Parents' Guild

The TCS Parents’ Guild is the oldest existing organization of its kind in Canada, founded in 1902 with a mandate “to complete the chapel and other interests of the School.” While the chapel continues to be a priority, the guild has evolved over the years to reflect the contemporary needs of the school community.

All TCS parents are guild members; this means you are most welcome to attend meetings and events, and your involvement through volunteering, donating and taking part in guild fundraising initiatives is greatly appreciated. The guild’s mandate is to support the daily physical, social and general wellbeing of students, and we hope you will be excited to join us in this worthy endeavour!

2022-2023 Events & Initiatives

More initiatives and events will be posted throughout the school year!

  • Exam Pack Orders: Click here to learn more about ordering your Senior School child a fun TCS bag filled with treats and items to make prepping for final assessments a bit more fun! Order deadline: May 13th at 12:00 p.m. ET; packages to be delivered May 23rd.
     
  • Cocktails at the Carlyle: Friday, May 12th, 7:00-10:30 p.m., Hotel Carlyle & Bistro, Port Hope - this event is sold out!
     
  • Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast & Guild AGM: Tuesday, June 6th, 8:30 a.m., Osler Hall (click here for details and to RSVP)

Past Events

  • Used Uniform Sale: Various dates and times, Bear Boutique (note: used uniform pieces will continue to be sold at Bear Boutique throughout the school year and donations of gently-used uniform pieces are welcome)
  • Welcome Breakfast: Tuesday, September 20th, 8:30 a.m., Osler Hall
  • Bear Fair Family Fun Day: Saturday, September 24th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., TCS Campus
  • Guild Social Event: Axe Throwing (Sunday, October 16th, 4:00 p.m., Warriors Axe Throwing, Cobourg)
  • Guild Technology Workshop: Google Suite (Wednesday, October 19th, 7:00 p.m., Senior School library)
  • Guild Fall Hike: Friday, November 4th, 10:00 a.m., Northumberland Forest
  • Poinsettia Fundraiser: Order a poinsettia to decorate the School for Chrismas! Deadline is Friday, November 25th
  • Holiday Workshop: Wednesday, November 30th, 12:30 p.m., Baltimore Valley Garden Centre
  • Junior School Winter Bazaar: Wednesday, December 7th, Boulden House
  • Guild General Meeting: Thursday, December 8th, 8:30 a.m., Osler Hall
  • Ski Day: Monday, January 23rd, 10:00 a.m., Brimacombe
  • Zoom Social (Senior School Parents): Monday, January 30th, 7:30 p.m. ET, Online
  • Valentine's Celebrations: Tuesday, February 14th, on campus
  • Floral Design Workshop: Monday, February 27th, 7:30 p.m. ET; in-person and online options available
  • Graduating Parent Social: Thursday, March 30th, 8:00 p.m. ET, via Zoom
  • Senior School Parent Zoom Social (by house): Monday, April 24th, 7:30 p.m. ET, via Zoom
  • Junior School Parent Zoom Social: Tuesday, April 25th, 7:30 p.m. ET, via Zoom

Questions? Contact guild@tcs.on.ca for more information on events or how to become involved with the guild.


What does the guild do to support the wellbeing of students?

Each year, the guild raises funds to support student-centred programs and initiatives at the School. This includes the development of a “wish list” by faculty and staff of potential enhancements to programs and resources.

In recent years, “wish list” funding has included: robotic kits, huddle boards and dry-erase boards, portable staging, playground equipment, squash racquets, canoes, water filling stations, musical instruments, the patio outside Cirne Commons, the greenhouse, outdoor classroom improvements, athletic uniforms, guest speakers and guest musicians… And all of this is in addition to the guild’s annual support for financial assistance, chapel enhancements, house outings and more!

As well, guild volunteers spend countless hours each year operating the Bear Boutique, organizing birthday, Valentines, exam and poinsettia fundraisers, hosting Bear Fair, decorating the Memorial Chapel at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and operating the canteen at school sports events.

How does the guild raise funds to support student-centred programs?

Our funding comes from membership dues, donations and profits from such fundraising activities as: our tuck shop, “The Bear Boutique”; our annual family fun day, Bear Fair; birthday/care packages; poinsettia sales; hospitality canteen; exam packages; and a huge Valentine's Day celebration.

What are some of the benefits of being involved with the guild?

There are many great reasons for parents to get involved with the guild by attending meetings and events and/or volunteering:

  • Meet other parents, make friends and build a network of TCS parent support
  • Become more engaged with your child’s TCS experience
  • Help enhance the daily lives of all students
  • Learn more about the School
  • Have fun!
How can I get involved?

There are several ways to become involved with the guild:

  • Attend a meeting or social event
  • Volunteer (click here to view volunteer opportunities and sign up!)
  • Support Bear Fair by attending, volunteering or donating
  • Order a “Hug” package to celebrate your child’s birthday or just to show you care!
  • Send your child a Valentine Hug (available to order in January) or Exam Survival Kit (available to order in April), or purchase a poinsettia to decorate the chapel (available to order in November)
If I live far away, can I still get involved?

Yes! Even if you are a boarding parent living far from campus, you can still be active in the guild. Donate to Bear Fair. Order a birthday, Valentine or exam time treat to be delivered to your child by the guild. Purchase a poinsettia for the chapel. Our online forms make it easy to take part in these important guild initiatives.

Details on guild fundraisers are featured in the weekly Parents’ Newsletter – so keep your eyes open for your next chance to support these guild programs and put a smile on your child’s face!