Growing our Signi cance New Sta and Faculty Kit 2022 Updated: August 2022
Dear new TMS colleague, As you prepare to join our TMS community, I wanted to share a few words of welcome, and also to introduce myself to you. It is a pleasure to know that you will soon become part of our team. You will be joining a school with a proud tradition of excellence, but also one that is engaged in an exciting process of renewal and growth in its facilities, programs and strategic mission. Our school is proud of its 60+ year history: we are rooted in the local environment of Richmond Hill, but at the same time we bring together students, faculty and staff with origins in many corners of the globe. Our diversity enriches us all, and we are delighted that you will soon be part of this vibrant community!
With kind regards, Andrew Cross, Head of School, TMS
It was my pleasure and privilege to join TMS with my wife and youngest daughter (who will be entering Grade 11 this fall) in the summer of 2021 after many years of teaching and managing international schools in Turkey, Venezuela, Belgium, Japan and Germany. I was born, raised and educated in Ontario, so TMS represents a homecoming for me on many levels.
The purpose of this New Staff and Faculty Kit is to give you an overview of the many programs, activities and procedures at TMS. If you have any questions, please ask your manager or contact HR. Our goal at TMS is to equip our students to meet the challenges of these turbulent times and to thrive as confident and empathetic adults in the world they will help to shape in the coming years. We believe that our outstanding faculty and staff deliver a world-class education to our students, and I am confident that you will quickly discover what makes TMS such a special place. I wish you a restful, healthy and safe summer holiday and look forward to meeting you.
Welcome to TMS
The TMS Mission is to “inspire and challenge” our students. Our leadership team, faculty and staff work diligently together to ensure that these aims are reflected in each of our students’ daily experiences. But even more than this, we want learning to be fun, engaging, and focused on helping our students to thrive and find fulfillment in the world they will inhabit in the years to come.
We
Our Vision To be embraced as an outstanding school with an unparalleled educational experience. Our Mission TMS delivers a seamless, internationally-acclaimed educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential.
I Am Known I Am Known Is a central tenet of TMS. This phrase seeks to capture an aspirational truth about education that is dear to us: only when a child is deeply and individually known within a teacher-student relationship can a child navigate their own unique journey towards personal excellence both in terms of the development of their character and their learning.
What Stand For
TMS Pillars Academics, Arts, Athletics and Citizenship IB Mission Statement IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. These programs encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
It doesn’t take long for someone new to TMS to see that something here is special. Throughout the School, from the youngest learners in the Toddler Program to alumni who return again and again to visit, students are passionately engaged in their academic pursuits and committed to improving the world around them. Our students live the TMS promise of defining and realizing success in university, career and in life through our unparalleled educational experience. We invite you to read through our Vision and Mission, experience The Journey at www.tmsschool.ca, learn about our young but already very engaged alumni, and see how our students are making a difference in their communities.
Staggered entry 8:30 – 9:00 am
After School Care 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Extended Care fee for service)
Toddler Program (Half Day) 8:30 – 11:50 am
Extracurricular Programs
to
coaches, club leads or coordinators.
In
Bucket Drumming • Cartoons / Comics Unleashed • Chess • Farsi Gymnastics • Italian • Judo • Karate • Leadership and Public Speaking Lego Architects and Lego Robotics • Mandarin • Mixed Martial Arts Sportball • Tennis/Badminton • Voice Power Jam • Ukulele Jam • Piano • Violin Elementary Co-curricular Programs
in co-curricular programs
TMS offers before school care from 7:15 – 8:30 am (7:15 – 8:15 am for Elementary), and after school care from 4:00 - 6:00 pm for a fee for service.
Elementary Program 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Before School Care 7:15 – 8:30 am (Extended Care fee for service)
Academics
Children’s House Program (Full Day) 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Staggered entry 8:30 – 9:00 am / Staggered dismissal 11:30 – 11:50 am
Junior & Senior Concert Bands • Drama Group • Art Club • Media Creation Team Friends of the Community • Lower School Ambassadors Lower & Upper Elementary Science Clubs • Lower & Upper Elementary French Clubs All staff are
Children’s House Program (Half Day) 8:30 – 11:50 am Staggered entry 8:30 – 9:00 am
All students who arrive before or stay after regular school hours must be enrolled in the Extended Care Program. For more information please call the Manager of Extended Care at 905-889-6882 Ext. 2237 or visit or visit www.tmsschool.ca and click on the Titan Life tab on the menu.
