The READ magazine (Winter 2013)

BEING SIMON

WHITFIELD’S MOM

THE HARD ROAD TO COMING OUT

SAVING THE TINIEST SOULS

WINNING WOMEN

PLUS… NEW ATHLETICS AND WELLNESS CENTRE

LOVE AND HEALING

THERE IS NO HURDLE THAT I WON’T CLEAR.

Branksome Hall Vision

To be the pre-eminent educational community of globally minded learners and leaders.

Branksome Hall Mission

Each day, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and to shape a better world.

winter 2012/13

ON THE COVER

The READ Committee

Tanya Pimenoff, Editor

Julia Drake

Karen Jurjevich Murton

Zahra Valani

Karrie Weinstock

Contributors

Berton Woodward, Editorial Advisor

Jackie BAKER’01

Jamie Day FLECK’00

Jeff Kirk

Pierre Manning

Rick Miller

Celia HORE Milne’78

Cecile Sly

Brian Smith

Caley Taylor

Amy VERNER’98

Alumnae, Employees and Friends of Branksome Hall

Design & Production

Atlanta Visual Communications Inc.

Branksome Hall 10 Elm Avenue Toronto, ON M4W 1N4 Tel: 416-920-9741

www.branksome.on.ca

E-mail: tpimenoff@branksome.on.ca

Volume 52, Number 1

Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40010445

The polybag containing this publication is made from recycled materials and is 100% biodegradable.

Alison BURKETT’03 was photographed at her home in Toronto.

Living the Future

We are looking at the future differently this year. In fact, we are living the future differently.

On our Toronto campus, daily routines have been adjusted as we watch cranes manoeuvre on the corner of Elm and Mount Pleasant and envision the new Athletics and Wellness Centre. To be a daily part of a construction project that promises so much for our community is exhilarating.

Colourful banners welcome visitors to our Remarkable campus with messages such as confi dence, courage and perseverance. Lifesized pictures of our athletes in action dot the entrance to the construction site and inspire us. One cannot help but smile and be enveloped by the energy and the anticipation of a facility that will be second to none.

The promise of a new Athletics and Wellness Centre is not our only cause for celebration this school year.

On the Branksome Hall Asia campus, we welcomed 300 new students (JK to Grade 10) in October. What was simply an idea just three years ago is now a reality. Our expansion into Asia is unique to Canada and we are blazing a trail with this historic opening. Branksome Hall Asia features magnificent facilities and provides students with a choice of two locations in the world to experience a Branksome Hall education. It is truly remarkable!

Given the excitement that surrounds us this year, it is interesting to hear people ask, “So, what’s next, Karen?”

I fi nd the question fascinating, as it tells me many things. First, and most important, it communicates confi dence in the future of our school. Our community recognizes that we are meeting the challenges of a changing world so that we can best equip our students for the future. And, they approve.

The question also conveys momentum. There is both recognition

It’s an exciting time for Branksome Hall as we face—and shape—the future

… by K aren Jurjevich Murton

“Our community recognizes that we are meeting the challenges of a changing world so that we can best equip our students for the future. And, they approve.”

Karen Jurjevich Murton addresses the school community at the daytime groundbreaking ceremony on October 11.

and acceptance that successful organizations must continue to evolve in order to stay at the top of their game. There is no doubt that Branksome Hall has momentum.

And, finally, the question reminds me of the importance of strategic thinking. Over the last three years, we have followed a course set out in our strategic plan to ensure a strong Branksome future. The opportunity to grow, both in Canada and in Asia, fits perfectly with the key imperatives that the Board of Governors committed to in early 2010.

Our results to date validate our strategic plan.

Branksome’s strategy is executed collaboratively using the fi ne minds that exist on our Board, within our school and beyond. This is not always an easy task. Our Board of Governors work closely with management to ensure that strategic thinking is ever present in our Board discussions.

Roger Martin, Dean of the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, comments in his recent publication, The Heart of Strategy, “if you don’t have a where to play and how to win strategy, you won’t be allowed to continue to build on your capabilities over time and to further distinguish yourself.”

Well, we decided to play on two continents and to win by providing Branksome girls with two campuses to learn and to grow—one in Canada and one on Jeju Island, South Korea.

At Branksome Hall the present is lived fully as we experience the opportunities of the future—a future that is evident as we watch the new dining hall and athletics centre come to life. It is a future that will transport 30 Grade 9 students to Jeju Island in March as the fi rst-ever exchange students at Branksome Hall Asia.

I couldn’t be more excited to be living the future at Branksome Hall and to be sharing it with each of you. Together we will keep well the road that is leading us to new facilities, new opportunities, and a global footprint that positions our school as the pre-eminent educational community of globally minded learners and leaders. I

FROM THE EDITOR What Would Miss Read Say?

Our second principal was wise about real estate—and much more … by

Tanya Pimenoff

JUST NORTH OF BRANKSOME HALL, IN THE SERENITY OF MOUNT PLEASANT Cemetery, is the final resting place of someone who, to this day, continues to influence the lives of thousands.

READ

Edith MacGregor

Died April 15, 1963

Principal of Branksome Hall

1910–1958

These are the words on the tombstone of Branksome’s second principal (likely chosen by the feisty lady herself). One usually sees the names of dearly loved family on one’s epitaph, but not here. Then again, Branksome Hall was Edith M. Read’s family. It was also her life work and her home. As principal, she had a definitive influence on a school that has evolved into a globally recognized educational institution.

One of Edith Read’s many great qualities was foresight. During her 48 years as principal, she snatched up real estate properties with fierce determination. From the purchase of Hollydene in 1912—today, our landmark Number 10 building—to the 1957 purchase of the lot on the northwest corner of Mt. Pleasant Road and Elm Avenue, and the 1958 purchase of 4 Elm Avenue, she successfully grew the west campus from Mt. Pleasant to the Rosedale ravine.

Of course, with land come buildings, maintenance, construction and the need for fundraising. A woman ahead of her time, Edith Read was not one to shy away from anything, especially not fundraising.

In what one might call a “state-of-the-nation” letter, written circa 1958, she informed alumnae about her recent land purchases, completed building projects and upcoming building plans—plans that included a potential tunnel to quell traffic conditions on the “exceedingly busy corner” of Mt. Pleasant and Elm. She spelled out the need for donations “large and small,” stating “you have answered our appeals so that, up to the present, all the buildings have been paid for. We believe no school has a more loyal alumnae.”

Miss Read certainly had a clear understanding of the value and strength of a strong alumnae association.

In April 1963, she passed away at the age of 83. Ten months later, in February 1964, MacNeill House opened its doors and they remained open until last summer.

One thing is certain. For 110 years, Branksome principals have kept well the road and continued to move our beloved school forward through vision and thoughtful leadership. Now, with the Athletics and Wellness Centre underway (see p. 4) and scheduled for completion in 2014, the actions of one ambitious lady, all those years ago, will continue to influence our local and global community for generations to come.

So, what would Miss Read say? “See you all at the grand opening,” of course. Then, as a forward-thinking woman, she would surely add, “Please consider making a gift at branksomebecomes.ca—large or small.” I

SchoolScoop

The Start of Something

The new Athletics and Wellness Centre is officially on the way! The October 11 groundbreaking event, held mid-morning for the entire school, included shovel-shaped cookies, a clan basketball shootout, and the planting of a time capsule containing mementos of 2012. Employees joined the 880 students for a powerful “Red, Green, Black or White…” school cheer that resounded throughout the west campus. Later, donors and special guests gathered to mark the historic day and to celebrate the launch of the $15 million Branksome Becomes Campaign. Donations will support the building of the new facility and

increase Branksome’s fi nancial aid endowment. View the pamphlet mailed with this magazine, or go online at www.branksomebecomes.ca.

DÉJÀ VU

Dr. Frances SHEPHERD’64 shows Head Girl Sonali Amarasekera a newspaper clipping from February 29, 1964, published after the grand opening celebration of MacNeill House. Frances, who was Head Girl at the time, is in the clipping.

THE GROUNDBREAKERS

Jim Christie, Mary LESSLIE Hallward’74 (Co-chairs of the Branksome Becomes Campaign), Board Chair Raj Chandaria, Prefect Mariam Ascan, Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton, Head Girl Sonali Amarasekera and Prefect Carol Drumm.

At the reception in the Gillam Family Atrium are Brigitte KOPAS’88, Don Kopas, Mary Pat JONES Armstrong’63 and Joyce WALKER McKeough’56.

NEWS FROM THE BRANKSOME HALL COMMUNITY

RAISING A GLASS

The 2011–12Donor and Giving Report is online. Visit www.branksome.on.ca/supportbranksome.

Kopas Family Scholarship Offers Four Years of Full Tuition

The new Harold A. Kopas Family Scholarship has the potential to open doors for a young woman with great potential. The scholarship will provide full tuition for four years to a new Branksome Hall student who is entering Grade 9.

Brigitte KOPAS’88 says her firsthand experience with the benefits of a Branksome education prompted her family to establish the scholarship.

“We wanted to give a promising student the opportunity to benefit from a Branksome education,” says Brigitte, whose daughter Jayden also attended Branksome Hall. “Branksome has an incredible number of offerings and experiences for students, both inside and outside of the classroom, which make a

profound impact on many young women’s education and individual growth. Branksome students leave rich with learnings and opportunities they could not get elsewhere under one roof.”

The recipient of the scholarship must be committed to her academic success; interested in participating in learning, both in and out of the classroom; willing to rise to challenges in athletics, the arts and community service; able to reflect the values of the school; and determined to reach her potential.

INSTALLATION CELEBRATION

Former Head Girl Ashley CALDWELL’01, seen here with Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock at the after-reception for Installation, held on October 5, spoke movingly of her journey post Branksome. She connected her story to this year’s Prefect motto, Dare to Detour, and told students and guests that the detours she encountered in her life were the events that provided the most positive outcomes for her.

On May 9, 2012, the Last Meal in MacNeill was hosted by the Alumnae Association. Enjoying the scrumptious roast beef dinner buffet are Fiona BLAIR’86, Candace WATSON-HISCOX’86, Ainsley MOORE’86, Tara LAING’88 and Tena LAING’88.

THEY’LL DARE TO DETOUR Dare to Detour is this year’s Prefect motto. It encourages students to try a new route—exploring a different building on campus, embracing a new academic challenge, joining a sports team or starting a club. Throughout the year, students will be encouraged to “make their journey as distinct and interesting as possible.”

Prefects imitate the stance of Olympian Usain Bolt at Installation.

GOODBYE MACNEILL

SchoolScoop

THREE ALUMNAE APPOINTED TO BOARD

Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton, left, welcomes three alumnae to Branksome Hall’s Board of Governors

BRANKSOME WINS FIVE AWARDS

In June, Branksome Hall won three 2012 Prix d’Excellence Awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE).

Our new website received a Silver Award, and our Be Remarkable rebranding work earned Bronze. We also won Bronze for the article titled Smythe Style, written by Amy VERNER’98, which ran in the fall 2011 issue of The READ Competing with independent schools, colleges and universities from across Canada, Branksome was the only independent school to earn any award.

In November, Branksome and its talented suppliers earned two other communications awards: a Gold Award in the international MarCom Awards for our website and an RGD Social Good Design Award in the Not-forProfit Client-Initiated category for our new Branksome Becomes materials. Congratulations to BMIR, our website designer, and Clear Space Design & Communications Inc., creator of our campaign materials.

Ashley CALDWELL’01 Ashley is a software sales leader for financial services at IBM and recently acquired an M.B.A. from the Schulich School of Business at York University. Ashley also sits on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Canadian Council for Rehabilitation and Work.

Tenley GIBSON’94 Tenley is an interior design consultant and the founder of Perfect 10 Design. In September, she began her first term as President of the Alumnae Association.

Jacqueline SZETO Meiers’87 Jacqui is the vice-president and director, institutional fixed income sales, for TD Securities. She served as board member and former president of Women in Capital Markets and remains a mentor in that program, as well as chair of its Managing Motherhood programming series. Her daughter, Rachel, is in Grade 2 at Branksome.

ARCHIVES MORE ACCESSIBLE

Branksome’s Archives office and displays have moved to the R. Samuel McLaughlin Resource Centre, located on the second floor of the Margaret Sime Wing, 10 Elm Avenue.

In this new venue, our history will now be highly visible to hundreds of students and easily accessible for reference and school projects. Archives is currently under the supervision of Gayle Reid, Senior Librarian. For information, please call 416-920-6265, ext. 199, or e-mail archives@branksome.on.ca

GREEN CARPET COMEDY

Comedian Evany ROSEN’05 delivered a funny yet touching speech about her years at Branksome Hall, as well as her life after graduation, when she was keynote speaker for the Green Carpet awards, held on June 14, and honouring Grades 7–11. Evany is a founding member of the Canadian sketch comedy troupe Picnicface, as well as a stand-up comedian and actress based in Halifax. “People keep giving me money to act like an idiot,” she said. “I’m now a professional class clown!”

www.branksome.on.ca/news (June)

In Sync

Grade 8 student Natalie MacMillan is swimming in success by Gillian Minsky

TO GRADE 8 STUDENT NATALIE MACMILLAN, synchronized swimming came naturally. So did coming to Branksome. Natalie’s mom, Cindy EDWARDS MacMillan’91, is an alumna and strong supporter of the education she received at her alma mater.

Although she’s only 13, Natalie is a master juggler, able to balance her school work, social life and rigorous swim schedule.

Asked where her drive for “synchro”—as she calls it— comes from, Natalie is modest and says, “I just like doing it. I like being busy and accomplishing a goal by working hard.” Her mom Cindy laughs, “I think she also likes to win. She has that competitive spark in her!”

And win she has.

Natalie came in second place for her solo performance and third place in figures at the Trillium U12 Championships in 2010. She also placed sixth in solo and eighth in figures at the 13-15 Provincial Championships hosted by Synchro Ontario in 2011.

