Parents’ Handbook 2011–2012
Table of Contents
TFS at a Glance
2
History of TFS
Locations
Administrative Structure
Range of Programs
Core Competencies
Goals of the School
Milestones
Alumni Association
Board of Directors
Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
TFS Foundation
Parents’ Association
Arrival and Dismissal
5
Arrival, Late Arrival and Absences
Dropping Off Students (Toronto)
Early Arrival
Late Pick Up
Dismissal
Picking Up Students
Athletics7
Birthdays8
Birthday Book Club
La p’tite école and Junior School8
Camps and Trips
8
Carpooling9
Cellular & Wireless Handheld Devices
9
Change of Address, Personal Data
9
Child Care Services
9
Hours
Lateness
Locations and Contact Information
Outings
Class Placements
10
Class Representatives (Parents)
10
Closing of the School
11
Co-Curricular Programs
11
La p’tite école, Junior School and
Mississauga
Senior School
Code of Conduct
12
Communicating to Parents
17
Communicating Your Concerns
17
Diplomas18
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Other Diplomas
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
Le Diplôme National du Brevet des Collèges
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Dogs
18
Examinations18
Excursion (Field Trips) Policy
18
Financial Assistance
18
Assistance from TFS for Enrolled Students
Bursaries Available for French Citizens
Accident Insurance
Guidance / Student Support
19
Harassment Policy Highlights
22
Health Issues
22
Accidents
Anaphylaxis Policy Highlights
Medical Form
Medication and Illness
Pediculosis Capitis
Holidays25
Homework25
Hours of Operation
26
Important Numbers
Back Cover
Information Technology
26
Language Policy
27
Library Information Centres
27
Location Maps
40
Lockers29
Lost and Found
29
Lunch Programs
29
Messages to Your Child
29
Mission Statement
Inside Back Cover
Money and Valuables
30
Parent Information Meetings
30
Parking30
Privacy Statement
31
Progressive Discipline
31
Religious/Cultural Observances
32
Policy Statement
Rent Our Facilities
33
Report Cards
33
Rules and Regulations
33
Safety and Security
35
Skating and Swimming Programs
35
Student Re-registration
36
Swimming for TFS Families
36
Textbooks and Supplies
36
TFS Shop
37
Uniforms37
Websites39
1
TFS, a pioneer in bilingual education in Canada, was founded in 1962
by Anna and Harry Giles. Classes began with just thirty students and two teachers.
Today, with approximately 1240 students and 150 faculty on two campuses,
we are one of Canada’s largest and most respected independent schools.
TFS At A Glance
Locations
Range of Programs
Our Toronto campus is situated on a 32-acre ravine
setting at 294, 296, 306 and 318 Lawrence Avenue
East and 101 Mildenhall Road (just west of Bayview
Avenue), and educates students from age 2 to
university entrance. Our Mississauga campus is
located at 1293 Meredith Avenue, just west of Dixie
Rd. and south of the QEW, and educates students
from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7.
The School currently operates programs from Jardin
d’éveil, age 2, to Pre-University, is inspected by the
Ontario Ministry of Education and accredited by the
Ministry of Education in France (PK to Grade 10) and
the International Baccalaureate Organization at the
Diploma level. Our introductory program, offered up to
Grade 7, effectively integrates students with little or no
previous knowledge of French into the regular program.
Administrative Structure
The Toronto campus features three branches:
La p’tite école for students from age 2 in Jardin d’eveil
to Grade 1, a Junior School for students from Grade 2
to Grade 5 and a Senior School for students from Grade
6 to university entrance. The Mississauga campus
offers programs from PK to Grade 7, and a significant
percentage of Mississauga graduates choose to
complete their secondary education at the Toronto
campus.
Each of the four branches is under the leadership of
an administrative team that includes:
La p’tite école
A Principal, Vice-Principal, Branch Administrator, Branch Assistant and Administrative Assistant
Junior School
A Principal, Vice-Principal, Branch Administrator, Branch Assistant and Educational/Administrative Assistant
Senior School
A Principal, two Vice-Principals and a
Branch Coordinator
Mississauga A Principal, Vice-Principal and a Branch Supervisor.
2
Core Competencies
Our enriched curriculum engages students in creative,
intellectual and physical activities while nurturing a
balance of skills and knowledge. The School offers
a varied and challenging academic and co-curricular
program designed to meet individual needs and
to promote personal development, leadership and
academic excellence. An international perspective
is an intrinsic aspect of our School’s philosophy.
Providing students with an expanded awareness of
other languages and cultures helps them understand
the world from different perspectives. We believe that
bilingualism affords our students greater opportunities
and better prepares them for an increasingly
multicultural world. Our teachers and staff have been
selected for their expertise in specific disciplines. They
reflect our global community, coming from many parts
of the world.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Goals of the School
Our students will:
• Achieve a high level of scholarship and fluency in both the English and French languages;
• Participate in and be guided to reach for the highest standards in intellectual, artistic and athletic endeavours;
• Learn to learn: that is, they will develop the capability to research, analyze, synthesize and use information;
Milestones
1962
TFS operates in leased premises with activities
scattered in community centres, office space and
church basements
1966
Mississauga campus opens
1971
Mildenhall building opens for High School students.
Since 1980, it has housed younger students
1981
Giles Hall, former residence of Sir Clifford Sifton,
opens to house High School students
1982
296 and 306 Lawrence Avenue East acquired,
giving TFS the three buildings on Lawrence Avenue
1983
Infant School opens at 296 and 306 Lawrence
Avenue East
1986
Giles Hall addition opens with new multi-purpose
room, classrooms, science laboratories, art and
music rooms
1990
TFS first became authorised to offer the IB Diploma
program in the 1990-1991 school year
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
• Become independent, creative thinkers, who are able to make decisions and judgments from a broad foundation of knowledge and experience;
• Be aware of and take responsibility for the environment and the community in which they live;
• Have the opportunity to prepare for the “Brevet des Collèges”, the French National Exam in Level II;
• Have the opportunity to prepare for the International Baccalaureate in Levels IV and V; and
• Have the opportunity to prepare for entry into the university of their choice.
1992
Purchase of Sheppard House at
294 Lawrence Avenue East
1995
Mississauga School purchased for
Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 7/8
2000
Master Site Plan approved
2003
Master Site Plan implemented, adding
100,000 sq. ft. of new facilities to the Mississauga
and Toronto campuses
2007
TFS celebrates its 45th anniversary
2008
TFS opens new Play & Sports Field at the
Toronto campus
2009
TFS opens outdoor Student Common at the
Mississauga campus
2010
TFS begins implementing the Primary Years
and Middle Years Programs of the International
Baccalaureate. A full transition to these new
programs is anticipated by 2013.
3
Alumni Association
Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
TFS has more than 2000 alumni (classes of ’75 to
’11). Each year the Alumni Association hosts chapter
events in several cities, and organizes an Annual Alumni
Reunion Weekend to honour those classes celebrating
their five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five and thirty-year
reunions. The Alumni Association meets on a regular
basis and supports School activities, including career
lunches for senior students, and judging debating
tournaments and science fairs. The President of the
Alumni Association sits on the School’s Board of
Directors in an ex-officio capacity.
The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations is
responsible for all charitable fundraising activities at
TFS, including the School’s Annual Fund program, major
and special gifts, donor recognition and stewardship.
The Office is also responsible for alumni relations
programs and events.
President: Andrew Graham (’91)
Board of Directors
The TFS Board of Directors, working with the
Headmaster, is responsible for overseeing our strategic
direction and the financial affairs of the School. It
is also responsible for appointing the Head. The
Headmaster supervises the day-to-day operations of
the School.
Comprised of 15 elected members and three ex-officio
members (the President of the Parents’ Association,
the President of the Alumni Association and the Chair
of the TFS Foundation), the Board of Directors is
supported by several Committees. Information about
the Board, its members and specific committees can
be found on the branch websites (see page 39 for
exact addresses) under Contact Us.
If you would like to contact the Board of Directors,
please direct your inquiry to Julia Miguel, Secretary to
the Board of Directors, at jmiguel@tfs.ca. You can also
reach the Board at board@tfs.ca.
Contact:
Sarah Robertson
Executive Director of Advancement and
Alumni Relations
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4296 srobertson@tfs.ca
Denise Buchanan
Development Officer
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4244 dbuchanan@tfs.ca
Stefanie Hopf
Development Officer
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4302 shopf@tfs.ca
Verle Thompson
Alumni Relations Coordinator
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4246 vthompson@tfs.ca
TFS Foundation
The mission of the TFS Foundation is to promote
philanthropy in the community and to receive all charitable
donations to TFS. The TFS Foundation is also responsible
for the investment and stewardship of all endowed gifts.
The Foundation focuses on increasing the endowment
to finance worthy initiatives, including but not limited to
bursaries and awards. Over time, it aims to significantly
increase endowment levels so that the School can offer
greater levels of financial assistance to students and their
families. The Foundation also receives the proceeds from
the TFS Shop, which go to support the School’s programs.
Chair: Lynn Miller
Contact:
Sarah Robertson
Executive Director of Advancement and
Alumni Relations
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4296 srobertson@tfs.ca
4
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Parents’ Association
All parents and guardians of children at TFS are
members of the Association and are welcome to
attend monthly general meetings of the PA Council.
The Association’s main functions are to raise funds
to purchase educational materials through a Wish List
program and other special initiatives; to support the
many divisional and school activities; and to assist in
communications between parents and staff. The PA
works to enhance the sense of community through
such fundraising activities as Pizza Lunch, Fun Fair,
etc.
Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival, Late Arrival and Absences
To see the detailed hours of operation by branch,
please see the “Hours of Operation” section of this
Handbook.
La p’tite école, Junior School & Mississauga
We encourage children to develop a sense of
responsibility for arriving on time. Important
information and instructions are often given at the
beginning of the day by the homeroom teacher. After
9:15 a.m., the office will telephone the parent/
guardian if a student has not arrived at school.
Parents (or a designated caregiver) should accompany
younger children to the classroom, but once
students are familiar with the premises they should
be progressively encouraged to enter the buildings
unaccompanied.
If you expect your child to be late or absent, please be
sure to notify your Branch Office before 9:00 a.m.
La p’tite école
JE to Gr. 1
Junior School
Gr. 2 to Gr. 5
Mississauga
PK to Gr. 7
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4808
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4800
(905) 278-6402 ext. 221
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
The TFS PA Council comprises an Executive Committee
and Standing Committees of parents dedicated to
helping the School. The President of the Association sits
on the TFS Board of Directors in an ex-officio capacity.
At the start of the school year, the PA sends out
an orientation package to each family that includes
information on all meeting dates, events, committees
and contact information for all PA Council members.
Much of this information is also available on the branch
websites, under Parents’ Association. The PA is entirely
volunteer driven and your participation is essential to our
success. Please join us on the PA Council; new members
are always welcome!
Contact: parents@tfs.ca (416) 484-6980 ext. 4256
When late or returning to school after a short absence
(doctor’s appointment, etc.), students need to report
to the Branch Office. Toronto students in Grades 3 to
5 have their agendas signed by the Office.
Whenever possible, please make appointments
outside class hours. If unavoidable, please make sure
that your child brings a note for his/her homeroom
teacher. All students must check with the Branch
Office before leaving and upon returning during the
day. We ask parents not to schedule holidays that
result in children missing school time.
Senior School
Gr. 6 to Level V
If a student is going to be absent from school, or late
in the morning owing to illness or other valid reasons,
please notify the Senior School Attendance Office at:
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4212
or studentabsences@tfs.ca
Senior School students, arriving after peak arrival
times, will require their access card to gain entry to
the building. Students arriving late must check in at
the Attendance Office before proceeding to class.
There are consequences for students accumulating
lates without valid reasons.
5
Dropping Off Students (Toronto)
Senior School
Students arriving or departing by TTC should cross
Lawrence Avenue with the crossing guard at the corner
of Mildenhall Road or at the 318 Lawrence traffic
light. When on foot, students should use the campus
walkways. When coming or going by car, they should
enter and leave from the side of the car closest to
the walkway. Under no circumstances should students
walk between parked cars or cross driveways! If a child
is arriving in a taxi, the taxi driver should bring the
child to the Branch Office.
Students should not arrive on the premises before
8:00 a.m. as there is no supervision, unless they are
participating in a supervised School activity. At the
end of the day, Grade 6 and 7 students who are not
in supervised activities and are still at School at 4:30
p.m. will be taken to the Child Care (Étude). Parents
are billed on their TFS account.
Early Arrival
La p’tite école, Junior School & Mississauga
Our main concern is student safety. Students should
not arrive on the premises before 8:15 a.m. when
supervision begins (8:30 a.m. for Jardin d’éveil –
Grade 1 in Toronto), or stay after 4:00 p.m., unless
they are involved in a supervised program. It is
imperative that younger children not be left alone in
school buildings or on school grounds. If you arrive
early, please stay with your child until class time, or
until supervision is provided. Children are not allowed
in the classroom before the teacher arrives.
Late Pick up
La p’tite école, Junior School & Mississauga
After 4:00 p.m., students left unattended are taken
to Child Care, with accompanying fees applied to
the monthly bill. However, to accommodate parents,
supervision at the Junior School is available until
4:15 p.m. for children who have siblings at the Senior
School. This service is free of charge but parents must
register for it at the Branch Office.
