MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Cover:
Honouring our Past, Building our Future. A pictorial path from our early days in 1961 through to 2024. Photo of Mrs. Helma Trass and the Hon. William Davis, then Ontario Minister of Education, was taken in 1964.
GOING BEYOND is published by the TMS Community Development Department for parents, students, alumni, staff, faculty and Trustees.
Comments and ideas are welcome and can be sent to: tmsmarcom@tmsschool .ca
©2024 TMS™
Head of School
Andrew Cross
Going Beyond Publisher
Sandra Banks, Interim Executive Director, Community Development
Managing Editor / Creative Director
Gayathiri Thevarajah, Digital Marketing and Content Specialist
TMS Admissions
905-889-6882 ext. 2230 admissions@tmsschool.ca
Staff Contributors
Tandis Abedini
Anna Bouzina
Nicole Brooksbank
Jelena Gacesa
Caitlin Harris
Kamelia Jalali
Karen Leung
Rachel Marks
Adnan Mohamedbhai
Doris Rackett
Carolyn Reid
Megan Reid
Sarah Siddiqui
Shane Small
Tania Thomas
Andrea Tomaso
Rakesh Tripathi
Aaron Walker
Jessica Wong www .tmsschool .ca
A special evening for our Grade 12 graduates and their families. (See page 29 for more.)
“ In many areas of life, whatever is new carries within it the essence of what has gone before.
As we celebrate the theme of “Honouring our Past; Building our Future ” in this issue of Going Beyond, I am reminded of the journey our TMS school community has travelled over the past 63 years. It has taken us to some incredible places and left an indelible mark on each of us.
Many individuals and families in our community have a connection to our school which stretches over many years and even generations, and the experience of stepping away from the known and into the new comes with complex feelings.
Through the construction of our History Walls on both campuses, we aspire to keep the memories of the past 63 years alive, vibrant and meaningful to past, present and future students, teachers and staff, parents, alumni and Trustees. We will do everything possible to ensure that the twin aims of honouring our past and building our future will both be fully and visibly realized in the months and years ahead as we make the transition to Lauremont School. Documenting and sharing the history of TMS has involved many individual acts of discovery, each one of them a small fragment of a larger whole. Thank you to the many contributors of both stories and artifacts: we could not have captured these powerful images and milestones without your willingness to share them with us and bring them to light.
In many areas of life, whatever is new carries within it the essence of what has gone before. The apple seed contains the complete blueprint of the tree from which it came, just as a newborn baby carries forward the genetic inheritance from its parents. The essential core of the original organism –its DNA—remains alive and carries everything necessary for the organism to thrive and continue to re-invent itself in an endless cycle.
As the poet TS Eliot once wrote in his poem Little Gidding:
What we call the beginning is often the end, And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.
These lines of verse remind us that the past is always with us, and that we enrich the future by embracing the wisdom and the legacy of those who have gone before us. The extraordinary contributions made by generations of TMS faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni, leadership and Boards of Trustees are an absolutely essential pre-condition of everything the school will seek to achieve in the years ahead. From Maria Montessori herself, to Helma Trass, our visionary Founder and first Head of School, to every single individual who has devoted their energy, commitment and talent to building the school we know today, we owe a profound debt of gratitude.
As we turn our faces to the future, let us do so with curiosity about what lies over the horizon, compassion for those around us and a feeling of connection with our fellow travellers.
Andrew Cross Head of School TMS
Our Youth Program benefits from the outstanding canoeing program offered by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Youth Program campers will enjoy an adventurous time outdoors with treehouses nestled in one of Ontario’s most beautiful conservation areas.
Introducing yoga and mindfulness practices to young kids, offering a fun and engaging way for children to explore the benefits of yoga, such as improved flexibility, balance, and body awareness.
A series of exciting programming for different camp groups, including LEGO Robotics and Stop Motion Animation.
Custom-made STEAM activities for Discovery Day Campers; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math based topics.
Exciting, energetic and creative activities aimed at fostering respect, cooperation and team spirit.
Since moving into the new Middle School building, our students have found a second home within its walls. The space has transformed into a nurturing environment where learning thrives and relationships strengthen.
Classrooms have quickly become areas where students are actively engaged and working collaboratively. With ample space and natural light, students are immersed in their studies, nurtured by an atmosphere that encourages focus and productivity. Teachers too have noticed a significant increase in student participation and attentiveness.
Beyond the walls of the classroom, our breakout spaces have been embraced enthusiastically by the students. These versatile areas are not only utilized for educational activities but also serve as hubs for socialization and learning together. It is in these spaces where we can simultaneously see some students quietly exchanging ideas as they work through a challenging math problem, while others spread out on the floor building structures out of cardboard and glue guns. Others still are laughing and forging new friendships. These spaces have become integral to the fabric of our middle school community, and foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie among our students.