Natalie has competed against Canada’s best, coming in 12th in solo and 16th in figures at the 2012 Espoir Canadian Championships. During this competition, Natalie qualified for the National 13-15 Team Canada selection camp in Montreal.

As a new student, Natalie has quickly balanced life at Branksome during the day, and trains most evenings at Variety Village Synchro Club in Toronto’s east end. Training since she was 8, Natalie was reluctant to try the sport at first.

“When I would go to my cottage, I would swim in the lake all summer,” says Natalie. “I would spend most of my time under the water and so my grandma suggested I try synchronized swimming. I did not want to do it; there were tears. My mom dragged me to my first practice and I loved it.”

It turns out that synchronized swimming had everything Natalie was looking for. She had played hockey and baseball and neither sport was quite right for her.

“Synchronized swimming has a bit of glitz and glamour, but it is also very difficult,” says Cindy. “It requires grace and artistry but also flexibility, endurance, great strength and precise timing. Natalie is very athletic, but she wanted something with a bit of creativity.”

Before coming to Branksome, Natalie was enrolled at a public school that offered a high-performance program for athletes. She would swim every morning and attend school in the afternoon. Cindy was concerned that this program put too much emphasis on sport; she wanted Natalie’s education to be the first priority. Now, she swims in the evenings and on the weekend, better allowing her time for her academics.

With a more balanced schedule, Natalie is fully engaged in all of her classes, and especially enjoys receiving advice from her guidance counsellor, Ms Hayley AvRuskin. “Ms AvRuskin has been incredibly supportive,” says Natalie. “I’m going to be at two national competitions during exam prep week and exam week and she reassured me that we would come up with a plan to get all of my work done on time.”

Natalie plans to compete nationally next year at the Espoir Canadian Championships in Quebec City. Her goal is to secure a spot on Team Canada and compete at the Mediterranean Cup in Spain this summer.

And, as for Cindy, she knew that Branksome would be the right fit for Natalie. “I have such fond memories here,” she says. “There was definitely an emotional feeling when she put on her uniform for the first time. It feels like coming home.” I

Gillian Minsky is a Communications Officer at Branksome Hall.

Natalie, in one of her competition swimsuits.

Introducing Branksome Hall Asia

The opening of the school on Jeju Island signals a new era of international cooperation in education

…

by Julia Drake

Long before plans emerged to establish Branksome Hall Asia, Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton was charmed by magical tales of Jeju Island. For years, she had heard enchanting stories of the Korean island’s natural beauty and the impressive skills of its women, told to her by two longtime Jeju residents: Branksome graduate Jisu OH’09 and Jisu’s mother, Hyekyoung An.

(right) After teaching at an IB school in Mexico City, Andrea AMELL Rees’03 now teaches Grade 3 and is the grade level coordinator at Branksome Hall Asia.

(below) The flags of Canada, Korea and Branksome Hall Asia greet visitors to the school.

“There were wonderful stories about women, wind and rocks,” recalls Ms Jurjevich Murton. “I was especially impressed by the important role that women play in Jeju society.”

The mother-daughter team described the winds that whirl around majestic Mt. Halla, the highest point on the UNESCO World Heritage site. They explained how Jeju’s iconic basalt “grandfather statues” are reputed to protect their owners from harm.

They also shared tales of the “haenyeo,” the female divers who plunge deep into the sea without the aid of oxygen tanks. Generations of these divers have harvested abalone, clams and seaweed to support their families.

In many ways, these renowned divers have much in common with generations of Branksome women—they are strong, confident and self-reliant.

Armed with the insiders’ view of Jeju Island, the principal found her interest piqued when, in 2009, officials of the Jeju Free International City Development Center (JDC), a branch of the Korean government, approached her with an invitation to open an Englishlanguage school on the island. Through its work with the Boston Consulting Group, the JDC had identified a list of the top English-language schools in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Korean government sought to make Branksome

(left) Sports facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a triple gym and a golf academy.

(below) Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock and Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton participate in a clan banner ceremony with Glen Radojkovich, Principal of Branksome Hall Asia.

(left) A student passes a directional sign that incorporates the Branksome Hall tartan.

part of its planned Jeju Global Education City, an education-focused city in which English would be the primary language, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Branksome’s board chair at the time, James R. Christie, recognized immediately the potential of this international project. He brought his legal expertise to the table, and pulled together a team of board members to visit Jeju Island and explore the Koreans’ proposal in great detail. After many months of international negotiations, an agreement was signed between Branksome Hall and the JDC.

Branksome Hall Asia opened in October 2012 with enrolment of more than 300, which is expected to climb to 1,200 within a few years. Harkening back to the days of “sandbox alums” at Branksome Hall, the new school is co-educational from Kindergarten through Grade 3 and girls-only from Grades 4 through 12.

Faculty include Anne Beveridge, deputy head of the Junior School, who is a former assistant head of the Junior School at Branksome Hall; Andrea AMELL Rees’03, a Junior School teacher and grade level coordinator; and Angela LAU’05, the music teacher.

The breathtaking facilities include a 350-seat performing arts centre, a recording studio, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a golf academy, an indoor ice rink, a design and technology lab that includes a 3D printer, and a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) centre.

The opening ceremony on October 29 attracted 1,000 dignitaries, students, faculty,

and citizens of Jeju Island and led to extensive media coverage in Asia. Student performances included a flag dance to represent the collaboration between Canada and Korea.

“We have a marvellous history of educating young women, and now, Branksome Hall Asia is providing new opportunities to educate girls and to change their lives,” said Ms Jurjevich Murton during the ceremony. “This new school will continue the tradition of creating an environment for exceptional academic achievement and helping learners become leaders.”

The new school follows the same educational philosophy and provides the same International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum as does Branksome Hall. “In Branksome Hall Asia, we aim to replicate the very best of Branksome Hall Canada’s programs and our philosophy,” said Ms Jurjevich Murton.

“Korea and Canada have collaborated on one of the worthiest causes I can imagine: educating young people to help shape a better world,” said Jim Christie, who now chairs the Branksome Hall Asia Board of Governors. “The opening of Branksome Hall Asia reflects the spirit of the IB Program and Branksome Hall’s vision to be globally minded,” he added.

Supporting the theme of international cooperation, students in Grade 9 at both Branksome Hall and Branksome Hall Asia will have a chance to experience the Jeju and Canada campuses, respectively, through an exchange program that begins in March 2013. I

“We have a marvellous history of educating young women, and now, Branksome Hall Asia is providing new opportunities to educate girls and to change their lives.”

—Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton

Julia Drake is Executive Director of Communications and Marketing at Branksome Hall.

Director of Athletics Nanci Smith (right), on Jeju, reunites with Angela LAU’05, music teacher at the new school.

Rooted in the Region

An alumna brings her expertise to the board of Branksome Hall Asia

ON THE BOARD OF BRANKSOME HALL

Asia is a member who has both academic and personal knowledge of the region: Sonia CHAN Lee’87.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. in International Relations and Oriental Studies) and Georgetown University Law Center (J.D.), Sonia has practised finance and corporate law in New York City, San Francisco and Tokyo.

Sonia is chair of the board of Generations Christian Education, which operates two kindergartens and two primary schools in Hong Kong, including the Island Christian Academy. She also sits on the board of The Child Development Centre, which provides early intervention services to children with individual educational needs.

Sonia is married to Jong, also a lawyer. Their children, Isaac and Abigail, were born while the couple lived in Tokyo. The family moved to Hong Kong in 2008, where Sonia has been involved in a number of nonprofits while still practising law part time.

Through her work as a member of the Board of Governors of Branksome Hall Asia and as co-chair of the Branksome Hall Alumnae Hong Kong Chapter, Sonia hopes to strengthen connections with alumnae and friends in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.

The Branksome Hall Asia Board is chaired by James R. Christie, former chair of the Branksome Hall Board of Governors. Jim is currently co-chair of the Branksome Becomes Campaign and is a member of The Branksome Hall Foundation Board.

Other members on the Branksome Hall Asia Board who were appointed by Branksome Hall Canada include current and past parents: Wayne Barwise, Wendy Cecil, Monica Chang, Terry Leung and Josh Peck. I

Sonia CHAN Lee’87, on the Branksome Hall Asia campus, for the grand opening celebration on October 29.

Alison is draped in fabric of the traditional dress called Umukenyero, worn by Rwandan women at celebrations and weddings. It was given to her by Emery’s aunts at their introduction ceremony, when their engagement was announced and Alison was formally welcomed into the family.

and

Love Healing W

hat she didn’t expect was the overpowering smell. Dank, mouldy. And the spiders—cobwebs everywhere. But here she was, in the cramped attic under a slanted tin roof where the man she loved had hidden for six and a half weeks while Rwandan Hutu fighters massacred his fellow Tutsi, night after night, right outside the house. By day the crawl space was an oven, by night freezing cold, and you couldn’t stand up. Just 18, Emery Rutagonya would hear the guns crack, listen to the screams, later see the bodies.

Now Alison Burkett, an educator raised in a leafy neighbourhood in Toronto’s west end, was reliving with him the terrible events of 1994, known in Rwanda as the “100 Days.” Up to one million people, mainly Tutsi, were slaughtered by the rampaging Hutu militia. Nearly two decades later, the horror still resonates. “The air is thick with it in Rwanda,” says Alison. Emery also took her to St. Paul’s church, near the famed Hotel Rwanda in Kigali, the capital, where he spent another 10 days with Tutsis seeking sanctuary. She saw the large room where, on June 14, 1994,

Hutu Interahamwe militia appeared and began selecting men aged 18 to 25. They led about 60 into the garden, lined them up and shot them. Somehow—he has no idea why—Emery was not chosen. Three days later, he and his fellow survivors were rescued by Tutsi forces, and the following month the 100 Days of genocide finally came to an end.

As Alison sat with him in the church last June 17 for the annual candlelight ceremony commemorating the rescue, she looked around. The world, it seemed, had long since moved on; she was the only white

How Alison BURKETT’03 found her calling and her mate—in the aftermath of Rwanda’s nightmare

… by Berton Woodward

PHOTO: JEFF KIRK

person there. But as Emery often stressed to her in his gentle, soft-spoken manner, many of Rwanda’s survivors had not moved on. They still needed to tell their stories, to preserve their memories for family and for history, to heal. And now the two of them had a serious plan for that.

Called Write to Remember 1994, the project will help genocide survivors from all walks of life write down their stories—by hand if need be—in a safe and supportive environment, and eventually publish the result. For the survivors, says Alison, there are intense feelings to deal with. “What is it like to live a life after the majority of the people you love have been brutally killed and your world has been turned completely upside down? And you’re still living next door to the people who committed those crimes? And you’re still living in a world where the international community really didn’t do anything.” For outsiders, the stories can open people “to the human heart, to the resilience of life and to our collective responsibility in the face of crimes against humanity.”

Until very recently, the man from Kigali and the woman from Toronto lived approximately 11,716 km apart. How did they—and their plan—come together?

In a word, mindfulness. If you don’t know this trending practice, it refers to the art of being aware of yourself and everything

around you—not as easy as it seems—to relieve stress and find an inner peace. Sometimes people use techniques such as yoga and meditation, sometimes they just focus quietly. A key element, especially in the Rwandan context, is to be accepting of what is present, whether or not it is pleasant. Emery learned about mindfulness after he graduated from university in Rwanda. A trained trauma counsellor, he had created the first program about the genocide for Rwandan high schools, and, through work with the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, got involved with a visiting international group called Mindfulness Without Borders.

For Alison, the journey truly began at Branksome Hall. She remembers taking teacher Kate Hebdon’s Grade 11 World Issues class, back-to-back with 20th Century History and Philosophy, and becoming “deeply disturbed” by what she was learning about the world. She plunged into a World Issues project, raising money for bed kits for the charity Sleeping Children Around the World, and topped out at an impressive $1,000.

“In retrospect,” she says in her thoughtful way, “it was the seed of a potential that I had—the empathy and compassion that inspired me to want to do something.” She loved the support she got from her teachers, and thrived in Branksome’s all-female learning environment. “It freed me up to be more self-expressive in the classroom,” she says. The school created “a sense of courage to do what is right, a sense of morality.”

Energized by her Branksome learning, she went on to study political science at Queen’s University. After graduation, she found herself searching for what she wanted to do. She travelled a bit, learned to be a yoga instructor, then decided to go for her Master’s in Adult Education and Community Development at the University of Toronto. One day, seeking mentorship, she visited the office of a family friend.

On his desk was some promotional material for a group doing work in Africa, and it included a striking picture of a young African man. “I remember thinking, I have to be involved in that. I just felt a gravitational pull,” she says. The group turned out to be Mindfulness Without Borders, led by Toronto-born philanthropist Theo Koffler. In August 2010, keen to become one of its mindfulness ambassadors, Alison joined a week-long group training session held in Toronto. And there, in town as part of a North American promotional tour, was the man in the picture—Emery Rutagonya.

Was it love at first sight? “It was a deep connection from the beginning,” says Alison. Emery remembers meeting “this wonderful woman.” But it was, of course, a group workshop. The whole week they were never alone (though “we found our moments,” says Alison), and then Emery headed back to Rwanda. They kept talking by phone, building a strong friendship, and the following April Alison finally visited him in Kigali for three weeks. “Travelling to Rwanda took a lot of courage—it was challenging, but it also somehow felt like home,” she says. That summer, he visited her in Toronto while on a business trip and had the chance to meet her family. “Everyone was very welcoming. Emery has such a warm heart,” she adds.

Separated from him again, Alison launched a mindfulness curriculum at four high schools in the Toronto Catholic District School Board. But she realized that her true passion lay in her work with Emery. Last March she went back to Rwanda, this time for four months, and with him laid the groundwork for Write to Remember 1994. They surveyed 233 survivors from varied

She loved the support she got from her teachers, and thrived in Branksome’s all-female learning environment. “It freed me up to be more self-expressive in the classroom,” she says. The school created “a sense of courage to do what is right, a sense of morality.”

