TFS - Canada's International School

ô ù TFS 19 While academic ambition has always been the hallmark of TFS' reputation, the offering of a French and English bilingual education is what makes our institution one- of-a-kind. Founded in 1962, the school was built on the conviction that teaching Molière's language to the reciters of Shakespeare would encourage the emergence of a truly Canadian national identity – while also providing new perspectives on the diversity of the world. Now 60 years later, TFS remains true to its mission. "Toronto French" was the name representing the young and bold bilingual school that was founded in the heart of North Toronto almost six decades ago. At that time, a few years before Canada's Centennial, the country still had a long way to go to unite its two solitudes. However, early proponents held the belief that mastering the two official languages of Canada, English and French, would allow everyone to extend a hand to one another – and to walk shoulder to shoulder toward a common destiny. Conceived as a project of national significance from the start, TFS nonetheless continually looked beyond our country's borders, seeking the voices and perspectives of a wider world. Thanks to teachers from all corners of the Francophonie – in the beginning primarily from Lebanon, then from the Maghreb region of Africa, France, and of course the many francophone regions of Canada – TFS gradually shaped itself into the pluralistic community we celebrate today, reflective of contemporary Canadian society and its evolving demographics. These educators brought with them the richness of their cultures and societal perspectives, as well as their passion for the French language and their thirst for teaching. So it is no surprise that the global vision of TFS comes, in large part, from its educators. It is also in this context that our students began to learn to see the world through new and different lenses. Witness this: "Before arriving at TFS in Level I, although I spoke French pretty well as a result of prior enrolment in another francophone school, I knew nothing about France or about other francophone countries besides Canada. Thanks to TFS, not only did I continue to improve my French, but I also gained new perspectives. This has allowed me to imagine the future with an eye open to the world," stated Ryan W., upon his graduation from TFS in 2021. One of TFS' pillars is to develop in our students an international perspective, and in this sense, the Francophonie is an extraordinary resource. Starting locally, our students become aware of Ontario's own French heritage by celebrating Franco-Ontarian Day each September 25; we participate each year as a school in La Semaine de la francophonie de Toronto; and our TFS musicians have participated annually at Vimy Ridge Day in Toronto. Recently, TFS joined Amicitia France-Canada, a grassroots initiative to celebrate the friendship between these two nations, by establishing a monument in Ottawa. TFS' music ensemble will play at its inauguration in the fall. Reaching beyond Canadian borders, the school celebrates the International Day of the Francophonie, with activities dedicated to learning about the diverse range of French-speaking countries, and online exchanges and international trips have kept students connected to our peer schools in France, Spain and Morocco. These partnerships help keep our students and staff not only connected but engaged in true intercultural dialogue, and contribute to the school being an active player in the francophone world. French at TFS: a common language, an international perspective In 2020, two Level III students participated in a French language exchange, followed by a visit to Morocco with their Grade 6 peers. They are pictured here at Volubilis, an ancient Berber-Roman city.

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