Dismissal
As teachers must concentrate fully on ensuring the
children’s safety, we ask you not to converse at
length with the teachers on duty at dismissal time. If
discussion with the teacher is required, please arrange
an appointment.
Picking Up Students
When picking up students after school, please do
not double-park your car and leave it unattended.
Parents picking up their children after 4:00 p.m.
will, where appropriate, ring the doorbell. After
identifying themselves (to the supervising monitor)
via the intercom, parents will be granted entry and
can proceed to their child’s after-hours care-room.
Students should be picked up promptly after any
after-school co-curricular activity. If parents are not
waiting, students will be taken to Child Care, with
accompanying fees applied to the monthly bill.
For any last-minute changes regarding pickup, call the
Branch Office before 3:00 p.m.
– Do not leave urgent messages on voice mail;
– Speak directly to a member of the office staff.
Junior School students who need to walk to the Senior
School should be accompanied by an adult.
6
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Athletics
Athletics are an integral component of life at TFS.
Physical and Health Education are part of the regular
curriculum up to Level II, after which it becomes
optional. Intramural and co-curricular activities
complement this strong physical and health education
program.
TFS continues to expand its co-curricular selections.
A partnership with Zodiac Swim School &
Specialty Camps enables TFS to offer access to a
comprehensive program of after-school swimming
instruction, as well as access to specialized camps
during school breaks and summer.
The TFS Cougars athletic program encompasses more
than 40 competitive sports teams across the two
campuses, at a variety of age group levels. Teams
usually practice twice a week and play against teams
from other independent schools.
TFS is a member of the provincial Conference of
Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA)
and competes for championships in a wide variety of
sports. TFS Mississauga students compete mainly in
competitions organized by the Private School Athletic
Association (PSAA) in Peel region.
The TFS Sports Philosophy
TFS believes in the importance of fostering our
students’ social and emotional development
through balanced participation in competitive sport.
We encourage our students to participate in both
recreational and competitive athletic endeavors as part
of their education at TFS.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
As a member of the CISAA (Conference of Independent
Schools Athletic Association), and the Peel-regional
PSAA (Private School Athletic Association), we compete
with other schools in these leagues in three distinct
athletic seasons per year. In order to reduce the
amount of missed class time and to avoid scheduling
conflicts, student-athletes in Toronto are generally
permitted to participate on only one competitive team
each term.
Prior to the start of each season, a period of tryouts
will be held to select eligible athletes for each team.
A limited number of places are available on each
team. Selected members are expected to attend
all practices and matches for the entire season.
A schedule of practice times and matches will be
provided to members when the team list has been
finalized.
Due to the competitive nature of the program, the
coach may be unable to guarantee equal playing time
for all participants. Where applicable, a coach may
explicitly offer additional players the opportunity to
assume the role of “developmental players” rather
than being cut from the team. Developmental players
will have the opportunity to continue to practice
with the team, with the understanding that they will
participate in practices only, may attend home games
that do not require them to miss classes and will not
miss class time to travel with the team.
Our sports program has experienced tremendous and
encouraging growth over the past few years. To ensure
fairness and the broadest possible participation of
TFS students, we will continue to review our rules
governing team membership and participation annually.
7
Competitive Sports Teams 2011 – 2012
Toronto Campus:
Autumn 2011
Girls’ Basketball
Senior (Level IV & V)
Junior (Level II & III)
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level I)
Under 12 (Gr. 6)
Under 11 (Gr. 4 & 5)
Boys’ Soccer
Senior (Level IV & V)
Junior (Level I – III)
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level I)
Under 12 (Gr. 6)
Co-ed Soccer
Under 11 (Gr. 5)
Under 10 (Gr. 4)
Girls’ Swimming
Under 14 (Gr. 5 – Level V)
Co-ed Cross Country Running
Under 14 (Gr. 4 – Level I)
Mississauga Campus:*
Winter 2011-2012
Spring 2012
Autumn 2011
Boys’ Basketball
Senior (Level IV & V)
Junior (Level I – III)
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level I)
Under 12 (Gr. 6)
Under 11 (Gr. 5)
Under 10 (Gr. 4)
Girls’ Soccer
Junior (Level II & III)
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level I)
Soccer Under 12 Boys
Soccer Under 12 Girls
Cross Country Under 10 to
Under 13 Co-ed
Girls’ Volleyball
Senior (Level IV & V)
Junior (Level I – III)
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level I)
Under 12 (Gr. 6)
Under 11 (Gr. 4 & 5)
Swimming
Senior Co-ed (Level II – V)
Junior Co-ed (Gr. 4 – Level I)
Gymnastics
Artistic (Gr. 6 – Level V)
Rhythmic (Gr. 6 – Level V)
Curling
Senior Co-ed (Level II – V)
Hockey
Under 14 (Gr. 7 & Level 1)
Under 12 (Gr. 4 – 6)
Birthdays
Birthday invitations should be sent by mail unless
the entire class (or all the boys, or all the girls) is
being invited. Only in this circumstance is distribution
at school acceptable. Please make arrangements
with the teacher when sending a cake to class, and
remember that all treats must be peanut and nut-free,
and not homemade (see nut-restricted policy). Candles
and sparklers are not permitted.
BIRTHDAY Book Club
(la p’tite ÉCOLE
& Junior School)
The Parents’ Association invites all parents to have
their child join the Birthday Book Club. As a member
of this club, the child (on the occasion of his or her
8
Boys’ Badminton
Junior (Level II & III)
Under 14 (Gr. 6 – Level I)
Softball
Under 14 (Gr. 6 – Level I)
Tennis
Junior Boys (Level II & III)
Under 14 Boys (Gr. 6 – Level I)
Junior Girls (Level II & III)
Under 14 Girls (Gr. 6 – Level I)
Track & Field
Senior Co-ed (Level II – V)
Junior Co-ed (Gr. 4 – Level I)
Ultimate Frisbee
Senior Co-ed (Level I – V)
Winter 2011-2012
Swim Under 10 to Under 13
Co-ed
Basketball Under 12 Boys
Basketball Under 12 Girls
Floor Hockey Under 12 Boys
Floor Hockey Under 12 Girls
Spring 2012
Track & Field Under 10 to
Under 13 Co-ed
Softball Under 12 Boys
Softball Under 12 Girls
Softball Under 13 Open
* Other teams may be added
to this list as the school year
begins.
birthday) will receive a new book from the librarian’s
collection and bring this book home for a one-week
period. After this time, the book is returned and
remains the property of the library. Inside the book will
be a book plate, indicating that the book was given to
the library in honour of your child’s birth date, with his
or her name specified.
Camps AND TRIPS
Traditionally, we offer an offsite overnight excursion to
Grade 4, 5, 6 and 7 students. These activities have
always been both popular and successful; they allow
our students to mix with their peers and teachers
in a non-academic environment, and further develop
their social skills in an enjoyable setting. In Grade 4,
all students join in on a two-day trip into the Niagara
region, where they tour and participate in live
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
examples of economics and industry, history and
the arts. All Grade 5 students attend Bark Lake, a
popular four-day leadership camp in Haliburton. All
Grade 6 students enjoy a visit to Montreal where
they learn about history and practice their French. All
Grade 7 students attend an outdoor education camp
where they participate in team-building and leadership
activities, in a French-language environment.
Levels I, II and III have the opportunity to enjoy Outward
Bound programs and optional trips to New York, France
and South America.
CARPOOLING
Each year, some parents ask TFS staff for help setting
up carpools, to make it easier for them to get their
children to and from school safely.
TFS encourages carpooling as part of our commitment
to a sustainable environment and is therefore pleased
to offer a web-based service to assist parents and
staff in coordinating carpools to and from both of our
campuses. The secure, third-party system,
www.carpoolworld.com, provides matches between
families with similar travel requirements.
By entering information about where you live and
your travel objectives, you will be able to find families
travelling to and from close neighbourhoods and at
certain dates and/or times. The site will alert you via
email if there is a match, and explain how to connect
to work out the details.
If you are interested in using the system, please send
a request to communique@tfs.ca specifying which
campus you would like to arrange travel for and we
will send you the password you need to access the
system.
cellular & Wireless
handheld Devices
We ask that adults and students demonstrate courtesy
and good judgement in their cell phone usage and
adhere to the following guidelines:
1) Cell phones and other handheld electronic devices
are to be turned off and not used during class time,
unless otherwise specified (this includes classes,
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
assemblies, and concerts or other special events).
This will minimize disruptions and ensure that teachers
have the students’ full attention.
In case of emergency, parents can communicate
with their child (children) via the School’s operator or
Branch Office. Students can ask to call their parents
from the School’s office.
2) Cell phones and other handheld communication
devices are strictly forbidden in test or exam rooms,
unless otherwise specified. Students are asked to
keep these items in their lockers.
3) No pictures or videos are to be taken with cell
phones or other handheld devices without the
subjects’ explicit consent.
4) The use of cell phones is strictly forbidden in
washrooms, change rooms, and the pool area.
Change of Address, Personal
Data
It is important to ensure that the School can contact
you at all times. Please notify your child’s Branch
Office in writing about any changes with respect to
address, telephone numbers (including business numbers
and emergency numbers), email addresses and any other
relevant personal data as soon as these changes are
known.
If both parents leave the Metropolitan Toronto area, we
need to know who is responsible for the child(ren) and the
School must be given written notification in advance.
Child Care Services
The Child Care Services of TFS offer the following
programs for students in Jardin d’éveil – Grade 7:
• Child Care to complement Jardin d’éveil and Pre-Kindergarten programs in Toronto;
• Before and after school Child Care;
• Étude (supervised study) for students in Grades 1
to 7; and
• Child Care on Professional Development (PD) days, for Grades 1 to 5 only.
All of our programs are available on a yearly or casual
(as-needed) basis. Applications for full year service
9
should be completed at the time of registration for new
and returning students. Parents may opt to register
for a full year program, five days a week. Alternately,
parents may opt to register for specific days of the
week, from one to four days.
Applications on a casual basis can be arranged by
filling in an “Application for Temporary Child Care
Service” form, available from a Child Care employee
or from your child’s Branch Office. Child Care must be
informed 48 hours in advance every time a child will be
using the Child Care service.
Payment for full year service should be made at the
time of re-registration. Temporary Child Care services
will be billed to your account. It is vital that all pertinent
information, such as allergies, emergency telephone
numbers and names of persons allowed to pick up the
child be given at the time of registration.
Hours
The hours of operation during regular school terms are:
Early Morning 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Early Afternoon/Étude
3:30 p.m.* – 5:00 p.m.
Late Afternoon/Extended Étude 3:30 p.m.* – 6:00 p.m.
* 3:40 p.m. in Mississauga
Lateness
We expect parents to pick up children on time. Lateness
in collecting your child will result in an extra charge as well
as a review of your child’s status in the Child Care. For any
information regarding the programs, please contact your
Branch Office or Child Care staff.
Locations and Contact Information
If you would like to contact the Child Care department
to discuss a change in pick-up, emergency, delay etc.
please use the following numbers:
La p’tite école (294 Lawrence and/or 101 Mildenhall)
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact the Branch Office from 8:00 a.m. until 4:45 p.m.:
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4305
Contact the Child Care directly after 4:45 p.m.:
(416) 484-6533
Junior School (296 Lawrence)
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Contact the Branch Office from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.:
10
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4282
Contact the Child Care directly after 5:00 p.m.:
(416) 484-6980 ext. 4239
Mississauga (1293 Meredith)
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(905) 278-7243 ext. 222
Senior School (318 Lawrence)
Étude Only (Grade 6 & 7)
Hours: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(416) 484-6980, ext. 4212
Outings
Children must pre-register for Child Care scheduled
outings. Permission forms must be signed in advance
of each field trip and handed in to Child Care staff.
It is important that parents respect the deadline for
registration.
Class PLACEMENTs
At the end of each school year, teachers, Principals
and/or timetabling Vice-Principals place students from
JK to Level V in classes for September. Many factors
are taken into consideration, including individual needs
and characteristics, group dynamics, date of birth,
academics, course selections and gender balance. The
central focus throughout this process is the academic,
social and emotional well-being of our students. Given
the thoroughness, fairness and complexity of the
class placement process, the School is not able to
accommodate parent requests for specific teachers.
Class Representatives
(Parents)
Class Representatives play a key role in the School,
providing an important link between parents, teachers
and the Parents’ Association. Without their help, a
number of class activities would not be possible. Class
Representatives coordinate activities and respond
to the special needs of a class at the request of the
teachers, as well as consult with the Branch Office.
They also play a role in the communication process by
directing parents to the correct channels for answers to
their questions or concerns.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Closing of the School
Senior School
The School remains open at all times, barring a general
power failure or other condition that would make
it unsafe to operate. In the case of a snowstorm,
please call the School to pick up a general message
or tune into the following local radio stations for
information: CJBC, CFRB, CP24 Radio 1050, CHUM-FM,
and 680 NEWS. Use your own discretion as to whether
you should send your child to school. Emergency
messages will also be sent via email.
We offer a variety of activities tailored to the needs of
senior students. The selection varies somewhat each
year, but the following are some examples:
• Assemblies – held regularly, giving students an
opportunity to learn about upcoming events, as well
as the activities of clubs and teams. They also provide
students with an opportunity to acknowledge peers for
outstanding contributions and achievements and to
hear guest speakers.
