Imagine Harry and Anna Giles in 1962. They dreamed of a bilingual education for their children. This vision sparked the Toronto French School.
The Toronto French School began humbly. Classes first took place in their Lytton Boulevard home’s basement. The school quickly grew. It expanded to rented spaces like churches and community centers.
Fast forward to 1967. The Toronto French School sponsored the International Film Festival. This festival later became the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. The Toronto French School has always embraced French culture. Think of crêpes, wine, cheese and accordion music.
In 1971, the Toronto French School community showed its generosity. They funded the building at 101 Mildenhall Road. Ontario Premier Bill Davis opened this new high school site. The Toronto French School’s West Campus moved to 1293 Meredith Avenue that same year.
Harry Giles received a high honor in 1973. He was recognized for co-founding Canada’s first French immersion school. The Toronto French School crest and motto appeared in 1976. “Connaissance est force” or “Knowledge Is Power”.
David Giles, Harry’s son, became the first president of the Toronto French School Alumni Association in 1980. Queen Elizabeth II granted the Toronto French School royal patronage that year. It was the first Canadian school to receive this honor.
The Toronto French School acquired the historic Sifton Estate in 1981. It was once Sir Clifford Sifton’s manor house. The school relocated the sisters living there as part of the purchase. By 1983, the Toronto French School purchased more properties. These properties formed a 34-acre campus. It included 26 acres in the Don Valley ravine.
A three-story wing was added to Giles Hall in 1986. It provided science classrooms. It also added the Multi-Purpose Room. Jean Chrétien visited the Toronto French School in 1989.
In 1990, the Toronto French School implemented the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The Toronto French School held its first Chinese New Year’s Dinner in 1991. A retail shop opened at 306 Lawrence Avenue East in 1994.
The first Terry Fox Run took place at the Toronto French School in 1994. The Parents’ Association held its first Kermesse that year too. Seja’s Run was introduced in 1995. It honored a classmate’s memory. The Toronto French School made the IB Diploma Program mandatory that year.
Significant additions came in 2003. The Mississauga campus gained new classrooms. It also gained a new gym. Hazel McCallion attended the opening.
In 2008, the Toronto French School Alumni Association announced its first Alumni of Distinction Award. The old field behind the Senior School became a state-of-the-art sports field.
The Toronto French School implemented the IB’s Primary Years and Middle Years programs in 2010. It held a Carrousel des Nations.
The Toronto French School became TFS Canada’s International School in 2011. This name reflected the school’s program and community. The Toronto French School celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012.
Since 2013, the Toronto French School has flown international flags. These flags represented students’ countries of origin. A new mission, vision, values and motto were introduced in 2016.
The Diamond Soirée marked 60 years of the Toronto French School in 2023. From humble beginnings to an internationally recognized school, the Toronto French School stands as a testament to a powerful vision. It embodies bilingualism and global perspective.