PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

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 and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: International Baccalaureate, Primary Years Programme, interdisciplinary learning, STEAM education, new students, elementary school, junior schoolShow 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

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 and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode 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 LawShow 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

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 and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode 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

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 and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: future of learning, innovation, K-12 curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, curriculum innovation, STEAM, girls in STEM, women in STEMShow 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

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 and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode 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

Get ready for an engaging and intimate look at life within Branksome Hall's Boarding community! In this special PrincipalED episode, Grace sits down with Kaitlyn, Arham, Angel, Titoluwa and Yuning, five of our Branksome boarders, who offer a genuine glimpse into their world.Hear their first impressions of boarding life and how their perspectives have evolved, the sisterhood that makes Branksome Boarding truly special and how having a roommate can really elevate your communication skills! Listen in as they discuss being role models for younger students, what they wish more people understood about boarding, and offer their best advice for students who might be interested in joining this unique community.Thinking about boarding? They share how they knew they were ready and why you should consider it, making this episode a must-listen for prospective students, parents and educators alike.Tune in for inspiration, insight and lots of laughs with this fun-loving group! Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: Boarding, Branksome Boarding, boarding students, boarding impressions, student experience, boarding misconceptions, student growth, boarding advice, prospective studentsShow 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

Welcome back to PrincipalED! We’re launching Season 2 with a powerful live episode, recorded at the University of Toronto’s stunning new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus—and the second event in Branksome Hall’s Innovation in Action series.In this episode, we explore how education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world—and how Branksome Hall is boldly leading that change through its groundbreaking Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) building, opening in 2026. We’re thrilled to share highlights from the panel discussion, expertly moderated by Shannon LEWIS’96, President of the Canadian Media Directors’ Council. Our guests discuss Canada’s growing digital and STEM skills gap, the gender divide in innovation sectors and how Branksome Hall is helping to close both—not just with talk, but with action.Featured on the panel are:Shelby AUSTIN Cooper’99 – Co-founder and CEO of Arteria AI Inc.Eva Lau – Founding Partner of Two Small Fish VenturesDr. Mara Lederman – COO and Co-Founder of Signal 1Megan McKellar – Associate Director, Curriculum Innovation, Branksome HallGrace McCallum – Principal, Branksome HallTogether, their expertise spans healthcare, law, HR, education, AI, media, advertising and retail, offering crucial insights into the future of work, innovation and leadership. This episode is a rallying call for the future of girls’ education, where girls and women don’t just participate in the future of tech, innovation and leadership. They define it.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: STEM, digital skills gap, future of work, leadership, women in tech, innovation gender gap, Shannon Lewis, Shelby Austin Cooper, Eva Lau, Dr. Mara Lederman, Megan McKellar, technology, artificial intelligence, AI, education innovationShow 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

In the final episode of Season 1 of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum welcomes Hayley AvRUSKIN’87— Branksome Hall alum, long-serving School Counsellor, dedicated coach and co-founder of Let’s Grow Learning and Living Hub for adults with complex disabilities.After graduating as Head Girl of the Class of ’87, earning a Master’s of Education in the UK and returning to Branksome as an educator, Hayley has spent the past 30 years shaping lives across generations. Whether guiding students as a counsellor, building inclusive communities through her nonprofit work, or coaching the Knightlanders Ultimate Frisbee team to a championship title, Hayley has always led with purpose and care.As she prepares for retirement, Hayley reflects on the experiences that influenced her path, the evolving needs of students over time and the importance of creating spaces where every individual can thrive. She also shares insights on leadership, advocacy and the value of staying connected to your “why” — both in work and in life.Join us as we look back on a remarkable career and celebrate Hayley’s lasting contributions to Branksome and beyond.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: Hayley AvRuskin, school counsellor, inclusive education, student well-being, alumni stories, Ultimate Frisbee, special education, disability advocacy, retirement, coaching, student support, life after teaching, nonprofit leadershipShow 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

Grace McCallum sits down with Mujib Ahmadiy, Senior & Middle School Science teacher, as he reflects on his extraordinary journey—from his childhood in Afghanistan to his meaningful years in the classroom, including his time in Nunavut and his two years teaching at Branksome Hall.Mujib shares what it was like growing up in a household where education was deeply valued, shaped by his mother’s leadership as a school vice principal. He offers a candid glimpse into life in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban came to power, how the loss of educational opportunities for his sisters influenced his personal mission, and why he believes so strongly in the transformative power of education.They talk about his journey to Canada, the challenges and surprises along the way, and what it was like teaching in the North before his impactful time teaching and coaching at Branksome. As he prepares to depart this month following the conclusion of his contract, Mujib reflects on the lessons he’ll carry with him, the legacy he hopes to leave and what he wishes for his sisters—and all students—moving forward.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at spoti.fi/3ESuCRo.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: Mujib Ahmadiy, Science teacher, teaching, teacher journey, educational opportunities, teaching in Canada, immigrant experience, Afghanistan, NunavutShow 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

