TFS - Canada's International School

"In the seventies, my family moved to a farm in Richmond Hill," says Edward 'Ted' Endean '88. "They wanted to make sure I went to a school that had a reputation for strong academics. They also felt it was important for me to learn French and TFS appealed to my father because it was doing something different than traditional independent schools." The experience for Ted was a good one. Unlike many kids his age he knew at other institutions, he enjoyed school and felt he was well prepared for university, finding it easy to adapt thanks to the independence he received from TFS teachers. He cherishes what he remembers as a "healthy disrespect for authority," common amongst the student body at the time and, like Shernee and Sheena, he is still close now to the friends he made then. "There was a pride in coming from TFS, a pride in how we were different," says Ted. "The teachers were passionate about learning and allowed you to find your way. That served me well as I went on to the next stage." That next stage included his undergraduate degree at Western, where he became actively involved in the university's radio station and found his passion. His first job was at CBC. He would then spend 10 years at Bell Media as Creative Director of Sports Promotion, working for various networks including CTV and TSN. He met his wife, Amanda, when they were both working at The Comedy Network and eventually they had two children, Harrison and Sophie. Deciding on their education, a co-ed school and the opportunity to become fluent in another language were key, but what clinched the decision was, much like for Ted's parents, the academic rigour that the school continues to hold to the highest standards. Harrison and Sophie attended the West Campus for a period and then came to the Toronto campus. Sophie is now in Level IV and Harrison graduated in 2024. "The school has certainly modernized, but it has stayed true to its values," Ted notes. Those core principles have kept him engaged as a TFS alum, a parent and, with Amanda, as donors to the school, giving to student financial assistance and to support the school's priorities. With Harrison graduating last May, Amanda also served on the Class of 2024 Fund Committee, helping to lead the fundraising efforts to great success. "We believe in the school's mission and truly wish every child could have a TFS education," says Ted about what inspires his and Amanda's support. "Small class sizes. Diverse student body. Engaged teachers and staff who encourage curiosity. The support and tools they receive to meet challenges. The academic rigour. These kids are going to make a more just, open, tolerant society. They're going to make the world a better place." TFS PROUD "I knew I wanted them to be in a diverse, multicultural, co-ed environment, to prepare them for what the world is really like and how to be with other people," says Shernee about some of the considerations that went into the decision to choose TFS for her son and daughter. "And learning French was such a benefit in my life so that was important as well." The academic rigour and well-rounded education were also taken into account. "We no longer know what the world will look like and what opportunities will exist by the time your children graduate so you want them to have the ability to adapt and pivot their skillset in this ever- changing world." Beyond their connection as parents, students and alumni, the Chandarias have been dedicated volunteers and made generous philanthropic contributions as well. Shernee sits on the TFS Board, offering guidance and expertise in support of the school's strategic priorities. "It's a way to be involved at a high level," says Shernee. "I'm able to offer a different perspective towards providing the best educational experience." Together with TFS parents Priya Malde and Rajay Shah, the family was a generous sponsor of the Diamond Soirée, the school's 60th anniversary gala, with Shernee also serving on its planning committee. Shernee, Sunir and Sheena also established the The Chandaria Family TFS Entrance Scholarship, opening the door for promising students who would otherwise not have access to the life changing education offered by the school. "We wanted to give someone else the incredible experience that we had," says Sheena. "It's amazing how much talent is out there. They just need the opportunity and they will soar." With a two-year-old and a newborn daughter, Sheena may add even more students to the second generation of Chandarias at TFS. Regardless of what the future holds, the legacy of the Chandaria family is sure to live on for generations to come. 64 ENTRE NOUS

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