June 18, 2015
La p’tite école parents (Jardin d’eveil and Grade 1) Vivien Kwok and Eric Tam have found in TFS a warm, diverse and inclusive environment for their children. Both originally from Hong Kong, Vivien was raised in Montreal and Eric in Toronto. Their daughters Émilie and Valérie are benefiting from enriched cultural environments both at home and at school.
“We were drawn to TFS for the international curriculum and bilingual learning,” explains Vivien. “We want our girls to be immersed in the world, understand its diversity and see beyond the immediate environment. Today, a global perspective is essential. And we’re a global family.”
This September, Émilie is heading into Pre-Kindergarten and Valérie will be starting Grade 2. This means that both girls are moving into new buildings.
“This is another thing we love about TFS,” says Vivien. “We can see so clearly where the girls are headed as they grow up. We understand the structure and goals of the school, and we can visualize the path that lies ahead for the kids. The investments that are being made in the school thanks to the Soaring Beyond campaign are only making the future for our kids look that much brighter.”
Busy at their respective professional practices, Vivien and Eric have made generous annual gifts for academic innovation and program enrichment. This year, they have pledged a major gift in support of the Learning Forum.
“Why would parents hesitate to put more resources toward the education of their kids and all the students in the school?” asks Vivien. “Every school needs to engage in a process of continual improvement. The world doesn’t stand still. We don’t want our kids to stand still. We feel it is both a pleasure and an obligation to help out.”
Vivien and Eric are excited that the Learning Forum will offer enhanced library and digital resources as well as personalized learning support and program innovations that will engage and challenge all students. And while Valérie is looking forward to a renovated Junior School Learning Forum this fall, the whole family is also thrilled about the Senior School Learning Forum that will one day be part of their lives.
“How do I know our girls are thriving? They come home chattering about their new discoveries and latest activities. TFS is a very lively place. Our girls love to explore outdoors and try new things. And we hear about their adventures every day.” As Valérie says in her own words, “je suis fière d'être à la p'tite école”.
“We’re proud to have our kids at TFS,” Vivien adds. “The school works really hard on their behalf. It’s our turn to do our part.”