• Clubs – our students donate their time to a variety of
worthy causes, such as Globe (environmental issues),
Outreach (community service), etc. There are also
numerous other special interest clubs students can join
including writing, language clubs, classics, War Child
and opera. These clubs often organize major school
events like the Talent Show, Fashion Show and Dance
Show, benefitting chosen non-profit organizations.
• Debating – our Debating team has a strong reputation.
Junior and senior teams perform in the Fulford
debates and compete many times a year against other
independent and public schools. We send different
competitors to each debate.
• Model United Nations – this is an active club which has
sent delegates to various seminars and competitions
in Toronto, at Yale University and at the United Nations
in New York. Younger students may get involved
but generally the out-of-town seminars involve older
students.
• Drama – we launch one major drama production each
year, as well as numerous shorter drama productions.
• Music – our co-curricular programs include Choir, Wind
and String Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and Guitar
Club. Groups rehearse at lunch and after school. Our
music ensembles compete at the Kiwanis Festival and
at the Ontario Band Association.
• Science Fair – this involves Grade 7 students, and
gives them the opportunity to move from school to area
to provincial to national competitions.
Co-curricular Programs
La p’tite école, Junior School
and TFS Mississauga
Activities
We offer many activities, clubs and workshops to appeal
to various student interests, depending on the grade
and branch. These include sports, choirs, instrument
ensembles, and activities such as chess, environment
club, visual arts and drama workshops, to name just a
few. There are also various recreational and competitive
sports that add a dimension to the learning experience
and heighten student interest while fostering personal
development. A calendar of activities and registration
forms are sent home at the beginning of each term.
Parents are also welcome to conduct an activity for a
term if they so wish!
Outings
To ensure the success of the many activities offered,
the School relies on volunteers. Parent participation
in field trips, sports and special events is greatly
appreciated and we try to give each parent a chance to
participate. When on an outing, volunteers are reminded
that the teacher has primary responsibility; they are
not to bring younger children with them when they
accompany the group; are to follow all instructions; are
not to buy food or drinks for any group they accompany;
and are requested not to talk on their cellular phones.
The School has a relationship with Zodiac Swim School and Zodiac Swim & Specialty Camps.
This arrangement enables us to offer our students and the TFS community access to a comprehensive
program of swimming instruction after school, and specialized camps during some school breaks. If you have
questions for Zodiac, they can be reached at 416-789-1989 or ellen@zodiaccamp.on.ca.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
11
• Math Contests – students in each grade level have
the opportunity to write major national exams and are
frequently recognized for their excellent performance.
• Publications – students can choose to get involved with
the school newspaper (Limited Edition) and the Yearbook
(Réflections).
• English and French Speaking Competitions – as a
bilingual school, TFS provides significant public speaking
experiences, such as our annual Verse and Prose
(English) and Art Oratoire (French) competitions.
• Social Events – there are several School Dances, held
Fridays from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. Once a year, the
student leaders organize a Spirit Week for all Levels.
House Heads students and WEB leaders organize
Orientation Day Activities for students new to the Senior
School.
• Outward Bound (Level I – III) – students in Level I
to III have an opportunity to participate in a four-day
backpacking or five-day winter camping expedition course
through Outward Bound. Each course emphasizes teambuilding and leadership skills through outdoor adventure.
• Conseil des Délégués (Grade 6 – 7) – members from
each Toronto Grade 6 & 7 class are elected by students
and the group:
• acts as a liaison between students, teachers and the
administration;
• meets weekly with teachers to work on their agenda;
•contributes to the life of the school community;
•suggests and plans events and campaigns, e.g.,
fundraising; and
•contributes to assemblies.
• Prefect Council – elected and selected by students and staff, these student leaders head most of the major
clubs and student organizations at the Senior School.
They meet regularly for leadership training and planning
of events. The 16 positions are filled by Level IV and V
students.
• Student Council (Level I – V) – elected by students, the
Student Council plans major events to enhance student
life and works with the school administration to address
issues of importance to the school community.
• Sports – students are encouraged to participate on
recreational teams, and to try out for the competitive
teams that compete against other Conference of
Independent Schools teams from across the province.
(See also the Athletics section in this Handbook).
• WEB – Where Everybody Belongs is the peer mentorship
program led by selected Level I and II students who
welcome new students to the Senior School with special
activities on Orientation Day and throughout the school
year. The WEB Leaders undergo specific leadership
training to prepare them for this important role.
Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct is consistent with the recently
revised Ontario Schools Code of Conduct issued by the
Ministry of Education.
TFS promotes French within a bilingual environment and
French is the first language of communication at the
School. All students are expected to speak French or
English, whenever it is appropriate.
As an IB World School, TFS is committed to a Code of
Conduct which reflects the values and attributes of the
International Baccalaureate Learner Profile.
The aim of all IB programs is to develop internationallyminded people who, recognizing their common humanity
and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a
better and more peaceful world.
12
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
Reflective
As members of the TFS learning community, we are
committed to the ongoing development of these
characteristics in ourselves and others. We are all
teachers and learners in this pursuit.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
TFS promotes responsibility, respect, civility and
academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching
environment. All members of the school community
share responsibility for creating and maintaining a
climate in which everyone feels safe, comfortable,
accepted and supported.
TFS is committed to the promotion of strategies and
initiatives, along with the employment of prevention
and intervention strategies, which foster a positive
school climate that supports academic achievement
for all students.
Responsible citizenship involves positive participation
in the life of the school community. Active and
engaged citizens are aware of their rights and they
accept responsibility for protecting their rights and the
rights of others.
1. Standards of Behaviour
By enrolling at TFS, students, their parents and
caregivers automatically assume the obligation to
accept the spirit of the Code of Conduct and to
comply with its provisions. Central to the Code of
Conduct is the understanding that students will follow
certain standards of behaviour. Self-discipline and a
willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions
and conduct are fundamental to the Code of Conduct.
Respect, Civility and Responsible Citizenship
All members of the school community must:
•Respect and comply with all applicable federal,
provincial and municipal laws;
•Demonstrate honesty and integrity;
•Respect differences in people, their ideas and their
opinions;
•Treat one another with dignity and respect at all
times, and especially when there is disagreement;
•Respect and treat others fairly regardless of, for
example, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour,
ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, age or disability;
•Use appropriate, polite language;
•Show proper care and regard for school property and
the property of others;
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
•Demonstrate respect for both the School and global
environment;
•Take appropriate measures to help those in need;
•Seek assistance from a member of the school staff,
if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully;
•Respect all members of the school community;
•Follow the direction of persons in positions of
authority; and
•Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching.
Safety
All members of the school community must:
•Obey traffic rules when arriving, leaving and while on
school property;
•Wear helmets when rollerblading, skateboarding or
bicycling to school;
•Respect the “nut restricted” status of the School;
and
•Refrain from running and playing tag inside the
school buildings.
All members of the school community must not:
•Engage in bullying or cyberbullying behaviours;
•Commit physical or sexual assault;
•Be in possession of any weapon or illegal drugs;
•Traffic weapons or illegal drugs;
•Commit theft or robbery;
•Use any object to threaten or intimidate another
person;
•Cause injury to any person with an object;
•Be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or
provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs;
•Encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another
person;
•Engage in hate propaganda in person or
electronically or engage in other forms of behaviour
motivated by hate or bias; and
•Commit an act of vandalism that causes damage to
personal or school property, to property located on
the premises of the School or the property of others.
The TFS standards of behaviour apply to all members
of the school community, including students, parents,
caregivers, guardians, teachers or other school staff
members, board members, volunteers and visitors.
13
2. Application of Standards of Behavior
Toronto French School
The standards of behaviour apply:
• On school property, including at lunch and recess;
• While travelling on a school bus that is owned by
TFS or that is under contract to TFS;
• During TFS in-school and out-of-school sports
activities;
• On school-sponsored trips and excursions;
• During off-site TFS-sponsored activities; or
• In circumstances where engaging in an activity
in person or electronically could have a negative
impact on the school climate.
TFS will provide direction to students and staff in all
branches to ensure opportunity, academic excellence
and accountability in the educational system. It is the
responsibility of TFS to:
3. Responsibility of a Bystander
The responsibilities of a bystander apply to all
members of the school community, including students,
parents, caregivers, guardians, teachers or other
school staff members, board members, volunteers and
visitors.
TFS is committed to providing a healthy school
environment that is nurturing, caring and respectful of
everyone. TFS expects that students will demonstrate
a high degree of personal and social responsibility in
their actions and behaviours.
If a student has been bullied, intimidated, threatened
or assaulted, or has witnessed such, he/she is
expected to report the incident to an adult at the
School so that school authorities can investigate and
take appropriate action.
Incidents that students report will remain confidential
unless there is a greater safety issue.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
The TFS Code of Conduct recognizes that all members
of the school community have an obligation to
comply with the standards of behaviour outlined
in this policy. TFS expects parents and caregivers,
students, teachers and other staff members to work in
partnership to ensure positive outcomes for students.
Each member of the School community has the
following roles and responsibilities:
14
•Establish a process that clearly communicates the
TFS Code of Conduct to all parents, caregivers,
students, staff members and members of the school
community, in order to obtain their commitment and
support;
•Employ effective intervention strategies and respond
to all infractions related to the standards for
respect, civility, responsible citizenship and safety;
•Provide opportunities for all of the staff to acquire
the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to
develop and maintain academic excellence in a safe
learning and teaching environment; and
•Ensure that all branches collaborate to provide
co-ordinated prevention and intervention programs
and services.
Head of School
Under the direction of TFS, the Head of School will
take a leadership role in promoting and publicizing the
Code of Conduct within the school community.
It is the responsibility of the Head to:
• Model and promote the attributes of the IB Learner
Profile;
• Review the Code of Conduct regularly with school
administrative staff;
• Seek input on the Code of Conduct from the Board
of Directors, parents, caregivers, students, staff
members and the school community;
• Develop policies that set out how TFS will implement
and enforce its Code of Conduct and other rules that
promote and support respect, civility, responsible
citizenship and safety;
• Act as adjudicator with respect to the suspension
review and expulsion determination processes;
• Report annually to the Board on the Code’s
implementation and effectiveness; and
• Monitor TFS’ compliance with and enforcement of
the Code of Conduct.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Principals and Vice-Principals
Under the direction of the Head, Principals and VicePrincipals take a leadership role in the daily operation
of the School, maintain order in the School and
are expected to hold everyone to a high standard
of respectful and responsible behaviour. It is the
responsibility of the Principals and Vice-Principals to:
• Model and promote the attributes of the IB Learner
Profile;
• Demonstrate care for the school community and
a commitment to academic excellence in a safe
teaching and learning environment;
• Review the Code of Conduct regularly with students
and staff, parents and caregivers, volunteers and
the community;
• Hold everyone under their authority accountable for
their behaviour and actions;
• Empower students to be positive leaders in their
school and community;
• Communicate regularly and meaningfully with all
members of their school community;
• Be an example of respect and civility for all
members of the school community; and
• Establish and maintain consistent disciplinary
practices in the School.
Teachers and Other School Staff Members
Under the leadership of the Head, Principals and VicePrincipals, teachers and other school staff members
maintain order in the School and are expected to
hold everyone to a high standard of respectful and
responsible behaviour. It is the responsibility of
teachers and other school staff members to:
•Model and promote the attributes of the IB Learner
Profile;
•Intervene promptly and appropriately to address
incidents as they occur in the classroom and on the
playground;
•Assist the Principal and Vice-Principals by reporting
incidents and assisting the principal and viceprincipals in conducting an investigation.
•Help students work to their full potential and
develop their sense of self-worth;
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
•Empower students to be positive leaders in their
classroom, school and community;
•Communicate regularly and meaningfully with
parents and caregivers;
•Assist the Principal and Vice-Principals in
maintaining close co-operation with the school
community;
•Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all
students;
•Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents
and caregivers, volunteers and members of the
school community;
•Prepare students for the full responsibility of
citizenship; and
• Be an example of respect and civility for all
members of the school community.
Students
Students are to be treated with respect and dignity. In
return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves,
for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship
through acceptable behaviour. It is the responsibility of
students to:
•Model and promote the attributes of the IB Learner
Profile;
•Come to school prepared, on time and ready to
learn;
•Show respect for themselves, for others and for
those in authority;
•Refrain from bringing anything to school that may
compromise the safety of others;
•Follow the established rules and take responsibility
for their own actions;
•Comply with the TFS school uniform policy;
•Exercise self-discipline;
•Accept such discipline as would be exercised by a
kind, firm and judicious parent;
•Be courteous to fellow pupils and obedient and
courteous to teachers;
•Show respect for school property; and
•Understand and comply with the TFS Code of
Conduct and school rules.
15
Parents and Caregivers
Parents and caregivers play an important role in the
education of their children and have a responsibility
to support the efforts of school staff in maintaining
a safe and respectful learning environment for all
students. TFS expects parents and caregivers to:
•Model and promote the attributes of the IB Learner
Profile;
•Show an active interest in their children’s school
work and progress;
•Communicate regularly with the School;
•Help their child be neat, dressed in the TFS uniform
and prepared for school;
•Ensure that their child attends school regularly and
on time;
•Promptly report to the School their child’s absence
or late arrival;
•Show that they are familiar with the TFS Code of
Conduct and school rules;
•Encourage and assist their child in following the
rules of behaviour; and
•Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues
involving their child.
