TFS - Canada's International School

Parents' Handbook 2024– 2025 29 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. The TFS Cougars athletics program encompasses more than 75 competitive sports teams across 13 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. 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 Grade 7 to Level V 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 Parent Portal (Veracross). 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 and in Grade 6 only, 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. To ensure both fairness and the most accessible participation for TFS students, TFS will continue to review its rules governing team membership and participation annually. Our commitment policy is available to parents and athletes in the online consent form. ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION FEES A cost associated with participation on each team will be administered. This fee includes a nominal uniform rental fee, bus travel to away games, facilities rental, the cost of the season's referees, the final day of a tournament's meal and EMT/first responder staff (onsite for competitive games), when necessary. FOOD SERVICES AND CATERING Chartwells is the food service provider for the TFS community and it prides itself with delivering delicious and well-balanced meals. HOT LUNCH PROGRAM Through Chartwells, TFS offers a hot lunch program

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