In an age where education faces constant challenges and rapid technological evolution, few leaders stand out for their ability to balance tradition with innovation. Phoebe Wasfy, The Principal of Philopateer Christian College (PCC), a dynamic and rapidly growing private school with campuses in Mississauga and Ottawa, embodies this balance. With a deep-rooted passion for education, global humanitarian initiatives, and a commitment to leadership development, she has positioned PCC as a beacon of excellence. Recognized as the “Best Private School” in Mississauga for five consecutive years, PCC is a well-respected member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Beyond her role at PCC, Phoebe is actively engaged in mentoring, coaching, and advocating for quality education worldwide. She earned her Master of Education, Principal Qualification, and leadership certifications from Harvard and the John Maxwell Team. She has been honored with multiple awards, including the Vision Builder Women of Inspiration Award, the Arab Women of Excellence in Academia Award, and recognition from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi at the National Youth Forum in Egypt.
“Education is more than a career for me—it is a lifelong mission,” says Phoebe Wasfy, Principal of Philopateer Christian College.
We sat down to explore her journey, vision, and passion for learning.
Q: Thank you for joining us. To begin, can you share a bit about what inspired you to pursue a career in education?
Phoebe: My journey in education is deeply personal. I was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and immigrated to North America when I was nine years old. Navigating a new country, culture, and language as a child was challenging, but it also opened my eyes to the transformative power of education. I experienced firsthand how a supportive learning environment can empower individuals to reach their full potential. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to be part of creating those empowering environments for others.
My maternal grandmother, Matilda Gobran was an educator who also played a vital role in shaping my passion for this vocation. Her dedication to teaching, love for knowledge, and unwavering commitment to her students left a lasting impression on me. Beyond my family, I’ve been influenced by many remarkable educators and leaders throughout my career. Their mentorship reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and fostering excellence in education. This passion led me to pursue a career in education and eventually become the principal of PCC, where I have the privilege of leading one of the fastest-growing private schools in Canada.
Q: PCC has an impressive reputation. What do you believe sets it apart from other educational institutions?
Phoebe: PCC stands out because of our holistic approach to education. We’re not just focused on academic excellence—though that’s certainly a priority. We integrate faith-based education, leadership development, and a strong emphasis on moral values to prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. Our value proposition is clear: we develop well-rounded individuals equipped with the knowledge, skills, and character to make a positive impact in the world. The ultimate goal is to develop leaders, not just learners. We believe that by instilling strong values, fostering critical thinking, and embracing new educational trends, we can equip the next generation with the skills and mindset to create meaningful change in the world. We’re also proud to be the first private school in North America founded by the Coptic Egyptian community while remaining open to all students. That diversity enriches our community and fosters an inclusive learning environment.
Q: Your leadership style seems to be a key part of PCC’s success. What qualities do you believe are essential for effective leadership in education?
Phoebe: Effective leadership in education requires vision, integrity, and a commitment to service. My approach is centered on empowerment, collaboration, and continuous growth. I strive to lead by example, fostering an environment where both students and educators feel inspired to reach their full potential. Empathy and emotional intelligence are also crucial. Understanding the needs of students, staff, and parents helps build strong relationships and a supportive community. Lastly, adaptability is essential. Education is constantly evolving, and leaders must be flexible and open to change.
Q: You’ve led PCC through some remarkable challenges and transformations. Can you share a story that stands out?
Phoebe: One of the most defining moments in my career happened in March 2020 when I was leading a humanitarian trip to Egypt with high school students. While we were there, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The situation was uncertain and urgent, but we managed to complete our trip and return to Canada on the second-last flight before the world went into lockdown.
The months that followed were some of the most challenging yet transformative for me as a leader. We had to make bold and strategic decisions to ensure that our students continued receiving a high-quality education. We successfully merged with a French school, launched a global online high school platform, and even grew our student body despite the challenges.
The experience taught me the power of resilience and adaptability. It reinforced my belief that strong leadership, strategic innovation, and unwavering perseverance can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Q: Are there any exciting new projects you’re currently working on?
Phoebe: Yes! One of the most significant milestones is the expansion of PCC to Ottawa, which marks the first step toward bringing our unique educational model to different parts of the province. We’re also collaborating with various stakeholders to establish a campus overseas, furthering our mission of providing high-quality education on a global scale.
Another project I’m particularly passionate about is the creation of a dedicated school for students with exceptionalities. Every student deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment tailored to their unique needs. By launching this initiative, we aim to provide specialized programs, individualized support, and inclusive learning experiences.
These projects are about more than just growth—they’re about impact. Expanding educational opportunities means empowering more students, supporting more families, and building stronger communities.
"Education is more than a career for me— it is a lifelong mission,"
Q: What emerging trends in education excite you the most?
Phoebe: The globalization of learning through virtual education platforms is incredibly exciting. Technology has broken down geographical barriers, making quality learning accessible to students worldwide. Online learning, hybrid models, and virtual exchange programs are creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
AI-powered personalized learning, virtual reality (VR) in education, and digital collaboration tools are also revolutionizing the classroom experience. These innovations cater to different learning styles and ensure that education is more inclusive and adaptable.
The rise of lifelong learning platforms also excites me, as they provide students and professionals with continuous access to skill development, ensuring that education is not confined to a traditional classroom but is a lifelong journey. As educators, we have a responsibility to harness these trends to prepare students for a dynamic, interconnected, and technology-driven world.
At PCC, we’ve embraced these advancements through online education, global partnerships, and virtual mentorship programs. The ability to connect with experts and peers from around the world through MOOCs, virtual STEM initiatives, and international research collaborations is shaping the future of education.
Q: What advice would you give to the next generation of women who aspire to make a difference in education?
Phoebe: To the next generation of women, my advice is to lead with courage, passion, and purpose. Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and as women, we have the ability to shape futures, inspire change, and break barriers.
Believe in your vision and pursue it fearlessly. Never stop learning—continuous growth is essential. Lead with integrity and compassion, and see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Take bold steps, embrace innovation, and build strong support systems.
Education is more than a career—it’s a calling to inspire, empower, and transform lives. The world needs strong, visionary women in education now more than ever. Be that leader.
Q: What’s next for you and PCC?
Phoebe: In the next few years, we plan to continue expanding both provincially and globally while staying true to our mission of providing a holistic education that empowers students. We’ll keep embracing technological advancements, fostering global partnerships, and launching initiatives that make education more inclusive and impactful.
Personally, I’ll continue learning, collaborating, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Education is a lifelong mission, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for PCC and the broader educational landscape.