5. Sanctions
The range of sanctions that TFS will apply to offences
includes:
•Temporary or permanent removal from a school
activity, special program or recess to complete
work or a special assignment as designated by the
teacher;
•Detention;
•Removal from class for a period of time;
•Community service;
•In-school suspension;
•Formal suspension from school for one school
day and no more than 20 school days. In these
instances, conditions to return to school will be
discussed with parents and caregivers and students
in accordance with the school policy; and/or
•Expulsion from school.
16
The School reserves the right to expel a student when
the continued attendance of that student would not
be in the best interests of that student or the School.
The School also reserves the right to expel a student
when his/her behaviour seriously jeopardizes the
School’s ability to guarantee the dignity and safety
of its students, interferes with learning or involves
conduct which is injurious to the School’s moral tone
or to the physical or mental well-being of others. In
these circumstances, the School will make reasonable
efforts to assist the student’s family in securing
suitable alternative education arrangements.
Process & Procedure
In determining whether an offence has been
committed and what sanction should be applied, TFS
will employ procedures that:
• Reflect the severity of the alleged offence;
• Ensure that a student and his/her parents and
caregivers are aware of the complaint against the
student;
• Ensure that a student and his/her parents and
caregivers have the opportunity to present fully and
fairly their version of events and explanation and
to have these taken into account by the decisionmaker; and
• Ensure that the decisions will be made in a fair and
impartial way.
6. Review
The TFS Code of Conduct will be reviewed for possible
revisions every three years. TFS will continue to
solicit input from the Board of Directors, parents and
caregivers, staff and students in the review process.
(See also “Rules & Regulations” on page 33,
“Harassment Policy Highlights” on page 22 and
“Progressive Discipline” on page 31.)
Please note, all students are also expected to abide by
the Acceptable Use Policy regarding the use of
technology at TFS.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
COMMUNICATING TO PARENTS
Other Branch-level Communications
TFS has moved to school-wide digital communications
to share news and information quickly and efficiently
with all members of the TFS community.
Each branch sends out regular email and mailings
specific to the activities of that branch. The weekly email
communication serves as the main communication
vehicle between the branch and parents.
Email
Please ensure that we always have your current email
address as we have substantially reduced paper
communication. To advise us of any email address
changes, simply email us at communique@tfs.ca
Branch Websites
Each branch has its own Communiqué website to
enhance teaching and learning and ensure that
parents are better connected to the classroom.
The website addresses by branch are:
La p’tite école: http://pe.tfs.ca
Junior School: http://jr.tfs.ca
Mississauga campus: http://mis.tfs.ca
Senior School: http://sr.tfs.ca
Content includes an online calendar, branch news,
specific announcements by grade, and school–wide
news stories and photos. You are also able to search
the library, access key resources and see what’s on
the lunch menu.
The branch websites also include a list of teachers
for that particular branch. Each teacher has a
corresponding web page, where you will find
information about your child’s class, homework and
relevant links. These web pages are designed as the
primary vehicle for communication with parents.
We expect parents, at a minimum, to visit the
branch websites weekly, in order to stay connected
to school news and branch-specific information.
Emergency messages, such as snow days, will also be
communicated on the branch websites to provide quick
access to vital information when needed.
At La p’tite école and the Junior School, Courrier
envelopes are sent home on Thursdays. In
Mississauga, Courrier envelopes are sent home on
Fridays. Please read all the material contained in the
envelope as promptly as possible, sign and date the
envelope and return it the next school day. Envelopes
sent home on Thursday are to be returned Friday, and
those sent home on Friday are to be returned Monday.
TFS on Facebook
TFS is now on Facebook! We invite you to join our
online community.
Log in to Facebook and go to http://www.facebook.
com/TorontoFrenchSchoolFB to find the official TFS
Facebook page. Click on “like” to receive regular news
and updates from TFS.
In addition to some School news you may have
missed, our new Facebook page will include fun and
unique content you won’t find anywhere else.
We hope you’ll add your voice to the conversation!
Public Website
The School’s official website for the general public is
www.tfs.ca.
COMMUNICATING YOUR
CONCERNS
We encourage and foster good communications
between our parents and TFS staff. If you have a
classroom-based concern regarding your child or your
child’s teacher, we encourage you to discuss it with
the teacher and resolve it at that level.
For any other school-based questions, please ask at
the Branch Office and staff there will be pleased to
direct your question to the right person.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
17
Diplomas
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is pursued
by all Level IV and V students. It offers a compre­
hensive, balanced, and highly respected pre-university
curriculum which allows students to develop individual
interests and relate classroom experiences to the world
outside. All students must take two languages, a social
science, a mathematics, an experi­mental science, and
an elective which might be a second science or social
science, a third language, or an arts or computer option.
In addition, all students write an Extended Essay, are
involved in CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) and take
the Theory of Knowledge course in Levels IV and V.
A bilingual IB diploma may also be earned based on
specific requirements.
Other Diplomas
The School grants a TFS Diploma and a TFS Bilingual
Diploma to those students who qualify.
Ontario Secondary School Diploma
TFS designs its courses of study to cover the
requirements for the Ontario Diploma and incorporates
elements from other curricula (notably the Brevet des
Collèges and the International Baccalaureate).
Students receive an Ontario Diploma at Graduation, with
successful completion of the Ontario Curriculum.
Le Diplôme National de Brevet des Collèges
In Level II, students may elect to sit the Diplôme
National du Brevet des Collèges, a program involving
external examinations in French, History/Geography,
Civic Education and Mathematics. A challenging
program, it allows our students to measure their
accomplishments within a network of schools accredited
by the Ministry of Education in France throughout
the world. The Brevet curriculum contributes to the
development of bilingualism.
DOGS
Please note that dogs are not allowed on our
campuses. Members of the TFS community are
18
welcome to enjoy the wonders of nature in the ravine
on our Toronto campus, however we request no dogs
in the ravine.
Examinations
Grade 6 and 7 students’ report card marks will be
determined based on tests and other in-class evaluation
activities.
Students in Levels I - IV write formal examinations in
June. Students in Level V write practice or “mock”
IB exams in December, and the International
Baccalaureate external examinations in May. Please do
not schedule holidays or appointments during these
exam periods.
Excursion (Field Trips)
Policy
Co-curricular activities, such as excursions, clubs and
sports activities, form an important part of the TFS
curriculum. Students explore and discover in settings
that provide learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Excursions, which may vary in length from hours to
days, are planned by school personnel and require
approval by the School’s administration. In order to
participate on an excursion, students must receive
signed permission from a parent on the official Parental
Permission Form. Fees for these trips are billed to
your account. No refunds are made if your child is
unable to attend. Junior School parents volunteering to
accompany the class on an outing may park their car in
the 296 parking lot (leaving the 101 Mildenhall parking
lot free for recess).
Financial Assistance
Assistance from TFS for Enrolled Students
TFS provides short-term financial assistance to students
in need who meet established academic and financial
criteria. The funds are available to students who have
been enrolled at TFS one year or more. Assessments
to determine eligibility for financial assistance remain
confidential and are conducted independently by Apple
Financial Services. Applications must be submitted to
Apple Financial by January 15th, 2012, in order to be
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
considered for the 2012/2013 academic year. If funds
are available after that date, the School will consider
emergency situations. Please contact the Business
Office at ext. 4277 for additional information.
Bursaries Available for French Citizens
Please note that if you are a French citizen living
in Canada, your child may be eligible for a French
government bursary.
Guidance / Student support
Overview of Support
at Each Grade Level
Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 5
TFS strives to ensure that each one of its students
has an enriching and rewarding educational
experience. Psychoeducational Consultants place
strong emphasis on academic, behavioural, social
and emotional growth. Teachers employ a variety of
teaching strategies to accommodate different learning
styles. Sometimes positive reinforcement or a very
minor adjustment in how a student approaches a
particular task is all the support needed. In order to
assist teachers, our Psychoeducational Consultant
or school psychologist work with the younger grades
on both campuses, observing classes in action and
partnering with teachers to develop strategies to
support students.
The School-Based Support Team (SBST) includes
the Principal, Vice-Principal(s), Psychoeducational
Consultant or school psychologist, resource teacher
and teachers. It takes a more formal approach,
appropriate when teachers identify a specific learning
or emotional/social need. The child’s needs are
discussed and followed, when appropriate, by
classroom observation and the implementation of an
individualized learning strategy; parents are involved
throughout the process. In some cases testing is
recommended and the School can provide some prescreening internally. If an external assessment is
recommended, TFS helps parents by providing a list of
specialists and their areas of expertise.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Detailed information and downloadable forms are
available on the French homepage of the Consulat
Général de France à Toronto website at
www.consulfrance-toronto.org.
Accident Insurance
Optional coverage is available from IAP Kids Plus
Accident Insurance. This may interest some families
as primary or supplementary insurance. To obtain more
information or purchase insurance, please go to
www.iapkidsplus.com.
Grades 6 – 7
Formal guidance classes start in Grade 6 with a
curriculum that includes peer relations; health and
well-being; learning styles; and time management,
organizational and study strategies, among other
topics. Guidance counsellors meet formally with each
class once per cycle, and individually or in small
groups as needed. A key emphasis at this grade level
is to help students make the transition to the Senior
School so that they can begin to become independent
learners. Further, counsellors support not only
students’ academic needs, but also their changing
social and emotional needs, particularly given the rapid
growth and development that occurs during the middle
years.
Levels I – V
Formal guidance classes at these levels focus on
learning about individual interests, strengths and
challenges; academic planning, and exploring future
educational and career directions. Further, students
in Levels II and III complete the 0.5 compulsory
Ontario credit in Career Studies, Grade 10. Individual
counselling support becomes increasingly important
in the more senior grades to assist students and
their families in becoming more knowledgeable about
course options; IB configuration; experiential learning
opportunities; scholarships; and university programs
and decision-making.
19
Guidance Services & Resources
(Senior School)
Office Hours at Senior School:
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or by appointment.
Students: Please visit the Guidance Department to
arrange an appointment time.
Parents: Please email or telephone your child’s
guidance counsellor for an appointment
Guidance Services
In the Guidance Department, which is situated in a
centralized, student-friendly environment, students and
their families, staff and alumni can access information,
assistance and counselling in the following areas:
social, emotional, academic and experiential learning.
Through personal counselling, classroom instruction
and information resources, the Guidance Department
offers services, information, testing and activities
designed to help students research and plan course
selection with a view to post-secondary education.
Counselling and Educational Planning
provide information and advice to students on how to
fulfill this component of the IB Diploma.
Personal Counselling – Counselling for personal concerns is available to all students. Where appropriate,
students may be referred to outside professionals.
Health and Wellness – TFS recognizes the connections
between personal well-being, happiness and academic
success. In addition to special presentations pertinent to
adolescents, the School is pleased to host two third-year
nursing students in the winter term who are completing
their community health practicum. The nursing students’
main focus is health promotion on such topics as
nutrition, substance abuse and stress. They interact with
TFS students inside and outside the classroom through
small and large group presentations, bulletin boards,
informal discussions and information sharing.
Support for Learning
At TFS, in addition to the guidance counsellors,
there are many individuals who make up the student
support team: teachers, administrators, Brevet and IB
coordinators, support and IT staff.
In addition to guidance classes offered from Grade
6 through Level V, there is also individual and/or
small group counselling available to all students.
Appointments can be made by both students and
parents.
The guidance counsellors work one-on-one or in small
groups to assist students to develop effective learning
strategies, such as organizational, time-management
and study skills. As needed, a referral can be made to
the Learning Strategies teachers for additional support.
Career Counselling – In Levels II and III, students
take the compulsory Ontario Career Studies course.
The goal of career counselling is to broaden students’
awareness of the careers and academic programs that
are relevant to their abilities and interests.
Peer Mentors – Peer mentors are trained senior
students who volunteer their time to mentor students
in Grades 6, 7 and Level I to help them with time
management, organization, homework, studying for
tests and subject-specific matters. They work under
the supervision of the Learning Strategies teachers.
Younger students in need of support are referred
to, and matched with peer mentors by the guidance
counsellors.
Academic Counselling – Ongoing advising with
regard to student’s course selection, summer school
courses and university program choices is available
to all students. Parents and students of Levels II and
III especially are advised to meet with a guidance
counsellor to review the student’s option selections for
the following year.
CAS (Creativity, Action & Service) Advising – The
Guidance Department works in close association
with the Dean of Student Affairs and CAS advisors to
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Learning Centre – The Learning Centre provides
bilingual support to students with identified and
non-identified learning needs, and assists them in
developing effective learning strategies to optimize
academic success. These include help with
study skills, test preparation and test-taking, and
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
independent and classroom learning strategies. The
first step in referral to the Learning Centre is through
the guidance counsellors who work very closely with the
Learning Strategies teachers. The Learning Centre is
also supported by the School’s Consulting Psychologist
and the Test Centre Educational Assistant.
Test Centre – The Test Centre provides an alternate,
supervised location where students with formally
identified learning needs and specialized accommodations – such as extended time, use of a
computer, and Spell Check – may write tests and
examinations. The Test Centre is staffed by a full-time
Educational Assistant.
