Answers
Subjects
Questions?
To learn more about how you can support our future through “Can’t Wait!”, please contact:
Cathy Yanosik
TFS Foundation President
cyanosik@tfs.ca
Toronto Campus
How will the new auditorium and multi-media studio benefit students across different age groups and interests?
With more space comes more opportunities to prepare our students for the future. These state-of-the-art spaces are designed to develop essential skills like public speaking, self-expression and confidence, design thinking and effective communication — competencies that are critical for success in any field.
The auditorium and multi-media studio will give us new opportunities for collaboration and innovation across disciplines. Students of all ages and interests will use these versatile spaces to practice sharing their knowledge and ideas in original and impactful ways. These new spaces will help us ensure our students are equipped to think critically, express themselves clearly, and engage meaningfully with the world around them.
What technology comes with the auditorium and multi-media studio?
We’ve outfitted the new spaces with the industry-level equipment our students need to accelerate their learning across design, content creation, and digital and theatrical production.
The auditorium features a complete lighting system, grid and a professional-grade production booth where students can build lighting and sound designs with professional programming boards. We’ve also connected the auditorium’s sound system to the new music studio so our orchestra can join in productions as a live pit band.
The new multi-media studio has a full suite of digital production tools, including video and sound recording equipment and professional editing and mixing software.
How will the new design studio benefit students across age groups and interests?
The design studio will be a learning hub where students can dive into engineering, robotics, and applied mathematics. Junior and Senior school students will build on the TFS STEAM curriculum by bringing theory into practice.
Our younger grades will use this space to apply STEAM to project-driven lessons, such as learning code. Our older students will build on their application of science and math by using design thinking to prototype and refine their ideas. Our robotics teams can also use the new competition-sized space to build and test their winning creations.
What is a green lab, and how will TFS students use it?
A green lab is an innovative learning space outfitted with the tools and resources students need for hands-on learning with the natural sciences. TFS students will expand their understanding of biology, mathematics, physics, earth science and more with the added possibilities that the new TFS Green Lab offers. For example, Junior School students can use the lab to bring their outdoor science field lessons indoors for greater analysis and discovery. Senior School students can use the new lab space to get hands-on with live materials, while our Climate Action Teams will use the space as a hub for exciting initiatives with community experts.
How does the Wellness Center fit into the school’s overall approach to student health and well-being?
TFS takes a proactive approach to our student’s health and well-being. That means we have resources for when challenges arise and programming that helps students learn healthy habits to build their resilience and manage challenges with agency and confidence. This approach to health and well-being aligns with our strategic priority to help students thrive at TFS and beyond.
The new Wellness Centre brings all our health and well-being resources together in a central location. Students can access our full team of registered health professionals through the Centre. The added space also allows our team to expand programming for students, their families, staff and faculty.
When will the Toronto campus construction start and end?
Our goal is to start construction at the Toronto campus in the late fall of 2025. We anticipate opening L’Atelier in the summer of 2028.
How will construction impact regular school activities?
We’re pleased that the construction will have a limited impact on most school activities. This project adds to our footprint, so the construction won’t remove classrooms or spaces that force changes in student programming. Construction will primarily take place at the arrivals level of the campus, which helps us protect the soccer field and student play spaces at the back of the school. Students will still enjoy recess and outdoor activities throughout the construction.
Will the school change parking or school drop-off and pick-up locations during the construction?
Unfortunately, parking may be affected during construction. TFS is currently developing a plan with the construction manager to have the least amount of disruption during drop-off and pick-ups.
There will be no changes to parking for La p’tite école or Senior School. We are working on a plan to maintain the Junior School drop-offs with minimal changes.
West Campus
How will the new Athletic Wing benefit students across different age groups and interests?
The new Athletic Wing will advance our excellent West Campus athletics program by giving our athletes a regulation-sized space to practice and host home games and tournaments.
The new space will also expand the sports and activities available to students. The new space and storage will introduce students of all ages to a range of new potential activities. There will be something for everyone — students will expand their interests, increase their physical activity, and find new ways to build their health and confidence.
How will this space be different from our current facility?
The new regulation-sized gymnasium will be a significant upgrade from our existing facility. It will be nearly twice the size and open the door to hosting home games and tournaments. The new facility will also ensure our athletes practice in an appropriately sized space that doesn’t disadvantage them during away games.
The new changeroom and washroom facilities will also support larger events, and the wing’s new direct entrance will let us rent the space to community groups.
How will the new design studio benefit West Campus students across age groups and interests?