Change Maker

Teacher Kate Hebdon brings the world to Branksome

by Berton Woodward

IT’S NOT SURPRISING THAT ALISON

BURKETT’03 was inspired by teacher Kate Hebdon’s Canada & World Issues class (see main story). Hebdon makes sure even her own children understand the ways of the world when they vacation in sunspots in the global South. On several trips to the Caribbean, 11-year-old Sarah and eight-year-old Dylan have carried with them packs of medical supplies for local hospitals and useful items for area schools. “My notion is,” says Hebdon, “if we’re going to travel to tourist resorts, we have to give back as well.”

Hebdon originally imagined herself working with youth in a place such as Costa Rica or Kenya, but love, marriage and family kept her in Canada—and brought her to Branksome Hall in 1998. She began to realize that the high-achieving girls of Branksome could make a difference in the world, she says. Her students examine such topics as national population policies, wealth disparities and how globalization affects various nations and groups.

“What is conveyed so much within international development and within geography is this notion that we’re not here to judge, we’re here to better understand,” she says, “and with that learning comes the ability to support change.”

Global issues and geography come naturally to Hebdon—she was born into an Oshawa family that makes maps. She gained her Bachelor of Environmental Studies in the Honours Geography Program

backgrounds about how writing their stories would help them. The top reasons: to dignify my story; to preserve my family’s story; to heal internal wounds.

“We had incredibly positive feedback, beyond our expectations,” says Alison. The pair set up a three-year project timetable, culminating in the 20th anniversary year of 2014, and got seed money from the Pearson Foundation Fellowship for Social Innovation. With the funding, they are developing an

at the University of Waterloo and went on to Queen’s University for her B.Ed.

At Branksome, she has played a key role in establishing the International Baccalaureate and is now in charge of the IB Diploma Program for Grades 11 and 12 and its roughly 50 teachers. She also oversees the Social Justice Club, working with such groups as Amnesty International and Human

educational program about the genocide for Toronto high school and university students.

On August 19, 2012, two years to the day after Emery’s first visit ended, they were married in the cozy, stone-built Coach House at Sunnybrook Estates in Toronto, surrounded by friends and family. Then they plunged back into Write to Remember—more organizing, more fundraising (www.write toremember1994.com). Establishing roots in Toronto’s Roncesvalles district, Alison now

Rights Watch, and has co-led two student service trips to Branksome’s QGAP partner school in Queenstown, South Africa.

But she still loves to fire up her World Issues class and inspire students like Alison Burkett to work for change. “This really strong group of young women takes your words to greater lengths than you think possible.” I

manages programs at Toronto’s Centre for Mindfulness Studies, while Emery is enrolled in a graduate program in Community Healing and Peacebuilding at the University of Toronto. But their hearts are also 11,716 km away. “From the very beginning,” says Alison, “we always had a sense that we had a purpose together.” I

Berton Woodward is a Toronto-based editor, writer and communications consultant.

JAMIE DAY FLECK’00

During her 14 years at Branksome, Kate Hebdon has introduced a world of opportunities to hundreds of students.

the Hard Road to Coming Out

At 45, I

nally embraced my lesbianism … by Cecile Sly (Marika Cecilia OLAH’83)

At the end of 2010, the year we found each other, my partner Diane handed me a box. It contained a special piece of jewelry suspended from a chain—a labrys. She told me she wanted me to have the symbol of lesbian strength and protection, the double axe of the lesbian warrior. There is no greater gift Diane could have given me to wear always and openly, and I was fi lled with happiness. But it had been a long road to that moment.

When I arrived at Branksome Hall at age 14, I believed there was only one true road before me—the road set out by my parents, where there would be strict and exacting adherence to the doctrines of Catholicism. Branksome was a new world where young women were bound together by the principles of the school, which advocates free and critical thought, clarity and confidence of expression, self-actualization, and social conscience and action. These are the principles of full and equal citizenship for women. Although I would like to have stayed at Branksome, I could not reconcile my home life with my school life, and so, at the end of my second year, I left.

At university, I lived a province away from my family and could explore who I was outside the framework of my parents’ beliefs. I discovered that it felt natural for me to be interested in and affectionate with women. Even if this attraction was no longer considered a crime in Canada, it was most certainly seen as sin by my parents. AIDS was being talked about as a homosexual death sentence. In this climate, the university student newspaper published a Pink Triangle issue on

fi

Cecile Sly, right, and Diane Heffernan.

PHOTO: PIERRE MANNING

Valentine’s Day, which resulted in the beating of the only “out” homosexual at the university. I would like to have looked down the road of sexual freedom a little further but, after two years in university, I felt it would be unsafe.

I left university without graduating, married a man, and had a child. I was back on the apparent one true road, but two years after the birth of my daughter, I felt the need to return to school. In 1991, I graduated from Concordia University and was given the honour of being valedictorian. I ended my marriage, was elected president of the Concordia Graduate Students’ Association and went on to earn a master’s degree. But I still did not feel right. I left the university, settled down again in a relationship with another man, and gave birth to three more children. For the next decade, I was a stay-at-home mom.

Then, a woman with children moved in a few doors down. We started spending time together and I started to feel alive. I did not, however, know how to assume my lesbianism.

It took several more years to find the courage to take responsibility for who I was. At 45, I faced the most significant crisis of my life—existence or death. I could no longer deny that I was not truly living. I had been rejecting my own existential and ontological essence.

But when I finally did come out, I found myself completely alone. I felt guilt and shame. I needed help. I reached out and was offered a workshop on internalized homophobia, in which we were asked to find a role model as part of the process of reconciling our sexual orientation and identity. It was then that I discovered that Branksome alumna Senator Nancy RUTH’60 was a lesbian.

I wrote to the senator and she kindly agreed to a meeting where we talked about feminism, lesbianism and Branksome Hall. Meeting her contributed to my feelings of self-esteem and confidence in the creation of a new road, my road, as a lesbian.

Inside me, too, there was an unshakable certitude that out there, somewhere, was one woman with whom I would share the sacred promise of the covenant. But where was she? Who was she? And, more pressingly, how was I going to find her?

Fate stepped in. The most beautiful and mesmerizing voice of a woman, who identified herself as Diane Heffernan, the coordinator of the Quebec Lesbian Network, invited

Under the Rainbow

How Branksome supports students of all sexual identities

BRANKSOME HALL HAS A TRADITION of welcoming and supporting all students in our community.

In 2004, a group of students working with guidance counsellor Freida Ross founded what was then called the Rainbow Society. Its goals included “the protection and acceptance of sexual minorities as supported in the code of conduct and Ontario Human Rights Code, to educate the general school community on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer (LGBTQ) issues and to provide Branksome Hall students of all sexual identities with a safe environment where they can find support, acceptance and friendship.”

Any interested student was invited to attend the student-led Rainbow Society meetings, which featured lively discussion and activities aimed at challenging participants to think with accepting and open minds about sexual orientation and gender issues.

Over time, the Rainbow Society became known as the Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA. Student leaders spearheaded school-wide initiatives such as trans-awareness workshops, an identity mini-conference and an annual “Day of Silence” to commemorate the silence felt by LGBTQ students in the face of bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Today, our GSA legacy carries on in students’ participation in the Interschool

me to come to the Annual General Assembly to learn about the organization and to consider doing some volunteer work. I went to the assembly. She was absolutely enticing. I knew that this woman, 22 years my senior and an out lesbian for 40 years, would forever change my life.

We began seeing each other regularly, working together and going for long walks. As our feelings deepened, we made our own covenant, and we have lived together ever since. I still go to heaven each time I hug her.

At 48, I am only now starting to feel what

GSA collective, which is rooted in the goal of the original Rainbow Society—to provide a forum for all interested students to come together for engaging and authentic conversation on issues of importance to all young people.

In bi-monthly meetings, student leaders, supported by school faculty and social workers, set the agenda and adopt the role of facilitators. Schools take turns hosting the event. In May 2012, Branksome hosted an Interschool GSA meeting attended by more than 40 students.

Politically, this meeting coincided with the second reading of Bill 13, an amendment to Ontario’s Education Act with respect to bullying and other matters. Bill 13 was passed by the provincial legislature in June 2012 and serves to reinforce the significant role GSAs have in creating safe and welcoming school communities for all students.

For more information, please contact Branksome’s social worker, Joelle Therriault, at 416-920-6265, Ext. 327 or jtherriault@branksome.on.ca. I

it is to be me. My road involves writing about lesbianism. And I am pleased to be a part of the assembly of Branksome women who keep well the roads. Thank you, Senator Nancy Ruth. And, thank you, Branksome. I

Cecile is a sociologist who lives in Montreal. In 1991, she received her B.A.(Hons), with great distinction, in Sociology and received the Governor General of Canada Academic Silver Medal and the Everett C. Hughes Medal for Sociology and Anthropology. In 1993, she received her M.A. in Sociology.

Olympian Simon Whitfield’s mother Linda is a high achiever herself

… by Amy Verner

Being Simon’s Mom

The day before my interview with Linda AMES Whitfield’63, she e-mails to say she needs to reschedule. The weather promises to be unseasonably warm and there are only so many fall days remaining to go kayaking. And, when we touch base the following day by Skype, she says she will probably go for another paddle once we finish. Is it any wonder that her son, Olympian Simon Whitfield, developed such a love of sport?

Indeed, reflecting on her five years at Branksome, Linda says she was always strongest in athletics. She excelled at high jump—a feat even more impressive given that she is only 5'2"—and was the captain of the basketball team. After school, she and her classmates would play baseball down in the field, using their kilts as bases.

“Once school was over, I was out the door and we were off playing basketball, or whatever, and then badminton at the church on Bloor,” she says. “And I didn’t get home until after six.” Apparently, she was also a pro at bent-arm handsprings over the pommel horse.

Linda points out that her father, a sailor and Canadian glider champion for five years, had a “very competitive streak.” Her mom, Winnifred WALKER Ames’40, wants to be remembered too—skiing and skating were her favourites. Simon’s dad Geoffrey, who was raised in Australia, was on the surf rescue team in Sydney.

Linda was a teacher at Bloor Collegiate when she met Geoffrey, who was working at DuPont. They got married, settled in Kingston and had two children, Simon and his sister Kate.

Linda remembers being eight months pregnant with

Simon when the Globetrotters came to visit the school where she taught physical education. As the team was introduced, they pulled their basketballs from under their shirts mimicking her baby bump.

But no one would have imagined that her son would go on to win the very first Olympic gold medal for triathlon in the 2000 Sydney Games.

When asked about Simon’s trajectory as an athlete, Linda laughs as if to suggest this will take a while. She provides an abbreviated version, and it’s clear that, as soon as Simon discovered he loved cross-country running, he never stopped.

In 1993, Simon was at boarding school in Australia when the world discovered that Sydney would host the first Olympics of the 21st century. Linda says he told his classmates that he would be there, competing in the triathlon (which was not even a recognized sport at the time). Naturally, they scoffed.

True to his word, and after years of training back in Canada, Simon found out a year before the Games that he qualified to compete in the newly added triathlon event. Linda jokes that his family’s support was always

unwavering, to the extent that it also included a “very active” credit card.

Meanwhile, Linda remained busy going in and out of local schools, where she applied a creative approach to teaching physical activity. Often, her workshops would consist of props she found at dollar stores. “I can fill the backyard with hoops and pylons and you name it,” she quips.

But her work extends beyond fun and games. For several years, Linda was the chair of Focus Kingston, a committee that worked to conceive a sustainability plan for the city that encompassed social, cultural, environmental and economic spheres. Although Linda stepped back from her role in April 2012, the group has since become an incorporated organization re-named Sustainable Kingston, in no small part thanks to her efforts. She also sits on the board of the Kingston & District Sports Hall of Fame and remains involved in Community Sport Councils Ontario, which helps cities promote sport and physical activity.

Since Sydney, Linda points out that she is all too familiar with the feeling of butterflies in her stomach. On occasions when she cannot attend races, Linda says, “I’ve been known to pace around in our back room, yelling at the little computer.”

For all Simon’s triumphs (he won a silver medal in the Beijing 2008 Olympics), there have been losses, as when a crash early into his London 2012 triathlon forced Simon out of the race. “You go with the highs and lows,” Linda explains, with the resigned tone of a mother who loves unconditionally.

“He was hurt, but he could have been hurt much worse. There was a 10-year-old girl crying [in the stands] when it happened and Simon went and spoke to her saying, ‘I’m alright, I have kids too,’” she recalls. “Those are the moments I’m proud of—all those other pieces, like how he handled that situation. It’s about the big picture.”

Of course, for better or worse, Linda has become accustomed to being introduced as “Simon’s mom.” But she hardly begrudged this parental qualifier when she met the Queen—and shook her “ungloved” hand—in 2002.

That surprise was followed up 10 years later, last May, when Simon would not reveal the reason why Linda needed to be in Ottawa. “I walked into the room and he surprised me from behind and told me he was going to be the flag bearer,” she says.

With Simon and his wife Jennie living in Victoria, Linda does not see her two granddaughters as often as she would like. Kate has one child and is expecting a second in March. But Linda travels often, which she says keeps her feeling young.

She laughs when asked about all the paraphernalia she’s collected over the course of Simon’s athletic career (Kate’s, too; she was a rower). “I have shelves and shelves and I need to get at that someday,” she says, pointing off in the distance to some part of her home with its buttermilk yellow walls.

But the organizing can wait, especially when there’s table tennis to play. “It’s my newest interest,” she says enthusiastically. “The Senior Centre has eight tables. You can turn up and play for two hours if you want.”

Linda still sees her high school classmate and fellow sports enthusiast Judi SHEPPARD’63 in Collingwood and beyond; in 2011, they went on a paddling trip together in Belize.

