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Branksome Hall News

Family Values

New bursary celebrates retiring Board Chair Wayne Barwise’s extraordinary volunteer service and his commitment to accessibility
How do you thank someone whose service to Branksome Hall has been truly remarkable? For Wayne Barwise, who ended his 10-year term on the Board of Governors in October 2019, a bursary in his family’s name was the perfect option.

“We can think of no better way to honour Wayne and his family than by establishing a bursary to help open Branksome’s doors to deserving students,” says Board Chair Jean Cloutier, who spearheaded the fundraising initiative with Vice-Chairs Donald Guloien and Mona Malone. Ultimately, $82,150 was contributed to the new Barwise Family Endowed Fund by a group of senior Branksome Hall volunteers and administrators.

When they heard the news, Wayne and wife Kim were so moved by the tribute that they stepped up to match the amount raised, dollar-for-dollar. The fund’s value now sits at $164,300. The gift was officially presented to the couple at the Board’s annual general meeting on Oct. 2.

“As a family, we strongly believe that remarkable girls of all backgrounds should be able to attend Branksome, regardless of their families’ means,” says Wayne. The couple’s two daughters, Lindsay’13 and Brittany’16, are both graduates of Branksome Hall.

"Serving the school at an important time in its history was a very meaningful experience,” he says. As a senior volunteer, Barwise led the school’s property committee when Branksome Hall Asia was established in South Korea in 2012. He also played an instrumental role in the Branksome Becomes Campaign and the construction of the school’s world-class Athletics and Wellness Centre.

“Wayne has been an extraordinary Branksome Hall volunteer,” says Principal Karen L. Jurjevich. “We’re delighted this fund will be a lasting tribute to his remarkable service.”
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LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.

Setting the new standard for girls' education everywhere takes collective action. From all of us.
 
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