TFS - Canada's International School

THE SPIRIT OF PHILIPPE FAYOUX Fayoux graduated with the Class of '76. His classmates remember him as a "renaissance man"—a creative thinker and passionate artist at a time when the arts had yet to take a central role in the curriculum. His life was tragically cut short in 1980, but the impact he had on his peers and the school lives on. "Philippe was the best friend I ever had and probably ever will have," shared Matthew Maloney '76. "He shaped so many of us here. Although his life was short, he mattered." In his honour, the Philippe Fayoux Memorial Award was established in 1986 to recognize graduating students each year who demonstrate excellence in the arts. Winners are invited to donate a piece of their work to the school, a growing tradition that has inspired generations of young artists. Fast forward to 2025, and a new chapter in that legacy has been written. As part of the alumni reunion weekend, TFS unveiled the Philippe Fayoux Memorial Gallery, a digital installation spanning the hallway that now leads to the school's vibrant arts corridor, a space Philippe would have been proud of for embodying the creative spirit he championed during his time at TFS. The gallery features work by Philippe himself alongside the donated pieces of past award recipients. The unveiling was attended by alumni, friends, past award recipients and members of Philippe's family, including his sister Christine Smythe '78 and her husband, Conn Smythe. Christine had the honour of launching the digital gallery and shared heartfelt remarks about what the tribute meant to her and her family, especially her mother, Marie-Thérèse, who was a teacher at TFS. "I'm so happy to see so many deserving recipients here today," said Christine. "It's such an honour to receive this tribute. When I attended the school in the '70s, we didn't do much in the way of art, so it's wonderful to see how deeply the school has embraced the arts since then." Two recipients of the Fayoux Award also spoke at the unveiling. Christina Piovesan '94 credited the award with helping launch her career in TV and film production. "Even though I never met Philippe, it's an honour to have received the award in his name," she said. Zoe Beck '22 shared that the recognition gave her the confidence to pursue art school. She recently graduated from The Parsons School of Design in New York. "Even after three years in art school, I can confidently say my art classes at TFS were the best I ever had." Head of School Norman Gaudet spoke to the significance of the weekend, reflecting on the legacy of TFS' first graduating classes and the enduring impact of their contributions. "This is a momentous occasion. Our very first graduates helped lay the foundation for the school we know today," Gaudet shared. "Celebrating 50 years with this class and honouring Philippe Fayoux's legacy through the launch of this gallery, reminds us how deeply our alumni continue to shape TFS. We hope their influence will inspire generations to come." LEGACY OF THE FIRST GRADUATES The alumni from 1975 and 1976 were more than just the first to graduate, they are part of the foundation upon which the school we know today was built. In the words of TFS founder and inaugural Headmaster Harry Giles, writing in the school's yearbook, the growth of a school is much like the growth of a rose bush: "It grows in fits and starts, and if properly taken care of, and with a little luck, it will produce roses." Of the first graduates, Giles wrote with warmth and humour: "Some of them are rather prickly roses with a few more thorns than they might need. Others are more simple, open and direct. As human beings, a number of them are so warm, open and delightful that their mere being adds lustre to the school and to the world." Fifty years later, many of those "beings that add lustre" gathered once again—not only to remember the past, but also to witness the legacy they helped build. In honouring Philippe Fayoux, the Class of '75 and '76 celebrated the creativity, enduring friendships and bold spirit that continues to define the TFS experience. Matthew Maloney '76 honoured his friend Philippe Fayoux '76 at the unveiling of Galerie Philippe Fayoux in June 2025. 69 TFS

• Cover