Special Events
The following special events are planned throughout
the school year. Attendance at these events is strongly
encouraged:
•University Information Presentations – Over 70
university liaison and admission officers visit
TFS from September to December. All students
and parents are welcome to attend and have the
opportunity to talk directly to the university admission
officers.
•University Evenings at TFS – These presentations,
which are held at various times throughout the school
year, focus on the application process, admissions
criteria, and academic programs for Canadian,
American and international universities. All parents
and students are invited to attend.
•Campus Visits – Each year, Level III, IV and V
students spend a day at a university campus for
an admissions talk, campus tour and general
introduction to university life.
•Alumni-Student Events – The Guidance Department,
in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office, provides
ongoing programs for students to connect with alumni.
Two key events include: career lunches and the
mentorship program. Students in Levels III, IV and V
participate in grade-specific career luncheons where
a panel of our alumni speak about their educational
and vocational paths since their time at TFS. The
Online Mentorship Program is a resource provided to
students nearing university (Levels IV and V) and is
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
regularly accessed by them. To date, over 200 alumni,
from various classes, and professional and academic
backgrounds, have registered as mentors. The program
allows students to contact these mentors for university
and career advice. In the upcoming school year, two new
mentorship programs will be implemented, involving both
current parents and young alumni.
Student Records
The Guidance Department works in conjunction with the
Principal’s Office to maintain accurate student files.
Guidance Resources
News from the Guidance Office – Information
and reminders of important events and dates are
communicated through Communiqué and the Senior
School’s online emails to families.
College and University Information and Applications –
The Guidance Library has an extensive collection of
current academic calendars, viewbooks, and general
information about Ontario, Canadian, American, British
and some European universities.
Computer Software – There are several computer
programs for student reference, including Career
Cruising, School Finder and Scholarship Finder (for
Canadian Universities), and SAT I practice tests.
Scholarship and Financial Aid Information and
Applications – The Guidance Department has
information, criteria and applications for numerous
scholarships, along with eligibility information for
financial assistance.
Summer Programs – The Guidance Department compiles
a comprehensive annual guide with information about
summer schools, camps, jobs, language classes, study
abroad and other experiential opportunities. Please
check www.tfs.ca for the TFS Summer Guide.
Standardized Test Preparation – TFS administers the
PSAT to all Level III and IV students, as well as providing
support and resources for the TOEFL, SAT and ACT
tests, including test registration information, booklets,
preparation courses, mock exams and workshops.
21
Harassment Policy
highlights
TFS is fully committed to respecting and protecting
the personal dignity and human rights of our students
and employees. TFS has a comprehensive Harassment
Policy based on the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Harassment in any form is against everything for which
we stand and it will not be tolerated.
Harassment includes but is not limited to unwelcome
or unwanted physical or verbal behaviour directed
towards members of a particular race, ethnic origin,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, family status or
disability.
Examples of behaviours that constitute harassment:
• Unwelcome remarks, jokes or innuendos;
• Degrading words used to describe a person;
• Written or drawn graffiti on school property;
• The display of offensive material;
• The production or distribution of hate literature;
• Verbal or written abuse or threats;
• Intimidation;
• Vandalism; and
• Physical violence.
This policy also covers sexual harassment which would
include:
• Unwelcome sexual advances or requests;
• Sexually suggestive or obscene comments or gestures;
• Unwanted touching, leering; and
• Sexual assault.
Please note, with respect to sexual harassment of a
student who is under the age of 16, the complaint
falls within the Child Sexual Abuse Protocol (versus the
Ontario Human Rights Code) and must be reported to
the appropriate Aid Society or Child and Family Services
organization.
Procedure
Students who feel they have been subjected to
harassment should take action promptly. (TFS follows
the six-month timeframe prescribed by the Ontario
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Human Rights Code.)
The person making the complaint has the option of
pursuing an informal or formal procedure. Victims will
receive appropriate advice, support and assistance.
Informal – Seek a resolution personally, or ask for help
and advice from a third party in the School.
• Students may approach the individual directly, or bring forth the complaint to a third party – a teacher, the Vice-Principal or the Principal.
Formal – Make a formal written complaint (parent or
guardian must be involved if the student is under 18).
• Students will direct their formal written complaint to the Principal. If the complaint is against the Principal, students must direct their complaint to the Head of School.
No Fear of Reprisal
Whether the complaint is formal or informal, the
procedures must be conducted in an atmosphere of
respect and confidentiality without fear of reprisal or
embarrassment.
Any reprisal will constitute an instance of harassment.
Frivolous Complaints
A person making a false, frivolous or malicious
complaint will be subject to discipline.
A copy of the full text of the TFS Harassment Policy is
available through each Branch Office, in French and in
English.
Health Issues
Accidents
In case of an emergency:
• Parents will be contacted;
• If the parents cannot be reached, the emergency number indicated on the child’s medical form will be called; and
• If neither the parents nor the emergency contact person can be reached, the School will arrange to have the child accompanied to hospital by a staff member.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Anaphylaxis Policy Highlights
1. Information & Awareness
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can lead to
rapid death if left untreated. For many Canadians who
suffer from extreme life-threatening allergies, exposure
to even a minute amount of the substance to which
they are allergic can trigger an anaphylactic reaction.
Although peanuts and peanut products are the most
common foods to cause anaphylaxis, other foods such
as nuts, fish, eggs, shellfish, sulphites, milk and sesame
seeds, as well as other substances such as bee stings
and latex, can cause this dangerous condition. In recent
years, anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among
children and adolescents.
The recommended emergency treatment for a person
suffering an anaphylactic reaction is the administration of
epinephrine (adrenaline) by an auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen).
The person affected must then be rushed to hospital to
receive further medical attention, even if the symptoms
decrease with the administration of the epinephrine.
2. Avoidance
The School cannot assume responsibility for providing
a completely allergen-free environment. Although the
School has established procedures for staff, students,
parents and visitors to reduce the risk of accidental
exposure, we recognize that it is not possible to
eliminate all dangers.
a birthday or a special event, nut-free cakes and treats
can be ordered from Aramark with advance notice.
Please see the branch websites under Resources >
Helpful Tools, for the Aramark catering form.
3. Responsibilities
Ensuring the safety of anaphylactic students in a school
setting depends on the co-operation of the entire school
community.
To minimize risk of exposure, the School will provide
training to its employees, reduce the risk of exposure
to substances that cause anaphylaxis, and continue to
educate parents and students about anaphylaxis.
Other members of the TFS community also have
responsibilities:
ANAPHYLACTIC STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS
The responsibilities of anaphylactic students and their
parents are detailed clearly in an information package
sent to them from the School.
ALL PARENTS
Respond co-operatively to requests from the School to
follow guidelines, including those for a nut restricted
school environment.
Encourage students to respect the needs of anaphylactic
students and follow school policy and guidelines.
ALL STUDENTS
Learn to recognize symptoms of anaphylactic reactions.
The School requests that all students and adults who
visit or work in the School:
Avoid sharing food and trading snacks, makeup or musical instruments, especially with anaphylactic students.
• Do not bring or send nuts and nut products to school or
on out-of-school activities, and avoid bringing or sending
products which are labelled “may contain nuts”;
• Check labels on products that you are bringing or
sending to school or on out-of school activities;
• Be aware that the greatest risk of exposure is in new
situations or when normal daily routines are interrupted, such as birthday parties or school trips; and
• When food is brought to the School to be shared, e.g.
for concerts or special events, please ensure all food
is nut-free and labelled as such.
Follow school policy and guidelines, especially about food
restrictions and washing hands.
Aramark, which provides food services to the School,
ensures all products coming into the School are
produced in a nut-free facility. If you wish to celebrate
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Refrain from bullying or teasing a student with an allergy.
STAFF
Ensure that, for La p’tite école, the Junior School and
Mississauga, Alert Sheets are posted in a prominent
location in all teaching and common areas, and that for
Senior School, a list of anaphylactic students is posted in
all teaching and common areas.
Disseminate information on anaphylaxis to students, in
age-appropriate terms, using materials provided by the
School.
Encourage students not to share lunches or trade
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snacks, make-up or musical instruments and encourage
anaphylactic students to eat only what they bring from
home.
Reinforce with all students the importance of hand
washing before and after eating.
4. Emergency Response Plan
Anaphylactic reactions occur when the body’s sensitized
immune system overreacts in response to the
presence of a particular allergen. Anaphylaxis affects
multiple body systems, including skin, upper and lower
respiratory, gastro-intestinal and cardiovascular.
An anaphylactic reaction can begin within seconds of
exposure or after several hours. Any combination or one
of the following symptoms may signal the onset of a
reaction:
Think “FAST” to identify symptoms
Face: itchiness, redness, swelling of face and tongue
Airway: trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking
Stomach: stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Total body: rash, itchiness, swelling, weakness,
paleness, sense of doom, loss of consciousness
And act quickly. Administer an EpiPen and call 911 to
request an ambulance.
The time from onset of first symptoms to death can be
as little as a few minutes if the reaction is not treated.
A copy of the full text of the Anaphylaxis Policy is
available through each Branch Office, in French and in
English.
Medical Form
As part of our Safe School Policy, it is essential that
you complete a medical form for your child every year,
before or on the first day of school. This confidential
form will be kept in our files and used in the event of
an emergency. In accordance with the Ontario Ministry
of Health Regulations, any student whose record of
immunization is not up to date may be suspended from
the School. Therefore, it is essential that you attach to
the medical form a photocopy of any additional vaccines
or booster shots that your child received since entering
TFS. This updated information is sent every September
to the Health Department.
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Individual medical concerns should be brought to our
attention before the opening of school. Please alert your
Branch Office in the event of any change in your child’s
medical condition during the year.
Medication and Illness
If your child needs to take medication while at school,
a Medication Information Form must be filled out and
returned to the Branch Office. For a serious and long
term administration of medicine, such as EpiPen or
Ritalin, the Administration of Prescribed Medication
Form must be completed by a doctor and returned to
the Branch Office as well. Under no circumstances will
the School administer medicine of any kind without
written parental permission.
We ask you not to send children to school if they
are unwell or seem to be developing an illness. This
is particularly important during the winter season in
order to avoid the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If
your child develops a temperature or is unwell during
the day, you will be contacted immediately and will be
asked to make the necessary arrangements for your
child to be taken home. Please let the Office know if
your child has been exposed to an infectious condition
such as chicken pox, lice or strep throat.
A reminder: the best way to prevent any contamination
is by washing hands thorougly and regularly.
Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice)
All children from Jardin d’éveil to Grade 7 are checked
for pediculosis regularly during the school year after
each school break and before overnight outings. If your
child has lice, you will be contacted immediately and
you will be asked to take him/her home for treatment.
Children will be allowed to return to school when all the
nits have been removed. Head lice infestation is quite
common with school children. Because of the way lice
multiply and spread, it is important for the School and
home to take immediate action. This should not be a
cause for alarm, but please check your child regularly.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Holidays
Please make every effort to respect the school
calendar when planning holidays. It can be disruptive
to the class and your child when he/she misses
the introduction of new lessons. We also consider it
essential that students and parents alike attend endof-term shows and concerts.
School Breaks
Fall mid-term break November 7 – 11, 2011
Winter holiday December 21, 2011 (P.A. Day) – January 8, 2012
Spring break March 12 – 23, 2012
Homework
Grade 1 and 2 students are assigned homework on
a daily basis. The main focus for the first two grades
is on reading, for practice and pleasure, and spelling.
From Grades 3 to 7, students are assigned homework
on a daily or advance basis. Homework assignments
include reading, writing, practice exercises, memory
work, research projects and preparation for tests. Our
goals in assigning homework include helping students
develop good organizational skills and sound work
habits and reinforcing the acquisition of concepts,
skills and knowledge taught as part of the curriculum.
Even though they should be able to complete most of
their tasks on their own, students may occasionally
require assistance; parents should then feel free to
offer guidance. If your child is experiencing difficulty
with assigned homework on a regular basis, please
inform the appropriate teacher.
Since work habits, abilities and concentration vary
greatly from child to child, it is impossible to determine
the time required for a given assignment. Following are
general parameters for homework:
Grade
Grade
Grade
Grade
Grade
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
15
30
40
50
60
to
to
to
to
to
20
40
50
60
70
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
minutes
Grades 6 and 7: up to 90 minutes per day
Levels I – V: varies by subject and Level.
To help parents stay better connected to the
classroom, homework is accessible for some classes
through the branch websites (see page 17).
In Grade 1 and 2, a homework sheet is given to
students on a weekly basis. Grade 3 to 5 students
are required to write down their assignments in
their own agenda. In both cases, parents should
check off the homework when completed. With older
students, homework is frequently assigned several
days in advance so that students can plan their work
according to their co-curricular and out-of-school
activities.
A group calendar has been established for every grade
level at the Senior School. Major assignments, tests,
projects and outings are listed. Students must log-on
to the First Class email system to view this calendar.
If your child is absent and you wish to pick up
homework, phone your child’s Vice-Principal or
guidance counsellor early in the day; please
understand that a teacher may not have the
opportunity to assemble the necessary material before
the beginning of the following day. We therefore
suggest that you phone the Office before coming to
pick it up.