Both students and teachers have expressed their satisfaction with the new Middle School building. It has proven to be so much more than just a place for learning. It’s become a space where middle school students can make mistakes, grow through their experiences, and develop into young adults ready to take on their high school career. As our first year in the new space comes to a close, we look forward to helping each student reach their full potential.
In January 2024 a brand new fitness centre opened at the Edwards building located at the Upper School. This project was able to be realized thanks to generous donations from the Titan Fund and our generous donors. The new facility promotes both student and staff wellness through physical activity. The centre includes two rooms. In the first room, there is a dance studio and breakout space where students and staff can do floor work, plyometrics and yoga. Our TMS dance team also practised out of this space as they prepared for the CIS Dance Festival and to perform at our various Upper School functions. In the main room is our state of the art weight room. There are treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, a smith machine, multi-station workout machines, dual machines and free weights. The variety allows our staff and students to work towards their fitness goals according to their own pace.
The fitness centre has been getting a lot of use from our students and staff. Physical Education classes have been taking place in the facility and our Diploma Programme students have been enjoying some workouts during their spare periods and after school hours. Aside from Physical Education classes various academic endeavours have also been taking place. A grade 11 Science class completed an experiment on analyzing the effects of physical activity on heart rate. Furthermore, numerous other students have been using the space to work on their Extended Essay projects, as well as starting fitness clubs for their CAS initiatives.
The weight room is free for student use daily from 1-5pm and open to staff from 6am-8pm Monday to Friday. During the months of February and March there were over 250 individual visits by Upper School students and our TMS staff. Students have been supervised by a newly hired athletic therapist/trainer who has been working in the facility since February. Along with the Athletic Department and the athletic therapist, students and staff have been learning a variety of new training techniques while working towards their personal fitness and wellness.
The library at the Lower School is a central part of our school community. It is a space used by our entire student body, from Toddler to Grade 6. This year, we were happy to introduce Toddler time within our Toddler program where students visit the library to share stories with their teachers. We were also able to increase our Children’s House library time to once a week! The students and staff were thrilled to receive an extra library time to borrow a new book from our wonderful collection. Our Elementary classes each have a designated library time per cycle, as well flexibility within the school day to borrow books or complete work. At any given time, the library is a hub where you can find students working collaboratively, stories being shared, lessons being taught, and most importantly, students expanding their minds to worlds, adventures, information and knowledge beyond the walls of a classroom.
Our renovated and rejuvenated library has created flexible working spaces for students and staff, as well as hosting a variety of events. From book fairs to staff meetings, from author visits to parent workshops, the space is used to serve the entire school community. Each space was re-designed to support the students at the different stages of their education journey, starting with the size of chairs and tables, as well as the accessibility and level of books in each section. New signage in our non-fiction collection also helps students locate books on specific subjects with greater ease.
Another fantastic feature of our library is that it extends beyond the walls of the school. Our students have access to two online databases, World Book Online and PebbleGo, which provide safe and kid-friendly content for their research needs. Our Elementary library program also addresses digital literacy, including being safe and responsible digital citizens. This includes having a balance between on and off line activities, as well as standing up to online bullying and awareness of our digital footprints. Please feel free to pop in anytime to see the space or chat with our TeacherLibrarian, Mrs. Brooksbank.
Toronto Montessori Schools founded by Mrs. Helma Trass in 1961 at 1415 Don Mills Road with twelve students enrolled
School moves to Bayview Avenue and is inaugurated by Minister of Education the Hon. William Davis in 1964
Mario Montessori and his wife Ada visit TMS in 1965
Don Mills site re-opens in 1966
Bayview site adds gymnasium, auditorium and staff room; later North Wing and library to house ages 9-12 are added
Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) opens at Victoria College at University of Toronto with Mario and Ada Montessori in attendance in 1971
Rosedale site opens at 129 Mount Pleasant Road in 1973 and operates until 1991
First grade 6 class graduates in 1974
Bayview campus adds French room, basement, lunch room, greenhouses, art room and two music rooms in 1975
TMI moves to Bayview campus in 1980
Bannockburn site opens in 1981 and operates until 1993
New northeast wing added at Bayview campus
Toddler program starts at Bayview campus
Mrs. Renilde Montessori, granddaughter of Maria Montessori, joins school as Teacher Trainer
First Grade 6 class graduates at Bannockburn in 1988
The TMS story spans more than 60 years. Over this time, the school has had a presence across Toronto, Caledon and Richmond Hill, culminating in our two current campuses at Bayview Avenue and Elgin Mills Road. Renowned for its Montessori education, TMS later achieved accreditation as an IB World School. For more TMS history, please visit the new History Walls at each of our Lower and Upper Schools.