A few days after our conversation, Linda sends me a picture of her paddling in her 16'6" kayak from the morning she pushed our interview. The sun is illuminating her face. She is smiling wide, savouring one of many golden moments. I

Amy VERNER’98 is a style reporter with The Globe and Mail She is based in Paris, France.

Linda takes in nature’s beauty on a crisp fall morning.

(opposite page) Simon Whitfield.

Kayley Ma uses innovative biomedical technology to battle cancer

… by Celia Milne

Survival Engineer

From Branksome Hall to Harvard, possibly saving a few lives in between—that is the ongoing incredible journey of Kayley MA’01, a biomedical engineering dynamo. Kayley has already had a stellar career building better imaging technologies to diagnose cancer. Now, not content to merely innovate, she wants to ensure the newest technologies reach all the patients who need them.

“Bringing medical devices to the health care market is my passion,” she says in a phone interview during a break from class. “I understand the technical aspects and wanted to learn about business aspects, so I can contribute to strategic decision-making.”

So, she’s back at school, aiming to finish an M.B.A. from Harvard in 2014.

Branksome provided a terrific start for Kayley. “We learned to advocate for others and ourselves. At Harvard, every day we are pushed to give our thoughts and opinions. For me, this skill was developed at Branksome.”

And it was Kayley’s former math teacher, Charlotte Danard, who sparked the beginning of her journey. When Don Plewes, Danard’s Ph.D. husband, was a senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute, he dedicated much of his career to improving breast imaging technology for women at high risk for breast cancer.

“Charlotte kept mentioning an unusually gifted and motivated student interested in science,” Plewes recalls. When Kayley visited him at Sunnybrook, he suggested she do her undergraduate degree at the University of

Waterloo, as it had a co-op program he thought she’d enjoy.

Sure enough, she followed his advice, and applied to work at his lab as a summer student.

“She was a great student—presentable, smart, and a quick study. She had a terrific interest in exploring applications,” says Plewes, who is now professor emeritus in the Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto.

“Dr. Plewes ignited my interest in medical devices, and my fascination with radiology and cancer research,” says Kayley.

After she completed her bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Waterloo, she went on to the Robarts Research Institute at Western University in London, Ontario, and graduated with a Master of Biomedical Engineering.

Kayley’s list of academic achievements is impressive. In 2005, she received the Ontario Co-op Student of the Year Award given by Education at Work Ontario (from among 40,000 students) and in 2006, she

was recipient of the John Fisher Leadership Award at the University of Waterloo. At a 2008 conference during her master’s studies, Kayley won the First Place International Scientific Paper from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. She also received the National Women in Engineering and Science Award

from the National Research Council of Canada.

Until recently, Kayley worked as a team leader and project manager at Sentinelle Medical Inc. in Toronto. The company was founded by Cameron Piron, another former student of Plewes, to commercialize new breast and liver imaging technology that improves cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Brilliance in math and science is one thing, says Plewes, but it is rare indeed to be able to apply it in the real world. “Kayley sees patients and sees the challenges technicians face. She can identify the key pathways to solve problems. It makes her special.” I

Celia HORE Milne’78 is an award-winning freelance medical journalist. She lives in Toronto.

“At Harvard, every day we are pushed to give our thoughts and opinions. For me, this skill was developed at Branksome.”

PHOTO: BRIAN SMITH

AlumnaeUpdate

Welcome Aboard

Exceptional women join the executive

Kathryn CAMPBELL Holland’80

MEET THE NEW PRESIDENT

Tenley GIBSON’94

Interior Designer and Owner, Perfect 10 Design

A third generation student, Tenley attended Branksome from Grades 5–13, following in the footsteps of her grandmother, Marion LUMBERS Gibson’36, and her mother, Elizabeth CHAPMAN Gibson’70. She was involved in the visual arts and drama programs, and also served as Head of Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving in her graduating year. After spending a year studying in Switzerland and travelling, Tenley began studies at McGill and received her B.A. in Political Science and Economics in 1999. With a strong interest in art and design fuelled by her time in Europe, she went on to obtain a diploma in Interior Design. In 2003 she launched Perfect 10 Design, which has provided her opportunities to work on a variety of commercial and residential projects. In 2008, Tenley returned to Branksome to volunteer as a member of the Alumnae Executive. Her involvement as Logistics Chair for Plaid Tidings and Co-chair of take pART has been great preparation as she assumes her two-year term as President of the Alumnae Association.

An outdoor enthusiast, Kathryn spent winters skiing out west before settling into a 15-year banking career. With the exception of time off to raise her four children, she taught skiing most of her life, and continues today at the Craigleith Ski Club, where she coaches young racers. In 1985, Kathryn became the first head coach for Branksome Rowing and has taught belly dancing in the Health for Life class. She holds a B.A. in Geography from McMaster University.

Heather CARTWRIGHT’88

Heather is a National Coaching Certification Program Level 4 Coach in rowing and spent the past eight years coaching at Princeton, Boston University and Harvard. At Harvard, Heather was head coach of the Lightweight Women’s Crew. She is currently a consultant for Row to Podium, Rowing Canada’s official talent identification and development program for future Olympians and Paralympians for Rio 2016 and beyond. Heather holds a B.A. (Hons) from Western University.

Jamie Day FLECK’00

Jamie received her B.F.A. in Photography from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She is now freelancing as a commercial photographer while

fostering various fine art projects. Her Night Portraits project has been exhibited in galleries in New York, Toronto and Miami. Jamie is currently pursuing her M.F.A. in Documentary Media at Ryerson University.

Shannon LEWIS’96

Shannon is currently the director of marketing for Mediacom, a global media agency. She also mentors women starting out or changing their careers, and inspires young women to follow through on their passions. Shannon is an active member of AGO Next, a membership program for individuals under 40 who want to immerse themselves in Toronto’s cultural life and vibrant art scene. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Dalhousie University.

Gabriella SICILIANO’06

Gabby is pursuing a career in foreign affairs and government communications and is currently the coordinator at the Canadian Board Diversity Council. She holds a B.A. (Hons) from Queen’s University in Global Development Studies and an M.A. from the Glendon School of Public and International Affairs at York University. In 2005, Gabby was chosen as one of eight girls to travel on Branksome’s first trip to the QGAP School in South Africa.

Jennifer SULLIVAN Willmot’95

Since 2003, Jennifer has been with Chestnut Park Real Estate and is involved in fundraising for various charities such as OCAD University, the Junior League and the Breast Cancer

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE BRANKSOME HALL ALUMNAE COMMUNITY

Foundation. Jennifer has a B.A. in Visual Arts and Art History from Western University. She attended Sotheby’s American Arts Course in New York City, acquiring a professional and academic certificate in American Fine and Decorative Arts. Jennifer interned at Sotheby’s, and worked at the Peter Findlay Gallery in New York and at Sotheby’s Auction House in Toronto.

Joanne YOUNG’75

Joanne has been in the investment business for 28 years and is currently a wealth advisor at RBC. Joanne attended Queen’s

University, graduating with a B.A., then worked in the U.K. before returning to Toronto to join Burns Fry Limited (now BMO Nesbitt Burns). Recently, she served as president and chairman of the board of the Badminton and Racquet Club. Joanne has also volunteered with the Junior League of Toronto.

Julie Vincent Advancement Student Rep Julie started at Branksome Hall in Grade 4 and is a member of the MacGregor Clan. Her favourite subjects are economics and languages, and current activities

alumnae association mission statement

www.branksome.on.ca/alumnae

NEW ALUMNAE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

ALUMNAE EXECUTIVE 2012–13

Allison ROACH’51 Honorary President

Tenley GIBSON’94 President

Members-at-Large

Heather ADAMSON Wicken’99

Claire BASINSKI’04

Kathryn BULEYCHUK Champion’82

Kathryn CAMPBELL Holland’80

Heather CARTWRIGHT’88

Jamie Day FLECK’00

include Swim Team (of which she was captain in Grade 11), Peer Support Executive Team (responsible for Grade 7 Girls’ Circles) and serving as co-head of the Business Club. She recently submitted her application for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Julie has participated in the Exchange Program with Queenswood School in London, England and in the QGAP community service trip to South Africa last year.

Barbara DUNLOP Mohammad’70

Christie GORRIE Chapman’96

Christie HATGES’03

Carolyn HELBRONNER’79

Shannon LEWIS’96

Katie McCABE’03

Dana POSTROZNY Mitchell’99

Gabriella SICILIANO’06

Jennifer SULLIVAN Willmot’95

Joanne YOUNG’75

Jessica ZACKHEIM Hurwitz’95

Ex-Officio

Karen Jurjevich Murton

Janet Macmillan

Tanya Pimenoff

Zahra Valani

Julie Vincent, Advancement Student Rep

If this logo doesn’t look familiar, then you are not receiving our monthly electronic newsletter. Be sure to get on our e-mail list. Contact tpimenoff@branksome.on.ca.

The Alumnae Association is 5,700 members strong. Both grads and non-grads—everyone who attended Branksome for at least one school year—is an alumna. The Branksome community is thriving and the message to all alumnae is to “Stay Connected” to each other and the school.

We build and maintain alumnae relationships while raising funds in support of Branksome Hall’s mission and vision.

(from left): Gabriella SICILIANO’06, Shannon LEWIS’96, Jennifer SULLIVAN Wilmot’95, Jamie Day FLECK’00 and Joanne YOUNG’75.

AlumnaeUpdate

The Sentimental Appeal Raises $5,690 for Student F inancial Aid On June 23, 2012, just days before demolition of MacNeill House began, alumnae who purchased tables and benches from the dining hall picked up the last remaining items for sale.

Much Appreciated

We thank these retiring executive members for their service and dedication to the Alumnae Association

Susan ANDERSON Thornburrow’75 (2010–12)

In 2005, Susan was a reunion rep and soon became involved with Golf Day, and later, take pART. Over the years, Susan has provided myriad event prizes through her contacts in the media world.

Jane CONNOR’84 (2004–12)

Ten years ago, Jane began volunteering as a class rep. Since then, she has been active on the Plaid Tidings Committee, volunteered at Golf Day, and put her signature to Alumnae Annual Appeal letters. From 2007–10, Jane excelled in her role as President of the Alumnae Association, and was instrumental in guiding the Executive through an extensive planning process whereby Golf Day was retired and the new Alumnae Association fundraiser, take pART, was initiated. The

event has since netted over $35,000 for Student Financial Aid.

Suzie DINGWALL Williams’80 (2008–12)

Suzie dedicated her time to Plaid Tidings, has been a class rep, provided insight into the development of the Networking Committee, and served as Vice-President on the Executive. Her suggestion to provide a Keepsake Booklet for her class’s reunion met with great success and has since become a tradition at Branksome.

Andrea LAWRENCE Gall’77 (2008–12)

Andrea served on the Plaid Tidings and Alumnae Awards committees, has worked on the Annual Appeal, and has been a reunion rep, a library helper and an ambassador at Admissions Open Houses. She has cheerfully stuffed and sealed hundreds of envelopes for

NETWORKING EVENTS TAKE OFF IN 2012!

alumnae mailings. Andrea also coordinated the annual June dinners for the Alumnae Association Executive.

Lynda MALCOLMSON Mitchell’63 (2009–12)

Lynda served on both the Plaid Tidings and the Alumnae Awards committees. In September, she hosted a luncheon at her home in Cobourg, an event that was enthusiastically enjoyed by alumnae in the Cobourg/Port Hope area.

Jeanette SEYMOUR’94 (2010–12)

Jeanette served as co-chair on the 2012 take pART committee. As a Branksome Kindergarten teacher, she was instrumental in coordinating her students to sing on a special video produced by 1962 class reps to commemorate their 50th Reunion last May.

SPEED-NETWORKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS, CURRENT AND FUTURE February 2, 2012

Successful entrepreneurs Melony JAMIESON’89 (Get It Done!), Trish MAGWOOD’89 (food/lifestyle consultant) and Minnow WADSWORTH Hamilton’87 (SavvyMom Media) offered tips and advice during the evening.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS September 27, 2012

Alumnae were treated to the latest in fashion trends from Christina McDowell, image consultant at Holt Renfrew. Catching up at the event are Kate CHIPPINDALE’06, Emma BEQAJ’06, Alex FISHER’06, Kelly McDOWELL’06 and Christie HATGES’03.

BRANCHING OUT, FROM HONG KONG TO COBOURG

01 HONG KONG RECEPTION

MARCH 18, 2012

Guests attend Branksome’s first Hong Kong Chapter alumnae networking event. Hong Kong Chapter co-chair Irene LO’86, top row far right, stands beside Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock, who travelled from Toronto with Director of Admissions Kimberly BROOKER Carter’96, top row far left. Not in the photo are branch co-chairs Po Ping TSO Lo’73 and Sonia CHAN Lee’87.

02 NEW YORK CITY MOMA TOUR AND ALUMNAE RECEPTION APRIL 26, 2012 Sarah KENNEDY’00 captivates alumnae during a private tour of the Museum of Modern Art.

03 Karrie Weinstock catches up with Susan McKENNA Schatzker’88, Alexa GOLDSON’08 and Lindsay

STRANSMAN’08 at the New York Athletic Club.

04 OTTAWA ALUMNAE RECEPTION

THE RIDEAU CLUB MARCH 28, 2012 Alison BOYCE’08, Cynthia FARQUHARSON’70 and Meaghan URSELL’02.

05 LUNCHEON IN COBOURG

SEPTEMBER 9, 2012

Hostess Lynda MALCOLMSON Mitchell’63 opened her home to alumnae in the Cobourg/Port Hope area.

Standing: Nancy KNIGHT Fairweather’81, Tanya Pimenoff (Associate Director of Alumnae Relations), Lynn HARDY’71, Cynthia MORTON Thorne’74, Caro ANGUS’92 and Zahra Valani (Director of Advancement).

