Name: Phoebe A. Wasfy
Company: Philopateer Christian College
Designation: Principal
The education industry plays a significant role in shaping the future by providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in a complex world. With a focus on both academic and personal development, educational institutions strive to adapt to evolving pedagogical approaches, integrate technology, and meet the diverse needs of students. Phoebe Wasfy is a distinguished leader in the education sector, serving as the Principal of Philopateer Christian College (PCC). Her focus on continuous learning, innovation, and ethical decision-making has established her as a prominent figure in educational reform, inspiring both her colleagues and students to strive for excellence.
The Pillar of Educational Excellence
Phoebe A. Wasfy is the Principal of Philopateer Christian College (PCC), a distinguished private school in Canada and a notable member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Under her leadership, PCC has thrived, earning the title of “Best Private School” in Mississauga for five consecutive years. Established in 1999, PCC holds the unique distinction of being the first private school in North America founded by the Coptic Egyptian community, welcoming students from all backgrounds.
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Phoebe immigrated to North America at the age of nine. Her dedication to education is reflected in her active membership in the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Ontario Principals Council (OPC). She has been recognized for her contributions to the community, receiving nominations for the Order of Ontario in 2019 and 2020, a prestigious accolade awarded by the Province of Ontario and its Governor General. Her professional achievements have also been acknowledged by The Marquis Who’s Who in America, which honors her integrity and excellence. Additionally, Phoebe received the Vision Builder Women of Inspiration Award in 2021 and another Woman of Inspiration Award from Oxygen Media Limited in May 2022.
Phoebe’s academic journey is extensive and impressive. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto in 2002 and completed her Professional Program in Education at D’Youville College in New York in 2004. She has obtained additional qualifications in various subjects including Reading, History, and Religious Studies, and has completed her Principal Qualification Courses (PQC) in 2011. Furthering her education, Phoebe received a Master of Education from the University of Western Ontario in 2014 and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University in 2019. Committed to continuous improvement, she completed the John Maxwell Leadership Certification in August 2023 and is currently engaged in a specialized leadership program through the Egyptian National Academy. Her contributions to academia have been recognized with the Arab Women of Excellence Awards in Academia from Life Transformation Academy in Calgary, Alberta.
Foundation of Academic Excellence and Values
Philopateer Christian College (PCC) is a Pre-JK to grade 12 private school dedicated to providing a well-rounded education rooted in strong academics, life principles, and family values. The school’s comprehensive approach ensures that students receive a solid educational foundation while also developing important life skills and community awareness. At the core of PCC’s offerings is its holistic academic program. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, with a focus on Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. Students have access to advanced programs, including Advanced Placement courses and a French bilingual diploma. The school also emphasizes cooperative education, giving students practical experience and preparing them for future academic and career endeavors.
Beyond academics, PCC places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, providing students with opportunities to engage in diverse pursuits. Annual Christmas concerts and musical productions highlight the school’s commitment to the arts, while mission trips and sports teams offer avenues for students to develop teamwork and leadership skills. These activities are designed to enrich the students’ educational experience and encourage them to explore their interests and talents. PCC also prioritizes student support services, ensuring that every student has access to the resources they need to succeed both academically and personally. The school’s comprehensive support system helps students navigate their educational journey and overcome any challenges they may face.
Leader in Education and Community Service
Phoebe has been a dedicated board member of ACSI-Eastern Canada since 2017. She also is as an adjunct faculty member for the Youth Ministry Certification Program offered by the Canadian Coptic Center in affiliation with YouthTrain, New Zealand. In 2018, she was chosen to participate in the World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, showcasing her commitment to global educational initiatives. She is passionate about engaging with educators, students, and parents, always striving to foster leadership and professional growth among her staff. She leads numerous initiatives, including coordinating global humanitarian trips for students in partnership with various governments, charity groups, and aid organizations. Recently, she spearheaded a fundraising campaign led by 16 and 17-year-old students for the Egyptian presidential initiative Decent Life. Additionally, she initiated Arabic accredited courses to support the Egyptian presidential initiative Etkalem 3araby.
Her impactful work in education has earned her features in multiple global magazines, highlighting her contributions to the field. In June 2023, Phoebe’s dedication was recognized by President Abdelfattah Al Sisi at the National Youth Forum in Alexandria, Egypt. She has also been chosen by the International Association of Top Professionals (IATOP) as the top school principal, coach, and speaker of 2024, and has been honored as an Empowered Woman 2024.
Navigating a Crisis: Leadership During the Pandemic
Reflecting on her career journey, Phoebe recalls the formidable challenges she faced as the principal of a private school during the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. The crisis was multifaceted; parents losing their jobs threatened student enrollment numbers, and the school had to quickly adapt to educating hundreds of students with limited resources. Keeping staff morale high in such uncertain times added another layer of difficulty.
Despite these obstacles, Phoebe led the school through a transformative period. She developed an idea that not only helped the institution navigate these challenges but also propelled it onto the global stage. Today, the school operates as both an in-person and online accredited institution, a testament to its resilience and innovative approach during those difficult times. This journey highlights Phoebe’s leadership and ability to turn adversity into an opportunity for growth and development.
Building a Strong Team: Approach to a Positive Work Environment
Phoebe believes in fostering a positive and productive work environment within her team through several key strategies. At the heart of her approach is the emphasis on a family atmosphere. Treating each other like family builds a strong sense of community, fostering trust and support among team members. Open communication is another crucial element. Through professional development sessions, team-building activities, and conferences, the school ensures that lines of communication remain open. This transparency helps in understanding and addressing any concerns or ideas that arise within the team.
