Grace McCallum on the LearnIt Podcast
- category
- All News
- topic
- Principal
- duration
- 2 min read
In a recent episode of the LearnIt Podcast, Branksome Hall Principal Grace McCallum shared the story behind her leadership journey.
Branksome Hall
LEADING THE WAY IN GIRLS' EDUCATION
WELCOME TO BRANKSOME HALL
We are Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. Our curriculum is globally focused. Our faculty, international. And our technology and facilities, state-of-the-art. We believe that intellectual curiosity and advanced problem-solving are key to thriving in a complex, changing world.
WHY BRANKSOME HALLSTART YOUR JOURNEY
Explore all that Branksome has to offer. Learn about our school, join one of our events or take a virtual tour.
Discover Our IB Program
Every Branksome Hall student from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 benefits from the IB curriculum. Cultivating curiosity, creative and critical thinking, and facilitating regular assessments and feedback, the IB offers unparalleled university preparation.
Pathways for Grades 11 & 12
Based on their post-secondary goals, students will choose to enter one of two Diploma program options. We believe choice offers agency and control, and a personalized course selection plays to each student’s unique strengths and assets.
Our IB Advantage
Primary Years Programme JK–Gr. 6
The Primary Years Programme is designed to nurture a lifelong love of learning. Students are challenged to think critically, research deeply and develop globally minded perspectives on a broad range of issues.
Middle Years Programme Gr. 7–10
The Middle Years Programme focuses on the development of the whole girl. Students use inquiry to discover content and knowledge, as well as to explore real-world applications, create new meaning and solve problems.
Diploma or IB Select Gr. 11–12
An emphasis on international-mindedness and intercultural understanding, providing context for young women to lead in a complex, interdisciplinary, globally connected adult world.
Branksome BY THE NUMBERS
1903 Branksome established
16–22 Average class size
$1.5 M Available in financial assistance
249+ Employees (26 per cent have been at Branksome for over 10 years)
910 Total enrolment, including 54 Boarding students
13 Countries represented by Boarding students
80+ Clubs, Athletic teams and community engagement opportunities
$6 M+ In scholarships awarded to 2025 grads
BREAKING GROUND ON OUR iCAST FACILITY
Innovation in Action
We are building the Branksome of tomorrow for our community of creative innovators. The Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST), currently under construction, will extend into the school community and beyond, offering a space where arts and innovation are integrated, and ideas are realized.
About iCAST Support The Campaign
MAKE WAY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Meet the Branksome Hall students and alums learning the skills to change the world.
MEET
JAIME
She leads on the water and in the community. Duke is just the beginning.
Meet Alum
MEET TITOLUWA
She built a home away from home, and a voice that reaches far beyond it.
Meet Student
MEET
ELPIDA
She built two apps by Grade 6. Her next big idea is already loading.
Meet Student
Faith
Fluent in debate. Bound for biomedical discovery.
Meet Alum
MEET
JAIME
She leads on the water and in the community. Duke is just the beginning.
Meet Alum
MEET TITOLUWA
She built a home away from home, and a voice that reaches far beyond it.
Meet Student
MEET
ELPIDA
She built two apps by Grade 6. Her next big idea is already loading.
Meet Student
Faith
Fluent in debate. Bound for biomedical discovery.
Meet AlumHeadlines from Campus
Branksome Hall Unveils New Website in Major Digital Refresh
- category
- News
- topic
- Innovation
- duration
- 3 min read
Branksome Hall has launched its newly redesigned website, marking a major milestone in the school’s digital evolution.
A Life of Purpose with Hayley AvRUSKIN’87 on the PrincipalED Podcast
- category
- All News
- topic
- Community Engagement
- duration
- 2 min read
In the final episode of Season 1 of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum welcomes Hayley AvRUSKIN’87— Branksome Hall alum, long-serving school counsellor, dedicated coach and co-founder of Let’s Grow Learning and Living Hub for adults with complex disabilities.
Interim Leadership Appointments for 2025-26 School Year
- category
- All News
- duration
- 1 min read
Branksome Hall is pleased to announce the following interim leadership appointments for the 2025-26 school year.
PrincipalED Podcast: Science Teacher Mujib Ahmadiy’s Journey from Kabul to the Classroom
- category
- All News
- topic
- DEI
- duration
- 2 min read
In the latest episode of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum sits down with Senior & Middle School Science teacher Mujib Ahmadiy.
Fertility Education with Dr. Kaajal Abrol on the PrincipalED Podcast
- category
- All News
- topic
- Principal
- duration
- 2 min read
The PrincipalED podcast has just released its fifth episode, "Fertility Education and Empowerment with Dr. Kaajal Abrol."
Celebrating the Class of 2025
- category
- All News
- topic
- IB/Academics
- duration
- 3 min read
As we get ready to celebrate Graduation today, we want to congratulate our Class of 2025. GYs, while your time at Branksome is almost at its end, you have made such an incredible impact on our school and community.