Seated: Patricia COOPER Commins’59, Jane McDONIC Coon’61, our hostess Lynda and Sandra SHANNON Good’59.

take pART TAKES IN $11,450 FOR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID

On April 19, 2012, in a gallery in the Distillery District, the Branksome community was treated to an evening of culture and surprises, showcasing original pieces of art created by alumnae and local artists. Here, guests admire the pieces and make the difficult decision of what to buy. Special thanks to the Alumnae Association for hosting the event and especially to art liaison Sarah MERRY’89, co-chairs Tenley GIBSON’94 and Jeanette SEYMOUR’94, and members of the take pART committee.

take pART returns in fall 2013. See Upcoming Events on page 39.

Apostle of Equality

2012 Allison Roach Alumna Award Recipient: Fiona SAMPSON’81

DR. FIONA SAMPSON HAS A VISION: TO achieve social justice for oppressed women and girls in Africa who are subjected to some of the worst human rights violations in the world today.

Fiona originally conceived of “the equality effect” (also known as e2) in 2005, in collaboration with friends and colleagues from Africa, while at Osgoode Hall Law School. Their ambitious goal was clear: alter the status of oppressed women in Africa.

Working in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, the equality effect creates collaborative teams of experts to enforce existing human rights

law and to advance public legal education. The teams explore how and why women experience oppression and disadvantage, and how the law can be used as a practical tool to address the inequality experienced by women and girls; inequality that includes sexual violence, the increase in HIV/AIDS in women, and the inability to own property.

By developing creative legal solutions to address the inequality of women and girls in Africa, the equality effect achieves concrete change that can result in increased freedom from violence, improved health, and increased prosperity. The goal is to tell women’s stories

in court and to ultimately transform the way that courts understand women’s inequality.

One of e2’s lead initiatives is the “160 Girls” legal protection against rape project. The goal is to achieve justice for the 160 girls, all rape victims aged 3–17 years, who inspired the adoption of the case, and protection against rape for all girls in Kenya. The project involves legal action that will address the problem of the police failure to enforce existing laws that prohibit the sexual assault of girls, and to hold rapists accountable for their violence. The case will make legal history in Kenya and, indeed, in Africa.

Fiona has her Ph.D. in women’s equality law from Osgoode Hall and has published numerous articles on women’s equality and disability rights. She has worked as counsel for the Ontario Human Rights Commission and as the Director of Litigation at the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF). She has represented women’s NGOs in different equality rights cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, and has worked as a legal consultant with, among others, the Ontario Native Council on Justice, the DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada, Education Wife Assault, and the Ethiopian Muslim Relief and Development Association.

By “spending as much time as possible outdoors” during any down time, Fiona has managed to find some balance in her life. She, her spouse Mark, and their daughter (a Branksome student) enjoy African walking safaris and white water paddling. Every summer, they take at least one canoe trip in northern Canada. I

160 GIRLS: The legal action, filed in Meru, Kenya, in the High Court on October 11, 2012 (International Day of the Girl Child), argued that local police officers routinely violate the constitutional rights and international human rights of young girls who have been raped because they refuse to enforce laws that require the police to investigate and charge rapists.

WINNING WOMEN The Alumnae Association has bestowed its prestigious annual awards on two high achievers…

Legal Pacesetter

2012 Young Alumna Achievement Award Recipient: Shelby AUSTIN’99

“PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS A BIT CRAZY,” SAYS Shelby AUSTIN’99, founder and president of ATD Legal Services, a trendsetting Toronto law firm with a mandate to help clients significantly lower their legal bills.

In 2010, following years of diligent work and study, Shelby left a job she loved and at which she excelled to start her own business from scratch.

Branksome Hall clearly recognized Shelby’s natural tendency to help others, honouring her with a Service Award for Contributions to Public Affairs in her graduating year. Shelby continued to shine, and at Western University, where she studied Law, she was the recipient of both the Brad Hodgson Civil Litigation Award for demonstrating the greatest potential for success as a practitioner in the area of Civil Litigation, and the Newton Rowell Scholarship for commitment to public service.

Having been called to the bar in 2006, Shelby quickly rose through the ranks to become a partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg, with a practice in complex and commercial litigation. Her years as a lawyer “who could have used some extra hands on her files” transformed into a genuine business opportunity as she recognized a niche in the outsourcing market that was not being addressed.

Hence, ATD Legal was born purely of Shelby’s vision and hard work. By furnishing high-quality services, including document review, due diligence and legal research and writing to its clients at reasonable prices, ATD Legal allows larger law fi rms to focus on strategy and highvalue matters without the burden of staffi ng and managing routine tasks, and smaller fi rms to level the playing fi eld by tapping in to resources and staff usually available only to large fi rms.

ATD Legal cuts right to the chase: “Focus your resources on what they do best. We have.” Service, says Shelby, is what sets ATD apart. “We treat our clients the way the best law firms treat their clients.” On a practical level, service translates into staffing a high-calibre team. “Many of our lawyers have a Bay Street pedigree or other senior corporate-level experience.” Service also

means being available on demand. ATD is able to staff a project 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to managing a thriving business, Shelby has published articles on legal process outsourcing, been a speaker at civil litigation conferences and, in 2011, was named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women in the “Future Leaders” category. I

ClassNotes

1952

Mary SINCLAIR Stickel was sorry to miss the 60th reunion, as she has fond memories of Branksome. Sadly, her husband Charlie passed away in December 2011, just short of their 60th wedding anniversary. Mary keeps busy with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and has recently become involved in health advocacy groups.

1955

Ann LLOYD Plummer is adjusting to life in an apartment in the Yonge/St. Clair area, having recently moved from her house and home of 30 years.

1957

Denise KARR Jarvis was sorry to miss reunion, as she was doing grandchildren duty. She lives in North Vancouver with her husband Donald.

Joan SANDERSON Bannerman e-mailed: Joyce and I had lunch with Kitty FARR Eaton (in Thornbury) last April. In May, we really enjoyed being at our 55th reunion, seeing our classmates and talking with so many of the gals from other reunion years. We enjoyed visiting with Dana BETT’82 (daughter of Sue SAVAGE Bett’55 ), who is so like Sue. It is important to us to support our reunion events. We were so impressed with the Junior School students and how confi dent they are. We

are also excited about the grand opening of Branksome Hall Asia!

1961

Ellen CARRICK Green was a close friend of Leona ROBERTSON Duga, who passed away in 2000. She recently married Leona’s husband and enjoys a busy life with her children and grandchildren.

Heather CRUICKSHANK Poppe is a quilter and participates in the Haliburton art shows.

Patricia ELLIOTT Smith loves life in Palm Desert, CA, where she has lived for over 20 years and is now semiretired. Her twin daughters and granddaughter live nearby and her other daughter is in Hamilton, ON.

Marion MacDONALD Buchanan and her husband have owned a lodge up north for a number of years. They spend part of the winter in the south.

Barbara CAULFIELD Robson’36 at the reunion weekend luncheon on May 27, 2012.

Visiting from England on March 21, 2012 were David Evans (widower of Doreen MARTIN Evans’43, an English war guest), and their son John. Both were delighted to see the school where Dor had many happy times.

(above) Jean WAHLROTH Fisher’53 (Calgary) and Jenny WARRINGTON Bell’53 (Ditchling, England) reunited in London, England in 2011. Fifty years had passed since they had visited. In 1952-53, Jenny, right, was the Sherborne exchange student and Jean was Head Girl.

Joan SANDERSON Bannerman’57 and husband Bob travelled to Italy in September 2012. Here, Joan, left, enjoys dinner in Rome with Sandra SEAGRAM Annovazzi’57.

Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton enjoys a visit with former Branksome Hall Board Chair Joyce FRANKEL Kofman’45 (left) and Dodie ROBINETTE MacNeill’45 at the reunion weekend luncheon on May 27, 2012.

Louise WALWYN Goldring’48 donated her collection of Egyptian artifacts and books to the Junior School. Each year, when the Grade 6 students study Ancient Civilization, replicas from the time of Tutankhamun will be displayed outside the library and in the classroom.

1962

We’ll be lunching at the Miller Tavern (just south of the 401, off Yonge) on the fi rst Tuesday of May 2013…2014…2015… Next get-together is May 7 and you are all invited!

Pixie BIGELOW Currie is semi-retired from acting and the fi lm industry. She enjoys Florida and Georgian Bay and time with friends and family, especially her fi ve grandchildren. Her daughter, Susanne CURRIE Coutts’92, like Pixie, had great fun at her reunion last May.

Bonnie BROWN Gundy is now retired. She had spent 25 years working with her husband Blake, marketing technologies, which varied from medical to vacuum cleaners covering some 400 patents.

Susan CUTTEN Wilson and her husband Doug enjoy spending their winters in Florida.

Jane DIFFIN Watt is a retired hospital administrator. She and her husband live in London, ON. She has four stepchildren, fi ve grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. As a drummer in a pipe band, she still wears a Royal Stewart kilt!

Marg DRYNAN Drew has lived in Cambridge, ON, for 45 years and has three children. For 34 years she has volunteered with the Heart & Stroke Foundation. She is a member of her church choir, ladies’ group, and Probus (an association of active retirees). Four years ago, Marg was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the YWCA.

Linda DWOR Pollack was happy to spend reunion with so many friends, as it was also her birthday. She lives in Buffalo and has fi ve grandchildren.

Susan ELGIE has retired from her work as a Research Consultant at OISE, though she continues to be active

1952 Celebrating their 60th reunion are, back row: Joy LOGIE Nichols, Nancy LOCKHART Williams, Judith JEPHCOTT Webster and Joan ARCHER Moore. Front row: Nancy BARBER Pickering, Constance STILES Ainslie, Wendy WILSON Lawson and Beverley BALMER Morlock.

1957 At their 55th reunion are Joan SANDERSON Bannerman, Judith DURANCE, Eleanor TOW Walker, Pamela KERR Bonnycastle, Judith DIPROSE Warren and Joyce SANDERSON Dow.

1962 At Spirit Sunday, Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton congratulates the class of 1962 prior to presenting each member with a 50th reunion gold pin.

TWELVE 1962 CLASSMATES enjoyed a catch-up luncheon on October 16, 2012 at the Miller Tavern. On the left, from front, are Susan RIDGWAY, Diana WALSH Bell, Susan WHITEHEAD Fyfe, Sandy DUCK Hume, Sherry GRIFFITHS and Annabel BEGG Stokes’61. Right, from front are Martha COFFEY, Marg KLEIN Walker, Pixie BIGELOW Currie, Mary FERRIER Bryson and Jane OMAND Barber. Not in photo: Nancy JOHNSTON Covell.

ClassNotes

as a researcher. She enjoys gardening, reading, travelling, cooking and listening to music.

Mo FISHER Horton splits her time between Collingwood and Florida. She enjoys travelling to Berlin and Vancouver Island to see her children and grandchildren.

Nancy GELBER Bjarnason and her husband Dan, a former CBC correspondent, have lived all over Canada and have travelled extensively. Nancy has been vice-chair of the Hermitage Museum Foundation of Canada and has been on the board of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She recently worked to raise funds for glaucoma research and various faculty programs at U of T.

Liliana GENYK-BEREZOWSKY teaches sculpture and drawing at Concordia University.

Sherry GRIFFITHS enjoys retirement and travelling. Her daughter lives in Mexico and one of her grandchildren started at Western in the fall. Sherry also keeps busy with her 95-year-old mom, Peggy HANNA Griffiths’36. Last August, Sherry attended the centennial celebrations of the town of Hanna, AB, named after her great-grandfather, David Blythe Hanna.

Shelagh HEWITT Kareda spends winters in Toronto going to various arts events and helping children to read. In the summer, she enjoys time on the north shore of PEI.

Denise HINCHCLIFFE Carre and husband Eric have been married for 45 years. They are both retired and spend time between homes in Collingwood and Courtice, ON. They recently built a new home at Lora Bay (near Thornbury). Denise would like to see a “Georgian Bay” alumnae chapter start up.

Heather JEWELL Kibbey was sorry to miss reunion, but she does return to Canada every August. Heather is mayor of the tiny city of Rivergrove, Oregon (part of the Portland metro area). She is still married to man she fell in love with at 16. They have two children and four grandchildren. Heather owns a graphics design company (designing books). She enjoys gardening and herding ducks (for fun), with her dog, in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Since graduating from Queen’s University in 1967, Liz MYERS Anderson has lived in Saskatoon, Trenton, Toronto, Germany and England. After working as a legal secretary in Toronto for 10 years, Liz, along with her second husband, purchased a tiny resort property, which

they ran for 10 years. The business has since been sold and now Liz and her husband live in Bath (just outside Kingston). They enjoy golf and having family nearby.

Jane OMAND Barber retired from a management position at Achieve Global (a large business training company) after 20 years. She lives in Toronto with her husband Michael and has three grandchildren in New York and three in Toronto.

Doreen PEGNEM Wilson travelled from Australia to attend reunion. She has lived in Melbourne for 44 years and volunteers with Arthritis Victoria and Eastern Palliative Care. Doreen has one son, two daughters and three grandsons.

Bev STONE Copp lives in Sault Ste. Marie. She has one son.

Diana WALSH Bell lives in Orillia and works in her husband’s business after retiring in 2008 from 23 years at a chartered accountant’s office. Di has two sons, both with families, and 16 grandchildren from her fi rst and second marriages. She is involved with both the Orillia Scottish Country Dance Group and the Orillia Scottish Festival as Treasurer.

Holly WALDIE Rieger travelled from Australia for reunion. She trained as a registered nurse in Canberra and received a B.Sc. at the Australian National University. Holly has been an obedience instructor for dogs and their owners for 25 years. She trained a Saluki (one of the oldest known breeds of domestic dogs) to achieve a title in canine musical sports—the fi rst Saluki to gain such a title in Australia and probably the world. Holly is widowed and has four grandchildren.

