admin Education is in a moment of profound transformation. Around the world, schools are reimagining how learning is delivered, how success is measured, and how the next generation can be prepared for challenges yet to emerge. Technology has blurred geographical boundaries, social priorities are evolving, and the demand for leaders who are not only capable but also compassionate has never been greater.
In this shifting landscape, the role of visionary educational leaders is more than operational. It is about shaping the moral, intellectual, and emotional framework that students carry into adulthood. Few individuals exemplify this ideal as convincingly as Phoebe Wasfy, Principal of Philopateer Christian College (PCC) in Ontario, Canada. Over two decades, she has guided the school through ambitious growth, global outreach, and educational innovation, all while staying anchored to a clear mission: to develop well-rounded leaders who excel academically and live with integrity.
“Every student’s journey, from their first achievement to graduation, carries the potential to transform a life and inspire others.”
From Alexandria to Academic Leadership
Phoebe’s journey began in Alexandria, Egypt, a city known for its historic contributions to knowledge and culture. Her own family carried that same reverence for education, most notably her grandmother, a teacher whose commitment to her students extended long after they had left her classroom. Watching that impact firsthand planted in Phoebe a conviction that teaching was not simply a job but a vocation capable of shaping futures in ways no other profession could.
At the age of nine, Phoebe emigrated with her family to North America. The change was significant, yet the sense of purpose instilled in her during those early years never wavered. While her peers were exploring a variety of career possibilities, Phoebe remained steadfast in her goal. She would be a teacher, just as her grandmother had been, and she would dedicate her life to education.
A Career Built on Lifelong Learning
Phoebe’s academic record reflects a deep belief that those who guide learners must also be active learners themselves. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies from the University of Toronto in 2002, followed by a Professional Program in Education at D’Youville College in New York in 2004. Along the way, she acquired additional teaching qualifications in Reading, History, Religious Studies, and instruction for all grades from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
In 2011, she completed her Principal Qualification Courses, positioning herself for leadership roles. In 2014, she attained a Master of Education from the University of Western Ontario, and in 2019 she added a Higher Education Teaching Certificate from Harvard University to her credentials. Currently, she is pursuing the Supervisory Officer Qualification Program, a move that reinforces her belief that leadership is strengthened by continuous professional growth.
Early Years at Philopateer Christian College
Phoebe joined PCC in 2005 as a Grade 3 teacher in a class of just fourteen students. It did not take long for her leadership potential to be recognized. Within two years, she transitioned to middle school teaching and became involved in expanding the school to include a high school. The inaugural Grade 9 class consisted of only three students, yet it represented a turning point in PCC’s evolution.
Her rise through the ranks was steady and purposeful: Assistant Vice-Principal, Vice-Principal, and ultimately Principal. Assuming the top role at a young age was a bold move, but Phoebe approached it with confidence and a vision for what PCC could become. She understood that leadership was not about titles or authority but about cultivating an environment where students and staff could thrive.
Transforming PCC into a Global Educational Force
Under Phoebe’s stewardship, PCC has grown into one of Canada’s most respected private Christian schools. Founded in 1999 as North America’s first private school established by the Coptic Egyptian community, PCC now serves over 400 students from Pre-K to Grade 12.
Her leadership has been defined by a readiness to innovate. She was part of the pioneering group of educators who launched PCC’s high school, and her leadership has consistently reflected a bold vision for growth and innovation.
When the COVID-19 pandemic upended education globally, Phoebe saw an opportunity rather than a setback. She led the creation of a fully accredited virtual high school, enabling students worldwide to join PCC without leaving their home countries. This initiative not only maintained continuity during a crisis but also broadened the school’s reach, creating a model for blended learning that remains integral to PCC’s operations.
In 2024, she spearheaded the launch of PCC’s second campus in Ottawa and continues to dream of taking PCC global, with physical campuses established in key cities around the world.
A Philosophy Rooted in Faith and Integrity
Phoebe’s vision for PCC rests on three core pillars: enabling every student to achieve their best, extending the school’s influence globally, and ensuring that integrity guides every decision. For her, education is a holistic process that balances intellectual development with spiritual grounding and moral responsibility.
She has led humanitarian trips that take students beyond their familiar environments, immersing them in service projects around the world. These experiences, she believes, not only expand students’ perspectives but also nurture empathy, resilience, and leadership skills. One of her recent initiatives involved guiding a group of 16- and 17-year-old students to organize a fundraising campaign for Egypt’s presidential “Decent Life” project, an effort that reflected both initiative and social responsibility. This initiative continues to be recognized and most recent during the inauguration of “Together” another initiative launched through collaboration with Egypt, these now alumnus were recognized by the Egyptian Minister of Local Development, Minister Manal Awad, in a ceremony attended by over 400 people.
Recognition and Achievements
Phoebe’s work has earned recognition across multiple spheres as an educational leader. In 2021, she was honored with the Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder Award and recognized among the “100 Inspiring Women in Canada.” Her academic dedication earned her the 2019 Arab Women of Excellence Award in Academia from the Canadian Life Transformation Academy. Most recently, she was officially nominated for the Educational Impact Leadership Award at the 2026 World Education Summit in Dubai, an honor that celebrates her commitment to inspiring, empowering, and transforming lives through education. She was also selected to be featured in the Top 50 Fearless Leaders publication by the International Association of Top Professionals, with formal recognition at their 2024 gala. In June 2023, Phoebe received presidential recognition from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the National Youth Conference, marking her as the first Egyptian-Canadian in education to be so honored.
She served on the board of ACSI-Eastern Canada, contributes as adjunct faculty for the Canadian Coptic Center’s Youth Ministry Certification Program, and represented PCC at the World Youth Forum in Egypt in 2018, engaging with global educators and policymakers.
Every Student, Every Milestone
Despite her many accolades, Phoebe remains deeply focused on individual student success. She finds as much joy in a kindergarten child proudly writing their name for the first time as she does in congratulating a graduating senior heading to college. Each milestone, she believes, is a testament to the environment PCC strives to provide.
Her leadership style is anchored in gratitude and recognition. She makes a point of acknowledging both small and large achievements among staff and students alike. Each morning, she sends a devotional message to her team, setting a tone of reflection and unity before the school day begins.
“A school’s greatest strength lies in a united community driven by integrity, vision, and the courage to adapt.”
Building a Resilient and United Team
Phoebe credits much of PCC’s success to its cohesive and dedicated staff. She fosters a culture of collaboration, ensuring that teachers feel valued and supported. She believes that a school’s strength lies not just in its programs or facilities but in the shared commitment of its people.
This approach was particularly vital during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Keeping staff, students, parents, and the school board aligned required clear communication, mutual trust, and a willingness to adapt quickly. By embracing innovation and maintaining unity, PCC not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger.
Looking to the Future
Phoebe envisions PCC as a model institution whose practices are studied and adopted worldwide. She aims to expand the school’s international presence, deepen partnerships with global organizations, and continue refining its virtual learning capabilities.
Her broader goal is to shape leaders who are not only academically capable but also guided by empathy, integrity, and a sense of service. In a world that often prioritizes immediate results, she sees the lasting value of education as the ability to equip individuals to navigate complexity with both skill and conscience.
Magazine 