New wing opened at Bayview campus with science lab, sports facilities and dance/gym studio in 1993
First grade 7 class in 1994; first grade 8 class graduates in 1995
School uniforms and Tiger mascot introduced
Caledon-King site opens in 2000 with 30 students from Toddler to grade 8
First grade 9 class at Bayview campus in 2000 and launch of the Toronto Montessori Academy (TMA)
Additional playground equipment installed at Bayview campus
In 2001, TMS and TMA introduce new crests and the new Ontario tartan for uniforms
Lower School rebrands Discovery Day Camp
First TMS grade 12 graduating class from the Caledon-King campus in 2004
Introduction of IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in grades 7 and 8 in 2005
TMS College designated for upper years beyond grade 6 in 2006
In 2007, IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) authorized and offically accredited as an IB World School
IB Diploma Programme (DP) introduced in grade 11 in 2008
New home for TMS College opens at 500 Elgin Mills in 2009
Uniform colour changes from green to blue
First grade 12 class graduates from Upper School in 2010
TMS Schools officially becomes TMS in 2017
Upper School launches four houses in 2017
Titus becomes the new Titan mascot in 2019
In 2020, the Lower School opens the Atrium, new gym and Grove
The Upper School renovates and opens the property on Edward Avenue in the fall of 2020
Dining Halls open at both Lower and Upper Schools in January 2023
New Middle School building opened at Upper School campus in November 2023
TMS renamed and rebranded to Lauremont School with over 880 students enrolled
Alumni, teachers and staff of TMS School have proudly left their mark on our school and indeed the world. Now, as we take the final steps in the journey toward Lauremont School, we know our community will continue to make its own distinct mark.
Lauremont School will officially launch in September.
We have collectively spent the past year reflecting, listening and preparing to bring to life this bold evolution in our shared journey. With this name, Lauremont School achieves a more accurate reflection of our current and future locations, our dual pedagogies and the age range of our students. We have created an entity that contains elements of both Montessori and International Baccalaureate.
In short, we are the same great school with a name that belongs to everyone.
In parallel with our transition to Lauremont School, we are delivering on our 2023-2028 strategy. This strategy sits as the bedrock for our vision and mission which reflect our enduring commitment to excellence and exceptional experience. These are delivered through our unique dual pedagogies of Montessori and the International Baccalaureate. We are guided by our strategic pillars of innovation, sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.
You have probably already seen early signs of the transition to Lauremont School, including on our official documents. We have introduced updated uniforms and spirit wear embedded with the Lauremont logos. Our students in both Lower and Upper Schools were invited to take up the Lauremont Design Challenge for new socks and ties.
The Road to Lauremont micro-site tells the story of how we are tracking our progress. www.tmsschool.ca/about-tms/road-tolauremont-school
We are currently unveiling TMS History Walls at both schools campuses which capture our groundbreaking role as a leading Montessori school in Canada as well as our expansion to open an Upper School based on the IB pedagogy. We want to honour the contributions of our community and maintain the vibrancy of their legacy and our heritage.
Over the summer you will notice more visible changes. We will install bold new signage at both Upper and Lower Schools, and launch a rebranded social media presence as well as a new and greatly enhanced website. Here is a sneak peak at the brand expression and imagery of Lauremont School, which captures both our vibrant present and our exciting future.
The buildings across our two campuses -- like our pedagogies – stand the test of time.
Nonetheless, we are continually upgrading, retrofitting and replacing our built structures to support the delivery of our academic mission and the needs of our community.
Increasingly, we think about what our facilities can do for us, beyond the necessary comfort, safety and functional spaces they provide. We consider how to create a sense of balance between our built environment and our green spaces. Our focus is increasingly upon how our faciltiies can support and enhance our commitment to strategic objectives such as innovation, sustainability, wellness and inclusion.
As we plan for and design new spaces, we are mindful to prioritize as much as possible the use of natural, organic materials in our building designs. In the words of Tye Farrow, the award-winning architect who has designed many of our new spaces, “nature speaks to us” through the wood, bricks and stone found in many of our interior and exterior structures.
For example, we have made a conscious decision to use Canadian-sourced wooden beams and panels in many of our recent construction projects. This wood stores a significant amount of carbon which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as CO2 if it were burned or decayed in a forest. The Atrium at our Lower School and the Dining Hall at the Upper School are dramatic examples of this commitment to sustainability and wellness.
Importantly, we apply innovative practices both to our building design and our educational programs. At the Lower School, we launched the Innovation Zone where our elementary students are introduced to 3D printing, laser cutting and sound recording. Our signature partnership with York University’s Schulich School of Business invites grade 9 and 10 students to participate in a focused social innovation and entrepreneurship program.