Lois WAYMAN Brown has been busy with Sheridan College developing the Physics,

Last March, classmates from 1966 met for a luncheon, at the home of Sally ADAMS Medland, that extended well into the afternoon. From left: Penny PLANT Murch, Caley WAITE Taylor, Anne DONOHUE Cumming, Sonja MORAWETZ, Sally, Karen SIBBALD, Jane HARE Freeman and Mary Ellen EMPRINGHAM Hopgood.

Contributing artist Sandi SHAW McCabe’66, with her husband Jim, at the Alumnae Association fundraiser, take pART, on April 19, 2012.

Imaging and Radiobiology courses for the Registered Veterinary Technician Program. Lois lives in a seniors’ park and enjoys quilting, photography and gardening. She has a competition horse named ‘R’ Kameo and a cat named I Curious Tiberius.

Rosemary WELDON Jacobsen lives in Ottawa and is busy with volunteer and church activities. Two of her children live in Ottawa; her oldest daughter is in Boston, and a son is in China teaching at an international school. She has nine grandchildren under seven years old!

Susan WHITEHEAD Fyfe is retired and lives in Georgetown, ON. She has two children and fi ve grandchildren.

Suzy YARKER Yocom retired from Holt Renfrew after 15 years. She has lived in Mississauga with her husband for 40 years. They have three boys and two grandsons.

1963

Our 50th reunion will be celebrated April 26–28, 2013! Please mark your calendars! As reunion reps, we look forward to connecting with each of you.

Lynda MALCOLMSON Mitchell Jennifer MILSOM Stephenson

1969

After seeing photos of the demolition of MacNeill House, Ginny SMITH Mackay commented: “When Dodi FRANCE Hodgson’69 and I moved into MacNeill in 1967, the building was almost brand new. I vaguely recall our room was at the end of the corridor. Our room, with built-in drawers and our own sink, was a step up from Sherbourne House and the attic of Main House, which seemed like a thousand steps from the dining room. Indeed there are many stories of life as a boarder! Good times!”

1972

Martha COCHRANE Shepherd and husband John have moved to Vancouver, where they will be near Martha’s daughter, Sara DUNCANSON Pick’99, and Sara’s daughter Julia.

Deborah FALLE was sorry to miss reunion. She volunteers at two food banks every week.

Lois WAYMAN Brown’62 shared this photo of her (right) with her sister Ruth WAYMAN Burkholder’60—students in the 50s.

1967 At their 45th reunion are, back row: Nancy MORTON Devitt, Margo NEELANDS Bush, Susan COLLYER Van Tijn and Sandi SHAW McCabe. Front row: Debbie PARKER MacKenzie, Sally BRADY and Anne LANGLEY Crosthwait.

1972 Celebrating their 40th reunion are, back row: Catherine SHILTON, Mary MUSGRAVE Teolis, Vicki ANGLIN Parrish, Wendy BAXTER McClung, Betsy KOFMAN Bascom and Carol McLEAN Gray. Front row: Joanie STEWART, Pam FIRSTBROOK Kinzie, Claire MARSHALL, Tony FALCONER Bowland and Virginia GRIFFIN.

1977 Celebrating 35 years are, back row: Susan HENDRICK Heseltine, Diana HARRIS Armitage, Jody READ, Julia FOX-REVETT, Catherine MORROW and Claire-Anne BUNDY. Front row: Kathryn GUYER Kluge, Joan ANDERSON, Cory LONG Gilmore, Nancy HILL and Andrea LAWRENCE Gall.

ClassNotes

Mary LESSLIE Hallward’74, co-chair of the Branksome Becomes Campaign, chats with Dr. Frances SHEPHERD’64 and her husband, Dr. Firouz Khamsi, at the groundbreaking reception on October 11, 2012.

Enjoying a chat following “Conversation with the Principal” held on May 26, 2012, are Katherine LYON Doyle’87, Trish OSLER Gould’76 and Joanie STEWART’72.

1973 The Bolt for Bolté team at Run for the Cure in Toronto on September 30, 2012 are, back row: Morgan GILLIN’03, Julie Cristinzo, Deann Rousseau and Jennifer Narjes (Branksome staff) and Whitney COURT’03. Front row: Tanya Pimenoff and Sandy Sheehan (Branksome staff), Caitlin WILLCOCKS’03, Sandra BOLTÉ’73 (Branksome staff), Louise COFFEY Hastings’55, Melody SCHAAL’03 and Anne Willcocks (past parent).

1975

Caitlin KELLY is an awardwinning journalist and author living in Tarrytown, NY. Her husband, Jose Lopez, is the picture editor for the business section of The New York Times.

1977

After a 25-year career in interior design, Gill OSLER Fortier has returned to her nursing roots. She will soon graduate from a program in holistic nutrition and is looking forward to helping people heal with natural methods.

1978

Anne FRASER Bursey lives

in Newmarket, ON, and has two children: Martha, who is in sports management at Brock University, and Grahame, who is in Grade 11. She has spent many hours at the rink—Martha participated in synchronized skating at the national level and is currently skating for Brock. Grahame plays AA Hockey for the Newmarket Redmen. Anne retired two years ago after 20 years in therapeutic recreation, and is now working part time at Pier 1.

Celia HORE Milne is a freelance medical writer in Toronto. She has three children: one works as an accountant, and the other two are in university. She is involved in running relays with Gill MacCULLOCH Kern, Pilates with Laurie STEIN and talking marathons with Anne FRASER Bursey.

Jean NORMAND Kotwa lives in Toronto and, for 30 years, has worked for OPG in Pickering. The family is

heavily involved in sports, with university-aged kids Krista and Taylor competing internationally in ultimate frisbee.

Sandy SMYTHE Rutherford e-mailed: I live north of Toronto in Aurora. With my kids, now 15, 13 and 11, hockey and competitive dance continue to dominate our lives. I am in the midst of building a multi-million dollar business in the telecom

(continued on page 34)

Marilyn BAREFOOT, Jennifer GUY, Dale TAYLOR, Gillian McCULLOCH Kern, Laurie STEIN, Sandy SMYTHE, Wendy BEST and Lexanne BEDDINGTON. Front row: Elizabeth Campbell, Celia HORE Milne, Anne FRASER Bursey and Sandy SIMPSON.

Members of the Class of 1978 met for dinner at The Keg in October 2011. Back row: Jean NORMAND, Lisa LUCAS,

Caitlin KELLY’75 chats with Michelle PERSAD’08 at the New York reception on April 26, 2012.

REUNION 2012

Fiona SAMPSON’81 (2nd from right), recipient of the 2012 Allison Roach Alumna Award, celebrates with classmates at the award presentation ceremony on May 27. Andi DUNCAN’81 (top row on left) introduced Fiona and Allison ROACH’51(centre) presented the award.

1982 celebrates 30 years on May 26.

1987 celebrates 25 years with 43 alumnae in attendance on May 26. Where’s Di Watson?

1992 celebrates 20 years on May 26.

LAST

and energy services industries (RPM Group). I am always looking for energized people who want to be part of an awesome team!

ubc.rutherford@gmail.com

Laurie STEIN has been working with Lisa LUCAS McKinnell for three years. Lisa writes and Laurie draws. They have an e-book called Ethel and more contracts for books to come. Along with doing commissioned paintings, Laurie is exhibiting her work at the Xanadu gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. She has three children: one at OCAD University, one at University of Guelph and one in Grade 11. www.flyingbooks.me www.lauriesteinpaintings.com

Schizophrenia Society of Ontario—I received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for my work with Girl Guides. My middle son has schizophrenia and we spend much time supporting him and advocating for more awareness about mental health issues.

1980

Lisa BATE relocated to Shanghai last summer and is now principal executive vicepresident, Asia with B+H Consulting International Inc. She recently met up with Sarah CHISHOLM Nisbeth’82 , who is also in Shanghai.

1982

Sarah CHISHOLM Nisbeth is executive vice-president, business lead at Blue Hive (a WPP company and leader in marketing communications services.) She and her family are enjoying their Shanghai experience—a very safe, great city with lots of interesting things to do.

1985

Contributing artists Felicia NORRIS Bartlett’79, left, and Laurie STEIN’78, at the Alumnae Association fundraiser, take pART, on April 19, 2012.

1979

Lesley ADAMSON Skelly e-mailed: I travelled to Iceland last summer and had to dig deep to remember my geography lessons on volcanoes and tectonic plates. I volunteer with Girl Guides of Canada and the

Susan ANDRUS lives in Wasaga Beach, where she owns the Wasaga Beach Veterinary Clinic and also runs the Wasaga Beach Cat Rescue (705-429-9069),

Bridget HORNE Colman’87 and husband Mark at the New York reception on April 26, 2012.

In the Bahamas for her November 2011 wedding is Susan ANDRUS’85, right, with her sister, Caroline ANDRUS Head’93, and Caroline’s daughter, Victoria.

Rosemary GORE Grenside’74 with daughter Alison.

OCTOBER, Nanci Smith, Head of Athletics at Branksome, reconnected with Marci HARTILL Groper’84 at the Canadian Association of Independent Schools soccer tournament that Branksome hosted. Marci was one of the parent chaperones for the Ashbury College team. She lives in Ottawa with her husband, son and daughter. Both children attend Ashbury.

Adrienne GRANT’86 and her family are spending the year in France.

GY TEA This traditional event, held on December 6 for the Class of 2013, is a festive occasion held in the Principal’s Residence.

Sarah BOYER Messenger’82 with daughter Kelsey.

a registered charity that takes in sick, unwanted and injured cats and kittens and does adoptions. Friends can visit anytime at 1530 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach. This winter, Susan hopes to see classmates who ski in nearby Collingwood, provided she is not holidaying in the Bahamas.

Olivia SAMPSON wrote: I am a family doctor. For 11 years, I was in the Bay area of California and involved in research regarding youth health and access to reproductive health services. I’m happy to be in Vancouver and back in Canada. We have two girls and my eldest is an avid rower.

1987

Sonia CHAN Lee is managing director and general counsel at RGL Holdings Ltd. in Hong Kong. She is a board member of Branksome Hall Asia. See story on p. 11.

REUNION 2012

On February 12 at Branksome Hall, a short documentary titled Flawed by Andrea DORFMAN will be shown as part of Branksome’s Conversations with Parents speaker series. The film is about self-acceptance. A discussion, led by Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will follow. Alumnae are welcome to attend. Register online at www.bhinfo.ca/flawed.

1988

Anna Marie APAU e-mailed: I am still in London, Ontario and still at my “summer job” from 20 years ago! Although the social work portfolio has diversified, I love being in public service and being mom to two teenage boys. I’d love to connect if classmates are in town. anapau@london.ca

Avery BASSETT Elsdon has been with the OPP for 18 years and is currently at

With their head girl Rachel PENNY front and centre, the class of 2007 toast

Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton catches up with Mary HERMANT’88 and Tash PERRIN’90 at the New York branch reception on April 26, 2012.

to their 5th reunion. Back row: Katherine O’CONNOR, Leslie MALCOLM, Katherine WORNDL, Sarah DIAMOND, Kate McLAUCHLIN, Lara SNUCINS, Paige SAIN and Marielle BRYCK. Front row: Andrea TESLIA, Caitlin McALLISTER, Rachel, Carleigh MARTIN and Stephanie GOBIN.

1997 At their 15th reunion are, back row: Nicole HAUPT Jabri, Maria QUATTRO, Betsy HILTON, Lindsay MACDONALD Zolis, Silvia ELICAGARAY and Isabelle BOYER Osmar. Front row: Lisa HALLISEY Orr, Kristin ROSSITER Lynds, Julie MITCHELL McEwen, Danna GIROUX Dominelli, Jennifer KAYE Dobson and Megan EARLE Harris.

Classmates from 2002 at their 10th reunion are, back row: Virginia WRIGHT, Jane McFARLANE, Elizabeth GRAHAM and Karen KONIECZNY. Front row: Stephanie KAIN, Jessica GRANT and Vanessa CAMPION.

Avery BASSETT Elsdon’88 at the general headquarters of the OPP in Orillia.

ClassNotes

management and marketing at Simon Fraser University, Beedie School of Business. She is director of operations at Sparknet Communications in Vancouver, and enjoys skiing, biking, hiking and surfing.

the general headquarters in Orillia. She lives in Midland and volunteers with the Midland Secondary School Council. She is a board member on the Southern Georgian Bay Hospital Foundation, President of the Simcoe North Federal Conservative Riding Association, and Vice-President of the Simcoe North PC Association.

1992

Natalie Cutler-WELSH was sorry to miss reunion, but with the 2011 earthquake, her husband’s change of job, having to move house twice and a new baby, it was just not possible. Here’s her news: I joined forces with my friend Jacqui, who has also been writing a book for the past

three years. While my book had a relationship focus, hers had a parenting focus, so we are now writing together. You can get a feel for it in our blog that is a prelude to our book. Check us out and like us on Facebook! Comments about your personal experience and feedback are welcome. www.ifonlytheytoldme.com

1996

Taylor WOOD has been living out west since 2001. She met her husband, Craig Walsh, while working at Whistler Blackcomb. They married in 2008 and settled in Squamish, BC—the perfect balance of living in the mountains and on the ocean. In 2010, Taylor completed her M.B.A. in project

1998

Tanya LOW is on maternity leave but will soon be back to work, overlooking development at Insight Production Company, known for such shows as Top Chef Canada, Canada’s Got Talent and Battle of the Blades.

2002

Alumnae in attendance at Meg CAVEN’s wedding to Dr. Laura Warren included Elizabeth CAVEN’04 and

Noriko OKUBO’88 visited the school in September. She lives in Tokyo and was in Toronto on business.

Erin GRIMES Deans’95, Sarah GRIFFITHS Savolaine’96 and Jennifer SULLIVAN Willmot’95 at the Alumnae Association fundraiser, take pART, on April 19, 2012.

