School Leadership

What is the leadership style at TFS - Canada's International School? How do the school leaders shape the culture, priorities, and daily life of the community? How does this leadership style compare to that of other private and independent schools, and how might it influence your choice of school?

Page Contents

Facts and analysis
- Message from the school leadership
- Our interview with the school leader
Qualitative insights
- They show exceptional dedication and support.
- They maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Facts and analysis

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADERSHIP

We asked Norman Gaudet , Head of School at TFS - Canada's International School for their message.

They offered insights into their vision, values, and the principles that define their leadership style.

Norman Gaudet , Head of School

After working as a Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto, and in Georgia before that, as well as a Director of Curriculum in Nigeria and an Athletic Director in Yemen, M. Gaudet arrived at TFS as Principal of the Senior School in 2015, bringing with him an invaluable international perspective. In August 2020, M. Gaudet stepped into his new role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum at TFS. M. Gaudet is a bilingual educator with a master’s degree in educational administration. He has more than 20 years of experience working with high school students. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and informed ideas and programs.

INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADERSHIP

Watch our interview with Norman Gaudet, Head of School at TFS - Canada's International School

They reflect on their path to educational leadership, the school's mission, and the vision guiding their everyday decisions.

Norman Gaudet, Head of School at TFS, discusses the school's unique bilingual model, integrating the French Ministry curriculum with the IB framework. He highlights the school's rigorous academics, inclusive language programs, student well-being initiatives, strong community engagement, sustainability efforts, and commitment to leadership and innovation.

Video Contents

1:25 - Norman Gaudet's professional journey
2:25 - Inspirations and influences
4:08 - On what makes TFS unique
Show Full Video Contents
6:11 - On the history and mission of TFS
8:09 - Student journey at TFS
11:24 - The family community at TFS
13:28 - Addressing both personal and educational challenges
16:33 - The role of technology
21:18 - Relationships between parents, teachers, and admin
23:24 - Addressing social trends and changes
28:15 - Addressing conflicts
32:24 - Insight into education leadership
34:14 - Historical milestones of TFS
35:51 - Personal reflections
38:15 - Advice to parents searching for a school

Qualitative insights

These insights are based on conversations with parents, alumni, and school leadership. Handpicked and curated by our editor, they offer a close look at how the school is experienced and perceived by those who know it best.

They show exceptional dedication and support.

Observations from students, parents, and administrators suggest that the staff at TFS is highly dedicated and invested in the well-being and success of the students, creating an environment where both academic and extracurricular ambitions are nurtured.

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.

—Kristen Bechara, parent (beginning in Preschool) (see full interview)

So it really gives you an opportunity to feel like you're becoming part of this community rather than just a transactional relationship between going to school, then coming home. I think the third reason would have to be that just the staff is great. I think that the higher ups of TFS do a really good job of hiring staff that cares. And I think that made a big difference and that there weren't too many circumstances where I was like, oh man, I wish I had a different teacher for the most part, especially in my later years where it really mattered. In the high school years.

—Armaan Jain, alum (see full interview)

I think I'm a good example of that. I wanted to do this type of club that I saw at other schools but wasn't available at TFS at the time. And I took that step and I got nothing but support from my principal and my teachers who wanted to supervise. So it would be really just to take advantage of everything that's offered to you and really just do your best, try your best, and that's all you can ask for, right?

—Armaan Jain, alum (see full interview)

They maintain a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Reports from families and alumni emphasize that the school fosters a welcoming and warm atmosphere where new families and students are quickly integrated and made to feel valued.

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.

—Kristen Bechara, parent (beginning in Preschool) (see full interview)

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