Meet Phoebe A. Wasfy an esteemed educator and leader in the field of educational leadership. With nearly two decades of experience, Mrs. Wasfy is a prominent educator and educational leader dedicated to transforming educational institutions and empowering students and educators alike. Her journey is marked by a passion for education, leadership, and service to the community.
A Visionary Leader
Mrs. Wasfy is the principal of Philopateer Christian College (PCC), one of the fastest-growing private schools in Canada. Under her leadership, PCC has been named the “Best Private School” in Mississauga for five consecutive years and is currently running for the title for the sixth time. Established in 1999 as the first private school in North America founded by the Coptic Egyptian community, PCC is open to all students and is a well-recognized member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Early Years and Educational Foundation
Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Mrs. Wasfy immigrated to North America at the age of nine.Her career in education is deeply influenced by her personal experiences as an immigrant and her dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of young people. She is an active member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) and the Ontario Principals Council (OPC). Mrs. Wasfy has received several honors and recognitions, including nominations for the prestigious Order of Ontario in both 2019 and 2020 for her contributions to community service. She was also inducted into The Marquis Who’s Who in America for her professional integrity and accomplishments, and she received the VisionBuilder Women of Inspiration Award in 2021 and 2022.
Mrs. Wasfy’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto, a Professional Program in Education from D’Youville College, and a Master of Education from the University of Western Ontario. She has earned additional qualifications in areas like Reading, History, Religious Studies, and Teaching kindergarten grade 12, and she completed her Principal Qualification Courses in 2011. In 2019, she furthered her expertise with a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University. Mrs. Wasfy’s commitment to academic excellence was recognized with the Arab Women of Excellence Award in Academia by Life Transformation Academy in Calgary, Alberta. In 2023, she was honored with Egyptian Presidential recognition, and in 2024, she was named the top Principal and Woman of Empowerment by the International Top Professional Association.
The Key Inspiration behind Joining PCC
her life. Their dedication and the personal connections they fostered left a lasting impression on her. After finishing teacher’s college, she initially joined Philopateer Christian College (PCC) with the plan to spend just one year as a first-year teacher before transitioning to the public sector. What she thought would be a brief experience turned into a journey of over twenty years. Today, the positive influence Mrs. Wasfy experienced growing up is what she now strives to pass on to the students at PCC.
Philopateer Christian College (PCC): At a Glance
Philopateer Christian College (PCC) is one of the fastest-growing private schools in Canada. Under Mrs. Wasfy’s leadership, PCC has been named the “Best Private School” in Mississauga for four consecutive years. Established in 1999 as the first private school in North America founded by the Coptic Egyptian community, PCC is open to all students and is a well-recognized member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Distinctive Approach to Cultivate Leadership Skills
At Philopateer Christian College (PCC), cultivating leadership skills is a core part of the mission. The organization focuses on fostering leadership through a holistic approach, combining academic excellence, character development, and real-world experiences. The programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, helping students develop the confidence and competence needed to lead in any field they choose. PCC offers various leadership opportunities within the school, such as student council, peer mentoring, and involvement in organizing school events. These experiences allow students to take responsibility, practice decision-making, and develop strong interpersonal skills.
Encouraging Students to Become Responsible Global Citizens
Philopateer Christian College (PCC) is committed to developing responsible global citizens through a variety of initiatives that promote empathy, leadership, and social responsibility. One of their key strategies is engaging students in humanitarian trips, where they have the opportunity to work on global outreach projects. These trips, in partnership with organizations like Descent Life and the Egypt Cancer Network Canada, allow students to directly contribute to meaningful causes, providing them with hands-on experiences in community service and global impact. Through these partnerships, students learn about the importance of giving back, helping those in need, and understanding global challenges from a personal perspective.
Evolution of Extracurricular Activities at PCC
The team plans to integrate clubs like Model United Nations (MUN), DECA, and Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), which provide real-world, hands-on experiences and complement classroom learning. They also envision incorporating more STEM-related extracurriculars, expanding the strong arts programs, and sports teams, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their passions and interests outside the classroom. ″Our goal is to offer a balanced range of activities that promote intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development, ensuring that our students graduate not only with strong academic foundations but also with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in life”, shares Mrs. Wasfy.
Innovative Teaching Methods to Enhance Learning Experiences
Philopate Christian College (PCC) is dedicated to integrating innovative teaching methods and advanced technologies to improve the learning experiences of students and better prepare them for the future. Some of the key methods and technologies the institute plans to implement include:
● Blended Learning
● Interactive Learning Tools
● Project-Based Learning (PBL)
● Flipped Classroom Model
● Collaborative Online Platforms
● Remote Learning
● Focus on Digital Literacy and Online Safety
Jewels in the Crown
Mrs. Wasfy has achieved notable success in leading PCC through significant growth, including the launch of the online campus and the establishment of a second physical campus in Ottawa. She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including being recognized by **The International Top Professional Association as the Top Principal and Woman of Empowerment** in 2024. Additionally, she was chosen for Egyptian presidential recognition in 2023, and she has been inducted into Marquis Who’s Who in America. These accolades recognize Mrs. Wasfy’s impact on educational leadership and community building.
A Legacy of Learning: Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Mrs. Wasfy plans to forge relationships with universities, NGOs, and educational institutions worldwide. This is aimed at exposing students to diverse cultures and perspectives, enriching their learning experience. As education evolves, she remains committed to continuing the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching methods at PCC. Additionally, she aims to cultivate the next generation of compassionate, ethical, and visionary leaders by expanding initiatives like student leadership councils, entrepreneurship programs, and service-learning projects.
A piece of Advice to Aspiring Educators and School Leaders
For aspiring educators and school leaders who want to make a significant impact, Mrs. Wasfy says that making a significant impact in the field of education is about staying grounded in your values, being open to continuous growth, and always putting students at the center of your work. With passion, resilience, and a commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, you can create lasting change in the lives of students and the broader community.