PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

A World of Opportunities: New Students Maia and Hayden

What does it feel like to walk through the gates of Branksome Hall for the first time? For Hayden (Grade 6) and Maia (Grade 4), the transition from "the tour" to the classroom has been a whirlwind of new friendships, trying out co-curricular opportunities and learning how to put themselves out there. In this episode of PrincipalED, Grace sits down with two of our newest Junior School students to discuss their first year on campus. From Hayden’s deep family roots at the school to Maia finding her best friends in Aftercare, they share the moments that turned nerves into excitement. We dive into: * The "feel" of Branksome: Why the welcoming atmosphere and world-class facilities—like the iHub and the art room’s kiln—make all the difference. * The IB unpacked: Giving a student’s perspective on the International Baccalaureate, Hayden and Maia debunk misconceptions and explain why a "mix of disciplines" is simply how the real world works. * Future ready: The girls share their excitement about the upcoming iCAST building, envisioning new heights for theatre performances and trying out the woodworking shop. * Noodle Jr. and beyond: From track, volleyball and soccer to "Noodle" business goals (including a plan to take over the cosmetics industry!), Hayden and Maia agree that Branksome is truly a world of opportunities. Their top advice for students starting at Branksome? Be open and have fun—the community is waiting to invite you in. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod [https://www.instagram.com/principaledpod/] and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED [https://bit.ly/PrincipalED]. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall [https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall]. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. branksome.on.ca [https://branksome.on.ca/] Episode keywords: International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme, interdisciplinary learning, STEAM education, new students, elementary school, junior school Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

Beyond the Boards: Eric Lindros on Hockey IQ, Grit and Leading Change

What does it take to stay three moves ahead when the world is watching? In the state-of-the-art setting of Branksome Hall’s Athletics and Wellness Centre, Grace sits down with NHL Hall of Famer and Branksome parent Eric Lindros. While known for his physical dominance on the ice, Eric speaks to the value of the "soft skills" that are often the hardest to master: handling public criticism, navigating failure and leading a franchise as the youngest captain in Flyers history. In this episode, Eric shares candid reflections on: * The Car Ride Home: His parents’ role in shaping his journey—from the extra hours on the backyard ice rink to the coaching and conversations in the car after the game, and why keeping it fun is the ultimate fuel for high performance. * Multi-Sport Mindsets: Why being the best player on a team isn't always the best way to learn, and how playing sports you aren’t good at can help to build a winning mindset.  * The Identity Shift: Navigating life after the game and his transition from the "Big E" to a champion for systemic change through concussion awareness and Rowan’s Law. * Advice for the Next Generation: A compelling message to students and parents on balancing high-performance dreams with academics, and the importance of being honest about injury. Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent or a leader, this is an essential masterclass in playing smart, building mental toughness and leading with purpose. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod [https://www.instagram.com/principaledpod/] and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED [https://bit.ly/PrincipalED]. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall [https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall]. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. branksome.on.ca [https://branksome.on.ca/] Episode keywords: Eric Lindros, hockey, hockey hall of fame, National Hockey League, high performance, student-athletes, Branksome Hall athletics, soft skills, resilience, concussion awareness, Rowan’s Law Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

If You Can’t Hear the Cellos: The Art of Listening Louder than You Play

In this episode, Grace sits down with members of Branksome Hall's Arts faculty to explore why the ‘A’ in STEAM is the essential ingredient for true innovation. Recorded in the Senior & Middle School Theatre Lab, this conversation explores how the artistic process helps students develop the key qualities of empathy, resilience, collaboration and risk-taking. Angela David, Arts Instructional Leader, Adam Despinic, Music Coordinator and Janeen Gilbert, Visual Arts Coordinator, share their journeys to Branksome, how they coach students to “listen louder than they play,” and the human qualities the arts foster that can never be replaced by AI. They also provide some teasers about Nocturne, the exciting student-led, cross-disciplinary performance created in partnership with Toronto’s Red Sky Performance that will open the new iCAST building at Branksome in fall 2026. The episode concludes with a spotlight on Grade 12 student Carina, winner of our podcast theme song competition! Carina joins Grace to break down her creative process and share the inspiration behind the music you’ll hear in every episode.  Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod [https://www.instagram.com/principaledpod/] and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED [https://bit.ly/PrincipalED]. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall [https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall]. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. branksome.on.ca [https://branksome.on.ca/] Episode keywords: Arts, theatre, visual arts, music, composition, arts education, STEAM education, human creativity, arts in innovation, transdisciplinary learning, empathy in education. Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

Blueprinting the Future: Inside Branksome’s K-12 Innovation Vision and Spaces

Join Grace as she welcomes the school's dynamic Innovation team for an engaging conversation about the future of learning. Meet Megan, the Director of Curriculum Innovation, Isabella and Coulter, the Innovation and Technology Coordinators for the Junior and Senior & Middle Schools, and Tibor, the school’s new Metal and Woodworking Shop Coordinator. What happens when world-class performing arts meet the cutting edge of technology? Get ready for a masterclass in interdisciplinary learning. In this episode, we take an exclusive look inside the Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST), launching in 2026. Join Branksome Hall’s Innovation team as they reveal how this landmark space will help to dismantle the walls between subjects. From the tactile power of "making" to the seamless K–12 innovation continuum, discover how Branksome’s iHubs and physical fabrication are equipping the next generation of leaders to design the future. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod [https://www.instagram.com/principaledpod/] and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED [https://bit.ly/PrincipalED]. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall [https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall]. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca [https://branksome.on.ca/] Episode keywords: future of learning, innovation, K-12 curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, curriculum innovation, STEAM, girls in STEM, women in STEM Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

CK PURKS Hoffler’80 & Emmi Murphy Ives: The Head Prefect Effect

Join us for an inspiring intergenerational discussion with two extraordinary Branksome Hall Head Prefects. Current Head Prefect Emmi Murphy Ives meets up with former Head Girl, acclaimed attorney and media legal analyst CK PURKS Hoffler’80, as they share what it means to be part of this legacy of leadership. In this episode, we're debunking everything you think you know about girls’ schools. Hear how Branksome has fostered an unparalleled sense of empowerment for Emmi and CK, from tackling their biggest fears like public speaking to discovering they had the final say. Tune in for laughs, real talk and stories about finding your voice. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod [https://www.instagram.com/principaledpod/] and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED [https://bit.ly/PrincipalED]. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall [https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall]. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca [https://www.branksome.on.ca] Episode keywords: CK Purks Hoffler, Emmi Murphy Ives, head prefect, public speaking, student leadership, boarding schools, girls' schools, girls’ empowerment  Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership