A Day to Remember…

Branksome Hall community during the historic signing.

On July 7, we made history at our school. With the signing of the Jeju Island agreement, Branksome Hall officially launched into the world of international education with the establishment of Branksome Hall Asia. The impact of this event was not lost on anyone who was present throughout this memorable day.

The presence of our Korean visitors — now our partners in education — was indeed powerful. We watched with admiration and heartfelt appreciation as JDC Chairman and CEO Mr. Byon addressed the audience in English. His eloquence and his touching remarks made us stop and take a deep breath. The poise and grace of our visitors was enhanced by the animated enthusiasm for “everything Branksome,” expressed by two of our other guests, Mr. Jo and Mr. Park. There was pure joy in the room and smiles all around for the nearly 100 people who attended the signing ceremony.

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Blogging with Roz

Students demonstrated their presentation skills and knowledge about Sharing the Planet at the Grade 6 Exhibition.

The joy of sharing moments of accomplishment with parents is one of the greatest things about my job. Roz Heintzman and I shared such a moment recently at the Grade 6 Exhibition.

After an animated and stimulating conversation about blogs, we decided that having a parent/principal blog entry would be loads of fun…in other words, let’s share the Principal’s Blog! Well, the rest is history…and as you read on, you will discover what a talented and thoughtful writer Roz Heintzman (mother of Grade 6 student Molly) is:

I am a frustrated Branksome parent. Don’t get me wrong, my daughter’s happy, her marks are fine, and she seems to be faring very well. Sadly, the problem lies within. Every time I go to Branksome for some research exhibition, musical presentation or sporting event, I am reminded of what was missing in my own education.
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Lifelong Learning Is This Academy’s Focus

Members of the Academy for Lifelong Learning.

Members of the Academy for Lifelong Learning have a thirst for knowledge, intelligent discourse, multiple perspectives, and creative problem-solving.

Ranging in age from 60 to about 85, they are men and women with a passion for dissecting and debating myriad topics. Activities include workshops, luncheons, spring and summer walks, and forums.

During their Spring Talks series, they meet each Wednesday morning at Innis College, at the University of Toronto, to discuss topics such as the Canadian Justice System, architecture, brain imaging, music, and women’s roles in politics. Their discourse begins with presentations from guest speakers such as Toronto Star architecture critic Christopher Hume; Dr. Hugh R. Wilson, Director of the Centre for Vision Research at York University; Dr. Sylvia Bashevkin, Principal of University College; and the Honourable Justice J. David Wake, who presides over criminal trials in the Ontario Court of Justice.

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Couches and Conversations

Testing the GYs' outdoor “conversation couch” with me are Karrie Weinstock (middle) and Nanci Smith (right).

Never underestimate the value of good conversation with trusted friends, family and colleagues. These conversations usually take place on a comfy couch somewhere familiar to you.

Perhaps you need to restore your soul, laugh heartily, seek advice, or simply tell a meaningful story. I believe that there is really no better solution for life’s dilemmas than finding a comfortable spot, sitting down, and having a good old-fashioned visit. Forget your Blackberry, the laptop and any loud entertainment device. Replace them with conversation.

Our Graduating Year (GY) girls get this. It has become the GY tradition that, in the week prior to their IB exams, the common room couches and comfy chairs always seem to migrate outside and onto the grounds of 10 Elm Ave. The girls find themselves basking in the sunshine, laughing with friends, and engaging in friendly banter with teachers, staff, students and visitors. The occasional milkshake is prepared, food is shared and the conversation flows while seated comfortably on the common room couches. Thanks to our GY girls, I recently took some time to enjoy this experience with two of my colleagues, Mrs. Nanci Smith, Director of Residence and Athletics, and Mrs. Karrie Weinstock, Head of Senior/Middle School and Admissions.

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Global Connections Made Over March Break

Educators I met at the Global Connections Seminar in Amman, Jordan, included Lynda Rolph (front, left) from Thailand's Prem Centre for International Education.

As an IB World School, Branksome Hall clearly lived up to its “international” reputation over our latest March Break.

For example, a dozen Branksome students and three supervising teachers worked with students at our Queenstown Get Ahead Project (QGAP) partner school in South Africa.

Meanwhile, one of our faculty members visited Cambodia to explore an opportunity for Branksome’s senior students and Junior School faculty with IB schools. If our plans come to fruition, next year we will be able to work with students and teachers in Cambodian schools. We will likely assist with English language instruction and refurbishing of the schools. We would also work with students at the International School of Phnom Penh and explore Cambodia and its culture.

Also during our latest March Break, our competitive rowers were in the U.S., honing their skills in Tennessee.
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