In episode five of the PrincipalED Podcast, host Grace McCallum sits down with Dr. Kaajal Abrol, a double board-certified Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Specialist, TEDx speaker and passionate advocate for fertility education. A leader in her field, Dr. Abrol integrates scientific advancements with a deeply compassionate approach, expertly helping individuals and couples realize their dreams of building and growing their families. She is also a wife, mother and proud member of the Branksome Hall parent community.Together, Grace and Dr. Abrol explore what inspired her to pursue one of the most specialized fields in medicine, how we can better educate young people—especially girls—about reproductive health and fertility, the power of destigmatizing infertility and empowering patients with knowledge, and emerging fertility technologies and what the future holds.Dr. Abrol also shares what it was like giving her recent TEDx talk on fertility, age and reproductive education, and how she uses platforms like her Fertility Doc Talk podcast and Instagram (@kaajalabrolmd) to connect with patients and the public.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at spoti.fi/3ESuCRo.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: Kaajal Abrol, fertility, reproductive health, infertility, fertility technologies, fertility educationShow 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

Principal Grace McCallum is joined by the inspirational Lori-Ann Muenzer, a two-time Olympian, Canada’s first Olympic gold medalist in cycling and a proud inductee into three Halls of Fame. Lori-Ann’s path to greatness was anything but traditional. At age 38, while working full-time as a legal secretary, Lori-Ann took on the world’s best in elite cycling—often racing against competitors half her age. Her story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t defined by age, background or others’ expectations—it’s defined by belief, grit and purpose. Now a global keynote speaker, best-selling author and High-Performance Business Mindset Coach, Lori-Ann empowers professionals and teams to break through barriers, shift their mindsets and achieve extraordinary results in business and life without burnout.Grace and Lori-Ann explore the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, how girls and women can authentically define success, how to stay resolved when being underestimated, and advice and tools to combat perfectionism and prioritize well-being.Lori-Ann’s wisdom is rooted in real-life experience—from Olympic glory to boardrooms around the world. This episode invites listeners to rethink what’s possible and pursue success on their own terms.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist here.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: Lori-Ann Muenzer, Olympic medalist, cycling, high-performance coach, perfectionism, mentorship, self-beliefShow 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

Grace McCallum sits down with Owen Williams, Branksome Hall English Instructional Leader and teacher and debate coach, to discuss his storytelling teaching style and the influence of creative family members. Owen reflects on the educators who shaped him, the importance of being authentic and how raising young children has led him to discover more about himself. He also shares his admiration for the lasting friendships and connections made at Branksome Hall, as well as his love of a good ‘giant’ Assembly!Owen opens up about his passion for camps, his unexpected journey into acting in feature films (including a memorable moment getting UGG boots at Sundance with the cast of The Wire) and how his experience with alopecia has shaped his perspective and self-discovery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of heart, humour and the power of connection.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist here.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel where you can see the video episodes: 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.caEpisode keywords: teaching, storytelling, English teacher, camp, acting, alopeciaShow 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

Grace McCallum is joined by Branksome Hockey coach Jenna Kelly and three talented Grade 12 hockey players—Tara, Mackenzie and Jessie—at Toronto’s historic Mattamy Athletic Centre, just minutes before the puck drops at the school’s much-anticipated annual Hockey Day. They unveil Branksome’s dynamic new Highlanders athletics logo and share their unique insights on what it’s like to play for Branksome’s hockey program. They dive into their favourite memories, reveal their pregame rituals and the secret to surviving those early morning practices, share the valuable skills they have honed on and off the ice, and reflect on the importance of mentoring younger athletes and changes they hope to see in women’s and girl’s hockey in the future.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist here.Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel where you can see the video episodes: 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.Episode keywords: women in sports, girls in sports, hockey, girl’s hockey, women’s hockey, Mattamy Athletic Centre, pregame rituals, female athletes, growing from failure, teamworkShow 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

What better way to launch a podcast than by sitting down for a frank conversation with everyone’s favourite podcaster, Dr. Lisa Damour? The psychologist, bestselling author, educator and self-confessed TV binge-watcher has more than three decades of research, clinical practice and consulting experience on everything from the psychology of parenting to the 2024 Disney-Pixar film Inside Out 2, making her a trusted friend and advisor to school principals everywhere. Listen in as she helps us to untangle family and school life with sound, practical advice and reflects on her own journey along the way.Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpodFollow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehallThe PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.caEpisode keywords: Dr. Lisa Damour, parenting, child development, adolescent development, parenting strategiesShow 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