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Branksome Hall News

Paying tribute to Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock as she takes on new role

Branksome Hall has many qualities that make it a special place to learn and work. From state-of-the-art classrooms and heritage buildings to our respected IB program, the school provides students with a warm and caring environment alongside stellar teachers and enriching educational experiences.
And for 42 years, Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock has been at the heart of it all. During her time here, she has held a number of roles, including serving as an English teacher, the Director of Admissions, the Head of the Senior and Middle School and, most recently, as Deputy Principal. 

“When we think of Mrs. Weinstock, we think of someone who is intrinsically woven into the very fabric and spirit of our school,” said Principal Karen Jurjevich in her remarks at this year’s virtual Green Carpet Ceremony, celebrated on Friday, June 18.

In her various roles over the years, Weinstock has been dedicated to the well-being, education and leadership development of Branksome Hall’s students, faculty and staff. In fact, if you ask our alum and parents, you’ll hear about the far-reaching and profound impact she has had on them, as well. She has committed many hours to supporting students, including those involved in public speaking and debating, working one-on-one with each year’s Valedictorian, and her work with the Triangle of Hope program.

When asked recently in an interview for Our Kids what makes a school great, Weinstock’s answer was telling: “It’s a million small conversations that make up the student’s experience,” between students, faculty, peers, mentors and staff. As someone who has been central to so many of those conversations, Weinstock also was the visionary and driving force behind the school’s famous Green Carpet Celebration. 

When the school was looking to create a new, student-focused celebration that honoured student performances and accomplishments, and was in the early stages of creating an IB Film program at a time when the film industry was taking off in the city, it was decided that Green Carpet would be inspired by the Toronto International Film Festival. Led by Weinstock, a small group at the school worked together to envision the event, which was a success from the start, and Green Carpet is now a much-loved celebration held every year.

When the school posted a message about Weinstock’s new role on its Instagram page, many students, alum and parents shared their fond memories and well wishes. It is clear that people across the community and through the years have been deeply touched by her wisdom, compassion and commitment to excellence.

“Mrs. Weinstock’s kindness, poise, intelligence and care are seared in my mind forever,” wrote one alum.

On July 1, she will be moving into a new role as Head of the newly established Centre for Strategic Leadership. In this role, she will develop school-wide programs to support and strengthen leadership capacity in emerging and experienced school leaders.

As she embarks on another exciting chapter in what has already been a multifaceted, inspiring and pivotal career at Branksome, we wish her well and thank her for her leadership.
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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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