And where possible we reimagine the future of interior and outdoor spaces to deliver higher quality experiences for our students and community. In the fall of 2024, we are excited to launch a new Performing Arts Centre, in the space which was formerly home to the original gym of our Lower School.
As we transition from the cherished history of TMS to a bright future at Lauremont, we know that our strong foundation of built structures will continue to evolve and deliver inspiring places for learning, growing and thriving.
Congratulations to Grade 11 students, Ayden Lee, Lucas Wei, Vincent Peng, Sebastian Churchill, Shabadleen Sandhu, Amber Kwong and Hussain Ladak on receiving the prestigious IB Global Youth Action Fund award for their project “Crew of Care”. In April 2024, they were one of just 15 teams from around the world to be awarded a $3,000 US grant from the fund, enabling them to expand their project even further.
This TMS student organization aims to address inadequate healthcare access among Indigenous and other populations. Through community fundraising events and collaborations with larger organizations, Crew of Care aims to better understand Indigenous communities and develop acceptable healthcare solutions. Their future plans include partnering with other health awareness NGOs, hosting city-wide fundraising events, and organizing youth educational workshops.
The International Baccalaureate's (IB) Global Youth Action Fund supports youth initiatives aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, providing funding, mentorship, and international connections to students aged 12 to 19. The Crew of Care team's impactful work is a testament to their dedication and passion for making a difference in their communities. At TMS, the IB Programme prioritizes 'principled action' as a core element of the curriculum. Taking action is at the heart of the IB Programme at TMS, connecting academic knowledge with students' passions and real-world experiences.
This exceptional recognition builds upon the prototype developed by Ayden and Lucas when they participated in the TMS Schulich Experience (TSE) in the summer of 2023. The TSE, a partnership with York University, embodies many of the IB principles whereby students apply design thinking and leadership skills to tackle real-world social issues.
We are incredibly proud of our students and the Crew of Care's achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued growth and positive impact on healthcare access across many communities in Ontario.
On October 24th, TMS celebrated UN (United Nations) Day at both campuses. On this significant day the TMS Community recognizes the importance of protecting human rights, peace and security for all, and supporting sustainable development and climate action. We chose to celebrate the diversity of our community as the United Nations’ purpose is to “maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation and serve as a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.” Students wore clothing from a country they identify with whether culturally, within their own families or in terms of their self-identity.
As Black History Month unfolded at TMS, students from various grades and clubs joined forces to acknowledge and celebrate the significant achievements and enduring contributions of Black Canadians and their communities. This year's assembly was a testament to the school's commitment to inclusivity and acknowledgment of the diverse narratives within our nation.
The Grade 7 students embarked on a unique Interdisciplinary Unit (IDU) project, blending their knowledge of French and Music to create a rendition of "O Canada" that reflects the rich diversity of our country. The modified lyrics served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive national identity, particularly important during Black History Month.
Moving into the heart of the assembly, the talented Grade 8 and 11 students showcased their creativity through impactful posters. These visual tributes paid homage to the inspiring stories and accomplishments of Black individuals, creating a remarkable display in the Commons area. The posters not only adorned the physical space but were projected onto the screen, offering a glimpse into the students' appreciation for Black history.
In the realm of literature, Grade 9 students delved into a comparative essay assignment, analyzing pieces from Authors of Action in Toronto. Exploring various forms of expression, from music videos to poems and murals, students gained insights into how identities are shaped by societal systems. Notable Black authors and artists like Desmond Cole, Dionne Brand, and Curtia Wright took center stage, providing a unique perspective on power dynamics and motivations within the City of Toronto.
The interdisciplinary approach continued in Grade 10, where history and design intersected in a project highlighting significant figures from marginalized groups in Canadian society. Students collaborated with the Design department to create banknotes and coins that memorialize and acknowledge the contributions of diverse Canadians. This project emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the rich tapestry of backgrounds within our country.
Adding a musical touch to the assembly, the Strummers Club performed a song by Leon Bridges, a Texas-born singer who pays homage to the magic of old-school R&B. Bridges' smooth voice and classic sound evoke the spirit of Black musical legends like Sam Cooke, connecting the past and present. The Strummers Club's rendition of "Smooth Sailin'" served as a harmonious bridge, celebrating the profound stories and emotions embedded in Black culture and music.
The TMS Black History Month assembly was a great success, showcasing the collaborative efforts of students across different grades and clubs. Through projects, essays, and performances, the school community came together to honour and appreciate the diverse contributions of Black communities, fostering a spirit of unity, understanding, and inclusion that extends far beyond the month of February.