NOTE: Each student is responsible for his/her
homework. If students miss class for sports or
other school-related co-curricular activities or
because of illness, the onus is on the students to
ensure that they keep aware of homework and/
or tests given during their absence. If a student is
ill for more than three days, parents may request
that teachers provide the student with the work
that he/she missed.
a day
per day
per day
per day
per day
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
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Hours of Operation
Jardin d’éveil to Grade 1 students in Toronto should
not arrive on the premises before 8:30 a.m. Grades
2 to 5 students in Toronto and all students at TFS
Mississauga should not arrive before 8:15 a.m.,
when supervision begins. Students should not stay
after 4:00 p.m. Unless your child is in a supervised
program, use of the school facilities and grounds
before or after hours is prohibited. In the case of a
change in your pick-up arrangement, please inform
the Office as soon as possible. If we have not
been contacted by 4:00 p.m. (or after 11:35 a.m.
for PK students or by 3:30 p.m. for Jardin d’éveil
students), the School reserves the right to place the
student in Child Care, for which there will be a charge.
The following summary provides additional detail on
hours of operation during the regular school terms:
Child Care Centres
Early Morning Early Afternoon / Étude
Late Afternoon /
Extended Étude
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Arrangements for Child Care on a temporary or fulltime basis should be made with the Child Care staff or
your Branch Office.
La p’tite école
Jardin d’éveil
PK (full day)
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
PK a.m. (half day)
PK p.m. (half day)
JK – Grade 1
Recess
Lunch
Recess
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Junior School
Grades 2 – 5 Recess
Lunch
Recess
8:30 a.m. – 3:35 p.m.
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
11:40 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
2:25 p.m. – 2:40 p.m.
Mississauga
PK a.m. (half day) PK (full day) JK – Grade 1 Grades 2 – 7
Recess
Lunch (PK – Grade 1)
Lunch (Grade 2 – 7)
Recess
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
8:45 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
8:30 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
10:35 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
11:45 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
11:45 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Senior School
Grade 6 – Level V
Lunch
Recess
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.
2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Library Information Centres
La p’tite école
8:30 a.m. – 4:00
Junior School 8:30 a.m. – 4:00
Mississauga
8:30 a.m. – 4:00
Senior School
8:00 a.m. – 5:00
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
p.m.
Information Technology
The integration of Information Technology into the
curriculum is essential for any 21st century school
and TFS has made this a priority. Students in the
elementary grades spend most of their time learning
to use Apple Macintosh computers while students in
the senior grades primarily use Windows PC’s. There
are approximately 400 computers available for student
use throughout the entire school campus. Laptops
and LCD projectors are available on loan for special
projects and presentations. Each branch works in a
networked environment and all are interconnected via
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the TFS network backbone. Wireless access coverage
is available at Mississauga, Junior and Senior
Schools, for students and staff. The School has 30
SmartBoards across all branches.
From PK to Grade 5, each classroom has at least
one computer, access to a media lab and mobile
computer lab. Beginning in Grade 3, a TFS email
account (FirstClass) is provided to each student, which
can be accessed via any external internet connection,
networked school computer or smartphone.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
In addition to MS Office and iWorks, the following
software is integrated into the curriculum:
• Destiny (Library catalogue access)
• Interactive Physics
• Pascal
• Géometrie, Mathematica, Geometer’s Sketch Pad
• Linguascope language learning
• Turnitin
• Yenka – Crocodile Physics, Chemistry
• Sibelius 6
• ArcGIS – Geography
• iLife: iWeb, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iTunes,
Garage Band
• Kidspiration, Inspiration
• Photoshop Elements, KidPix
• Nvu, Netscape Composer
• Comic Life
• Lego Robotics
• All the Right Type
• Adobe Creative Suite CS4
• Web 2.0 tools
Special Tools, Facilities & Activities
There is a variety of special information technology and
media facilities available at TFS:
• Computer graphic workstations with digital animation, graphic art, audio manipulation
• Online photo galleries and archives of VHS and digital film/videos
• RoboLab: Educational Robotic Systems
• Computer-equipped Physics lab
• Mobile Computer Lab with scientific probes
• Interactive SmartBoard Classrooms
• Web Subscriptions allowing access to a vast variety of knowledge bases & internet resources
• Large format poster sized printers and scanners
• Digital media and broadcast studio, which produces content via internet radio, and live video streaming
• iPhone Application Development Club
• ExperTICE Club (student computer experts)
• Computer Network Gaming Club
• Parents, students and teachers also have access to TFS IT Support at school or at home via Tech@Home services (email, phone, or house-calls)
• Mississauga students travelling to Toronto by bus will have Wi-Fi connectivity while travelling on the bus
language policy
The Language Policy at TFS is our School’s statement
of purpose that outlines goals for language teaching
and learning. It is constructed around pedagogical and
learning beliefs, stemming from the School’s language
philosophy. Therefore, the policy is also a statement of
action describing practices for achieving and evaluating
these goals. As an IB World School, our policy is
consistent with the stipulated principles and practices
of the International Baccalaureate. It is also consistent
with recent research in language acquisition and brain
development.
Please go to your branch website under
Home > Academic Programs to read a full description
of TFS’ Language Policy.
Library Information Centres
The School Library Information Centres support and
reflect the educational goals and philosophy of the
School. Under the leadership of the Head of School and
the Principals, the teacher-librarians participate in the
implementation of this aim by providing a well-balanced
collection of print, non-print and electronic resources,
study space and reader services. Online resources
including licensed subscription databases and the
Internet now play an increasingly vital role. All the
branch libraries have well-established and closely
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
supervised collection development policies to ensure
that a wide selection of appropriate print, non-print and
electronic material is available to each child. The central
focus of the Library Information Centres is to instill a
love of reading and life-long learning.
Each year parents volunteer their services and skills
to assist the library staff in every section of the Library
Information Centres. If you wish to become involved in
this important program please contact the Librarian.
27
La p’tite école (PK–Grade 1)
Every week, students visit the School’s library and,
beginning in the second term of JK, students have the
opportunity to choose a book to take home, on loan
for a one-week period. It is important for each student
to take responsibility for returning the book on the due
date. Books that go missing or that are damaged will
be replaced by the School and a replacement fee will
be charged to the student’s account.
A video/DVD loan program is offered to SK and Grade
1 students. It increases students’ exposure to the
French language outside the school environment.
The borrowed video/DVD must be returned within one
week. For students to be entitled to a new selection
the following week, it is imperative the movie be
returned in the plastic bag provided. Missing and
damaged movies will be replaced by the School and
a fee of $25.00 will be charged to the student’s TFS
account.
For 24-hour access, visit the library section on
Communiqué at http://pe.tfs.ca .
Junior School (Grades 2–5)
Students and parents are encouraged to visit and to
get acquainted with our growing collection of fiction,
non-fiction and reference materials in both French and
English. View our collection of videos and a wide range
of magazines as well. Throughout the year, parents
will receive information concerning events organized in
the library – book sales, book clubs, visits by authors/
illustrators, etc.
•Loan period: one week. Loans can be renewed if the book has not been requested by another student.
•Lost or damaged books: please notify the librarian and a replacement fee will be charged to the student’s account.
For 24-hour access, visit the library section on
Communiqué at http://jr.tfs.ca .
Mississauga (PK–Grade 7)
Every week, students visit the library and, beginning
in JK, students have the opportunity to choose a book
to take home, on loan for a one-week period. It is
28
important for each student to take responsibility for
returning the book on the due date. Books that go
missing or that are damaged will be replaced by the
School and a replacement fee will be charged to the
student’s account.
For 24-hour access, visit the library section on
Communiqué at http://mis.tfs.ca .
Senior School (Grade 6–Level V)
The Penturn Library offers a collection of over 17,000
fiction and non-fiction titles for both study and pleasure.
Computer/photocopier/printer/scanner services are
available daily within school hours.
Hours of operation, Monday to Friday, are 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. Students have access to the library before
school, during lunch and during the afternoon break.
Students in Levels I-V may come to the library after
school.
Collection
The Penturn Library contains a dynamic bilingual
collection, including non-fiction books, video cassettes,
DVDs, CDs and magazines. A wide selection of fiction
titles is available in French and English. Through the
Library Homepage, students have access to online
encyclopedias and databases, as well as the library
catalogue.
For 24-hour access, visit the library section on
Communiqué at http://sr.tfs.ca . Students may
communicate with the library at penturnlibrary@tfs.ca .
Services
The library provides curriculum-based resources
in French and English, assists students in the
development of information literacy, encourages reading
in both French and English and offers a quiet space for
reading and research. Events, such as author visits and
the Grade 6-7 Reading Contest, reflect the interests and
concerns of the students and teachers.
Loan Periods
Loan periods are in place to make library materials
accessible to all. They range from library/classroom
use to three-week loans. Videotapes/DVDs/magazines
circulate for one week. All materials in the Circulating
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Collection may be renewed unless requested by another
borrower. All reference material is for library use only.
Overdue and Lost Library Materials
The fine for Circulating Collection material is 25 cents
per day per overdue item. Borrowing privileges may be
suspended if library materials are not returned when
due and fines paid. In case of loss or damage to library
materials, please notify the librarian. Students will be
charged for lost or damaged books.
Lockers
Junior School
Lockers are issued to students in Grades 2-5. They are
not to be locked.
Mississauga
Lockers are available for Grade 2-7 students. From
Grades 2-5, they are not to be locked. In Grade 6 and
7 students who provide their own locks must give the
combination to the Office, since the School must have
access to all lockers in an emergency.
Senior School
Lockers and locks are provided to all students by the
School and the students’ accounts are charged a minimal
fee. As the School must have access to all lockers in an
emergency, only School locks may be used.
Lost And Found
Our Lost and Found Boxes are often filled with clothing,
shoes, snowsuits, mittens, hats, lunch boxes, etc. The
majority of these items are unmarked and while we
encourage students to look after their possessions, we
ask you to label your children’s uniforms and other
belongings; articles clearly labelled can be easily
returned if misplaced. At the end of term, unclaimed
items are donated to charity and unclaimed uniform
items are given to the Used Uniform Sale.
Lunch programs
Students at both campuses have access to an optional
hot lunch program.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Mississauga
The Parents’ Association offer hot lunches on Tuesdays
and pizza lunches on Fridays. The proceeds from the
popular pizza lunch program benefit the School. On the
remaining days of the week, families can select from a
menu of hot lunch options, which are delivered.
La p’tite école and the Junior School
Jardin d’éveil students receive a hot lunch program at
no charge. Full-day PK students and PK students in the
half-day Child Care program also receive a hot lunch at
no additional charge in Toronto. JK to Grade 5 students
may select a four or five day hot lunch program. Each
menu cycle is reviewed and approved by a registered
dietitian and encompasses the best balance of child
friendly, nutritious meals. Most alternate Fridays are
reserved for the Parents’ Association pizza lunch.
Senior School
Students have access to La Terrasse, a full-service
cafeteria managed by Aramark Food Services, which
offers a variety of hot and cold healthy meal options
including salads, premium deli sandwiches, Grill Works
and World’s Fare hot entrées. The four-week rotational
menus are posted on the Senior School branch
website, under Home > Lunch, and are revised every
semester.
La Terrasse Café is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to
3:30 p.m. Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. to
10:00 a.m. Lunch is served from 11:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
In 2009, Aramark and TFS received the Toronto
Board of Health “EAT SMART” award in recognition of
having met and exceeded the Toronto Board of Health
Guidelines for healthy eating.
Aramark prides itself on providing the TFS community
with delicious and well balanced meals. It also offers
five-star culinary services at competitive prices. For
catering inquiries, please contact Ann Kowalski, Food
Service Manager, at 416-484-6980, ext 4202.
Messages To Your Child
Classes will not be interrupted for a message and
calls will not be put through to the classroom between
8:30 a.m. – 3:35 p.m., except in the case of an
emergency. As two or more staff members may be
29
involved with your child throughout the day, a written
message to the teacher is the best way to ensure good
communication.
If unexpected information has to reach your child,
please make sure you advise the Office before 3:00
p.m. Urgent messages should be left with the Branch
Office rather than on a teacher’s voice mail.
For students up to Grade 7, teachers often write
specific messages regarding homework or behaviour
in a student’s agenda. Be sure to check your child’s
agenda regularly.
Money And Valuables
The School will not take responsibility for money or
valuables, including cell phones, iPods or electronic
games, brought to school by your child. If, on occasion,
you have to send money for outings or activities, we
recommend that you place it in a sealed envelope
clearly marked with your child’s name and class.
Parent Information
Meetings
Throughout the school year we hold several
information meetings:
• Orientation before classes start;
• Welcoming events for new parents during the first term of school (both campuses);
• A Parent Information Evening in late September, during which teachers explain their program and procedures;
• Parent-teacher interviews in early November and February;
• Curriculum presentations, to explain programs (especially at transition stages); and
• Other meetings as deemed necessary.
Parking
Mississauga Campus
Your co-operation in safe driving and parking on
campus is appreciated. All numbered parking spots
have been allocated to staff. Park only in the Visitors’
Parking areas marked with a “V”and in legal spots on
Halliday and Meredith. The City of Mississauga has told
30
us that cars parked illegally (in No Parking areas and
on sidewalks or blocking neighbours’ driveways) will
be tagged and towed. Please respect the one-way and
drop-off lanes.