Deputy Principal Amanda Kennedy Appointed Head of Holy Trinity School
- category
- All News
- duration
- 2 min read
Congratulations to Amanda Kennedy, Deputy Principal, who is leaving Branksome Hall after 14 years of warm-hearted, impactful leadership to join Holy Trinity School.
Dr. Yasmin Razack Appointed Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- category
- All News
- topic
- DEI
- duration
- 2 min read
Branksome Hall is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Yasmin Razack as the school’s new Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), following a comprehensive search process.
From Outdoor Enthusiast to Lunar Geologist
- category
- All News
- duration
- 2 min read
This year is the Class of 2020's first Reunion, so we're catching up with what they've been up to. This week, we’re talking with Katie KOSCHE’20 all about their academic and outdoor adventures!
Make A Gift Today
Each day, more than 900 students benefit from your generosity.
At Branksome Hall, we’re not just enriching students’ minds – we’re giving them minds of their own, so they can challenge the status quo, set new standards and carve their own path to success.
Make A Donation
Start your journey
Connect With Us
Follow BH across our socials for all the latest news and innovations in girls' education.
And just like that, summer break is coming to an end! Enjoy the extra long weekend, and we cannot wait to see students back on campus next Wednesday, September 3! 💚☀️
What a week, Branksome! 🐸 We welcomed new friends to Boarding on Tuesday 🏡, our student leaders had fun being back on campus 💚 and faculty and staff prepared for the upcoming year 🗓️.
#branksomehall #TGIF #branksomespirit #weeklyroundup #welcometoBH
Video credits: @bhstudentleadership @bhclanstagram 😊
In a recent episode of the LearnIt Podcast, Branksome Hall Principal Grace McCallum shared the story behind her leadership journey—from her beginnings in New Brunswick to leading one of Canada’s top independent schools for girls.
The episode, titled “Principal Grace McCallum on Leading Innovation at Branksome Hall,” highlights McCallum’s unique blend of resilience and globally informed perspective. Listen now at the link in bio.
#branksomehall #branksomeinnovation #branksomepride #makingadifference #girlsschool #leadership
While students are gone over the summer, many hardworking colleagues are on campus preparing for the upcoming school year! Thank you to everyone for your work over the summer—you`re our little soda pop! 💚🥤
#branksomehall #thankyoucolleagues! #behindthescenes #yourock
Girls just wanna have sun! Celebrate the start of a new school year and the bright days ahead.
From live entertainment and an AI photobooth, to a dunk tank and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait to see you there! 😎☀️
✉️ Check your inboxes for your link to RSVP!
#branksomehall #MakeWay #BranksomeSpirit #WelcomeBack
This summer, we proudly launched our newly redesigned website, marking a major milestone in our digital evolution. The new site is our first major web refresh in seven years. Developed in collaboration with creative partners at Takt, the redesign features:
✅ An enhanced user experience with mobile-first design
✅ Vibrant multimedia content
✅ Tailored sections for prospective and current community members
This 18-month project was deeply collaborative, informed by interviews with students, faculty, staff, parents and alums. Our goal: to build a site that not only informs—but inspires.
What’s new?
-Student and alum video profiles offering a candid look into the passions and post-graduate destinations of Branksome girls.
-New photography capturing the vibrant energy of our community in action.
-Compelling videos highlighting key offerings such as our Boarding program and Arts offerings.
-Dedicated sections for prospective families, current parents, educators and alums, showcasing the Branksome Hall Difference, highlighting signature student programs, global learning and our innovative approach to education.
-A new space for Toronto-based families to discover community programming—with new pages coming soon for swim, dance, camp and Slingshot Innovation Academy offerings.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, ideas and feedback.
🔗 Explore the new site at the link in bio.
#BranksomeHall #Branksomeinnovation #WebsiteLaunch #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #CommunityDrivenDesign
It was so wonderful having all of our colleagues back on campus for an incredible first day back! After grabbing refreshments from @fleetscoffee, we sat down to listen to the incredible @gcouros, who motivated us for the upcoming school year. We then reconnected over a delicious BBQ lunch and wrapped up the day with department and campus updates.
Looking forward to a stellar school year! 💚
#branksomehall #torontoschool #EmpoweringGirls #MondayMotivation #WelcomeBack
Our first-ever Slingshot Innovation Academy summer programs have wrapped up, and what an incredible journey it has been!
From bold ventures to AI-powered solutions, our innovators embraced every challenge with creativity and collaboration. A heartfelt thank you to our amazing partners and instructors for guiding and inspiring students throughout these two sessions.
#innovation #BranksomeHall #SlingshotIA #STEMeducation #NextGenLeaders #FutureFounders
@dmzhq @mysurestart
No one is more excited for the first day of school than Ms. MacLean`s pup Nanaimo! Looking good in that uniform, bud! 🐶💚
#branksomehall #dogsofinstagram #backtoschool #branksomespirit
Yesterday, new employees joined together on campus for the first day of their Orientation Week. Welcome, everyone! We look forward to a great school year ahead. 💚
#branksomehall #torontoschool #BehindTheScenes #makingadifference #welcomefriends