Organized sports are wonderful; however, it is also important to provide young children with unstructured time for imagination and exploration. This can be accomplished with simple measures like taking a family walk after dinner to the local park and playing I Spy during the journey. Sharing favourite games from our childhood is another way to excite children (and ourselves) about play; for example, skipping, double dutch, hopscotch, What Time is it Mr. Wolf? and increasing their repertoire of songs, riddles and incantations, that were previously passed on to us by oral tradition. Studies reveal that children who are more physically active are also more intellectually fit. Many studies routinely emphasize the benefits of active learning and physical activity which can offer children an adademic advantage.
By providing our children with an enriched education at TMS and coupling this with wonderful play time at home we are providing our children with a clear advantage and setting them up for success in all areas of their lives!
The beautiful weather has arrived and we hope it is here to stay! With a desire to be outside in the sunshine and warm temperatures, we are reminded of the joys of childhood play. It is interesting that most of us do not remember the details of how we learned to read or write, but we remember all of the games we played with our families and during recess at school.
With today’s hectic lives we are finding it challenging to establish healthy lifestyle patterns for our children (and ourselves). The family guide to physical activity provided by Health Canada states that “50% of Canadian children are not active enough for healthy growth and development.” We need to value the importance of play by changing our lifestyles to incorporate fun and physical activity. The results will be people enjoying greater overall physical and emotional health, a balanced life and the establishment of family traditions.
Our Toddler and Children’s House curricula are robust and meet the developmental and emerging needs of our youngest students. The activities in each class provide the students with the ability to learn and grow to their full potential. Our curriculum surpasses all of the expectations of the Ontario curriculum. We further enhance the curriculum through in-house visits and field trips. These experiences also enrich their learning and enjoyment. We have expanded these offerings this year to include amazing contributions from members of our community.
Our Toddlers learn about our world and enhance their social skills each day in our beautiful indoor and outdoor environments. They have a very strong sense of order and changes to their solid routines are not always welcomed with enthusiasm, therefore their enhancements are limited and age and stage appropriate. Our Toddler Community has enjoyed weekly yoga sessions with Little Yogis Academy, a hands on experience with numerous animals from Hands on Exotics, and a musical performance from our Grade 10 students. They have been introduced to some cultural celebrations, including Diwali, Hanukah, Nowruz and the Lunar New Year, and they travelled on their first field trip since Covid. The students boarded school buses to Willowgrove Outdoor Education Centre to see farm animals, play in a hayloft and ride a tractor. These experiences expanded the children’s growing vocabulary and brought images in books and language cards to life while building lasting memories.
In our Children’s House, we have also ventured further afield this year with field trips to Willowgrove, Chamelea Science Centre and The Toronto Zoo. Each month the students have also enjoyed a variety of inhouse visits and experiences to complement and/or enrich the curriculum, including Scientists in School, Little Yogis, Scott Dietrich magician, author Samantha Reynolds, Hands on Exotics, JStixx Drummers and observing caterpillars to learn about the life cycle of the butterfly. These trips and experiences have enriched their senses, vocabulary, critical thinking skills and knowledge.
We are also very grateful to our parent community that have taken time out of their busy schedules to visit their child’s classroom and educate the children about their careers, favourite books and cultural diversity. Our children love having their parents share their passions and knowledge with their classmates. Our parents have discovered creative ways of demonstrating their knowledge to ensure it is engaging for young minds. We look
forward to our community contributing to an already enriched curriculum through music, art, food, and interesting facts.
By providing our children with an enriched education at TMS and coupling this with wonderful play time at home we are providing our children with a clear advantage and setting them up for success in all areas of their lives!
Parents, friends and members of the TMS Community came together to enjoy a delightful afternoon, celebrating the talents and achievements of our Elementary students. The Elementary Showcases provide a wonderful opportunity for students to share their remarkable creativity, expertise and innovation in their learning. The classrooms and hallways were full of excitement as students proudly demonstrated their impressive knowledge in
diverse subjects such as science, history, geography and math. There was also beautiful artwork, impressive musical, athletic and technological skills were displayed, as well as presentations showcasing fluent French speaking abilities. Technology and art integration were displayed throughout the classrooms in all grade levels. Our integration and innovation work further enhance learning in all areas and deepen student understanding so that their critical thinking skills continue to flourish.
By demonstrating their work and knowledge in front of parents and members of the TMS community, students developed important social and communication skills. Learning rooted in inquiry and integration fosters intrinsic motivation and sets our students up for success throughout their educational journeys.
“ Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and strength use it to create.
