TFS - Canada's International School

ENTRE NOUS 48 When Judy G. Goldring became Chair of the TFS Board of Directors in 2019, she had already gained considerable leadership experience at the school and had made an equally huge impact. Then COVID-19 struck, challenging all of us in ways we could have never anticipated and requiring even greater dedication and innovation from our volunteers. "Priorities immediately switched to the safety and security of students and the administration and teachers, and then to how to get the kids back into virtual classrooms as quickly as possible," Judy recalls. In order to deliver on the school's promise to provide the excellent education families have come to expect from TFS, while ensuring everyone's safety, the Board met weekly to brainstorm solutions and put plans into action. Judy – who as President and Head of Global Distribution at AGF Management Limited, an asset management firm, and mom of two daughters, Rianna Smuk '23 and Raedyn Smuk, LIV, had a busy schedule at the best of times – was there every step of the way. There were many challenges to navigate: the Board played a key role in ensuring the safe return of a group of students, teachers and parents from La p'tite école's inaugural March break trip to Paris, helped develop the school's vaccine policy, and facilitated a smooth transition to online learning. "We went to great lengths to ensure that kids had a safe environment," Judy explains. "Teachers and kids were all equipped with devices so they could work from home, and I think we only missed one day. The kids benefited not only from maintaining continuity and getting a good education but also from having as little disruption to their daily routines as possible, which was important for their mental health." According to Judy, the successful response was made possible by the support of the Board and the wider TFS community. "The most rewarding thing was working with great people in an amazing community," she says. "I was really proud of how we responded to COVID-19, and I was incredibly grateful for such a supportive Board." A TRACK RECORD OF STRONG LEADERSHIP Prior to her role as Chair of the Board, Judy had been making a difference at TFS since 2016, when she joined the Governance Committee. "This is a great institution, and my kids were going there, so I was very passionate about participating in that community and making sure I could help ensure we could continue to provide an exceptional education," explains Judy. Having a law degree from Queen's University, experience practising regulatory and administrative law, and past involvement on a variety of boards, including as Chair of the University of Toronto's Governing Council, had provided Judy with the experience and strong leadership skills that made her such a great asset to the TFS community. COMMITTED TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE Over the past seven years, Judy has worked hard to support TFS in defining and realizing our Master Plan. She also made a generous contribution of $250,000 to the renovation of La Terrasse. For Judy, giving back is in her DNA. "I grew up in an environment where I witnessed philanthropy, and I believe in giving back to your community," she says. "Having seen how much it can change somebody's life, I really do espouse the view that if you can have a positive impact on any one person, you are leaving a great legacy." But Judy insists it takes a community coming together to make a positive and widely felt impact. "There are so many fantastic volunteers that make up the TFS community. You cannot do it alone." Volunteers play an essential role at TFS. Not only are they instrumental in helping the school deliver a leading education, but they also help provide an unforgeable student experience. ey are our partners in realizing the school's vision and our source of governance and counsel. ey bring the communi together (Marché d'hiver, Kermesse), champion school spirit (Go Cougars, go!) and satis our students' love of pizza. In fact, if we had to name all that our volunteers do, the list would be inexhaustible! One way we honour their innumerable contributions is through the Volunteer of Distinction Award. is award celebrates a leadership volunteer who has gone above and beyond at TFS. In 2023, we were pleased to present this award to Judy G. Goldring. A Safe Harbour in Stormy Times Judy G. Goldring, former Chair of the TFS Board of Directors (2019 - 2021), in the recently renamed Judy G. Goldring Boardroom. By Maryann Shemansky and Dinah Zeldin

• Cover