TFS - Canada's International School

Volunteer of Distinction Volunteers play an essential role in life at TFS. Not only are they instrumental in supporting the school in delivering a leading education, but they also help provide an unforgeable student experience. They are our essential partners in realizing the school's vision and our source of board governance, counsel and fundraising support. As Parents' Association members they bring the community together (Marché d'hiver, Kermesse), champion school spirit (Go Cougars, go!) and satisfy our students' love of pizza. In fact, if we had to name all that our volunteers do, the list would go on forever! One way we honour these innumerable contributions is through the Volunteer of Distinction Award. This award celebrates a leadership volunteer who embodies passion for the school and its values. This individual exemplifies the pinnacle of volunteer service and leadership and leaves a positive legacy at the school. In 2024, we were pleased to present this award to Sylvia Tokmakjian. One thing you'll notice when you work with Sylvia is that she's a quiet leader. She is an excellent listener, collaborative and respectful, and she brings people together ensuring no one is left behind. She's the kind of volunteer who says 'yes' and does everything in her power to ensure she delivers her best. "Two weeks after my daughter Estelle started at TFS, her JK teacher called for parent volunteers to read their favourite story to the class," Sylvia recalls. "I put my hand up and was rewarded by 20 kids on the carpet with twinkles in their eyes. Soon after, many volunteer opportunities presented themselves: pizza lunches, field trips, helping kids with their skates, class rep positions, International Week. I continued to raise my hand, and every time I did I was grateful that this school was open for parent engagement. The Junior and Senior School had the same energy. Even as the curriculum got more difficult, the opportunities for engagement did not decline." With 2023 being Estelle's last year at TFS, Sylvia raised her hand yet again, stepping in and becoming involved with the flurry of activities taking place around graduation. She, along with her husband, hosted the kick-off grad parent social, and then she dove into organizing grad hoodies, pre-prom and the grad trip. Sylvia also took on the responsibility of co-chairing the Level V Class Fund, which raised over $156,000, establishing an endowed legacy to help more students attend TFS. But it wasn't just graduation that kept Sylvia busy in 2023; she also served as the Level V Senior School branch representative and a member of the TFS Foundation Board of Directors. A DEDICATED VOLUNTEER FROM THE START Sylvia was one of the originators and first chairs of the school's celebratory shopping extravaganza, Marché d'hiver. Looking back, it seems hard to believe that there was a time when the school didn't have this magical holiday event to look forward to. "In 2017 the PA posted a new winter market event, calling for volunteers," she recalls. "We formed a committee and decided to launch the Marché d'hiver. As a first time event, we didn't have a template." Sylvia's involvement with the Marché tells us much about her personality. She's passionate about the TFS community and willing to take on projects both large and small because she knows just how much they matter. She's never been afraid to take the lead on something new. By Maryann Shemansky A SPIRIT OF ALTRUISM On top of her generous dedication of time and talents, the school has also been the recipient of her family's generous philanthropy. Recently, they made a significant contribution toward the Master Campus Plan. While Estelle, now attending Huron University at Western, may not be at TFS to directly benefit from this gift, its positive impact will be felt by students for years to come. This commitment to future generations of TFS students is profoundly moving in its selflessness. "The collaborative spirit of this school, the fact that we all like coming together, to volunteer, contribute and, in turn, maintain the vibrancy of this community... that's what makes it really difficult to leave this place," she says. In many ways, Sylvia was always thinking about the TFS community and its impact on the greater world. As a member of the Parents' Association Council remarked: "Sylvia called us, as part of the school's Climate Action Team, asking if student members could connect with the Kermesse Committee, to make the funfair more eco-friendly." It's this dedication and attention to detail that makes Sylvia's volunteer work stand out. To Sylvia, all of the people on the many volunteer teams she was a part of and everyone in the school community are important. "As we saw with this recent Kermesse, which was amazing, the volunteers kept coming with smiles," says Sylvia. "This is community building at its best. It enriches the lives of our children, ourselves and our peers." Sylvia always puts the team first, and in doing so, she makes sure we can achieve anything – together. 54 ENTRE NOUS

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