Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1467827
Over and over again, those are the words spoken when describing Anna Por Giles, the co-founder of TFS who, with her husband Harry, grew the school from six students in the basement of their North Toronto house into one that today includes two campuses and four branches. Even more importantly, it is the educational home to over 1,500 TFS unique and wonderful students who are the recipients of their pioneering vision. Born in Hungary, Anna learned Hungarian, Czech, Polish and German as a child, and then French and English when her family immigrated to Canada. But as a young mother, she could not understand why Canadian students were taught only one language. She searched for instruction for her own children in English and French but found none. It was from this lack of bilingual education that she struck upon the idea of starting their own school. Anna was an innate educator and the school's first principal, a person who exuded generosity, kindness and integrity. She was a wise and gentle guiding hand to all who knew her. After her passing in 1975, Harry Giles established a medal in her name to acknowledge and honour the fundamental role Anna had played in forming TFS' values. In Harry Giles' words: "This medal is not only the highest award that this school gives; it is the highest kind of award that any school could ever give." Harry Giles never stopped mourning the loss of his beloved wife, and in December 2021, he too passed away. Here, we will introduce you to some of the award's recipients who, over the decades, have continued to carry on the legacy of an extraordinary person, our Anna Giles. TFS "SHE WAS THE BEATING HEART OF THE SCHOOL." Newspaper article announcing the opening of Toronto French School. Our co-founders: Anna Giles with her husband Harry. 21