The Thompson Family’s Commitment to Student Wellness

Stephanie and Jeremy Thompson—dedicated parents to recent TFS grads Kyle ’21 and Taylor ’24, as well as Christopher, a current student in Level III—have been loyal donors for two decades. Their commitment to student wellness has transformed a long-held vision into reality. La Salle Thompson will serve as a hub for students to engage in physical activity, providing a dedicated space for exercise, fitness classes and individual workouts. While the room is fully equipped to support a variety of activities, it is designed to be inclusive, offering a space for students of all fitness levels, whether they are seasoned athletes or simply looking to incorporate movement into their daily routine.

“The new fitness studio will provide the opportunity to efficiently access physical activity, bringing more balance to the school day” said Stephanie Thompson, a valued member of the TFS Foundation Board of Directors. “Especially for older students in the thick of the IB diploma. It is truly about physical and mental fitness.”

For Andrea Robertson, a passionate teacher, advocate for student wellness and one of the main drivers behind the creation of La Salle Thompson, it is an important resource in developing the habits of a healthy lifestyle that goes hand-in-hand with developing a healthy mind. “We know our students are high achieving students, studying and navigating multiple curriculums. We are aware that the demands are challenging,” said Robertson.

“This space gives students the gift of strength, confidence, self-regulation and well-being.
Studies have demonstrated the vital connection between physical activity, mental health and overall personal development. Staying active improves concentration, helps manage stress, and enhances well-being. “Fitness, sport and mental health are intrinsically linked to physical health,” said Stephanie. “TFS recognizes what students do outside as well as inside the classroom is critical to the young men and women they become.”  

This emphasis on wellness is echoed by students who have been involved with the school's Strength and Endurance Club, which has already used the space for healthy activity and movement. A recent video (see below) produced by the club highlighted how this is a space for staying healthy as well as finding community, which is essential for a balanced lifestyle. 

“Fitness is important, and it can be difficult to be motivated to pursue it,” said one of the club leaders, Ava, a Level V student. “So having the space to stay healthy, move around to balance out all the schoolwork, [it’s] really good for you. Having all your friends and teachers there to help motivate you all together to come to the gym and have some fun, is great.”   

The Thompson family’s donation is not only a financial contribution but a deeply personal commitment to the success and well-being of every student at the school. “Sport and physical fitness are very important to our family,” said Stephanie, “sport has provided balance, friendship, humility and maturity to each of our children.”

“The Thompsons generosity brought to life a project that had long been desired by many in the community,” said Jean Bastien, “We are forever grateful that they made this possible [and] are so very proud to officially dedicate this long-awaited fitness studio as La Salle Thompson.”