This past year has been a journey of deep listening, learning and connection. I have had the privilege of meeting one on one with more than 250 members of the Branksome community—students, parents, alums and colleagues—and what stands out above all else is the profound sense of belonging and the lifelong relationships forged here.
Our alums speak of friendships that have shaped their lives in the most meaningful ways—mentors to their children, unwavering support in times of loss and cherished companions in life’s biggest milestones. Our faculty and staff share similar sentiments—working at Branksome isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life, enriched by colleagues who become lifelong friends. And our students, too, recognize the power of the connections they are making, often wishing time could stand still so they could hold on to these formative years a little longer.
This affirms my belief that relationships are at the core of everything we do—at school, in work and in life. This is why I have dedicated my first year, and every year that follows, to fostering strong relationships and learning from those who have come before me.
PrincipalED: Amplifying Our Stories
One of the most exciting initiatives we launched this year is the PrincipalED podcast. Through my many conversations with our alums and broader community, I have heard incredible stories of resilience, courage and triumph that define Branksome—stories that deserve to be shared with the world, and I am thrilled to highlight them through this new platform.
“I have heard incredible stories of resilience, courage and triumph that
define Branksome—stories that deserve to be shared with the world.”
The iCAST Mindset
We are on the cusp of something extraordinary with the opening of the new Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST). While the bricks and mortar are going up, it is not the building itself that will transform us—it’s the mindset we bring to it.
Some hear the word “innovation” and think only of technology and hard skills, but it is so much more. Yes, we must prepare our students for a rapidly evolving digital economy—one in which 90 per cent of jobs will require digital skills, yet only 54 per cent of workers currently have them. But innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about adaptability, creativity and resilience.
AI is not a distant horizon; it is here. It is reshaping industries and redefining learning. Our challenge is not just to teach our students how to use AI, but also to empower them to shape, challenge and leverage it as a force for good.
Redefining Success
A conversation I had with one of our parents, a successful CEO, deeply resonated with me. She noted she no longer hires based on top grades alone, but rather seeks individuals who can navigate complex problems, collaborate effectively and embrace feedback without fear. She looks for those who have struggled, failed and learned from it—people who bring resilience, creativity and a global mindset to the table.
This is the successful future we must prepare our students for. In addition to technical skills, graduates also need the ability to think critically, communicate with clarity and work with diverse perspectives. It’s work that will take place in iCAST, which, as I’ve indicated, isn’t just a building, but an invitation to expand our vision of what’s possible in education, to push beyond our comfort zones and to build a culture of innovation together. The road ahead is exciting, and I can’t wait to take this journey with you.
‘I Followed My Heart’
Our new Principal, New Brunswick-born Grace McCallum, opens up about herself to The READ
Why did you choose educationas your career?
As a high school and university student, I worked with a program called Big Buddies and loved building relationships with young people. I never thought I’d be a teacher—in fact, I thought I would be a lawyer—but I kept coming back to the joy I found in working with students. In the end, I followed my heart, and education was the right fit.
Your last school was in Brazil. What led you to IB schools around the world?
After teaching in New Brunswick, an exchange program took me to China, where I had the chance to help introduce the IB. I knew immediately this was how learning should be: inquiry, agency and interdisciplinary connections—learning that truly mattered.
Living and working internationally also gave me opportunities I might not have had at home, especially as a female leader. My husband and I intentionally chose countries where we’d have to stretch ourselves, embrace discomfort and continue learning. That mindset has shaped not only my career, but also the way we’ve raised our two daughters. We’d still be in Brazil or overseas if my dream job at Branksome Hall had not become available!
How do you balance work and family life?
I think balance is a myth—it’s about seasons. Right now, my family needs me, my school is new, my city is new and my focus shifts week to week. Some weeks I get it right, and others I don’t. What matters is setting realistic expectations and finding what works for you.
For me, the early morning hours are mine—for exercise, reading and journalling—so that by the time my family is up, I can be fully present. If I don’t get that time, I don’t feel successful during the rest of my day. I became a principal young, so I’ve had to learn and adapt, and I continue to do so.
What are you reading right now?
I’m a re-reader when a book really speaks to me. Right now, I’m revisiting Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Lisa Damour’s Untangled, the newly released edition. I’m also reading Possible by William Ury, which explores how we can shift from conflict to collaboration in an increasingly divided world.
What’s one piece of advice that has stuck with you?
“It’s OK to lead like a woman.” Early in my career, I was told I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I leaned into my femininity as a leader—I even changed how I dressed to fit the mould. But a mentor at St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School in Oakville reminded me that leadership doesn’t have to mean abandoning who you are. There is power in leading with empathy, vulnerability and authenticity. I lead like a woman, and I also lead like myself.
