Our Leadership Team

Norman Gaudet is a bilingual educator and an accomplished leader with an invaluable international perspective. 

As Head of School, M. Gaudet leads a team of 300+ teachers and staff members to offer the best educational experience to the 1,500 students of TFS. M. Gaudet brings his determination toward bilingual education to the school that suits its identity and vision for its future. His passion for academic ambition is felt school-wide through his innovative and informed ideas and programs.

As a proud “Fransaskois,” he began his career in education 30 years ago in the Saskatoon public school system as a Gifted Education Specialist. For the past 20 years, he worked in various leadership positions, starting in Yemen as Athletic Director in 2001. He has also held positions of Director of Curriculum in Nigeria, Head of School in the Republic of Georgia and Principal with Le Conseil Scolaire Viamonde here in Toronto. He joined TFS in 2015 as Principal of the Senior School before stepping into the role of Executive Director of the Learning Forum in August 2020, and becoming TFS' Head of School in July 2021. 

M. Gaudet holds a master’s degree in educational administration. He speaks French and English. 

Jean-Bastien Urfels is a passionate professor of history and geography with a remarkable international leadership experience in the French and IB educational systems. 

As Principal of the Senior School, he works to provide a safe and ambitious teaching and learning environment, while enhancing the international spirit of the Senior School through languages and exchanges. M. Urfels ensures that the sense of community remains strong and caring across teachers, students and their families. 

A native of France, M. Urfels started his career in education as a teacher in his beloved region of Provence, before moving to Barcelona, Spain, where he joined the Lycée français de Gavà - Bon Soleil. During his 13-year tenure at the Lycée, he was consecutively teacher, Deputy Head of School and Head of School from 2015 to 2020, during which he established the Franco-Spanish BachiBac diploma and the IB Diploma Program. He joined TFS in August 2020 as Principal of the Senior School. He was appointed Deputy Head in January 2022. 

M. Urfels holds a master’s degree in history and law. He speaks French, English, Spanish and German.

Alexandre Ferrand is a committed team-player, an internationally minded educator and a dedicated leader. 

As Principal of the Junior School, he fosters the TFS mission by providing a solid foundation for students from Grade 2 to 5 through encouraging a curious mind, establishing resilience and determination, both inside and outside the classroom. M. Ferrand is supported by a strong team of passionate teachers and staff members from all over the world. 

A native of France, M. Ferrand's desire for expanded international interaction and understanding started at an early age. Also a passionate sportsperson, he began his athletic career playing in French National Soccer Championships until the age of 17. He then went on to receive his teaching certification in France, for both primary and secondary grades, and taught for one year in a French school prior to moving to Canada. After shifting to coaching students in athletics, he was recruited by TFS and jumped at the opportunity to move to such a diverse city to teach at a school renowned for its innovation. M. Ferrand led the West Campus' athletics program and taught there for more than 15 years before becoming Vice-Principal and shortly thereafter Principal of the Junior School in 2015. 

M. Ferrand holds a bachelor's degree in the science of sports and physical activities, and a master’s degree in health and physical education, both from the University of Nancy in France. He speaks French, English and German.

Mme François is a dedicated educator with more than 20 years of experience who believes in a student-centred education that is tailored to each child as a unique learner.

As the Principal of La p’tite école, she brings significant leadership expertise specifically from her time spent at bilingual schools, including L'école bilingue de la Nouvelle Orléans, where she was the Maternelle Division Head, and Audubon Charter School of New Orleans, where she was the French Academic Director and an instructional coach. She previously taught at schools in Belgium, Switzerland and elsewhere in Louisiana.

At Louisiana State University, Mme François was the Assistant Director of the Language Program. There, she worked on second language acquisition pedagogy with foreign-language teachers, graduate students and undergraduate students pursuing degrees in education. 

Mme François has a master’s degree in foreign languages from the University of New Orleans and a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Haute Ecole De Bruxelles, Belgium. She is currently completing a second master's degree in education from Université de Créteil, France, and will also complete her doctorate in French Studies from Louisiana State University in 2024. She is a citizen of Belgium, France and the US, and speaks French, English and basic Flemish. 

Davy Marques is a student-focused leader who shares TFS’ passion for developing well-rounded students who are engaged in their wider world.

As Principal of the West Campus, M. Marques brings extensive academic leadership experience to his role. At the head of the school’s beloved second campus, he ensures that his community remains close-knit, with its own identity, while fully belonging to the TFS community as a whole. 

A native of France with Portuguese roots, M. Marques has worked in many bilingual and multicultural French schools around the world. He was most recently Head of the Primary School at the Lycée Français International d’Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. His international experience also includes being the head of schools in Zimbabwe, Nigeria and France. He was appointed Principal of the West Campus in August 2019. 