Maria Montessori
Zainidin Arshad Yelena Ayala Angumba
Rivka Belemsaga
Maryam Bhatti Britton Bowes
Evan Chan
Nicholas Chan Stephanie Chang
Wilfred Chui
Sophia Cross Sasha Dell'Elce
Stephanos Foti
Sadiq Habib Ian Hung Laara Jiwan
Maryam Joulaie Jian Kim
Shivani Kumeta
Felice Law Colin Li Ava Lie
Milad Mahdi Dylan Marks
Rhea Misra
Brandon Mo Rodin Olfat
Sophia Pirnak
Max Qiu Aleena Rahemtulla Jade Rainone Rohit Shankhla Harini Sivarajah
Lucy Staples
Martin Tin Krishan Tripathi Jaden Vethanayagam
Leon Wang
Rachel Yan
Aurora Yang
Nikki ZarrehbiniEsfahani Jadyn Zeng
TMS welcomed home many alumni from different years at an Alumni Reunion held on February 22nd at the Upper School. Alumni played some high energy pickup basketball and volleyball games, enjoyed some delicious food from the Upper School kitchen, toured the new Middle School Building and saw the Dining Hall for the first time. Many were taken aback by how much the campus has grown over the years and really enjoyed reconnecting with other alumni, faculty and staff from both campuses.
As our Grade 12 students moved closer to the end of their final term at TMS, the school invited the students, their families, faculty and staff to a brand new event to support them on the next steps of their journey. The school curated some practical activities that would not only benefit the students immediately, but also give them skills that will be of use throughout their lives.
Graduates had their photos taken by a professional photographer which they were encouraged to use for their LinkedIn profiles. They were then guided through an etiquette session by Susy Fosatti of Avignon Etiquette, a well-known etiquette expert. After the session, the students remarked on how much they learned from Susy and her ease at delivering the message so engagingly in such a brief period of time.
The Upper School Chef Stanislav Kotliar, also known as “Chef Stas” to our students and staff, followed the etiquette session with an up close live cooking demonstration of some delicious dishes. Our graduates now know how to make a Caesar salad, and both Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan, from scratch. Once the cooking activity had finished and the guests had built up a healthy appetite, everyone lined up and had a firsthand experience of receiving their food like an Upper School student would at lunch. Comments heard from parents included was how delicious the food was and that when they asked their children if they ate this well everyday – the answer was a rounding yes!
While the graduates were enjoying their etiquette and cooking sessions, their families began to arrive for a cocktail reception where they socialized with each other and some of the faculty who had taught their children over the years at TMS.
The final part of the evening included some speeches and the introduction of the Titan Circle to the guests. The Titan Circle is the new name of our Alumni Group going forward. Its name is connected to the school's history and will serve as a group for students from the past, current students and future Lauremont graduates.
Over 160 guests attended the event, which will now be part of school tradition going forward for our Grade 12 students and their families. Faculty and staff, both current and past, from both campuses took joy in celebrating the moment with the students and their families in an informal setting before the final more formal graduation ceremony held in May. Many Lower School staff in attendance were amazed by the accomplishments and growth of our graduates – they had come a long way from their days in the Toddler, Children’s House and Elementary programs which provided such a strong foundation for their future successes.
Feedback from the graduates about the event was extremely positive, with each session resonating well with them. At the end of the night, each student was given a graduation gift from TMS to keep them connected to the school.
Our Alumni are an important part of our TMS Community and we’re always excited to hear about how they are making an impact in whatever future paths they pursue. Here are some TMS Alumni who connected with us to share what they’ve been up to!
Raha Afkhami Nemati (TMS’19)
I am graduating from Western University this year with an Honours Double Major in Psychology and Sociology. I have had an amazing past 5 years with so many exciting opportunities, including being interviewed on RogersTV for my work with addiction recovery, working in student governance as an Associate Vice President, being awarded a research fellowship, and singing in a few different competitions and showcases. Every time I take the stage I am reminded of and so grateful for all of the performance opportunities I had at TMS! I am so excited to be starting my next chapter in September where I will be pursuing my JD (Law). I cannot wait to see what this new phase of life will bring!
(TMS’16)
After graduating from TMS in 2016, I completed my undergraduate degree at Queen’s University in 2020, and recently completed a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs at Carleton University. During my graduate education, I focused on the importance of education in the international affairs sphere. I have moved to Ottawa to pursue a career in the federal public service. Currently, I work as a Trade Policy Officer, focusing on strengthening Canada’s trade and economic relationships with countries in Southeast Asia. Considering the international dimension of my work, it was amazing to be able to travel to Malaysia in March for free trade agreement negotiations and see how diplomacy works live!
