A Gallery of Great Educators

For 120 years at Branksome, they have kept well the road

BY KIANA ROMEO’17

With the pending retirement of Karen L. Jurjevich as Principal of Branksome Hall (see page 2), a new era for the school will soon begin. As we prepare to welcome our eighth Principal, get to know the seven leaders who have grown and shaped Branksome Hall in numerous innovative and meaningful ways since its founding.

Margaret was born in Dundas, Ontario. After attending the University of Toronto, she served as principal of several Toronto independent schools before founding Branksome Hall. She believed that the most important feature of the school was the development of character in the students it taught. While women at the time were expected to become homemakers, Margaret was determined to educate girls beyond domestic work to allow them the chance to be independent trailblazers, a mission that would continue throughout Branksome’s history.

Principal. She began a program of school expansion, making Branksome Hall the largest girls’ school in Canada. She was particularly interested in giving each student the opportunity to develop their potential talents to the fullest extent regardless of background.

Edith was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After receiving degrees in mathematics from Dalhousie University and Radcliffe College, she came to Branksome as a mathematics teacher and four years later became was for Branksome to grow as a result of student involvement and community building. She encouraged students to run their own clubs and committees, and to get involved with as many initiatives as they could. She also spearheaded the construction of many new buildings and spaces, such as updated residence quarters, a double gym and science wing in the Senior School, and an entirely new Junior School.

Born in Orwell, Prince Edward Island, Jennie attended Mount Allison University and the University of Toronto. She began her career at Branksome as an English teacher and 20 years later was promoted to Assistant Principal. In 1958, she became Principal and worked to uphold the traditions and ideals of her predecessors. While keeping her students on a “straight and narrow” path, she also encouraged them to explore political and societal topics, such as civil rights, feminism and individuality.

After graduating from Victoria College at the University of Toronto, Margaret took her first role at Branksome Hall as a French teacher. Described by others as smart, fair and approachable, Margaret was well respected among the Branksome community. Upon taking the role of Principal in 1968, she strived to create a disciplined environment for the rebellious students of the late ’60s and early ’70s. Margaret retired from Branksome Hall in 1974, leaving behind a newly introduced democratic policy where students could campaign for leadership positions and vote their peers in.

As an alum with a master’s degree in education from the University of Toronto and comprehensive knowledge of the public school system, Allison brought a fresh perspective to her role as Principal. Her goal

Born in Wales, Rachel obtained her undergraduate degree in modern languages from the University of Oxford and her PhD in Latin American literature from the University of Kentucky. She was passionately committed to excellence in girls’ education and widely recognized as an outstanding educator. Described by her peers as frank, funny and companionable, she challenged traditions at the school that seemed outdated, and encouraged all students, teachers and staff to speak out on topics they found important.

Karen is a lifelong learner and leader. She is a graduate of the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where she completed the Stanford Executive Program, and has received diplomas in Integrative Thinking and Financial Literacy from the Rotman School of Management. Karen holds a Master of Education degree from the University of British Columbia and both a BA and BEd from Western University. During her time as Principal, she successfully transitioned Branksome to become Toronto’s only all-years, International Baccalaureate World School for girls; co-founded Branksome Hall Asia on Jeju Island, South Korea; led the redevelopment of the Toronto campus, including the completion of the Athletics and Wellness Centre; and championed the creation of the Chandaria Research Centre. Karen currently serves on the boards of directors for the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools and Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. R