Intra-mural & Inter-school Athletics • Choirs (Grades
TMS offers a range of Extracurricular Programs to students from Children’s House to Grade 6. Discovering new interests, finding hidden talent and committing to something bigger than oneself are important moments in the growth of any child. That’s why we offer optional clubs and activities to engage the mind and excite the spirit. These programs run after school, some for five to eight weeks and international language programs for the full year. The programs range in cost from $150 to $1,200 depending on topic and length. Some programs are open to students in Children’s House while others are for Elementary students only. Extracurricular Programs are not part of our in-class work and are completely optional. These are examples of Extracurricular programs TMS has offered in the past. A full list will be available before the start of school on the TMS website.
Lower School Student Life (Toddler to Grade 6)
Pillars
Extended Care Program
It is
Toddler Program (Full Day) 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Staggered entry 8:30 – 9:00 am
The Lower School Co-Curricular Program is designed to complement the four TMS of Arts, Athletics, and Citizenship. Each program has been created to support our students’ desire to experiment, take risks and extend their knowledge. TMS students develop spirit and courage while they pursue new experiences such as helping communities in need, playing sax in the band, joining the robotics team, singing in the choir or perfecting a basketball layup. a place where students expand the depth of how they are known at TMS. some cases students tryout or apply for these groups. These are examples of Co-Curricular programs TMS has offered in the past. A full list will be available before the start of school on the TMS website. 1 to 3 and 4 to 6) encouraged get involved as
Structure of the Co-Curricular Program at the Upper School* Students are encouraged to initiate clubs. Each club must have a teacher who supervises and guides the group. The structure and calendar is flexible to accommodate these requests. There is no charge for the Co-curricular Program, although there may be additional costs for trips and supplies. In order to balance the opportunities across the four Pillars, the Student Council and the Upper School staff review the club offerings each term. Co-curricular Programs change from year to year based on student interests and range from a single workshop to a yearlong club. Some current Co-curricular Programs Council House Council
Upper School Student Life (Grades 7 to 12) Daily Schedule School starts promptly at 8:15 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• DECA • Model UN • Debate Reach for the Top • Justice League • Programming Social Justice and Amnesty International • Art Club • Watercolours • Rock Band Jazz Band • Upper School Play • Writer’s Corner • Photo Exhibition CIS Music Festival • Wellness Club • Red Cross Club • Tutorials Conservation Club • Art Curating • Athletic Intramurals • Coaching Fitness Fridays • Volleyball • Basketball • Cross Country • Badminton • Curling Track & Field • Ultimate Frisbee • Field Hockey • Chess Club • Coding Club World Religions • Language & Culture • Japanese • Peer Tutors • French Club * Please note that not all of these clubs will run during the 2022-2023 school year. All staff are encouraged to get involved in co-curricular programs as coaches, club leads or coordinators.
Upper School staff are required to attend weekly Wednesday morning meetings during this time.
In the Upper School, the learning environment is a positive, effective, adaptable place and incorporates input from staff, students, Student Council, and parents.
include: Student
Students are expected to be at school by 8:00 am to get ready for class. Please note that Wednesdays are our late start day when classes start at 9:20 am. On Wednesdays, students are expected to be at school by 9:05 to get ready for class.
Morning sports practices start at 7:15 am. Co-curriculars
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Students participate in the four TMS Pillars, the MYP Community & Service (CS) and the DP Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) programs as they engage in life beyond academics. Co-curricular activities enhance the richness of the learning environment, allowing students to develop further in certain areas of interest and skills and offer opportunities for inquiry and independent thinking outside the classroom.
The school building is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm with adult supervision.
SafeArrival@tmsschool.ca
At any school, drop off and pick up times can be busy with traffic. One of our primary goals at TMS is to ensure children are safe. To help keep our students safe and ensure the busy times at the start and end of the day run smoothly, TMS offers a wonderful Kiss and Go program which we encourage all CH2/3 and Elementary parents to use. By using the Kiss and Go, congestion will be reduced and children will be able to wait safely and supervised.
