TFS - Canada's International School

22 TFS TAKING CARE INSIDE AND OUT STUDENT WELLNESS IT TAKES THREE These three attributes, forming a wellness triangle, are what we work to develop in our students. Without one, the triangle flattens. It takes all three for our students to thrive. Student Wellness: Their well-being always comes first Academics may be our calling card, but we are equally focused on our students' well-being. Resilience, connection and readiness are words regularly used in conversations to describe characteristics we want our students to develop. How we go about doing that is through the curriculum, programs and workshops, each providing a unique approach to fostering these critical skill sets. Creating a healthy foundation goes a long way towards making sure our students thrive. TFS' wellness programs focus on addressing their immediate concerns and are designed to build their knowledge and skills over the long term. The end goal is to ensure that our students carry these well into their adulthood, a toolkit that they can rely on through university and into their professional lives. A community of care At TFS, our Learning Forum provides a comprehensive network of care, supported by a diverse team of professionals, including social workers, guidance counsellors, learning specialists and nurses who are available to our students daily. Together, they assess the needs of individual students and look for the best approach to support them. This dedicated team of caregivers doesn't work alone—they are supported by the entire school community in promoting wellness throughout TFS. Indeed, our wellness ecosystem extends far beyond the core team of the Learning Forum. It engages everyone—from teachers and staff, who ensure that every student has trusted and supportive connections within the school, to the parents, who are our primary partners in fostering student well-being. Putting our students at the centre The mindsets we want to foster in our students are part of their dedicated guidance classes, which stretch from Grade 2 to Level V (Grade 12) at TFS. Students are taught practical academic skills such as time management and how to become and remain organized, but also about stress management and self-regulation through mindfulness and deep breathing. Discussions include what healthy relationships look like and what goes into making them thrive, and that involves their friendships at TFS too. Having these conversations lays the groundwork for forming meaningful connections with others. Because at the heart of their well-being are strong peer- to-peer relationships. Connecting with peers across different ages for academic mentoring and personal support is vital for developing positive relationships, a healthy social life and a strong sense of self. At TFS, we recognize the power of students talking to other students, fostering trust and friendship. That's why we offer two peer programs: peer mentors, who are slightly older and share relevant academic experiences, and peer supporters, who provide essential guidance and camaraderie. Integrating Parents into the Wellness Equation Parents are crucial to our students' well-being and success. TFS frequently holds speakers' series for parents as a resource to increase dialogue, knowledge, communication and care for students. Our Learning Forum also regularly hosts parent workshops to equip them with practical strategies and insights that support their children's academic and personal development. These programs are always well-received and what better way to engage parents than through their children's well-being? Academic wellness: The student is engaged in learning and has academic determination. Personal wellness: The student sees themself positively and has a good attitude to the learning process. Social wellness: The student has healthy relationships and connections to others, including to their community.

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