The West Campus Design Studio will be a learning hub where students can dive into engineering, robotics, and applied mathematics. Starting from Grade 2, students will build on the TFS STEAM curriculum by bringing theory into practice.
Our younger grades will use this space to apply STEAM to project-driven lessons, such as learning code. Our older students will build on their application of science and math by using design thinking to prototype, test, and refine their ideas.
When will the West Campus construction start and end?
We’re on track to start construction at the West Campus between December 2024 and March 2025. We anticipate opening the West Campus Athletic Wing in the winter of 2026.
How will construction impact the regular school activities?
We’re pleased that construction will have a limited impact on the school’s activities. Construction will happen at the far end of the campus, meaning that most classrooms won’t be affected. But we will reallocate three classrooms and some lockers and close the mini-gym after the 2024 winter break to accommodate the construction.
Our current science lab is next to the construction area, so students and faculty will hear construction activity when they are in this space. We ask for your patience and promise that we will do everything possible to limit disruption while in the lab.
Will the school make changes to parking or school drop-off and pick-up locations during the construction?
Unfortunately, parking will be affected during construction because we are losing the staff lot adjacent to the current gym. We will reallocate staff parking to the main lot and ask parents to find street parking if required for student drop-offs and pick-ups.
We know street parking can be a challenge. That’s why we’re talking with the City of Mississauga to see if it can give our parents some flexibility in parking on residential streets. We will inform everyone about street parking as we receive this information from the city.
THE TFS ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP
What are the requirements students have to meet for the TFS Entrance Scholarship?
TFS offers an enriched bilingual and academic program, so applicants must demonstrate strong academics and be motivated to learn or improve their French language skills. Applicants must also demonstrate community involvement and a significant financial need to qualify for the opportunity.
How are prospective students selected for the scholarship program?
The TFS Scholarship Committee selects recipients through a rigorous process. The committee reviews each applicant’s academic merit, community involvement and financial need. It also hosts interviews with candidates to learn about who they are and how their interests will thrive at TFS.
How does the TFS Entrance Scholarship Program benefit other TFS students?
The scholarship program benefits our entire community because it means there is one more gifted, kind and proactive student at TFS to teach, learn from and befriend.
Finances
Why does TFS need donations for these initiatives?
We rely on donations from our community to make this and other projects possible as we dedicate tuition fees to the school’s operational needs. That means essentials like faculty salaries and facility upkeep.
Significant new developments like this are funded through a combination of financing, planned operational surpluses and donations. Through philanthropic support we ensure that tuition is not impacted due to this extraordinary investment in the future of the school.
Will tuition be affected by this fundraising campaign?
No. This campaign does not impact our tuition fees.
Is there a recommended donation amount?
“Can’t Wait!” is a transformational campaign for TFS. We haven’t expanded our school’s footprint in more than 20 years or aimed to raise so much for our TFS Entrance Scholarship Program. So, we’re asking you to consider making a donation that’s personally meaningful to you and your family.
We appreciate all gifts from our community and gratefully recognize significant commitments that help our school thrive.
To learn how you can be part of this campaign, including recognition opportunities, please contact TFS Foundation President Cathy Yanosik at cyanosik@tfs.ca
Do donations qualify for a tax receipt?
Yes. All donations will receive an official charitable tax receipt for income tax purposes.
DONOR RECOGNITION
How will the school recognize donors?
We can thank donors through title naming and other recognition opportunities. Donations can also qualify you and your family to join Le cercle des philanthropes. To learn more about our recognition opportunities, please contact TFS Foundation President Cathy Yanosik at cyanosik@tfs.ca.
How will the TFS Foundation keep donors informed about the project’s progress?
The TFS Foundation will send campaign updates to all donors. Donors who contribute $25,000 or more will receive personalized reports from the TFS Foundation. Reports will reflect the progress of your supported projects or the impact made by your giving, such as contributions to our TFS Entrance Scholarship Program.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
How was sustainability considered in the capital projects?
CS&P Architecture factored in our school’s commitment to sustainability in all decisions. The plan replaces gas energy with greener electricity where possible, helping us lessen our carbon footprint. Architects also included more north-facing windows and used overhangs on south-facing glazings to help with temperature control. Our new green roof will also create more shade while helping with stormwater drainage.
Plans on each campus meet the City of Toronto’s green standard and, in some areas, exceed requirements to ensure the school remains in compliance as standards become more aggressive.
Can donations be made in honour of alumni, former teachers, or current students?
Yes. The TFS Foundation team will happily work with you and your family to honour anyone of your choosing appropriately with a pledge to the school.