As we finalize our Kiss and Go plans for September, we will provide more specific updates before the start of the school year.
All staff are required to notify their direct supervisor if they are unable to come to work by the means determined by that department (email or phone).
In bad weather, absences and lateness will be excused if severe weather makes it difficult for a family or employee to travel.
Upper School Safe Arrival
The Home page of our School website at www.tmsschool.ca. Radio stations 680 AM and CHFI 98.1 FM and social media. School closures are then listed on the Storm Centre of 680news.com.
Student safety is the first and foremost consideration in determining how students are dropped off and picked up. The TMS Community must ensure that these guidelines are followed by all students, parents and staff with no exception to the rules.
For all Upper School student absences, we ask parents to send an email to SafeArrivalem@tmsschool.ca or call the Upper School Safe Arrival reporting line: 905-780-1002 (press 1). More information can be found on the TMS website.
Safe Arrival / Student Absences
Please note we will be listed as TMS and not Toronto Montessori Schools.
Lower School Safe Arrival
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TMS has to close (severe weather or facilities-related reasons): An email will be sent to all parents and staff by 6:30 am. Information will be recorded on the School telephone line 905- 889-6882 ‘press ‘7’.
For ANY planned or unplanned late arrival or absence, we ask parents to call or email our centralized Safe Arrival reporting line: 905-889-6882 [press 1] or email
Drop-Off Zone at Both Campuses
In the event
TMS Traffic Safety Policy
School Closures
• Parking is available only in designated areas.
Parents/Visitors
• Students in Grade 6 or lower must be accompanied by an adult when in the parking lot.
• Please read and obey the traffic signs and the lane markings.
We are in the process of planning our drop off and pick up protocols at the Lower School. Full details will be available on the Parent Portal before the start of the school year.
Pick-Up at the Lower School
TMS has a uniform requirement for all students from Children’s House to Grade 12. The full uniform details can be found at: www.tmsschool.ca/parent/uniforms
We are planning for safe and healthy ways to welcome parents and visitors back on campus. We will provide more details about campus access and visitor protocols in the summer. Uniforms
Lower School Parent Parking Lot
• Maximum speed is posted at 20 km/h. More information can be found on the TMS Parent Portal.
Time, Talent & Treasure at TMS
Treasure, of course, refers to financial donations to TMS. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with charitable status. This means that the majority of the school tuition is used to cover the costs associated with the School’s day-to-day operations. TMS relies on the generous support of our families, staff and faculty to raise funds to assist with the development of new and existing facilities and the enhancement of programs. TMS offers two ways to help financially.
We are committed to creating a Culture of Giving. We define a Culture of Giving as an “all in” culture that is evident through the whole TMS Journey and experienced in a similar way in all parts of the School. At the heart of this Culture of Giving is good connections with staff and faculty, building I Am Known into everything we do, providing clear communications and using inclusive language.
Talent refers to opportunities where staff and faculty lend us their expertise.
Creating a Culture of Giving
Building a Culture of Giving
Growing our Significance means we value TMS as a true community that believes strongly in our role of caring for, supporting, guiding, nudging and celebrating our students. We engage our families who often make sacrifices to ensure their children are at TMS. We reach out to our alumni to make sure they always feel a connection to TMS. We seek out ways to make an impact on people and places in the extended community. This is work done best in partnership with our whole School Community, including our staff and faculty.
Knowing we can count on the specific expertise or knowledge of our peers makes a big difference to the School. Examples of this in action are staff who participate in events like Alumni Speed Mentoring.
A Culture of Giving clearly places equal value on the many ways in which our community can engage with the School. Our Culture of Giving focuses on the concept of Time, Talent and Treasure Time is a way to define and celebrate meaningful volunteer opportunities. We welcome the involvement of staff and faculty to help with a range of activities and events and to be active participants in the daily life of the School, outside of their work and roles at TMS. We have a range of volunteer opportunities such as event organizers and committee members.
At TMS, we believe in the power and possibility of an engaged community. One of our key areas of focus is Growing our Significance which we define as growing and enriching the fullness of the TMS Community. We desire to actively engage our staff and faculty who are invested in TMS. The most effective way to do this is to build relationships across all parts of the School Community.
