his leadership skills to work by helping ignite ambitious plans for the Foundation to maximize philanthropic support for the school. He now serves on the TFS Board, while Jennifer has since taken on a leadership role on the TFS Foundation Board, chairing its Nominating and Governance Committee. "We are thankful that our children are in an environment that supports, values and empowers them," say Jennifer and Christian. "We wanted to express our gratitude by giving back, so that future generations of TFS students can benefit from this same experience." Nancy Cohen '78 and Stephen Goldhar were inspired by these expressions of support, and recently made a $1M commitment. Nancy, who is a member of our fourth graduating class and the mother of two alumnae, has a long history of giving to and volunteering at TFS. She has held multiple leadership roles over decades of engagement, including serving as Parents' Association President and sitting on the TFS Board. She was honoured as a Volunteer of Distinction in 2012 and currently sits on the TFS Foundation Board. "I am so grateful for all of the volunteer opportunities I've had at TFS," says Nancy. "Through them I have seen the deep impact of philanthropy at the school. Our daughters are now settling into their professional careers and we see the benefits of their TFS education in so many ways. It was our pleasure to support the campaigns while they were at TFS. We are so pleased to pay it forward and help the school achieve its vision for the next generation of students." Our board members' alignment with our vision will ensure we realize our ambitious plans. I look forward to working with them and other members of the TFS family to prepare current and future generations of students to act as global citizens, and make a positive impact on the world." Norman Gaudet, Head of School

• Cover