“Skin colours are many; skin colours are beautiful; skin colours are kin colours!”

This was just one of many messages Aubrey Noronha shared with our students this week during his presentations in the Junior School. Aubrey Noronha is the face behind the organization Hello Hope, which (as the name suggests) shares messages of hope for safer communities through presentations, workshops and roundtable discussions on mental health and anti-racism. Aubrey is no stranger to TCS; he has presented before to our Junior School students virtually during the pandemic, and has been on campus this year in person speaking to faculty, Senior School students and Junior School students again. This week, our Grade 5 and 6 students took part in the presentations “Stick with the Truth: Parts 1 and 2”; our Grade 7 and 8 students took part in “Colour Blind? Parts 1 and 2.”

With so many seasonal events in motion and around the corner, it’s hard not to get caught up in the festive spirit. While we are busily preparing for our Winter Bazaar, Holiday Concert and Carol Services, we are also paying thoughtful attention to the diversity of our students and being inclusive of the celebrations outside of Christmas to ensure we are respectful of everyone’s beliefs.

Thanksgiving is upon us, and in many households that comes with time-honoured traditions of turkey dinners, family gatherings and time spent outside in the crisp autumn air. From a mindfulness perspective, Thanksgiving also presents an opportunity to give thanks for all that we have in our lives, no matter the circumstances.

There are many benefits to being thankful that extend beyond the common courtesies of expressing gratitude and being kind. Being thankful is actually good for the soul. There are many studies that show that being thankful leads to greater happiness, improved health, stronger resiliency and more caring relationships. These are some incredibly powerful outcomes for a relatively simple gesture.

Written by Jennifer Reid, head of Junior School & student and academic support

It was a pleasure last week sharing the stage with Ms. Krista Koekkoek, director of guidance & wellbeing, as we presented at the 120th Annual General Meeting of the TCS Parents’ Guild. Our presentation focused on supporting student wellbeing coming out of the pandemic, with information covering what we’re seeing in our offices, what we’re suggesting for the summer, and what we are looking forward to in the fall.