Ryan Rodrigues Director of 905-889-6882rrodrigues@tmsschool.caDevelopmentExt.2285
Please visit www.tmsschool.ca/buildingoursignificance to learn more about the Capital Campaign.
Rakesh Tripathi Director of Alumni and Community 905-889-68882rtripathi@tmsschool.caRelationsExt.2238
For more information about the Culture of Giving at TMS, please contact:
• Annual Giving donations support a specific need at the School. The Titan Fund (TMS’s Annual Giving program) includes some key focus areas as well as ways to support new and emerging opportunities throughout the year. The Fund will help to continue our growth as a leading independent school. The Titan Fund raises funds to support student-facing projects across all parts of the school that typically address key areas of priority. For example, in 2021/22, the Titan Fund supported projects in the areas of Play, Sustain and Enrich, all designed to enhance programs and spaces to enrich the student experience.
• Capital Campaigns are special appeals to raise large sums, typically for long-term improvements such as our Campus Master Plan. TMS is proud to have completed Phase 1 of the Building our Significance Capital Campaign at our Lower School, unveiling a brand new Atrium, Gym and outdoor Grove area. These amazing new spaces were made possible by the generosity of our donors. Currently TMS is focused on raising $1M to support the building of beautiful and sustainable dining spaces at both campuses. These spaces will conveniently ensure nutritious meals for all staff, faculty and students each day when they open in 2023. TMS employees are encouraged to support the Titan Fund through payroll deductions.
Sheila Thomas Head of Upper 905-780-1002sthomas@tmsschool.caSchoolExt.3360
Ashley Willis Athletics Director, Upper 905-780-1002awillis@tmsschool.caSchoolExt.3267
KirstenDevelopmentCommunityEastwood Executive 905-889-6882keastwood@tmsschool.caCommunityDirector,DevelopmentExt.2234
Communications
SilvanaManagementEnrolmentFazzari Director, 905-889-6882sfazzari@tmsschool.caManagementEnrolmentExt.2230
Marina Spalla Assistant 905-889-6882mspalla@tmsschool.caEnrolmentDirector,ManagementExt.2254
Development and Alumni Relations Ryan Rodrigues Director, 905-889-6882rrodrigues@tmsschool.caDevelopmentExt.2285 Rakesh Tripathi Director, Alumni and Community 905-889-6882rtripathi@tmsschool.caRelationsExt.2248 Student Services Andrea Ng-Willis Director of 905-889-6882ang@tmsschool.caElementaryAcademics,Ext.2263 Peter Hill Assistant Head of Upper 905-780-1002phill@tmsschool.caSchool VinceFinanceHaines Chief Administrative Officer 905-889-6882vhaines@tmsschool.caExt.2233 Berry Chen Payroll and Benefits Officer 905-889-6882bchen@tmsschool.caExt.2243 AbelIT Wong Acting Director, IT 905-889-6882abelwong@tmsschool.caExt.2334 Human Resources Doris Rackett HR 905-889-6882drackettDirector@tmsschool.caExt.2222
DaveAthleticsCordner
key contacts to help answer your questions about all aspects of TMS life.
Rachel Marks Head of 905-889-6882rmarks@tmsschool.caElementaryExt.2264
AndrewAcademicCross Head of 905-889-6882across@tmsschool.caSchoolExt.2252
Carolyn Reid Head of Toddler & Children’s 905-889-6882creid@tmsschool.caHouseExt.2251
Athletics Director, Lower 905-889-6882dcordner@tmsschool.caSchoolExt.2372
Marketing DionneCommunications&Malcolm Director, 905-889-6882dmalcolm@tmsschool.ca&CommunicationsStrategicMarketingExt.2261
Here are some
How We Stay Connected • Classroom Pages and Google Classroom for Lower School • Managebac (Upper School) • Social Media Updates - See Follow-Us page for details. • Twitter Updates through our Academic Heads’ Accounts • TMS This Week email each Monday to provide reminders and updates • TMS Headlines stories that celebrate School events and updates as they happen • Regular e-Notify email messages from the Head of School and Department Heads • Head of School blog (CrossWords) and Vlog • Going Beyond, bi-annual School magazine TMS Staff Portal The TMS Staff Portal is our “one-stop” for all information about TMS. The Portal is accessible with a password which will be assigned to all new staff. Staff can click on the Forgot Username or Password option if login information is forgotten and the information will be sent by email. For any questions regarding the TMS Staff Portal, please email website@tmsschool.ca. Go to: www.tmsschool.ca Select: Staff Portal (Top Left) For more details on using the Staff Portal please refer to the Staff Portal page in this kit. TMS Student Portal Access is available to all Grade 7 to 12 students TMS Alumni Portal Access is available to all TMS Alumni TMS Alumni Network The TMS Alumni Network (tmsalumni.ca) enables our alumni to find and connect with other TMS alumni, share information about themselves, find a mentor or offer their services as mentors, and provide employment and internship opportunities to our alumni. TMS Parent Portal Access is available to all current TMS parents. TMS Printed Calendar The TMS printed calendar is distributed to all families and staff during the first weeks of September. Please contact the Main Office at either campus if you do not receive one. A digital copy of the printed calendar and an updated electronic version are available on the Staff Portal. Please note that the calendar on the Staff Portal is updated each week so that version is the best one to check for any event changes or addition of new events.