M. Marques holds a bachelor’s degree in linguistics from Sorbonne University, and master’s degrees in educational administration and education from University de Bretagne Sud and the University of Créteil, respectively. He speaks French, English and Portuguese.

Daniel Cohen is an internationally minded educator with strong expertise in both French and English practices. 

As Executive Director of the Learning Forum and the Health & Wellness Centre, he leads a team of dedicated professionals whose mandate involves all four of TFS’ branches; that is, the responsibility to develop and strengthen students’ learning strategies and skills, while ensuring their physical and emotional well-being.

Originally from France, M. Cohen started his career as a special education teacher, where he had the privilege of supporting students of all ages in their learning challenges. After working in Paris, he pursued roles outside of his home country, driven by his eagerness to discover the world. In Chicago, New York, Montreal, Singapore and Toronto, he acquired leadership experiences - from director of curriculum to head of school - during which he developed expertise in French and English teaching practices and knowledge of different curricula, all while gaining a vital international perspective.

In August 2017, he began serving as Vice-Principal of the Junior School atTFS, until his appointment as Executive Director of the Learning Forum in January 2022. 

He holds degrees from Paris universities, in education and special education, respectively. He speaks French, English and intermediate Spanish.

Aurélie Lossouarn is a passionate educator committed to the personal development of students. 

As Executive Director, Citizenship and Global Education, she oversees the citizenship programs, one of the fundamental aspects upon which our school is built. She is also responsible for managing school partnerships, student leadership and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Her experience in overseeing international school excursions is a valuable asset, helping students awaken and broaden their international perspective through trips and exchanges around the world. 

A native of France, Mme Lossouarn spent over 18 years in England in the field of education. As a teacher, she taught the French programs of the International Baccalaureate. She was also the program coordinator for the French National Centre for Distance Education and assistant director of the foreign language department of an independent, international school. She was appointed Director, Citizenship and Global Education, at TFS in 2019. 

Aurélie holds a certificate in secondary education from the University of Exeter, and a bachelor's degree in literature and linguistics from the University of Nantes. She speaks French and English, and intermediate level German and Spanish.

Dr. Tamara Smith is a dedicated scientist, teacher, and action-oriented leader supporting TFS’ plan to address the climate challenges on its two campuses through student-led programs.

Dr. Smith joined TFS in 2010, teaching biology to students in Levels I through V. She became the biology department’s coordinator in 2019 and was subsequently named coordinator for environment and sustainability initiatives. Dr. Smith, along with a team made up of faculty, students, parents and the school’s leadership, joined the Climate Action Acceleration Program to formalize and amplify the school’s efforts in 2022. Now, she will lead a school-wide team and program to elevate stewardship, nature connectedness, wellness, service, climate literacy and climate solutions, in order to promote thriving as a way of life at TFS, including through restoration of our portion of the Don Valley ravine.

 She will also oversee the outdoor experiential education program and will provide a framework for student-led action and inquiry opportunities.

Dr. Smith holds a postdoctoral certificate in cell and systems biology, a Ph.D. in biochemistry, a professional master’s degree in education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education. She speaks English and French.

Gabriel Bérard is a Human Resources expert with a solid background in the education sector, having worked with teachers and school administrations. 

As Director, People and Culture, he leads TFS’ team of dedicated Human Resources professionals. His role includes talent and performance management, health and wellness in the workplace, labour relations, and recruiting staff members from all over the world who are committed to TFS' values of integrity, discernment, respect and engagement.

A native of Laval, Quebec, M. Bérard started his career in human resources in the manufacturing sector in Montreal. He moved to Toronto in 2010 and joined the Mon Avenir School Board where, for over a decade, he was successively health and safety coordinator, manager of labour relations and assistant director of human resources. He was appointed Director of People and Culture at TFS in March 2021. 

M. Bérard holds a bachelor's degree in human resources management from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He speaks French and English.

Shyrose Janmohamed is an accomplished senior financial leader, with more than 20 years of experience, 10 of which have been in the not-for-profit sector. 

As Chief Financial Officer, she oversees TFS’ business office as well as food and retail services, developing and implementing standards of excellence in various facets of TFS’ non-academic operations, from controls to governance and legal matters.

 A native of Toronto, Ms. Janmohamed is a chartered accountant who has led many cross-functional projects and approaches finance with a customer service objective, choosing to collaborate and find solutions through trusted relationships with stakeholders. She has served on various boards and is a lifelong volunteer for many organizations, including MCIS Interpreter Services, University of Toronto, Rotman College, and the Shia Imami Ismaili Volunteer Corp.  She was appointed TFS’ Chief Financial Officer in 2015. 