Phoebe also prioritizes active listening and collaboration. As a leader, she ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and valued, creating a more inclusive and dynamic work environment. This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also encourages the exchange of diverse ideas and perspectives. Empowerment and encouragement are central to Phoebe’s leadership style. She focuses on recognizing the strengths of each team member and encouraging their contributions. This builds confidence and motivates everyone to perform their best, knowing their efforts are appreciated.
Lastly, Phoebe champions a mindset of continuous improvement. By working together, the team strives to create a better everyday experience for each other and for the school. This commitment to growth and adaptation helps the team to thrive and succeed collectively. Through these strategies, she has created a supportive and dynamic work environment that benefits both staff and students, reflecting her dedication to leadership and community.
The Guiding Principles of Phoebe Wasfy
Phoebe’s approach to both her personal and professional life is grounded in four core principles: faith, integrity, values, and responsibility. Faith provides her with strength and direction, allowing her to remain resilient and hopeful even in challenging times. It is this sense of faith that helps her navigate obstacles with confidence and optimism. Integrity is central to her interactions, ensuring that she remains honest and ethical. This commitment to integrity fosters trust and respect in her relationships, both personally and professionally. It is the foundation upon which she builds lasting and meaningful connections.
Values are the compass that shapes Phoebe’s decisions and actions. They ensure that her choices are aligned with what she believes to be right and just. This alignment with her core values ensures consistency and authenticity in her leadership and everyday life. Responsibility drives Phoebe to be accountable for her actions and their impact on others. It motivates her to contribute positively to her community and the world at large. By taking responsibility, she strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her.
Lifelong Learning: Commitment to Educational Excellence
Phoebe embodies the philosophy of lifelong learning, a principle that keeps her at the forefront of educational trends and advancements. As an educator, she actively takes courses and enrolls in various programs to ensure her knowledge remains current and relevant. This commitment to continuous learning is not just about staying updated; it’s about enhancing her perspective on education and related fields. She regularly reads books and articles that offer fresh insights, broadening her understanding and keeping her informed about the latest developments. This habit helps her stay engaged with new ideas and practices that can be applied in her professional life.
Beyond her personal education, Phoebe is dedicated to teaching and developing professional development opportunities for others. This engagement not only deepens her own understanding but also contributes to the growth of her colleagues and the wider educational community. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, she ensures that everyone around her benefits from the latest industry trends and advancements.
Guiding Compass in Leadership
In her leadership role, Phoebe approaches decision-making with a compass guided by faith, integrity, values, and responsibility. These principles provide a solid ethical foundation for her choices, ensuring that each decision is made with careful consideration and respect for its potential impact. She recognizes the importance of understanding the people involved and those who will be affected by her decisions. She gathers comprehensive information and considers various perspectives to fully grasp the situation at hand. This thorough approach allows her to make well-informed decisions that reflect a balanced and inclusive view.
Listening to others with an open mind is a priority for Phoebe. She values input and insights from her team, which helps her make decisions that are considerate of diverse viewpoints. At the same time, she remains steadfast in her beliefs and convictions. This balance between openness and adherence to her core principles is fundamental to her leadership style. Phoebe’s decision-making process reflects a commitment to ethical leadership. By combining her guiding principles with a thorough understanding of each situation and valuing the input of others, she leads with confidence and integrity. Her decisions not only address the needs of those she serves but also uphold her dedication to responsible and principled leadership.
Expanding Horizons: Vision for Educational Growth
In the upcoming year, Phoebe is set to lead a significant milestone for her school by opening a second campus in Ottawa. This expansion marks an exciting step in broadening the school’s reach and impact within Canada. Alongside this national growth, Phoebe is actively exploring opportunities for global outreach, driven by her dream to leverage the successes achieved through her work at Philopateer Christian College (PCC) for worldwide educational reform.
Looking ahead, Phoebe envisions herself at the forefront of these initiatives, guiding both national and international expansion efforts. Her goal is to drive growth that enhances the school’s presence while contributing meaningfully to the global educational landscape. By sharing PCC’s innovative practices and values, Phoebe aims to inspire and implement transformative changes in education worldwide. Her vision is to make a positive difference in the lives of students and educators across the globe, ensuring that the benefits of PCC’s educational philosophy are felt far beyond Canada’s borders.
Words of Wisdom: Phoebe Wasfy’s Advice for Aspiring Educators
For the upcoming generation of young and passionate individuals aspiring to succeed in the competitive field of education, Phoebe offers valuable advice. She emphasizes the importance of remaining focused on goals and never settling for mediocrity. Continuously dreaming big and setting progressively higher objectives for both oneself and one’s organization is crucial. This mindset, Phoebe believes, drives individuals to push boundaries and achieve greater success.
When faced with challenges, Phoebe advises taking a step back to gain perspective and focus on finding effective solutions rather than becoming overwhelmed by the problem. This approach enables a more constructive and resilient response to obstacles. Additionally, she underscores the importance of embracing innovation as a key component of one’s journey. Fostering a culture of creativity and adaptability not only enhances personal skills but also contributes to the growth and improvement of those around. Phoebe’s proactive attitude towards change and progress is instrumental in achieving long-term success.
