Our full school participation in the Terry Fox Run last week was another important and proud moment for me at the School.

My high school graduation quote referenced Terry’s words after he had received the medical diagnosis that his cancer (which had resulted in the amputation of his right leg) had metastasized to his lungs and that he was having to halt his run across Canada in an effort to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Terry, being interviewed by media while on a stretcher being taken to hospital stated, “I promise I won’t give up.”

The Terry Fox Foundation, to date, has raised more than $850 million for cancer research and given hope to countless individuals and their families that some day there will be a cure. And, advances in cancer research since Terry’s death have already extended the lives and the quality of lives for millions around the world.

I am fully aware that Terry was not the first person to commit to never giving up despite dire odds. But, at that stage of my adolescent life, I was so overwhelmed by his courage and the example he was for so many. Watching that interview last week, along with all Senior School students and faculty, once again, brought tears to my eyes.

At TCS’s Scholars’ Evening last week, I was reflecting upon phrases and expressions that have had an impact on my life in the past, and which continue to guide and inspire me as a person, as an educator, as a husband and as a parent.

Given that I was speaking to both parents and students, I reflected on parenting phrases that my parents had said to me when I was a child and also those that I have used with my kids.

I came to the conclusion that next to telling your kids that you love them, in my opinion, the most important five words that a parent can say are, “I am proud of you.” Kids will inevitably compare themselves to their siblings and peers, and downplay this attention and affection, but to hear a parent say, “I am proud of you,” is so very important. In addition to encouraging them to be proud of themselves, I would say, sharing this sentiment is critical to their self-esteem and confidence-building.

So, I would encourage you to tell your kids that you are proud of them on a regular basis – because your kids want and need to know it.