October 31, 2006   Filed under Athletics
Enthusiasm for the new Fitness Centre is high in the Physical Education Department and around the whole school, and no one is more excited than our new wellness consultant, Sheena Butler. Ms. Butler’s new Fitness Centre programming initiatives are impressive, with monthly themes relating to health and wellness, and interactive activities to educate the Branksome community about certain health issues.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Athletics
After two losses at the beginning of their season and a reshuffling of line-ups by coach Catherine Fitton, the U13 basketball team defeated SCS 38-12. All players contributed to this resounding victory, but the MVP was Jacqueline Flannery, who demonstrates her elite basketball skills both offensively and defensively.

October 31, 2006   Filed under International
Branksome’s International Exchange Program provides students with unforgettable experiences and friendships that endure across time and borders. Our first Australian exchange student from Wilderness School in Adelaide, Angie Perkins, is currently visiting her Toronto host, Kim Regan; both are now at university. Angie’s sister will be an exchange student at Branksome next January.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Alumnae
The Alumnae Association’s 10th annual golf event, Hit the Ball for the Hall, was another fun-filled day on the links that raised $14,000 for the school’s bursary program. Alumnae, parents and friend teed off at ClubLink’s Station Creek Golf Club in perfect weather. Massages, cocktails, dinner and the silent auction completed this eventful day. Thanks you and congratulations to chair, Emma LOEWEN’88 and her dedicated committee. If you missed Golf Day this year, make a note to join us next September, as fun is always had by all who attend!

October 31, 2006   Filed under Environment
Cars add a lot of pollution to the air and release carbon dioxide, which accelerates climate change. To reduce your environmental footprint when coming to or going from school, try a different method. If you live near enough, walk, bike or rollerblade to school.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Community
Branksome families are asked to save grocery receipts from Dominion and A&P to support Branksome’s Triangle of Hope project. For every $450 (before tax) in grocery receipts, Dominion will donate $1 towards funds for Rose Avenue Public School and the QGAP School in South Africa – our Triangle of Hope partners.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Alumnae
Zinta ZOMMERS’98 has already experienced extraordinary opportunities to learn about and help improve the world through her research on primates in Cameroon, Indonesia and Uganda. At assembly on September 18, this young scientist and Rhodes Scholar shared with a rapt audience of students in Grades 7 – 12 the joys, challenges and dangers of her fieldwork and the recent paths her science career has taken.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Senior & Middle School
The crisp fall morning of Friday, October 6, 2006 was an occasion for the Middle and Senior School, and Grade 6, to celebrate our Installation ceremony. Installation recognizes, and formally puts in place, leaders of the student body in Grades 6 – 12 for the current school year. Replete with symbolism and history, held just prior to the Thanksgiving weekend, Installation honours many proud Branksome traditions.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Senior & Middle School
Students are settling into daily routines and academic life by taking advantage of support during period 5, math clinic, individual teachers’ sittings and the new Middle Division Study Hall.

October 31, 2006   Filed under Community
As a member of Interguild, a province-wide organization of independent school parent associations and guilds, Branksome Hall’s Parents’ Association had the honour of hosting Interguild’s first event of the 2006-07 school year on September 27. The Interguild Presidents’ and Representatives’ Breakfast attracted a record attendance of over 60 parenmt leaders.