Toronto Campus
Your co-operation in safe driving and parking on
campus is appreciated. Cars parked illegally may be
tagged and/or towed away. Please do not block our
neighbours’ driveways and remember that Mildenhall
Road is a ticketed ‘No Parking’ zone. Please drive
slowly and be aware of pedestrians.
Always follow the instructions of our parking
attendants, keep to the one-way system and stay in
your car to avoid congestion in the busy traffic zone.
Never leave your vehicle unattended when double
parked. Instead, please wait for the traffic to advance
and an opportunity to safely pick-up/drop-off your
child. Have your child’s name card displayed on your
dashboard. As per the Toronto bylaw and for health and
safety reasons, do not leave your car engine idling.
The bylaw prohibits idling for more than one minute.
As per Ontario’s bylaw, no handheld devices may be
used whilst driving on school property. Note that the
maximum speed limit on school property is 10 km/h.
Remind your child regularly of the potential traffic
hazards and have him/her follow the established
routines:
• Cross at crosswalks or designated areas;
• Walk, do not run; always look both ways before crossing the driveway;
• Hold hands;
• Use the passenger-side door;
• Be aware of others;
• Leave the premises as soon as possible;
• No playing at any time during the dismissal
period; and
• Do not walk between cars in kiss’n ride line.
Traffic and Parking
Traffic and parking in and around La p’tite école at
101 Mildenhall Road are ongoing concerns. In order
to ensure the safety of our children and friendly
relationships with our neighbours, we ask you to
adhere strictly to the following rules:
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
In the morning – You may drop off your children in the
playground.
Note: Stopping or parking is prohibited in front of the
School on Mildenhall Road between 8:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m.
In the afternoon – Park:
• In the Mildenhall playground (only after 3:00 p.m.);
• 296 Lawrence Avenue parking area.
At all times –
• Follow our Parking Attendants’ instructions;
• Observe all parking and traffic signs and regulations;
• Do not turn in neighbours’ driveways or make U turns on Mildenhall Road; and
• Be courteous and patient.
Special events – For daytime events held at 101
Mildenhall, visitors should park at 296 Lawrence
Avenue, leaving the 101 Mildenhall parking lot free for
recess.
The School requests that parents pick up children
from 101 Mildenhall first, as their school day
ends at 3:30 p.m. The school day for students at
296 Lawrence ends at 3:35 p.m.
Parking for Students – Senior School students
assigned a parking permit may not park in Visitors
Parking or drive into the upper circle of Giles Hall, 296
or 306 Lawrence Avenue.
Any vehicle parked without authorization will be tagged
and/or towed away.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
At TFS, we are committed to protecting the
confidentiality of the personal information we collect.
We realize that to maintain your trust, we must be
responsible and accountable in how we treat the
information that is shared with us. All personal
information collected by TFS from prospective and
current families and students, alumni and staff is
stored in secure and confidential databases and files
with strict access controls. Only authorized staff at our
school have access to the databases.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Personal information is used as appropriate by the
School, the Parents’ Association, parent volunteers
and the TFS Foundation to deliver programs, to
conduct school business, and to keep you informed
of school activities, programs, special events, and
volunteer or funding opportunities.
TFS does not rent, sell, or trade the personal
information we collect to or with any other
organizations. Occasionally, we use outside suppliers,
who we ensure have tight control over data, and in
those cases where we share personal information
such as name, address and or email address, the
information is destroyed after use. In exceptional
circumstances, TFS may have to disclose personal
information when required to do so by law.
Progressive discipline
At TFS, we use a Progressive Discipline approach. This
whole-school approach is based on using a continuum
of interventions, supports, and consequences to
address inappropriate student behaviour and to build
upon strategies that promote positive behaviours.
When inappropriate behaviour occurs, disciplinary
measures are applied within a framework that is
both corrective and supportive. TFS applies a range
of interventions, supports, and consequences that
include learning opportunities for reinforcing positive
behaviour while helping students to make good
choices.
A progressive discipline approach includes the use of
early and ongoing intervention strategies to address
inappropriate behaviours, such as contracts with
students, a meeting with parents, a written work
assignment, to name just a few.
In other circumstances, short-term suspension may be
a useful tool. In the case of a serious incident, longterm suspension or expulsion, which is further along
the continuum of progressive discipline, may be the
response that is required.
TFS actively engages parents in the progressive
discipline approach and appreciates parents’ support.
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Religious / Cultural
Observances
Policy Statement
TFS is a non-denominational school
We welcome students and staff from all cultures,
religions and faiths. We value the diversity and
uniqueness of our students, employees and
community. We understand that people from diverse
cultures and religious communities need to work and
study in an environment that is respectful, accepting
and safe. As a result, every year we will publish a
calendar of the main cultural and religious celebrations
that we will accommodate.
General guidelines for accommodations
When establishing school activities, the School will
respect the dates listed on our calendar of cultural
and religious observances.
On these dates:
• We will avoid scheduling outings, events, meetings or activities unless there is more than one date offered; for example: parents’ interview nights;
• We will be attentive to the dietary restrictions of the
various cultural and religious groups. Special
attention will be given to overnight educational activities such as camps and field trips that include meals; and
• We will avoid scheduling major tests, examinations, school trips and compulsory activities on the
dates of our calendar of cultural and religious observances.
Limitations to these accommodations
TFS will not accept practices or conduct which may
put at risk human rights, safety and the needs of the
entire school community or of individual members.
Activities on religious holidays
The dates listed below, which take place during the
2011-2012 school year, are of particular significance
to members of the major religious communities. In the
case of Jewish observances, all holy days commence
at sundown the night preceding the holiday. The
School tries to refrain from scheduling events on
these days and, where appropriate, on the evenings
preceding these days.
Celebrations Accommodated
Eid-ul-Fitr
Rosh Hashana
Yom Kippur
Diwali
Eid-ul-Adha
Christmas
Christmas – Greek Orthodox
Christmas – Eastern Orthodox
Lunar New Year
Naw Ruz
Good Friday
Easter
Passover
Good Friday
Easter
(Islam)
(Jewish)
(Jewish)
(Hindu)
(Islam)
(Christian, Western)
(Christian, Eastern, Armenian)
(Christian, Eastern, Ukrainian)
(Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese)
(Baha’i and Iranian New Year)
(Christian, Western)
(Christian, Western)
(Jewish)
(Christian, Eastern)
(Christian, Eastern)
August 31, 2011*
September 29 & 30, 2011
October 8, 2011
October 26, 2011*
November 6, 2011*
December 25, 2011
January 6, 2012
January 7, 2012
January 23, 2012
March 21, 2012
April 6, 2012
April 8, 2012
April 7 & 8, 2012
April 13, 2012
April 15, 2012
* Some dates are affected by the physical sighting of the new moon, and are, therefore, approximate at this time.
If there are any religious or cultural holidays celebrated
by your family that are not listed above, but could
interfere with attendance in school or participation in a
32
school activity, please notify your child(ren)’s teacher.
In the case of Senior School students, please inform
the Principal’s Office.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Rent Our Facilities
Did you know that TFS facilities are available to rent for
sports, parties or other functions? Upon request our
gyms, classrooms, and outdoor spaces at all branches
may be available. The Multipurpose Room, the Foyer
Report Cards
In order to assess our students’ progress and level of
achievement we take into account daily assignments,
research projects, study skills, behaviour and test
results.
La p’tite école, the Junior School and Mississauga
Parents of students from Jardin d’éveil upward will
receive detailed report cards at the end of December,
in March and at the end of June. Parent/teacher
interviews are held for all students in November and
February.
Report cards address a child’s attitude, study habits,
effort and progress as well as marks. In addition to
these formal reports, teachers will contact parents
Rules and Regulations
1. Possession, exchange, consumption or sale of any kind of illegal drug is strictly forbidden.
2. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is forbidden.
3. Theft, vandalism and trespassing are forbidden.
4. Students are not permitted to smoke or to possess tobacco.
5.
Students are not permitted to possess firearms, knives, firecrackers, matches, lighters or anything that resembles or could be used as a weapon (as per the Criminal Code of Canada).
6. Students have access to a wide range of technologies at home and at school. In addition to complying with the School’s Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy, students are required to conduct themselves appropriately when using information technology. Students Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
des élèves James Doak, La Terrasse cafeteria, and
the dance studio at the Senior School may also be
available. If desired, catering can also be arranged
through Aramark Food Services for events at our
Toronto campus. For more information, please contact
the Director of Facilities at 416-484-6533, ext. 4320.
whenever appropriate. You are also encouraged to
contact teachers at any time. In order to allow you
to follow your child’s progress on a regular basis,
teachers send home some assignments and notebooks
for your signature. If at any time you have concerns
regarding your child’s progress, please feel free to ask
for an interview with the relevant teachers. Should you
require additional assistance, the Branch Office will
refer you to the appropriate person.
Senior School
Reports are issued four times a year: a first term midterm report issued in October prior to parent/teacher
interviews, a full report in January following the December
exams, a second term mid-term report in March/April and
a final report at the end of the school year.
have an obligation to uphold the values of the School even when using information technology off school property and on their own time. Examples of inappropriate use include:
• Using email, instant messaging or websites to bully or harass other students or members of the school community.
• Creating offensive websites, including websites that promote hatred or racism against an individual or an identifiable group.
• Using blogs, chat rooms or websites to issue defamatory, abusive, obscene, threatening or racially offensive messages.
• Hacking into or accessing another user’s school computer without prior authorization.
• Disseminating any information that disparages or brings into disrepute the School, its students and staff or other members of the school community.
33
7. Bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Bullying is a term that applies to the behaviour where one person takes advantage of an imbalance of power and mistreats another person by using verbal, written or physical abuse, rude gestures, spreading rumours or excluding a person from a group.
Violation of any of the above rules may also constitute
a criminal offence, and accordingly may render students
liable to debarment, suspension or expulsion.
8. Students found cheating or found guilty of plagiarism will get a mark of zero on their work and will be subject to disciplinary action.
9.
The school uniform must be worn properly at all times in accordance with the uniform regulations. Anyone contravening the regulations may be asked to return home to dress properly. Repeated infractions of the regulations may result in disciplinary action.
10. Students wishing to bring visitors into the School must first request permission of the Principal or Vice-Principal and then ensure that guests respect our rules.
11.Students in Pre-school through Level II may not leave the premises without permission. In the event of an out-of-school appointment, the student may leave the property with parental permission by signing out at the Attendance or
Branch Office and signing in upon return. Students in Levels III, IV and V, having no school commitments, may leave the premises with parental permission after signing out at the Attendance Office. Students must sign in upon their return. A permission form is sent home, for LIII – V, in August, and should be returned to school during the first week of September.
13. Students are discouraged from bringing significant sums of money or valuable personal property to school. The School cannot assume responsibility for such items. All personal items are to be secured in the student’s locker (Grade 6 –Level V) with a school-provided lock (school approved lock in Mississauga). Lockers are to be maintained in clean condition. Combinations should not be shared. The School reserves the right of access to all lockers.
14.The chewing of gum is not permitted in the School.
15.A student’s automobile is to be used for transportation to and from school only, and is to be parked in the space allocated to the student. Infraction of these provisions may result in the loss of automobile privileges. Students request parking permits from the Principal.
16.The rules of the Library Information Centres must be observed and any infraction of these rules may lead to suspension of library privileges and/or further disciplinary action.
17.For reasons of safety and liability, all due restraint must be exercised within the premises, e.g., running within the building, throwing snowballs or other objects, sliding down the hill and use of skateboards and in-line skates are prohibited. Trees, ladders or scaffolds are not to be climbed without authorization. Infractions of these rules may result in a range of disciplinary actions.
Definitions
“Suspension” requires a student to return home for a
stated period of time and is entered on the student’s
School record. “Expulsion” requires the student to
withdraw from the School.
12. Work or assignments missed because of co-
curricular activities are the responsibility of the individual student.
34
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Safety and Security
The safety and security of the entire school community
are of prime importance. Students, staff and parents
are responsible for following procedures outlined
to ensure safe conditions. If unsafe conditions
or practices are observed, they must be reported
immediately to the School’s administration or Branch
Principal.
We are committed to ensuring the safest possible
environment for all members of our school community.
In addition to our Safe School Handbook we have
a variety of safe school practices. We have specific
Anaphylaxis, Harassment and Excursion policies. We
also assume a leadership role in providing staff with
training sessions and materials, organizing workshops,
and inviting outside experts in child psychology and
health to address such topics as bullying and allergic
reactions.
Ongoing improvements for safety and security include
the installation of Automated External Defibrillators,
(AED’s) in all buildings. In addition to the many first aid
responders at the School, staff have been specifically
trained in the use of AED’s and are ready to attend
emergency medical situations.
Some emergency situations may prevent the safe
evacuation of a school building and may require steps
to isolate students and staff from danger by instituting
a school lockdown. In a lockdown situation, all students
are kept in classrooms or other designated locations
that are away from the danger. The School conducts
two annual lockdown drills at each branch to familiarize
occupants of these procedures.
We have also installed additional safety measures to
further enhance campus security. Keyless entry systems
are in use on certain doors and security cameras
monitor main entrances. Visitors (including parents) are
asked to report in, so we can know at all times who is
in the School.
Access cards are in use for Senior School students and
TFS staff, allowing them entry during specific times.
