There at the start

Whether it is sponsoring or putting together memorable events like the annual Marché d’hiver, Kermesse, holding successful used uniform sales, organizing pizza days and movie nights, or making pivotal contributions to the Principal’s Wish List and a broad range of fundraising initiatives, the Parents’ Association can be counted on to deliver.

“In my experience, the people who volunteer on the Parents’ Association are extremely dedicated and give 110 per cent all the time,” says Leslie Frazer, president of the PA. “We also work closely with the administration,” she adds. “We coordinate with them, we have ongoing meetings and we really get to know each other. Whether it’s catering, parking, security, facilities, or other departments at the school, we all work together to realize the project or initiative in front of us.”  

In 2001, during the Building on Excellence campaign, generous support from the TFS Parents Association played a key role in the creation of La Terrasse. Over the years, as the student population grew to 1,500, and the kitchen team started preparing meals and snacks for West Campus, Jardin d’eveil Hafez and La p’tite école as well as the Junior School, it became evident that La Terrasse needed to grow.  The TFS Parents’ Association supported the initiative early on as the TFS Foundation launched the A Seat at the Table campaign to build a new food preparation area, enhance the servery, refurnish the cafeteria, and eliminate plastic containers and utensils. In 2021, the renovation of La Terrasse was complete. The result has been improved student food services, reduced crowding, and an enhanced eating - and food preparation - experience for all who work and learn at TFS.

The TFS Parents’ Association made another key contribution when a critical electrical upgrade was identified as a necessary improvement at the West Campus to allow for the installation of air conditioning in the building and lay the foundation for essential upgrades to the campus’ facilities, including a regulation-sized gymnasium in the near future that is a part of the TFS master plan. A generous gift of $50,000 from the Parents Association helped see the project through to completion while refurbishing the playground structure and shade cover for the West Campus’ youngest students as well. 

It is these contributions and so many more over the years that places the TFS Parents’ Association within every fibre of the school’s success, and points to the crucial role the association will continue to play in realizing future accomplishments. 

Frazer notes that, “getting to know the other parents of children in different grades, and really making those community connections that help you navigate the school and your child’s educational journey” helps drive and inspire the commitment of the PA. “Members of the PA care deeply about the school, and getting to see the smiles on children’s faces and a happy and engaged community makes it all worth it.”