Meredith SHAW’00, right, with MC Emma HUNTER’03 at the Girls Who Believe Fest, held at The Great Hall in Toronto on October 10, 2012.

Taylor WOOD enjoys a family picnic with husband Craig and baby Ella.

Laura CHIU Togunov’00, on her wedding day last September, with friends Caroline HOUNG’00, Leigh BOTLY’00, Giselle DEGRANDIS’00, Dilnoor PANJWANI’01, Karmen CHENG’01 and Pearl CHEN’00. The photo was taken by Jamie Day FLECK’00.

Andrea AMELL Rees’03, on her wedding day last July, with Morgan GILLIN, Melody SCHAAL, motherof-the-bride Sandra BOLTÉ’73, Whitney COURT and Caitlin WILLCOCKS.

classmates Rosie SPOONER, Alex DAVIES and Sophie LENNOX-KING. Meg and Laura met at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where Meg earned her M.Ed. Meg currently works at Abt Associates in Boston doing education policy research.

2003

Andrea AMELL Rees and husband Kevin are both teaching at Branksome Hall Asia. See story on p. 8.

Katy BREBNER Mulroney and her sisters-in-law have launched The Shoebox Project, a not-for-profit initiative founded in 2011. Their mission is to collect and distribute gifts in the form of shoeboxes to women in shelters in Toronto and Montreal. Each shoebox is fi lled with items valued at $50 that a woman would enjoy but not buy for herself. Their fi rst year they collected almost 400 shoeboxes in Toronto, which were donated

to the Red Door Shelter, Nellie’s Women’s Shelter, Nazareth House and Street Haven at the Crossroads. Visit the website at www.shoeboxproject.ca.

2004

Alice BOTHWELL was in Brussels for a six-month internship at NATO HQ in the Public Diplomacy Division. She was offered one of 40 positions out of a pool of 4,000 applicants. She has now moved to Oslo,

During the Grade 9 Week Without Halls at Camp Onondaga in fall 2011, teachers Laura Bincik and Barb Glennie enjoyed a visit with alums from the Class of 2004 who were working for Alive Outdoors, the company running the program.

From left, Megan LEDERER, Laura Bincik, Reed

Katy BREBNER Mulroney’03 had photos taken at Branksome prior to her wedding in August 2011.

From left: Katie McCABE’03, Melanie LANGILL’03, Robin BREBNER Ridesic’99, the bride, mother-of-the-bride Mary ROBINSON Brebner’65, Amy SISAM’03, Zoe PALIARE’03 and Grace LEUNG’03.

Bridesmaids at the wedding of Alison BURKETT’03 in August 2012 are Tess BREAN’03, Leslie Wilson and Rachel KINGSLEY’03.

WANLESS, Barb Glennie and Hilary LEDERER.

Bridesmaids at the wedding of Victoria NEEDHAM’04 in October 2011 are classmates, from left, Christina HO, Carol-Lynn BEAUMONT, Allison MARTELL and Kirsten ALBINO.

ClassNotes

NEW YORK RECEPTION

APRIL 26, 2012

Norway, where she has joined her boyfriend (a government economist). At press time, Alice had joined the Canadian Club of Oslo and was job hunting.

Ginny VEALE has graduated from Juilliard and is living in Los Angeles. She will be married in February in Santa Barbara.

2007

Genevieve ANTONO and husband Aaron Landau have

Branksome rowers had a successful season head racing with top fi ve fi nishes at Welland, Trent and Saratoga, as well as a great race at the Head of the Charles that enabled them to qualify for next year’s race. In October, while in Boston at the Head of the Charles regatta, the fall rowing team toured Harvard University with accomplished rower and Harvard grad Liz SOUTTER’08 (far right).

moved from Hong Kong to New York City, where they will pursue an education degree and Ph.D. respectively at Columbia University.

Last fall, Stephanie FAUQUIER interned at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, working in Foreign and Defence Policy.

2008

Melanie ARGIROS and Tori CARL are reunion reps for the Class of 2008’s fi ve-year

reunion April 26–28, 2013.

Caitlin MacDONALD is one of three young women working with Alison BURKETT’03 as peace education interns. They are assisting in the development of a strategy for engaging Toronto high school and university youth in the 20th commemoration of the Genocide Against Tutsi in 2014. See p. 13.

The U.S.-based Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association

has named rower Liz SOUTTER as part of the 2012 Pocock First Team All-America Awards. These awards recognize the outstanding performances of rowers and coxswains at the national level in women’s collegiate rowing. An athlete must be nominated by her institution and must have rowed in her team’s varsity boat for at least 75 per cent of the spring season.

Rowers are also evaluated on their 2,000-metre ergometer score. Liz, who graduated from Harvard in spring 2012, is team manager for the U.S. National Rowing Team. On November 26, Liz was back at Branksome and spoke at assembly about sport and women leaders.

2010

Congratulations to Shannon AIKMAN-JONES, who earned a silver medal at the World Synchronized Skating Championships in April 2012.

(right) With her artwork sold early in the evening, artist Andrea TESLIA’07 (in blue) enjoys take pART with her sister, Michelle TESLIA’03, and dad Ken.

(above) Vincci CHUNG’06, left, and Adrianne CHONG’08 at the Last Meal in MacNeill on May 9, 2012.

Laya BAIL’06, left, and Elizabeth CLARKE’06.

Seymore FLECK’06, left, and Lauren HEZEKIAH’00.

(right) Classmates at the wedding of Genevieve ANTONO’07 and Aaron Landau are Lorraine AU (in blue) and Sharon LEUNG.

UpcomingEvents

www.branksome.on.ca/alumnae

THE SOCIAL WEB 101

Monday, January 28

7:30 p.m.

10 Elm Avenue

Branksome will host Chris Vollum, the creator of Facebook 101 school workshop and a recognized authority on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Formspring. Alumnae are welcome to attend. Register at www.bhinfo.ca/facebook

CALGARY ALUMNAE RECEPTION

Wednesday, January 30

6:00–8:00 p.m.

The Calgary Petroleum Club 319 – 5th Avenue S.W.

CONVERSATIONS WITH PARENTS SPEAKER SERIES

Wednesday, February 12

7:30 p.m.

10 Elm Avenue

Flawed, a documentary film about self-acceptance by Andrea DORFMAN’87, will be shown. A discussion led by Dr. Catherine Steiner-Adair, a clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will follow. Alumnae are welcome to attend. Register at www.bhinfo.ca/flawed

The Alumnae Association Presents… WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

Tuesday, March 5 6:00 p.m.

The Eaton Common Room 10 Elm Avenue

REUNION 2013 NEW DATE!

(see back cover)

April 26, 27 & 28

THE BRANKSOME HALL GOLF CLASSIC

Monday, May 27

St. George’s Golf and Country Club, Etobicoke

Proceeds will be directed to the new Athletics and Wellness Centre.

• Foursomes at $5,000 each

• Sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,000 per hole

• Wine Auction

• Register online at www.branksomegolf.com

For information: Zahra Valani Director of Advancement zvalani@branksome.on.ca

YOUNG WOMEN OF INFLUENCE EVENING SERIES

take pART

Wednesday, October 9 6:00–9:00 p.m.

St. James Cathedral Centre Snell Hall 65 Church Street, Toronto

Branksome Hall offers 50% off the ticket price to Branksome alumnae only!

Discount code: YoungAlumn

Check the website to see if there is an upcoming event near you.

www.womenofinfluence.ca

p

TEE OFF AT THE BH GOLF CLASSIC St. George’s is internationally recognized for its championship golf course, appearing in the top 100 worldwide and consistently in the top three golf courses in Canada.

ClassNotes Passages

Marriages

1972

1998

2003

Martha COCHRANE (with granddaughter Julia Pick) and husband John Shepherd on their wedding day, June 25, 2011, in Toronto.

1975

Joanna FOSTER to Matt Killen on November 7, 2009, in Toronto.

Tanya LOW to John Aird on September 29, 2012, in Toronto.

2000

Andrea AMELL to Kevin Rees on July 6, 2012, in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

Samantha BRAMSON, a daughter, Avery Judith Christina, on August 15, 2012, in Fremantle, Western Australia. A niece for Alexandra BRAMSON Montgomery’90.

1993

Sarah DEEKS, a son, Andrew, on January 11, 2012, in Toronto. A grandson for Wendy MORGAN Deeks’66; a nephew for Jocelyn DEEKS’95.

Alexandra EJLERSKOV, a daughter, Tess, on March 15, 2012, in Toronto.

Danielle PATERSON, twin boys, Alexander Monty and Timothy Robert, on January 19, 2012, in Toronto.

1994

Caitlin KELLY to Jose Lopez on September 17, 2011, on Centre Island, Toronto.

1977

Jennifer GUY to Lawrence Stuar t Eastman on August 11, 2012, in Carsonby, ON.

1978

Debra COLMAN to Michael Parry on July 16, 2011, in Thornhill, ON.

1985

Susan ANDRUS to Paul Jenkins on November 19, 2011 in Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas.

Elizabeth BENTLEY-TAYLOR to Timothy Tutsch on February 26, 2011, in Toronto.

Laura CHIU to Alexey Togunov on September 2, 2012, in Toronto.

2002

Alison BURKETT to Emery Rutagonya on August 19, 2012, in Toronto.

2004

Victoria NEEDHAM to Adam Chiarandini on October 15, 2011, in Toronto.

2007

Genevieve ANTONO to Aaron Landau on June 29, 2012, in Hong Kong.

Births

1992

Sarah CLAPPISON Claydon, a daughter, Kate Lynn Shirley, on November 7, 2011, in Toronto. A greatgranddaughter for Helen SPENCER Hughes’36; a granddaughter for Lynn HUGHES Clappison’65; a niece for Susie CLAPPISON Blair’95.

Denise LISCIO Smith, a daughter, Mia Elizabeth, on May 17, 2012, in Toronto. A niece for Lynn LISCIO’92 and Jennifer LISCIO’93.

Karen OEI, a son, Desmond, on October 6, 2012, in Hong Kong. A first cousin once removed for Sonia CHAN Lee’87.

1995

Meghan CAVEN, right, to Laura Warren on October 20, 2012, in Cape Cod, MA.

Tyla BERCHTOLD Bucher, a son, Will, on March 21, 2012, in Culver City, CA.

Jess JOSS, a son, Bentley, on October 16, 2011, in Toronto.

Emma MacDONALD Allard, a daughter, Chloe Susan, on October 28, 2010, in Toronto.

Nancy MacDOUGALL, a son, Charles Elliot, on June 8, 2012, in New York City.

Susie CLAPPISON Blair, a son, Lachlan Benjamin, on March 10, 2012, in Toronto. A great-grandson for Helen SPENCER Hughes’36; a grandson for Lynn HUGHES Clappison’65; a nephew for Sarah CLAPPISON Claydon’92.

Sarah COMISAROW, a son, Jacob Soble, on January 22, 2012, in Toronto.

1996

Dana DELUCE, a daughter, Audrey Isla Larkin, on July 4, 2012, in Toronto. A niece for Aynsley DELUCE’94 and Lindsey DELUCE’99.

Christie GORRIE Chapman, a son, Sullivan, on March 15, 2012, in Toronto.

A nephew for Streisan CHAPMAN’96, Ashley GORRIE’99 and Stephanie GORRIE’02.

Leigh POLLARD Wilson, a son, Hunter, on June 20, 2009, and another son, Reed, on January 20, 2012, in London, England. Nephews for Tara POLLARD’96 and Lauren POLLARD Eaton’01.

Taylor WOOD, a daughter, Ella Rhys, on August 18, 2011, in Squamish, BC.

1997

Betsy HILTON, a son, James Hilton, on August 31, 2012, in Toronto. A grandson for Margo CARRUTHERS Hilton’65; a nephew for Kate HILTON’91, Anne HILTON Sullivan’93, Tenley GIBSON’94 and Brooke GIBSON’96.

Carolyn LAWRENCE, a son, John Lawrence, on March 5, 2012, in Toronto. A first cousin once removed for Lauren HUGH’05.

1998

Joanna FOSTER, a son, Matthew, on January 18, 2011, in Toronto. A nephew for Mary RUBY’76.

Christina GIAMOS, a daughter, Stephanie Simone Barry, on June 22, 2012, in Toronto.

Tanya LOW, a son, Lawson Hugh, on February 9, 2012, in Toronto.

Christena SMITH Manley, a daughter, Gwyneth, on March 22, 2012, in Toronto. A niece for Alexandra SMITH’03, Sarah SMITH’04 and sandbox alum Duncan Smith.

1999

Christine WATSA McLean, a son, Logan Prem, on August 14, 2012, in Toronto. A nephew for Stephanie WATSA’01.

2000

Tristan DOMELLE, a son, Logan, on October 10, 2011, in Toronto. A nephew for Devon DOMELLE Parsons’95 and Regan DOMELLE Franklin’97.

2001

1934

Marion CATES Hamilton, on October 31, 2012, in Oakville, ON.

1935

Philippa CHAPMAN Jahn, on February 23, 2012, in Toronto.

Catherine MATTHEWS Cooper, on December 31, 2011, in Toronto. Greataunt of Jessica SPENCE’99.

1936

Championships, both individually and with her sister Hazel. The Caley sisters were picked to demonstrate “ladies pairs” for the 1940 Olympics.

Helen DORFMAN Barstow, on July 23, 2012, in Henley-on-Thames, England. Great-aunt of Andrea DORFMAN’87.

Heather ADAMSON Wicken, a daughter, Charlotte Norah, on February 10, 2012, in Toronto.

Lindsey DELUCE, a daughter, Brooklyn Harper, on July 12, 2012, in Toronto. A niece for Aynsley DELUCE’94 and Dana DELUCE’96.

