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OUR KIDS Report:
Report on TFS - Canada's International School

TOPICS

Grades Nursery/Toddler — 12 — Toronto, ON (Map)

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TFS - Canada's International School School Leadership

TFS's leadership excels in fostering a rigorous bilingual education through its unique integration of the French Ministry curriculum and IB framework. Families highlight the leadership's dedication to inclusivity and support, emphasizing student well-being, strong community bonds, and sustainability initiatives that are woven into the fabric of the school's mission.

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 invited Jean-Bastien Urfels, Head of School at TFS - Canada's International School, to share a message.

The overview highlights the vision, values, and guiding principles that shape leadership and the student experience at TFS - Canada's International School.

TFS - Canada's International School, Jean-Bastien Urfels, Head of School

Jean-Bastien Urfels, Head of School

Jean-Bastien Urfels joined TFS in August 2020 as Principal of the Senior School. He was appointed Deputy Head in January 2022, and began his tenure as Head of School in June 2026.

A native of France, M. Urfels started his career in education as a teacher in his beloved region of Provence, before moving to Barcelona, Spain, where he joined the Lycée français de Gavà - Bon Soleil. During his 13-year tenure at the Lycée, he was consecutively teacher, Deputy Head of School and Head of School from 2015 to 2020, during which he established the Franco-Spanish BachiBac diploma and the IB Diploma Program.

M. Urfels holds a master’s degree in history and law. He speaks French, English, Spanish and German.

INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADERSHIP

We interviewed Jean-Bastien Urfels, Head of School at TFS - Canada's International School.

In conversation with school leadership, the discussion centred on the school’s mission, educational approach, and the vision shaping key decisions.

Video Contents

0:52 - Please describe your professional journey leading up to your current role at Toronto French School.
2:06 - What have been some of the major influences on you and how you approach your work?
3:42 - What resonates most strongly with you about the history and mission of Toronto French School?
Show Full Video Contents
6:12 - Please tell us more about the culture and values of Toronto French School?
9:09 - What strategies does the school rely on to equip students to thrive both academically and personally?
13:09 - Can you describe some of the recent turning points Toronto French School went through in recent years?
16:24 - How do you envision the evolution of Toronto French School over the next few years?
19:55 - What are the families like at TFS, and how does the school approach the partnership with the parents?
23:20 - How do you approach conflicts at the school?
26:26 - What advice would you offer to parents who are 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)

OUR KIDS REPORT: TFS - Canada's International School

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