These cards can also be used when borrowing materials
from the library and purchasing food in the cafeteria
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
or items from the TFS Shop. Parents with students in
Jardin d’éveil to Grade 1 in Toronto have access cards
which allow them entrance to 101 Mildenhall from 8:30
– 9:00 a.m., Monday to Friday.
TFS Mississauga, Jardin d’éveil, La p’tite école and
Junior School
For safety reasons, no student is allowed to be in the
schoolyard unsupervised before 8:15 a.m. (Grades 2
to 5 in Toronto and all students in Mississauga) and
after 4:00 p.m. Jardin d’éveil to Grade 1 students in
Toronto should not arrive before 8:30 a.m. No student
is allowed on the adventure playground except when
supervised by a teacher at recess time. Students are
asked to report to the office when feeling ill or in the
event of an emergency.
Senior School
For safety reasons, no student is allowed to be in the
schoolyard or school buildings unsupervised before
8:00 a.m. and after 6:00 p.m.
Skating & Swimming
Programs
A skating program and a swimming program are
scheduled throughout the year. They are an important
part of the curriculum and all children are expected to
participate. Parents acting in a supervisory capacity
are not allowed to bring along younger siblings.
Note that the School has to make reservations
based on the potential number of participants and
that it is responsible for paying the full amount for
transportation and admissions, whether or not all
children attend. In most cases, it is impossible to give
a refund if your child is unable to participate. Parents
accompanying children at the arena are asked not to
buy drinks or snacks for the children.
In Mississauga and in Toronto, the skating program is
offered from JK – Grade 2. The swimming program is
offered from Grade 2 – Grade 5, Grade 3 – Grade 5 in
Mississauga.
All children are expected to come and go to the arena
in the school bus, unless a written note has been
given to the teacher at the beginning of the day.
35
Student Re-registration
The registration deadline for current students returning
to the School for the 2012/2013 academic year is no
later than March 1, 2012.
TFS gives new applications for siblings of children
currently enrolled at the School priority in terms of
space availability, provided their applications are
received fourteen months prior to the beginning of the
school year.
Student re-registration is subject to the “Terms and
Conditions of Admission to Toronto French School.”
For further information, please contact the Business
Office at 416-484-6980, ext. 4277.
Swimming for tfs families
Current TFS families, as well as alumni and their
immediate family members, are invited to enjoy the
pool facilities at the Senior School. Family swim times
vary and are announced at the start of each school
year, and can be found on Communiqué.
Textbooks and Supplies
PK to Grade 7
For children in Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 2, all required
classroom supplies will be provided. All other students
should come to school with a case containing
pencils, pens, an eraser, coloured pencils, scissors,
glue and a pencil sharpener. Students in Grades
3 – 7 are required to have a geometry set. In Grades
3 – 5, notebooks and ruled paper will be issued by
the School. Supplies are not generally issued to
students in Grade 6 and above. Where special subject
notebooks are issued, however, parents will be billed
accordingly. The TFS Shop carries a wide selection of
school supplies.
For students in Mississauga from PK through Grade
7, and at the Junior School from PK through Grade
5, textbooks and workbooks will be distributed at the
beginning of the school year. Textbooks are rented to
parents by the School. Your account will be charged
a rental fee for these materials in November, as well
as for magazines and materials distributed throughout
36
the year to your child’s class. These charges range
from approx. $25 for PK to approx. $325 for Grade
7. Students will be given their school books on
Orientation Day and in the following days. Please note
that these books belong to the School and must be
returned in good condition at the end of the year.
Parents will be responsible for the replacement cost of
damaged or lost books.
Senior School – Grade 6 to Level V
New this year, all students from Grade 6 through Level
V must purchase their textbooks through The Canadian
School Book Exchange (CSBE). (In prior years, Level I
to V student textbooks were purchased at the Glendon
College Bookstore, while Grade 6 and 7 students
purchased their books directly from TFS. Additionally, our
Parents’ Association hosted a one-day Used Book Sale
in September, which will no longer take place.)
With CSBE’s fully bilingual website and customer
service, TFS parents can order new or used books for
fall 2011 online or by phone. Orders will be delivered
directly to their home or office before the first day of
school. Ordering is simple and efficient and payment
can be made by VISA, MC, Interac Online, EFT or by
cheque. CSBE will ensure that students get the right
books on time at a fair price and with an extremely fair
return policy.
CSBE’s service also allows students the opportunity
to hand in used books in June for resale online to
other students (at TFS and other Canadian schools),
on a consignment basis. CSBE ensures a reasonable
payment, reliable customer service, track-ability
and communication for books placed with them on
consignment. Parents also have the option of donating
used books and, if they do, proceeds from the sales
of their used books will be eligible for a tax receipt
from TFS.
The online CSBE bookstore, with TFS courses and
booklists, will be live and ready for book ordering
on June 30, 2011. A letter from TFS, with all the
information, will be emailed to parents. In the
meantime, if you would like further details, please feel
free to contact CSBE directly at (905) 828-7200
ext. 212, (Darlene Schewske).
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
TFS Shop
Uniforms
The TFS Shop is located on the lower level of 306
Lawrence Ave. East. It is managed by TFS and profits
directly benefit our students. The TFS Shop sells
uniform items, stationery and school supplies as well
as novelty items, seasonal gifts and memorabilia.
Since April 1996, the TFS Shop has been the exclusive
supplier of all TFS uniform items.
It is the responsibility of the individual parent to ensure
that the student comes to school with the proper
uniform. Uniform attire will be checked periodically
throughout the year. All School uniform items are
available at the TFS Shop on the Toronto campus.
Hours of Operation
August 9, 2011 to August 25, 2011
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
August 29, 2011 to September 1, 2011
Monday – Thursday
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
September 6 – 9, 2011
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Regular Hours of Operation
(regular hours resume on September 12, 2011)
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
If you are unable to visit the Shop, you may phone
in your order and it will be delivered to your child’s
Branch Office that day (or that week in Mississauga).
You can download an order form, complete it and fax
in your order. To download the form, go to
Resources > Shop@TFS, on your branch website.
Shop Manager Irene Geley can be contacted by phone
416-484-6980, ext. 4228, by fax 416-488-3090, or by
email at igeley@tfs.ca.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Used Uniform Sales
The TFS PA is pleased to announce that they will
continue to hold the very popular Used Uniform Sale.
The sale offers uniform items at a discount of 50% or
less off of the retail price. The items are of high quality
and are only gently used. The first sale will be held on
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00
p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. adjacent to the
music room at 296 Lawrence. We hope that these
extended hours will allow parents from all our branches
to participate in the sale.
If you cannot make the opening sale, another sale will
be held during La p’tite école’s and the Junior School’s
orientations on September 7th, from 1:00 p.m. to
3:30 p.m. at 296 Lawrence next to the music room.
Subsequent sales will be held on a monthly basis;
watch your branch calendar for future dates. If you
cannot make it to the sale, please contact our Used
Uniform chairs, Sonya Lall & Jen McQueen at parents@
tfs.ca to make alternate arrangements.
First Dress: Grade 1–Level V
First Dress must be worn by all students in Grade 2 to
Level V for trips, outings and other special occasions
(or as determined by the Principal). Students in Grade 1
may also be required to wear First Dress.
37
First Dress consists of the following items:
• Long-sleeved TFS white dress shirt
• TFS tie – optional for Grade 1
• TFS grey flannel pants – boys Grade 1 to Level V
• TFS tunic – girls Grades 1 and 2
• TFS kilt – girls Grade 3 to Level V (from November
to March, on campus only, girls may wear pants for
First Dress)
• TFS navy V-neck sweater or cardigan
• Grey socks – (girls must wear grey knee socks or tights with tunic or kilt)
• Black shoes – no running shoes
• All students in Level I – Level IV are required to wear a TFS blue blazer with a white dress shirt and tie on all First Dress Days.
Every Monday is First Dress at the Senior School.
Everyday Uniform
•
•
•
TFS white dress shirt, short or long-sleeved, TFS tie (compulsory for Grade 6 to Level V with white dress shirt), white TFS short sleeved polo shirt (April through October), white TFS turtleneck or white TFS
long sleeved polo shirt (November through March)
TFS vest, sweater, cardigan or navy blazer
Grey flannel pants (corduroys optional in Grade 1
to 5), TFS grey flannel shorts (April through October, Grade 1 to 7 only)
UNIFORM REMINDERS:
• All students from Grade 6 – Level V are expected to wear a tie with their dress shirt.
• All shirts (dress shirts, polo shirts, turtlenecks) must be tucked in.
• Gym uniform is to be worn for gym class only.
• For safety reasons, all students must wear running shoes to be able to participate in gym.
38
• Tunic (Grades 1 and 2), kilt (Grade 3 to Level V)
• Grey socks/tights
• Black leather shoes – no running shoes
Running shoes should be worn only for physical
education periods, with a second pair for recess.
Gym Uniform
• TFS t-shirt – white or navy
• TFS navy blue gym shorts – Junior School and Mississauga
• TFS basketball style gym shorts – Senior School
• White socks
• White running shoes
• TFS track suit – Grade 3 to Level V – optional TFS track suit for Grades 1 and 2
• TFS canvas drawstring gym bag – Grade 1 and 2
• TFS Cougars track suit – recommended for Grade 4 and 5 students participating on a competitive team and mandatory for any student from Grade 6 up participating on a competitive team
Recess Attire
Students playing in areas other than the paved
schoolyard must change their shoes during inclement
weather or whenever the field is particularly wet. Please
note that a change of clothes for younger children (with
name clearly labelled) should always be on hand.
• No hooded sweaters or sweatshirts are allowed for everyday dress.
• No colour or printed T-shirts are to be worn under white shirts.
• Students are allowed to wear a black belt if they wish.
• All uniform pieces should fit properly.
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
WEBSITEs
Public Website
The School’s official website for the general public is
www.tfs.ca .
Branch Websites
For a full description of our branch websites,
see page 17.
The website addresses by branch are:
La p’tite école: http://pe.tfs.ca
Junior School: http://jr.tfs.ca
Mississauga campus: http://mis.tfs.ca
Senior School: http://sr.tfs.ca
Parents’ Handbook 2010/2012
39
Toronto Campus
Junior School Traffic Pattern
Senior School Traffic Pattern
E
D
E
S
Play
Area
B
La p’tite école – PK-Grade 1
La p’tite école – Jardin d’éveil
Junior School – Grades 2-5
Avenue
W
A
B
C
Administration, including Admissions
Senior School – Grade 6-Level V
Bayview
N
Play & Sports Field
294
E
A
lde
Mi
101
318
nh
C
all
a
Ro
d
Visitor’s
Parking
D
306
296
Visitor’s Parking
Traffic flow
Lawrence Avenue East
Queen Elizabeth Way
Mississauga
Campus
Ogden
Cawthra Rd
South Service Rd
N
Meredith
W
TFS
E
S
Lakeshore Rd East
40
Parents’ Handbook 2011/2012
Our Mission
Notre Mission
Toronto French School is a bilingual,
Toronto French School est une école indépendante
co-educational, and non-denominational
bilingue, mixte et non confessionnelle. Son
independent school for students from age 2
enseignement s’étend des classes enfantines
to university entrance.
jusqu’à l’entrée à l’université.
We ensure high educational standards and a
Elle offre une éducation de première qualité
Canadian and international perspective. In our
dans une perspective à la fois canadienne et
caring and supportive learning environment,
internationale. Dans une atmosphère bienveillante
we enable and encourage students of diverse
et propice aux études, nos élèves, qui sont
backgrounds to discover and develop their
d’origines diverses, prennent conscience de
intellectual, physical, and creative potential. We
leurs possibilités et développent leurs capacités
demonstrate our commitment to the development
intellectuelles, physiques et artistiques. Nos
of the whole child through stimulating academic
programmes scolaires et parascolaires sont
and co-curricular programs.
motivants et témoignent de notre attachement au
développement de l’enfant dans sa globalité.
We prepare our students
for the future.
Nous préparons nos élèves pour l’avenir.
Important Numbers
306 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M4N 1T7
Switchboard (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Automated Attendant (416) 484-6533
(416) 484-6980
Administration
Head of School
Assistant to the Head of School
Fax
Admissions Office
Business Office
Advancement Office
Fax
ext. 4200
ext. 4201
(416) 488-2928
ext. 4247
ext. 4277
ext. 4250
(416) 488-3090
La p’tite école – Jardin d’éveil (age 2) – Grade 1
Principal
Main Office
Absence/Late Arrival Line
Jardin d’éveil (age 2)
PK to Grade 1
Fax
ext. 4280
ext. 4305
ext. 4801
ext. 4808
(416) 484-8725
Junior School – Grade 2 – 5
Principal
Main Office
Absence/Late Arrival Line
Fax (296 Lawrence)
ext. 4322
ext. 4282
ext. 4800
(416) 489-4382
Senior School – Grade 6 – Level V
Principal
Branch Co-ordinator
Main Office
Guidance
Guidance Director
Attendance
Fax
ext. 4210
ext. 4294
ext. 4209
ext. 4291
ext. 4206
ext. 4212 / 4499
(416) 483-5987
TFS Shop
Pool (Zodiac)
ext. 4228
ext. 4241
1293 Meredith Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L5E 2E6
Switchboard (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
Automated Attendant Principal
Branch Co-ordinator
Fax
(905) 278-7243
(905) 278-6402
ext. 227
ext. 221
(905) 278-9626