Why Leadership?
Learning to lead is a core part of the TFS student experience. Here, leadership encompasses and puts into action our motto, values, mission and vision.
As individuals, students take on leadership roles to develop personal attributes such as responsibility and accountability. This also challenges them to be bold, speak publicly, and stretch their own abilities and knowledge.
As citizens, students learn leadership skills that emphazise their interpersonal and intercultural competency, the development of planning, delegating and execution skills related to strategic and critical thinking.
Leadership Across Every Branch
Leadership opportunities are embedded in every branch, at every grade, and across all aspects of school life at TFS.
La p’tite école & Junior School
At La p’tite école, leadership begins in Grade 1, where every student is assigned to a committee to help run assemblies, write newspapers, or broadcast branch news.
As students progress to the Junior School, they take active roles in making a difference:
- Grade 2 Market: Students organized a toy and book market to support SickKids.
- Class Representatives: Elected students from Grades 4 and 5 attend council meetings and act as corridor monitors to ensure school safety.
- Grade 5 Leadership: As senior students of the branch, they serve as Playground Activity Leaders (PALs) and advocate for local issues, such as pedestrian safety in neighborhood parks.
- PYP Exhibition: The culminating Primary Years Program activity where student groups research topical issues and take direct action, such as supporting animal shelters.
West Campus Initiatives
Our West Campus offers a plethora of ways to engage students as leaders within their community:
- Community Support: Grade 2 "elves" manage the CHUM Christmas Wish toy drive, while Grade 7 students lead food drives for the Mississauga Food Bank.
- Academic Mentorship: Through the Forest of Reading program, students lead literature circles. Grade 6 Reading Buddies and Grade 7 Homework Helpers provide weekly guidance to younger peers.
- Environmental Leadership: The Les vers de terre group (Grade 4) monitors recycling efforts and shares findings through creative videos and assemblies.
- PYP Exhibit & Positive Change: Grade 5 students lead initiatives both inside and outside the school to promote change based on their researched global issues.
Leaders on a Larger Scale
In the Senior School, leadership opportunities blossom. Students are encouraged to step up, develop their skills, and model the school’s core values: integrity, discernment, respect, and engagement.
1. School Governance & Citizenship
TFS takes student leadership seriously. Through democratic elections, students demonstrate their commitment as "individuals who reflect, citizens who act."
- Premier Citoyen & Première Citoyenne: The Co-heads of the entire school.
- Student Councils: Opportunities in the Prefect Council, as well as Junior and Senior Councils.
- Student Elections: A rigorous process that challenges candidates to show their dedication to the community even before being elected.
2. The House System
A TFS tradition that begins in Pre-Kindergarten and follows students throughout their journey.
- Cross-Grade Connection: Houses bring together students from all branches for spirited competition and lifelong friendships.
- House Heads: Energetic Junior and Senior House Heads lead their peers to reach new heights and earn the coveted House Points.
3. Arts & Athletics
Leadership isn't just in the classroom; it’s on the stage and on the field.
- Arts Council: Students organize the school’s artistic life, culminating in the annual MAD (Music, Art, Drama) Night.
- Team Captains & Coaches: Athletes inspire their peers by modeling a growth mindset, turning every challenge into a learning opportunity.
4. Clubs & Student Interests
Clubs are the heartbeat of the Senior School, reflecting the diverse aspirations of our students.
- Student-Led Initiatives: Under staff supervision, students lead existing clubs or are empowered to propose and launch their own.
- Global Impact: Every club is an opportunity to contribute to making the world a better place.
Students vying for these roles are challenged to demonstrate their commitment to the school and the wider world as individuals who reflect, citizens who act.