Imran Ali (TMS’96)
It’s been a busy 28 years since graduating in one of the first Grade 8 graduate classes at TMS. I attended WLU completing an HBA in Communications and Business in 2005. During that time I joined Sigma Chi Fraternity, an organization that was life changing and one I’m still involved in today, including serving in a recent role as President of the Toronto Alumni Chapter. Professionally, I worked for over 16 years in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space at The Nielsen Company, Coca-Cola Canada and Tilray Brands, in various analytic, strategy, and sales roles. I started a travel agency called Trips4Less.ca. I’ve been lucky enough to work in an industry that is my passion, and have visited over 49 countries and counting. My other passion is real estate. After getting my Realtor license, I’ve been working to develop my own investment portfolio and help others build theirs. On a personal note, I’ve been married to my wife, Aisha, for 14 years and have two children, Azreen (10) and Iyaan (7), and currently reside in the Unionville area. I’m very thankful for my time at TMS and still have many fond memories of my time there. I would love to re-connect with fellow TMS alumni looking for mentorship, or help in travel or real estate.
Hi! I’m Gene, and I lead sales strategy and operations for Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Canada Commercial division. I’ve been with AWS for 3 years since graduating from U of T's Rotman Commerce program. Amazon sets a relentlessly high bar for delivering results, a mindset and work ethic I'm glad TMS developed for me years ago. I love my day-to-day work at the forefront of cloud-computing, and hope to continue to grow here in the foreseeable future!
Upon graduating from TMS in 2016 I attended McGill University where I graduated in 2019 with a B.Sc. in Anatomy and a newfound love for programming. I then worked on some machine learning (ML) research with SickKids for 2 years before I decided to get another Bachelor’s degree, this time in Data Science. Fall 2023 found me fresh out of school and moving across the country to Vancouver where I have been living and working as a Software Developer Engineer at Amazon. Earlier this April I travelled to Peru with my best friend where we hiked the Inca trail to Machu Picchu and this May, I will be marrying my boyfriend of 8 years!
After graduating from TMS in 2013, I attended Wilfrid Laurier University at the Brantford campus and graduated in 2017. Afterwards, I entered the family glassware decorating business and learned the ropes from the ground up, starting in production and working my way up to the front office. I will also be celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary in August. In my free time I am an indie author, publishing my first novel Dragonkin in January, 2021, and its sequel Phantoms back in March of this year. Both are available on Amazon in all formats.
I just completed my second year at the University of Toronto, pursuing an HBSc. After graduating from TMS in 2022, I started a Research Student position at SickKids that summer in the field of neuro-oncology and have been at SickKids ever since! This summer, I will be starting a new position in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, researching treatment resistance in high-risk medulloblastoma. This project will be funded by the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada (BTFC), as I was selected as a recipient for the 2024/2025 BTFC Research Studentship, valued at $10,000. I am honoured to receive this award, as I look forward to pursuing a career in medicine in the future!
After graduating from the University of Toronto with a BA in Canadian Studies, I completed a graduate certification in Public Administration from Seneca College, and a Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. I am currently a Project Manager at the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, a non-profit focused on funding and coordinating projects to advance research computing, research data management, and research software to promote improved access to digital tools and services for Canadian researchers. Previously I was a Policy Analyst at the Ontario Ministry of Finance working in the Government Business Enterprise Division focusing on advisory policy of government owned enterprises.
Mackenzie Reid (TMS’12)
I began my education at TMS in the Toddler Program at the age of 19 months in September 1998 and completed the IB Middle Years Programme in 2012. After completing my Ontario Secondary School diploma and spending an enormous amount of time curling to represent the province of Ontario across the nation, I continued my education and received an Honours Bachelor degree in Human Services in 2019 with my goal to pursue a career in policing.
Upon graduating, I was immediately hired as a Special Constable for the Ontario Provincial Police at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Orillia. During my work at GHQ, I continued to learn and discovered that policing was my passion. I studied the laws and trained to ensure that I was in proper physical form prior to applying to The Ontario Police College. The application process was rigorous, but I was successful and transferred to Aylmer to begin my next level of training. In June 2021, I was sworn in as an Ontario Provincial Police Constable and began serving the community of Caledon, Ontario. I am currently applying to join the Emergency Response Team and will hopefully be successful in this next step in my career. Currently my goals are to work as a member of the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) or in the specialized canine unit. I chose to work with the OPP so that I am able to support many communities in Ontario.
I believe that my journey at TMS encouraged me to be a lifelong learner and always strive for more.
(Mackenzie is pictured above with his Children's House teacher Ivana Sconza).