Ms. Janmohamed is a graduate of University of Toronto, with a honours bachelor’s degree in commerce, which preceded receiving her CA. She speaks English and has a strong intermediate level in French.

Susan Markle is an accomplished leader, and a passionate and long-time advocate for the education that TFS provides its students. 

As Executive Director, Community Engagement and Enrolment, Ms. Markle oversees both the Admissions and Marketing and Communications departments, including the development of comprehensive strategies to promote and nurture the school’s identity. 

A native of Toronto, Ms. Markle began her educational career in Montebello, Quebec. She then spent 20 years at TFS, first as a guidance counsellor, before being named to the role of Executive Director of Enrolment Management. In 2018, she expanded her horizons internationally, becoming the Director of Admissions, Marketing and Communications for six schools with the International Schools Group in Saudi Arabia. She was appointed the Director of Enrolment at West Point Grey Academy in Vancouver in 2021, before returning to TFS in August 2022. 

Ms. Markle holds a master's degree in psychology, a theatre arts diploma and a University of Toronto creative writing certificate. She speaks English and French, and has dabbled in Spanish, German and American Sign Language.

Ronan Le Guern is an ambassador for bilingualism with a comprehensive background in French and English-speaking public affairs roles.

He began his journey at TFS in August 2020 as Attaché to the Head of School, and then as Bilingual Communications Manager. In October 2022, he became Director, Marketing and Communications, and quickly established himself as an invaluable and determined leader. M. Le Guern guides his team to develop and implement strategies to grow awareness of the school’s identity, maintain brand and continue to build TFS’ reputation. 

A native of Brittany, France, M. Le Guern formerly worked as a Communications Manager at Collège Boreal, a Senior Press Secretary for former Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and a Press and Public Affairs Secretary for the Consulate General of France in Toronto.

M. Le Guern holds master’s degrees in both civil and international law from Lyon 3 and Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne. He speaks French and English.

Gordon Mickovski is a diligent operating director with a meticulous eye for detail who brings a strategic perspective to the TFS community.

 

As Executive Director of Facilities and Operations, his responsibilities include overseeing building maintenance, custodial duties, groundskeeping, safety and security, as well as managing all capital projects. Along with his team, he helps ensure TFS is provided with a safe, inviting and sustainable teaching environment for its students and staff. 

A native of Aurora, Ontario, Mr. Mickovski spent most of his career in Toronto where he held positions in prominent institutions such as Seneca College, Royal Ontario Museum, The Scarborough Hospital as well as TD Bank, IBM and HBC. He was appointed TFS’ Executive Director of Facilities and Operations in 2013. 

Mr. Mickovski is a mechanical engineering technologist by training, having graduated from Seneca College. He speaks English and Macedonian.

Bob Tarle is a collaborative leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience in technology supporting the ever-changing classroom. 

Mr. Tarle is responsible for information technology planning and implementation across the school through supporting digital literacy, cybersecurity and tech integration driven by pedagogy. He is actively helping to build a digital citizenship program that includes responsible engagement, discernment and reflection on the ethical and social impacts of technological innovation.

Mr. Tarle has led local and national IT leadership research over the past 10 years, organizing in-depth surveys and CAIS leadership conferences. He came to TFS from TVO and TFO, where he launched and managed a multi-platform innovation incubator and was Director of Innovation & Partnerships. 

Mr. Tarle holds a bachelor of education degree from McGill University, a post-graduate diploma in journalism-new media from Sheridan College, and certifications in AI and business innovation from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Toronto, respectively. He is currently completing a part-time Master’s of Law degree in privacy and cybersecurity at Osgoode Hall. He speaks English and French.

Cathy Yanosik is a dedicated leader with an extensive background in all facets of fundraising and alumni relations. 

Ms. Yanosik has led TFS’ advancement and alumni relations functions since 2018. Cathy works closely with the Head of School, the TFS Foundation Board and volunteers to advance TFS’ culture of philanthropy and engage the community. Backed by the committed TFS Foundation team, she works to strengthen school pride and connections with the school through giving, volunteer activities and event participation.

Ms. Yanosik formerly held executive fundraising roles in several organizations. She was most recently Vice-President of Philanthropy at St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation. Prior to this, she held senior roles at educational institutes and organizations including Vice-President and Chief Development Officer at Pathways to Education Canada, Senior Vice-President of the York University Foundation, Associate Director in the University of Toronto’s Department of Alumni and Development, and Manager of Faculty Development and Capital Projects at Queen’s University.

Ms. Yanosik holds an honours bachelor’s of arts degree in politics from Queen’s University and is a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). She speaks English and conversational French.