Michelle MILLER Guillot, a son, André Geoffrey, on February 27, 2012, in Toronto. A great-nephew for Myra TUPKER’56 and Elsbeth TUPKER’64.

Shirley YIP Chu, a daughter, Erika, on November 24, 2011, in Toronto. A niece for Angel YIP’02.

Deaths

1932

Dorothy CALEY Klein, on September 5, 2012, in Toronto.

Excerpt from Dorothy’s obituary: She won numerous Canadian and North American Figure Skating

Mary GOODERHAM Mathes, in December 2011, in Manchester, NH. Sister of Joan GOODERHAM Wyman’35.

Katharine DAWSON Warner, on January 18, 2012, in Toronto. Grandmother of Kathy ROBERTS Rout’84.

In Memoriam

Catherine MATTHEWS Cooper’35

I am speaking today on behalf of my mom, Helen WALKER Adams’34, who was Catherine’s good friend for a large part of each of their lives.

Catherine and Helen met during their Branksome school days. By the early 1940s, both had married and were neighbours in High Park.

Dana POSTROZNY Mitchell, a daughter, Lauren Riley Mary, on May 22, 2012, in Toronto. A niece for Julie MITCHELL McEwen’97.

Anna MACKAY, in her 100th year, on March 28, 2012, in Toronto. Excerpt from Anna’s obituary: Anna loved children and loved teaching. She loved to share a cup of tea with each and every one.

Helen and Catherine travelled to Florida on several occasions. They also enjoyed many golf games, weekends at Georgian Bay, lunches out and afternoon sails around the Toronto Island with Bob [Medland] and me.

When Helen reflected on the times shared and enjoyed with Catherine, there was no doubt in her mind that her dear and lifelong friend had enjoyed a rich and beautiful journey. Through her art she has left a piece of herself with us all. She will not be forgotten.

—Excerpts from the eulogy given by Sally ADAMS Medland’66 at Catherine’s funeral

Passages

1937

Carol HENDRY Duffus, on May 5, 2012, in Bedford, NS.

1938

Mary BANKIER Angus, on December 30, 2011, in Vancouver.

Jean ROBERTSON Carruthers, on June 14, 2012, in Toronto. Mother of Margo CARRUTHERS Hilton’65; grandmother of Kate HILTON’91, Anne HILTON Sullivan’93 and Betsy HILTON’97.

1939

Barbara Ann BOLAND Hynes, on April 3, 2012, in Toronto. Grandmother of Ann HYNES’98.

Mary HOLME Peirce, on July 17, 2012, in Victoria, BC.

1940

Marion MORTIMER Thomson, on February 17, 2012, in Toronto. Mother of Patti THOMSON MacNicol’75 and Janice THOMSON Goodrow’76; grandmother of Meghan MacNICOL’04.

1943

in memoriam Kathleen Adams 1919–2012

Kay came to work in the general office of Branksome in 1973 and retired in 1984. Always pleasant, bright natured and helpful, Kay loved the school, her job and the good friends she made among the staff—friends she continued to see until her death.

Kay was a serious reader. One of my fondest memories is of her sitting in a corner of the staff room reading quietly, while around her others talked and laughed or loudly gave vent to some irritation.

Kay was a woman of wisdom and humour. She was held in high regard and will be missed.

—Allison ROACH’51

1946

Kathleen McGLADE Harris, in July 2011, in Guildford, England.

Betty DARLING Neilson, on October 14, 2012, in Barrie, ON. Mother of Nancy HALWIG Mumby’68 and Wendy HALWIG Whittington’70.

Excerpt from Betty’s obituary: Mom was a

On May 12, 2012 Caird passed away from cancer. She leaves behind her son Jake, her daughter Alex, and her adoring husband Dan. Caird’s illness was short, having just been diagnosed in February 2012. She was an incredible friend to many of us at Branksome, guiding us through the challenges of adolescence and living away from home. She was one of a kind. Her classmates can remember stories about how she didn’t always follow the rules. No matter how hard Miss Roach tried to reprimand her (while always holding back a smile), Caird was back at it the next day. Caird loved you for who you were; she never passed judgment. Caird, thank you for being such a generous and amazing person. You have left us too soon.

—Ellen GREEN Wallace’83

true Canadian, a loyal Monarchist, a staunch Conservative (although she did confess to being swept up in Trudeaumania!), a stickler for proper table manners and etiquette (in case we ever dined with the Queen), a fierce advocate of all four-legged creatures, always impeccably coiffed and beautifully dressed, a firm believer that it was 5:00 p.m. somewhere. And, up until her final week she had pen in hand adding to the ever present list of chores she was sure we would forget to do without her gentle reminder.

Patricia HANSON Cahn, on October 13, 2011, in Cambridge, England.

Catherine LUKES, on April 22, 2012, in Toronto.

Mary VAN WYCK Haig, in January 2012, in Sault Ste. Marie, ON. Mary achieved a B.SC. in

Nursing from the University of Toronto. A real renaissance woman, her interests and abilities ranged widely from scuba diving and wind surfing, to bridge and landscape painting. Mary leaves her husband Robert, their four daughters and five grandchildren.

1944

Adele STOVEL Jones, in February 2010, in Bermuda.

1945

Marilyn HOGARTH Clark, on March 13, 2012, in Toronto. Marilyn will be remembered for her life of volunteer work, her love of learning, and her respect and caring for others.

Jenny HORTON Mellor, in May 2012, in Castle Cary, England.

Peggy HOWARD Stephenson, on December 30, 2010, in Toronto.

Nancy SCHELL Pinnington, on August 15, 2012, in Toronto. Mother of Victoria PINNINGTON’80.

Chair, Branksome Hall Board of Governors (1981–84)

Director of Development (1988–90)

Under Nancy’s care and good management, new music, computer and day care facilities were created, 16 Elm Avenue was renovated and our new science labs were built. You have made Branksome a better place. —Excerpt from the Branksome Hall Newsletter, 1984

Janet SINCLAIR Hunt, on March 11, 2012, in Toronto. Excerpt from Janet’s obituary: Her Scottish heritage helped define her sense of being and make her the strong lady she was.

Nora STRATFORD, on March 5, 2012, in Thunder Bay, ON.

Mary WATSON Palmer, on January 16, 2012, in Guelph, ON.

in memoriam Caird STEWART’83

1947

Helen CAVELL Kennedy, on April 16, 2012, in Toronto.

1953 Janet HOWARD Marsh, on December 8, 2011, in Paisley, ON.

1954

Joyce MacPHERSON

McCulloch, on May 3, 2012, in Halifax, NS.

Excerpt from Joyce’s obituary: As a “service wife,” Joyce saw the world with her husband and family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, an older sister, a genuine friend, a patient mentor and teacher, a patron of the arts and a passionate heritage activist and conservationist.

Margaret ROSS Watt, in February 2010, in Barrie, ON. Mother of Sara Margaret WATT Hopkins’72.

1948

Valinda BURRUSS Morris, on November 7, 2011, in Winnipeg, MB.

1949

Mary Anne HEARN Zagler, on September 30, 2011, in Competa, Spain.

1952

Mary Hope SWAYNE Lovell, on November 10, 2011, in Saanitchton, BC.

Ruth Ann MELLISH Harris, Ph.D, on September 5, 2012, in Jamaica Plain, MA.

1957

Patricia HYLAND Remillard, on June 24, 2011, in Owen Sound, ON.

1960 Beverley TRENT Mitchell, on July 15, 2012, in Toronto.

1961

Diana DALTON Cruickshank, on April 11, 2012, in Caledon, ON.

Molly STRACHAN Wilson, in December 2011, in Lindsay, ON.

1962

Wendy BAILEY McNab, on May 5, 2012, in Toronto.

1964

Catherine TAYLOR Keevil, on August 16, 2012, in Orillia, ON.

1967

Wendy MURRAY, in January 2010.

in memoriam

Amanda BERGER’05 1987–2012

We have chosen to bring you a very special story—a story about Amanda Berger, who spent many years growing up at Branksome Hall. As the Middle Division Prefect, Amanda knew that there was no better place to be than with the Grade 7 and 8 girls, empowering them to dream big and to embody the Branksome spirit to its fullest.

Amanda died on April 14, of a sudden disease, in Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, England. She was completing her studies in public health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

After achieving excellence at Branksome, Amanda studied sciences at McGill University, where she thought about medicine as a career. Instead, she chose to go into the field of public health. As Amanda’s mother (who is a doctor) said, “A doctor saves individual lives, but in public health, you can save the world!”

This is what Amanda was in the process of doing, and her work was having a significant impact on the global public health community. A few days after Amanda died, there was a ceremony in her honour. Tributes poured in from around the world—from the Health Minister of Rwanda, the Queen of Jordan and Lance Armstrong. The Harvard Global Equity Task Force announced it will establish a fund in Amanda’s name. Everyone recognized that the world of public health had lost an emerging global leader.

The Branksome community is proud of Amanda Berger. She is an inspiration to us all.

At Amanda’s funeral, we learned that fl ags were fl ying at half-mast in three countries on four school campuses: Branksome Hall and McGill in Canada, Harvard in Cambridge, and at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in Cambridge, England.

We know that there is much that brings us together at Branksome. And today, I suggest that you take a long look at the girls with whom you study, who are your friends, and with whom your memories are being made.

—Excerpts taken from an address given at assembly by Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton and Deputy Principal Karrie Weinstock

1972

Diana PETERS O’Sullivan, on December 31, 2011, in Toronto.

1980

Barbara WOOD Westermann, on November 9, 2011, in Stouffville, ON.

1983

Caird STEWART, on May 12, 2012, in Stouffville, ON. Sister of Cathy STEWART’81.

2005

Amanda BERGER, on April 14, 2012, in Cambridge, England.

2008

Elizabeth KREHM, on November 17, 2012, in Toronto. Sister of Rachel KREHM’03.

Former Staff

Kathleen Adams, Senior School general office assistant, on August 31, 2012, in Toronto.

Saving the Tiniest Souls

by Jackie BAKER’01

HE WAS SO SMALL, HE COULD ALMOST FIT IN MY HAND. THIS BABY didn’t even cry; he was so vulnerable and light—maybe 500 grams. And barely breathing. It was about 2 a.m. in the neo-natal intensive care unit (NICU) at Manhattan’s Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, where I had recently begun the first of three years as a neonatology fellow.

This preemie was born about four months early, and the only thing running through my mind as I held him just one minute later was: would we be able to keep him alive?

In the NICU, there is a subset of babies we take care of who are extremely small. Some don’t survive, and some survive with residual health issues. A baby may come out completely blue, limp, not breathing. If I don’t intervene with the right steps immediately, the newborn could die. And any delay in the right care puts the baby at risk for further neurologic injury. Literally, each second can make a difference.

These infants require an intense amount of extra care. They start out unable to eat or maintain their temperature. We simulate a mother’s uterus in an isolette, and hope they survive the rigorous outside

world with minimal infections, heart problems, intestinal perforations, or any of the other illnesses that plague these babies’ early lives.

Sadly, not all of them make it. When a baby dies, there is a mix of emotions. A part of you thinks back on the baby’s life, each step of the management and care, and wonders what could have been done differently and what you, personally, could have done to change the outcome.

And there’s also that part of you that suddenly relates to the whole experience as a young woman—“That could be my baby one day.”

But some of these preemies are truly lucky. On this day, I intubated the little guy and gave him chest compressions and he began to perk up. In the weeks that followed, I treated his infections, helped him learn how to eat on his own and watched him grow. Finally, months later, I was able to see him go home with his parents like a relatively normal baby. That’s an incredible feeling. What we do is a bit of a miracle. I

A Toronto native, Jackie did her undergrad at Cornell University and studied medicine at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

JAMIE DAY FLECK’00

Who will you nominate ? 2013 Call for Alumnae Award Nominations

Since 1903, Branksome Hall has been the inspiration behind women who stand for academic excellence, strength of family, leadership, diversity and community—values that are, and always will be, strongly upheld by the school. Each year, the Alumnae Association is proud to honour two alumnae who capture the very essence of Branksome Hall.

Please take a moment to refl ect on someone you believe should be considered for an award. Nominations received since 2010 will be reconsidered.

THE ALLISON ROACH ALUMNA AWARD | This prestigious award is presented to an alumna who represents Branksome’s highest ideals—an alumna who has distinguished herself in her business or profession, and who has shown service to her community and/or alma mater. In short, an alumna who has “Kept Well The Road.”

THE YOUNG ALUMNA ACHIEVEMENT AWARD | The Young Alumna Achievem ent Award recognizes an alumna, nominated before her 35th birthday, for her outstanding achievements in academia, business, and/or for her contributions to the betterment of society.

THE NOMINATION PROCESS | Please submit your nomination by January 31, 2013, providing as much information as possible. Nominations will be considered by the Awards Selection Committee and the recipients will be contacted by February 15, 2013. All alumnae are invited to attend the awards presentation on April 28 during Reunion Weekend. The recipients’ names will be mounted on a plaque prominently displayed in the Admissions hallway. Their stories will be featured in the Reunion Weekend Program, The READ and on the Branksome Hall website. Nominations stand for three years. Nomina tors will be given the opportunity to re-submit the nomination once it has expired.

Submit

REUNION 2013 HAS MOVED

TO APRIL!

RECONNECT, REMINISCE, LAUGH, LEARN … ENJOY!

APRIL 26, 27 & 28, 2013

HIGHLIGHTS

FRIDAY MORNING, APRIL 26

• Guest Speaker: Fiona SAMPSON’81

2012 alumna award recipient

• Be a student again—join a class!

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

• Volunteer at the Nora McRae

Debating Tournament (lunch included)

• Student-led campus tours

• Reception and dinner for class years ending 3 and 8

SPIRIT SUNDAY! APRIL 28

• Principal Karen Jurjevich Murton presents “Our Remarkable Branksome”

• Award Presentations

• Buffet Luncheon

www.branksome.on.ca/alumnae