Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1528092
32 TFS TRAINING THE NEXT WORLD LEADERS CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMMING Understanding the world With our school's values in mind, we hold assemblies and mentorship sessions regularly, all tailored to our students' ages and stages. It's about critical thinking, discernment, but also learning to discuss respectfully, being engaged and demonstrating integrity. Typically mentorship sessions go deeper into an assembly's topic, such as fake news. Led by teacher-mentors, they discuss societal and ethical issues connected to the assembly topic, allowing our students to develop nuanced worldviews, while enhancing their ability to articulate perspectives through reasoned debates. And yes, it does start in PK! Emerging young leaders Leadership is a key aspect of citizenship at TFS and we make sure these opportunities are provided at an early age. It's about developing those skills and experiences over time. At the elementary grade level, student leadership is introduced as part of student life. At La p'tite école, the Grade 1s act as school Ambassadors during Open Houses, where they introduce themselves in French and explain what they like so much about their school. They also participate in assemblies. In the spring, they become student- mentors as they read books to their PK, JK and SK peers. Junior School students can apply to become Heads of Houses, Ambassadors or Junior School Pals, who make sure everyone feels included and like they belong. At our West Campus, students participate in the Assemblée des Citoyens du Campus Ouest. Representatives are elected by their classmates and suggest community projects. Taking local and global action By the time they get to the Senior School, our students are equipped and eager to dive into student leadership. There are so many options for them to get involved. They can lead assemblies and Houses, become a member of one of the many councils, or run as a deputy in the citizens' assembly. Then there's our Peer Mentors, Peer Supporters, Climate Action Team, Prefects and the two highest student leadership roles in the school, the elected First Citizens. They can also lead clubs, or propose one of their own. Clubs give students expansive opportunities to delve into an issue or area of interest with like-minded peers, allowing them to discover passions, develop and strengthen their skills. Matthew L., Level V (Grade 12) student and member of the Globe Club AND IT ALL STARTS IN PK Citizenship isn't just a priori at TFS—it's part of our moo! Individuals who reflect, citizens who act is lived daily across our school, in classrooms, labs, gyms and in our ravine. Our approach threads citizenship through both curricular and co-curricular activities. It's present in everything we do. Our students don't just learn to be citizens, they become active citizens, locally and globally. Seeing the trees through the forest Recently our Globe Club and Climate Action Team collaborated to collect a bonanza of acorns in our ravine to seed future trees in our community and protect Toronto's tree canopy through the seed diversity program. This is just one of their many initiatives. They are also part of our Ravine Restoration Project, as well as programs to decrease waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions in all aspects of the school's operations. "Growing up at this school, we've discussed the importance of preserving our ecosystem. My frequent visits to the ravine have deepened my love for nature, inspiring me to lead and advocate for environmental stewardship in my community. Embracing sustainability isn't just about local action; it's about becoming a responsible global citizen."