Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1530003
4 • La Campagne Pour TFS In CONVERSATION Our Head of School, Norman Gaudet, is a passionate educator and visionary who has more than 20 years of leadership experience in independent schools around the globe. Throughout his career, he has put children at the centre of education. At TFS, he helps our students confidently navigate our rapidly changing world by setting our school's strategic priorities. M. Gaudet brings that vision to life by championing a STEAM curriculum, creating confidence in students' relationships with the natural world, and helping develop the self-confidence needed to thrive at our school and beyond. As TFS launches "Can't Wait!" and gets ready to break ground on the West Campus Athletic Wing, we sat down with M. Gaudet to talk about why sports and physical education are so important for our students. TFS Foundation: What role does athletics play in a TFS education? Norman Gaudet: The role of physical education in a child's development is hugely important. It's critical for social, emotional, physical and mental health. That's why physical education is part of our strategic priority to help students thrive at TFS and beyond. Our students don't have to grow up to be the next soccer star, but we do want them to grow up with a love of being active. That's the source of longevity, resilience, and healthy minds and bodies. Today's world has all of us sitting in front of computers. A lot. That's why it's so important that we expose our students to as many sports and activities as possible so they can find a form of play that gets them passionate — and hopefully keeps them passionate — about physical activity forever. TFS: What new opportunities will the Athletic Wing give West Campus students? NG: It will hold a regulation-sized gymnasium so our school can host the excitement of home games and tournaments, which we haven't been able to do before. But the new wing will also give us more space to include our community — our families. The community will have the space to gather, encourage our students, and be included in the action. They'll be able to cheer our kids on from courtside bleachers or from behind the viewing gallery glass. That's what students want when they get into sports — they want their families to be at their games. So, we're so thrilled that we can make that happen with the new wing. With Norman Gaudet Head of School