Lia Tulchinsky (TMS’20)
I am in my fourth year at UBC studying Political Science and Economics. In the past two years, I completed 5 internships in Project Management, Business Analysis and Data analysis at various startups in Vancouver. This year I founded the UBC AI Club which aims to build a hub for AI innovation at UBC and democratize AI knowledge for all students at UBC. We successfully hosted 12 Workshops and had a Datathon with experts brought in from Google and Mastercard. I am in the process of preparing for Law school and hope I can merge my interest in AI with my future endeavours.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in May of this year. My interest in providing care for special needs children as a leisure buddy and integration counselor for the City of Vaughan allowed me to complete the MNLEND fellowship while in dental school. I will be continuing my training and knowledge serving medically complex patients as I move to Seattle, Washington next year for a hospital based internship. I hope to continue checking off visiting, hiking and camping all of the national parks in the United States while on the west coast (currently at 11/63). I am a 2017 TMS graduate and completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from York University.
The Community of Staff and Faculty at TMS evolves each year. The following is a list of staff additions/changes as of May 31, 2024.
Name Position
Liisa Alton Children’s House Teacher, Lower School
Sandra Banks Interim Executive Director, Community Development
Brendan Benson Upper School Faculty
Paola Ciocio Elementary School Faculty, Lower School
Christie Dyer Upper School Faculty
Faraz Foroughi Upper School Faculty
Faheem Hack Athletic Trainer & Therapist, Upper School
Alexander Hanimyan Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Christina Hasoulas Classroom Assistant, Lower School
Jaekwan Jung Upper School Faculty
Dianne Kamil Receptionist / Office Assistant, Lower School
Gordon Laffin Upper School Faculty
Ida Locco Administrative Assistant, Lower School
Linda Ren Learning Strategies, Admin Support, Upper School
Gaya Seftalioglu Extended Care Assistant, Lower School
Ellyse Shemesh Extended Care Assistant, Lower School
Elena Shen Elementary School Faculty, Lower School
Sarah Siddiqui Upper School Faculty
Niki Tajik Classroom Assistant, Lower School
Sonya Thadikaran Upper School Faculty
Robyn Varey Elementary School Faculty, Lower School
Autumn Wouda Upper School Faculty
Peter Hill Head of Upper School
Crystal Winkley Enrolment Management Associate Retirement
Margaret Haffey
Facilities, Evening, Lower School
Ashifa Jadavji Children's House Directress, Lower School
Sheila Thomas Head of Upper School
Barbecues, Holiday concerts, Play days and CH graduation.
The look on students' faces as they were introduced to the new dining hall facilities. The scream in the assembly when the new fitness studio was announced. The performance level of the Lower School teams increasing as the impact of the sports partnerships kicked in.
All Upper Elementary Plays.
Community gatherings: Hot Dog Days, the hill in our field for Parents to sit and watch during Play Days, Fallfest at Caledon, Winterlude at Caledon, Caravan, School plays, etc.
I completed my Montessori training at TMI and I followed by working at TMS. All the staff are very polite and helpful. There is a wonderful community at TMS. I enjoy working with the children. Even after leaving the classroom, they still remember me and often swing by to say hello.
Language immersion day in the Upper School and seeing Mel Coudert who organizes it.
Dressing up as "I'm Just Ken" and receiving compliments on my Dollarama blond wig!
TMS concerts and musical productions.
December Staff Party at the Upper School. How the whole Upper School helps to clear up the gym after a concert. 'Water Sharing' activity that we have every year on House Cup Day. Tug of war and the competitive spirit of the teachers and students. Staff band playing to the student body.
Working with my colleagues! Going to the Galas with everyone and staff parties.
Thoroughly enjoy watching the staff participate in various events and shows.
School spirit events. Athletic championships.
Toddler Pool Parties at the end of the school year.
Glenn Zederayko participating in the ice bucket challenge :)
Seeing a student who started in Toddler, graduate from the Upper School.
The Rose Ceremony is one of my favourites for the graduating class. I also like the House Induction Ceremony for all new students in September.
Hosting home league games, play-offs and championship tournaments, seasonal Athletic Award
Ceremonies, Pep Rallies, Spirit/House Days, Field Trips to St Donat Ski, Quebec, etc.
TMS Family Talent Show. Dunk tanks at Welcome back BBQ. The Titan Gala vibe amongst the community. Flash mob dances by staff. Parents vs. Staff soccer games. Watching the madness in the parking lot through our cameras!
Lots of memories, meeting students that have become parents now.
Just the time with the children and the fun times with colleagues.
I remember a lot of interesting trips abroad with students (Spain - but there were othersEngland, Italy), Trips within Canada to New Brunswick. Camping and get togethers with the whole school at the Caledon Campus. Big events like Middle Ages day that were shared with parents and the school community.
Camping, Coaching, Designing Elgin Mills Campus, Skating Rink, Pep Rallies, Home games, Teacher-Student Games.
Holiday staff parties.
