Interview with TFS - Canada's International School PARENT, Kristen Bechara

It was really important to us that our kids learn a second language at an early age. When you learn a language at an early age, we know that the brain develops differently. We know that there are lifelong benefits, and we also wanted them to be able to speak and be fluent in both of Canada's official languages. What we didn't know was that Toronto French School, TFS, had a second campus in Mississauga called the West Campus.

It became very clear as we were looking at TFS compared to other bilingual schools in the GTA that they offered a lot of support for families and students who do not speak French at home. Our family does not use French at home, and there was a concern that the kids would struggle going to school in a language we don't use in the household. But TFS explained the process during the open houses and since then as well, now that we’ve been a family there for six years. The support has been excellent, and my kids are bilingual now. The programmatic and pedagogical things they have in place are wonderful.

Something that stands out to me when my kids come home from school is that they talk about their research projects, which is very specific to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. TFS has a younger year’s IB program, so they start early. The kids dig into subjects year after year, and in certain years, they have big projects. My oldest is in Grade 4 and did a research project on an ancient civilization, building a 3D model, and presenting it to his class. The research projects are something they love, and it’s been great seeing them take pride in their work.

Our family likes to volunteer at the school sometimes, and one thing that stood out to me is how supportive the school staff, the teachers, and the administration are to parents. In the Grade 1 class, a mother who is a doctor led meditation sessions, and another parent started violin lessons for students. Teachers will happily reach out to discuss a student’s progress and how parents can support them at home, especially if the parents don’t speak French. The level of collaboration at the school has been unexpected and deeply appreciated.

When we were looking for a school, we were focused on practical decisions like bilingual education, location, and commute. We weren’t thinking about ourselves, but now, six years in, we realize the importance of fitting in with the community. We feel so supported and have built a close group of friends. For families without relatives in Canada, this international school community fills an essential role. The shared values of the school have connected us with others, and the friendships we’ve made have been invaluable.

The international perspective is one of the school's values along with all-around development. TFS offers academic support, including the Learning Forum, and they’re very interested in helping parents succeed. The school emphasizes mental health, especially post-pandemic, and has a strategic goal on sustainability, incorporating the ravine into the classwork. The academic ambition at TFS is strong, and students learn to be independent thinkers, which is something we see with our own children.

The families at the school are very welcoming and warm. New families are immediately brought into the fold, invited for playdates, and partnered with mentor families. The Parents Association organizes events like breakfasts, and on the first day of school, new students are welcomed warmly. Staff members, including the principal, know the students by name, and this warmth makes the kids feel comfortable seeking help from various staff members. It's a really wonderful aspect of the school.

The principal and vice-principal are always available for meetings, and the staff is incredibly responsive, whether through email or in person during pickup times. There are many avenues for communication with the school.

If I were to give you reasons to consider TFS, the first would be to give your child a multilingual or bilingual education. TFS has 60 years of expertise, and your child will succeed with the support they offer. The second reason would be the IB program.

TFS is co-ed, which has been important for our family, as both our son and daughter attend. The sense of belonging and the international perspective make TFS stand out.

Sometimes my children will say that they're Franco-Ontarian, and that's because they are part of a community that speaks French, and they feel a sense of belonging. It's very interesting to watch how the culture and language give them insight into a culture that is not the one we have at home. Like our family, there are other families that don't have family members in the GTA or even in Canada, so we have each other. We are a community, and I feel in a way we're a village at the West Campus. The kids see their friends outside of school, and language has been a catalyst for them to find their place in the world.