PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

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Grace McCallum/Branksome Hall

10 episodes

3 days ago

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 th...

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Education

Kids & Family,

Business

Episodes (10/10)

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

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

3 days ago

48 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

From First Impressions to Leading the House: The Sisterhood of Branksome Boarding

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!&nbs...

1 month ago

37 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

Innovation in Action: Building the Future at Branksome Hall

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.&n...

2 months ago

1 hour 3 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

A Life of Purpose with Hayley AvRUSKIN’87

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 counsello...

4 months ago

33 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

From Kabul to the Classroom: Science Teacher Mujib Ahmadiy’s Inspiring Odyssey

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 ...

5 months ago

24 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

Fertility Education and Empowerment with Dr. Kaajal Abrol

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...

6 months ago

40 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

One Gear, No Breaks: Olympic Gold Medalist Lori-Ann Muenzer

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 other...

6 months ago

38 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

From the Classroom to the Big Screen: Owen Williams on Life, Learning and the Power of Story

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 ‘gian...

7 months ago

33 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

Hockey Day with the Branksome Highlanders

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 before 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...

8 months ago

19 minutes

PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

Asking Lisa: Meeting the Voice of My Mornings, Dr. Lisa Damour

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 ...

9 months ago

1 hour 10 minutes