Meet the Canadian School of Florence’s new Head of School, Isabelle Leblanc

The Canadian School of Florence welcomes a new Head of School. Isabelle Leblanc chats with The Florentine about her move to Italy. 

Isabelle, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in south western Ontario. I have three sons, who were born in Pisa, Italy, and a very supportive partner! I’m passionate about pedagogy and about understanding the way we learn. I’ve spent time researching neurosciences in the world of education and have discovered how crucial it is to love your job. It’s important to feel passionate about teaching children and adolescents if we want to have a meaningful impact on their lives and educational experiences.

How did you get started in education and what do you aim to accomplish at CSF?

I come from a family of educators and entered the field of education a little later than most. I originally worked in public relations and communications. I have a Bachelor’s degree from Université d’Ottawa, where I studied Psychology focusing on child development and families. Then I obtained a postgraduate diploma in Public Relations from the University of Western Ontario and finally a Bachelor of Education from Université Laurentienne. I was developing a communications plan for Conseil scolaire catholique Providence in 2007, when I was exposed to life in a school setting and became interested in the possibility of teaching. Today, I’m passionate about many values that are a priority of Globeducate and CSF. For example, I aim to use the UN’s Global Goals for Sustainability as a platform to launch deep and meaningful learning.

Can you tell us about the Ontario Canadian Curriculum?

The Ontario Curriculum favours student-centered learning, while keeping up with our changing world. It focuses on teaching strategies that bring deeper learning through authentic learning experiences. It spotlights STEAM subjects and engages students to become critical thinkers and focus on problem solving. Our graduates leave after our four-year secondary school program with a breadth of knowledge and required community service experienced through our curriculum.  

Can you tell us about each campus in Florence?

Since its foundation in 2017, our Senior school has evolved into a prestigious academic institution that focuses on preparing boarding and day students from the ages of fourteen to eighteen years old for post secondary education anywhere in the world. Our Junior school, which opened in September 2021, has been accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education with Paritaria status. Through the Ontario Curriculum, we’re proud to offer a rich educational experience to children from the ages of three to ten years old. Most of their learning is done in English, but all students study Italian and French as well.

I’m extremely proud that we have the full support of the Mayor of Fiesole and have been welcomed into the Fiesole community. In the High School, this year, we celebrated our largest graduating class ever, the overwhelming majority of whom are now going on to their first choice of university, like Georgetown, University of Toronto, Western University, University College London, University of Manchester, and many other prestigious institutions across the globe, in a variety of highly-acclaimed programs.

I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Iseabail Rowe, the principal at the Senior school campus, and Iacopo Fornai, the vice principal based out of the Middle school, who are both extremely passionate and motivated to help lead the school toward new heights. In five years’ time, we will have international recognition as an ECO school and our graduates will be leading the way in innovation, leadership and problem solving.

CSF is part of the Globeducate network of international schools. How has this association helped the school growth and offerings?

The school has grown based on local word of mouth, but also international directories and Globeducate’s reputation of being an international school leader in this rapidly and ever-changing world we live in. We participate in international competitions, debates and other academic and athletic exchanges amongst the prestigious family of Globeducate schools. 

How do you ensure class cohesiveness and student wellbeing? 

Every student belongs to a “house” within the school community. This fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the students and is like a family within the larger student population. We have small class sizes, which allows us to better serve each student and we offer many other student life activities, such as field trips and extracurricular activities. Sports, for example, are a great way to develop teamwork and friendship. We also have wellbeing check-ins to ensure students are feeling that sense of inclusion and belonging.  

How is CSF an inclusive and international environment?

I think it is important to celebrate diversity in every way. At CSF, we are comprised of different cultures, backgrounds, beliefs and personalities, and that is our greatest gift. We have spirit days that celebrate our differences and prove how homogeneity is neither representative of, nor beneficial, to the world anymore. Learning about and exploring different cultures are what can truly allow us to become global citizens.

In five years’ time, we will have international recognition as an ECO school and our graduates will be leading the way in innovation, leadership and problem solving.

Canadian School of Florence

Senior School | Florence Campus
Via Jacopo Nardi 18, 50132 Firenze
+39 055 098 2744

Middle School | Fiesole Campus
Via delle Palazzine 17, 50014 Fiesole
+39 055 098 1237

Junior School | Fiesole Campus
Via delle Fontanelle 2-4, 50014 Fiesole
+39 055 098 1237

www.csflorence.it (website)
info@csflorence.it (general inquiries)
admissions@csflorence.it (enrolments and tours)