Passages

Retirements

Edited excerpts are from speeches at the employee end-of-year celebration in June 2022

Sandra BOLTÉ’73 (1991–2022)

Over the years: Geography Teacher, Assistant Director of Admissions, Creativity, Action and Service Coordinator, Director of Student Life, Head of Senior School, Senior & Middle School Guidance Counsellor, Director of Guidance and University Relations.

Karrie Weinstock, Head of the Centre for Strategic Leadership, remarked: “Joanne is a trusted and generous colleague. She is collaborative and inclusive—a mentor and supporter who is always available to listen and advocate on behalf of colleagues and students. She indeed embodies all the attributes of the IB Learner Profi le.

“Joanne can balance the big picture with the fi ne details. She also deeply understands adolescent girls, their needs and their parents’ needs. Everyone leaves a conversation with Joanne feeling respected, seen, heard and understood. She always takes the time to empathize and validate. ‘Considerate,’ ‘thoughtful’ and ‘generous’ are words we readily associate with Joanne.”

Reflecting on her years at Branksome, Joanne said: “I rely on Branksome students, including my own two children, to generously share their energy, ideas, curiosity and knowledge. I am grateful for, and rely on, being pressed by students’ passion and pursuit of justice.

“I am deeply grateful for the friendship, trust and acceptance of the Counselling Team. Being part of the greater student support team has truly been fulfi lling in this last chapter of my Branksome career.

“I’ve also found belonging in so many places over the years— from individual conversations, to teaching and coaching teams, to numerous committees and working groups. I have learned so much from my colleagues, been awed and inspired by your creativity and care, your good humour and deep commitment. I thank Karen and Karrie for numerous opportunities to stretch and grow. In short, I found fulfi llment working with kids and colleagues for over 25 years—many, many thanks!”

Over the years: Alumnae Association Executive, Manager of the Alumnae and Uniform Shop, Day School Coordinator, Senior & Middle School Coordinator, Coordinator of Student Experience for Grades 7–8.

Karrie Weinstock, Head of the Centre for Strategic Leadership, paid tribute to Sandra, saying: “It is said that tartan runs in Sandra Bolté’s veins. Sandra’s mother, Diana BECK Bolté’46, attended Branksome, which also held a special place in the heart of her father, generous Branksome donor Auguste Bolté.

“Sandra brings heart to every aspect of her work, which is all done in the service of strengthening the Branksome community. For Sandra, the students are at the heart of everything. Sandra is the ultimate Branksome encyclopedia— the living, breathing archives of our school. She is the consummate planner of assemblies and major Branksome events. In this work, her love for Branksome has shone. Sandra, your name is embossed in gold on the notice boards that you have so lovingly maintained all these years, and it is similarly embossed in our hearts.”

Reflecting on her love for Branksome, Sandra said: “I fi rst worked at Branksome as the Alumnae and Uniform Shop Manager. In 2004, I was asked to assist with organizing Installation and, later, other school events. I was in my happy place supporting these traditions, as I continued doing until this year.

“Among the Prefect mottoes that have most influenced me is ‘Aim High, Take Risks, Leave a Legacy,’ from 2001 Head Prefect Ashley Caldwell. I am constantly reminded of my Dad when I read this motto. I am grateful that the Bolté family will always be a part of Branksome Hall through the bursaries, endowed funds, the AWC Bolté Family Gardens and my Senior Athlete of the Year Award.

“My departure is bittersweet, as Branksome Hall is ingrained in my character. I have made many lifelong relationships here, which I treasure.”