A Woman’s Prerogative

One of the most formidable English teachers to command a Branksome classroom was Mrs. Nora McRae. She was feared by the younger high school students whilst revered and respected by the older students fortunate enough to experience her wisdom and wit through the exploration of Shakespeare, Austen and the like.

Mrs. McRae was a tall woman who filled a room with her presence and then charged its atmosphere with an expanse of ideas, opinions and intellectual challenge.

Laura Mac was a bright, inquisitive, and ever-so-slightly rebellious classmate. In Grade 13, with her days as a student winding down, spurred on by the confidence a Branksome education provides, together with the giddiness of a warm spring day, Laura confidently announced to us, her classmates, she would “debate” Mrs. McRae during the English class that was about to start. Her cunning plan was to let Mrs. McRae teach and then masterfully seize on a seemingly incomplete premise left dangling by the venerable teacher.

I don’t remember the book. I don’t remember the premise Laura seized upon. I certainly don’t remember the entire

“debate.” I do remember how it ended. We, the classmates, were rooting for Laura. We believed she was gaining ground with her adept arguments and witty comebacks. Then, Mrs. McRae executed a blisteringly intellectual move that challenged Laura’s basic premise. To avoid the verbal corner she was backing into, Laura’s only option was to completely reverse her position. Mrs. McRae shrewdly pointed this out — I believe she smirked!

Laura deftly retorted with the only logical argument left: “It’s a woman’s prerogative to change her mind.” She leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms. I believe she too smirked! Mrs. McRae looked over her glasses and launched the line to end the match of wits: “Well I, as the older woman…” She needed to say no more!

To this day, when I remember “a woman’s prerogative” countered with “I, as the older woman,” it makes me smile. I

We boast a community of dedicated volunteers who contribute tirelessly to create a warm, inviting and engaging environment through the events and activities they organize. For information, or to volunteer, please contact Tanya Pimenoff at 416-920-6265, ext. 285, or tpimenoff@branksome.on.ca.

Branksome Re-visited

It had been years since Brigid HAYDON Wells’43 resided in Sherborne House as a young British War Guest, but it was as if time stood still when she returned for a visit last October.

Brigid was in Toronto (she lives in Lewes, England) to attend the book launch of The First Crossing. The story tells of the first transport of indentured Indians to the West Indies in 1838 and provides references from the diary entries of 23-year-old Theophilus Richmond, her great-great-uncle and doctor on board the ship. The discovery of this diary and the events that led to the publishing of the book were told in the Fall 2008 issue of The READ.

At the residence dinner on October 22, Brigid regaled the boarders with stories of her experience at Branksome in the 1940s, and she later toured her old residence in Sherborne House. The next day, Brigid, who is the former Headmistress at Brighton & Hove High School in Brighton, England, enjoyed morning coffee and conversation with Principal Karen Murton.

Row Girls, Row!

Branksome was proud to hear about our alumnae successes at the Ontario University Rowing Championships held October 25 at the Henley in St. Catharines. This competition is the largest provincial, and one of the most competitive, championships in Canada. Each alumna raced for her respective university, winning a combined number of eight medals: five gold and three bronze—a great credit to Branksome Hall Rowing.