August 29, 2022 Classes commence at 12:00 pm for DP Students (Grades 11 and 12) September 6, 2022 Toddler and Children’s House Phasing In begins First day of school for Elementary and Upper School students (Grades 1-10) September 2022 Upper School Outdoor Leadership Camps - timing of fall camps will be decided closer to the time. October 7, 2022 Professional Development Day (School Closed for Students) October 10, 2022 Thanksgiving (School is Closed) November 11, 2022 Professional Development Day (School Closed for Students) November 14, 2022 Mid-Term Break (School is Closed) December 22, 2022 Last Day of School before Winter Break December 23, 2022 to January 9, 2023 Winter Break (School is Closed) January 9, 2023 Professional Development Day (School Closed for Students) January 10, 2023 Return to school for students February 17, 2023 Mid-term Break (School is Closed) February 20, 2023 Family Day (School is Closed) March 10, 2023 Last day of classes before March Break March 13 to March 24, 2023 March Break March 27, 2023 Return to School April 7, 2023 Good Friday (School is Closed) April 10, 2023
Easter Monday (School is Closed) May 2 - May 19, 2023 IB Exams for Grade 12 Students May 19, 2023 Professional Development Day (School Closed for Students) IB Exams Continue May 22, 2023 Victoria Day (School is Closed) May 25, 2023 Graduation Day (All Staff Attend) June 16, 2023 Last Day of School
Staff Portal
TMS Logo - Clicking on the TMS Logo will bring you back to the main website, tmsschool.ca Calendar - Sorted by Lower School and Upper School (events, activities) as well as all School holidays and closures, the calendar is constantly updated. Staff can also sync their iPhones to the calendar. There is a how-to manual on the calendar tab. Forms and Handbooks - Staff can find all forms and training manuals here. Photo Gallery - You can find photos here, from events to classroom activities. TemplatesAll TMS-branded letterhead, email signature details and presentation templates can be found here. HR Resources - All HR policies can be found here.
TMS
All staff will be given a unique username and password to access the Staff Portal. For any questions about the portal, please email website@tmsschool.ca. Go to: www.tmsschool.ca Staff Portal (Top Left) Navigating the Portal
Select:
Headlines – This is constantly updated with all the events that take place at TMS. Every Monday, parents and staff receive an email reminder (TMS THIS WEEK) to check out photos and stories about what happened at TMS and what’s coming up. Announcements – You can find a range of community announcements here from upcoming uniform sales through InSchoolWear to school photograph information
Follow Handle:FacebookUs... @tmsschoolofficial Address: https://www.facebook.com/tmsschoolofficial Handle:Instagramtmsschool Address: https://www.instagram.com/tmsschool Twitter Main Handle: @TMSSCHOOL1 Academic Heads: @SheilaThomasTMS (Upper School), @RachelMarksTMS (Elementary) and @CarolynReidTMS (Toddler/Children’s House) Address: https://twitter.com/tmsschool1 Youtube Handle: TMS School Official Address: https://www.youtube.com/user/TMSSCHOOLOFFICIAL1/videos LinkedIn Handle: TMS School Official Address: https://www.linkedin.com/school/tms-school-official