Branksome Hall News

Week Without Halls is an event that many students in the Senior & Middle School look forward to every year. Taking place in the fall, it is a trip that allows students to relax and take in nature while bonding as a grade. Grade 12 students usually stay back as their younger peers embark on fun adventures, but this year, many of our Graduating Year (GY) students were able to experience a brand-new bonding weekend.

Summer lemonade stands are testament to children’s enduring entrepreneurial spirit. Usually, they wait until post-secondary programs for the opportunity to take their entrepreneurial aspirations to the next level—until now.

On Thursday, February 9, 2023, hundreds of secondary students, teachers and staff from across the GTA—as well as a global audience who joined virtually—attended the 40th annual World Affairs Conference (WAC), co-hosted by Branksome Hall and Upper Canada College. The theme of the conference was “Hybrid Thinking,” a call to strategize ways to work towards a better future.

While the Highlanders dominate the fields and courts, Branksome Hall coaches work hard behind the scenes to train, condition and most importantly, support students to help them reach their goals. This season, Highlanders sat down with two beloved coaches, Ms. MacKenzie and Ms. Rotherham, to discuss their journeys as athletes and coaches, their approach to coaching at Branksome and highlights from a remarkable year of Athletics.

Mona Malone, Chair of the Branksome Hall Board of Governors, has announced the appointment of Grace McCallum as the school’s 8th Principal.

On May 25, 2023, the Branksome Hall community gathered at the Winter Garden Theatre to celebrate the Class of 2023 at their Graduation Ceremony. The event highlighted the many incredible achievements these grads have accomplished thus far and gave us a promising glimpse into their future. To everyone watching, one thing was clear: The Class of 2023 is an impressive group of young people. From keeping their energetic school spirit despite having several years of their high school experience impacted by a global pandemic, to inspiring younger peers through their thoughtful and empathetic leadership, we could not be more proud of this year’s graduates. The hard work and resilience of these students has been recognized by universities in Canada and around the globe, as seen by the impressive number of admission offers received this year.

As part of our strategic priority to challenge the status quo with an innovation mindset, Branksome Hall’s Chandaria Research Centre (CRC) initiates new research and explores educational excellence in teaching and learning, well-being and international mindedness within the school.

Branksome is a home away from home for all of our students. On campus, teachers, advisors and coaches serve as inspiring role models, and co-curriculars allow students to grow, bond and connect by engaging in similar interests. But for Branksome Boarding students, the halls are more than just a place to spend the day. From weekend outings to baseball games and museums, to celebrating days of significance with incredible themed dinners, there is never a dull moment in this small but tight-knit community.

The Branksome community has always celebrated and encouraged women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Whether that is discussing the achievements of women in a science class, participating in a competition or joining a club, there is always a way for students to get involved. For the students in the Robotics Club, exploring their passion for STEM recently led them to making Branksome history.

On Monday, February 13, 2023, the Branksome Hall Concert Band and the Grades 9/10 Class Band both won gold at the Ontario Band Association’s 21st annual Provincial Festival. Both groups are now invited to Nationals (MusicFest Canada) taking place from May 15-20, 2023. In addition, the Concert Band received the OBA Ensemble Award for “Brass Excellence.”

We are proud to share the refresh of Branksome Hall's current strategy, which was first released in 2014. Our updated school strategy builds on the strengths we have honed over our 120-year history, positioning us to thrive in today’s exciting and complex context. Grounded in our core values—sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference—we are dedicated to developing a new generation of student and employee leaders with the skills, insight and commitment to shape a better future in an uncertain world. Explore the strategy here.