Reunion 2022

Decades Lunch

Alums and guests from 1950–1982 came to campus for a heartfelt luncheon and reception to celebrate good times at Branksome Hall.

Wine and Wander

The alum community was invited back to 10 Elm to stroll down memory lane with a wine glass and perogies in hand. This was a special moment, as it was the last Branksome event to be held in the Performing Arts Centre.

Reunion Dinner

Celebrating classes ending in 2s and 8s, Reunion brought generations together to celebrate their connection to each other and to Branksome Hall.

Breaking All the Records

Why does the Class of 1982 consistently show up for Reunion in the biggest numbers?

BY MEGAN EASTON’13

One graduating class, more than 40 years of friendship and countless memories. The Class of 1982 travels to attend Reunion from around the world, and has smashed records for the most attendees many times.

School reunions are a fun way to reconnect with classmates, old friends and teachers. An opportunity to visit the school you once attended every day. A chance to walk the halls, reflect and relive old memories.

The importance of Reunion is definitely something the Class of ’82 knows about. Their turnout is always off the charts and unlike any other Class from Branksome Hall. “Branksome was very important to a lot of us, and most of us went there for all of our school years, so we know each other very well,” says Dana BETT. Going to Reunion has become a priority for their year, which means it always turns into a lively event. “I like the fact that so many of us make an effort,” says Kelly HAWKE

Baxter, who now lives in Montreal. To these classmates, it has become something to look forward to and get excited about.

Over time, Reunion has also become a great way for their tight-knit group to catch up with one another, particularly as the years go by and everyone’s lives get busier. “We stay in touch via WhatsApp and emails and FaceTime, but our reunions are when all of us get together. Which is great,” notes Dana.

It is an excellent way to see the whole class, a diverse group of people who just have a great time together. Heather HARWOOD-NASH Pascoe says this is one of her favourite parts of Branksome reunions. “The main thing that has amazed me at all the reunions is how we are all such good friends now no matter who we were then,” she says.

Others highlight that part of what makes Reunion special is reflecting on their Branksome experiences. “We had a tour from one of the

Prefects, who took us around the school, and we just giggled and went through so many funny memories of things we got up to in boarding,” recalls Dana.

It is also a chance to connect with people who they are not regularly in touch with, but who are still important in their lives. Many from the Class of ’82 also note that their appreciation for Reunion has grown as time has gone on. “We are at a stage in our lives where we have nothing to prove, and can show up as our authentic selves and just appreciate being together,” says Kelly. It is a unique and shared experience that reminds them of their Branksome community. “I look forward to it every five years,” says Andrea DODS Peckham, adding that “my face hurts from smiling by the end of the weekend.”

Even for people who did not have the best time at school, Branksome is still where some of their best friendships started and flourished. Reunion is about celebrating that, and “keeping the most incredible and wonderful friends close,” as Dana says. The Class of ’82 remembers so many things about their Branksome lives, ranging from specific classes (including English with Ms. Weinstock and history with Ms. Hay) to choir practice at St. Paul’s, Bloor Street, the class trip to Ottawa and synchronized swimming. Most importantly, they remember just being together and laughing a lot. Hangouts in the common room, going for doughnuts and lunch conversations were among the best!

The Class of ’82 has already experienced many of life’s highs and lows together. Many have celebrated turning 40 and 50 together, with the big 60 celebrations to look forward to in the next year or so.

This Class is a reminder of the power and value of the Branksome community. It’s an extraordinary link and deep-rooted connection that extends worldwide and is nurtured by the school, notes Lili HOLLINRAKE

Le Fevre. And it’s a community that every Branksome student and alum will have forever. “I truly enjoy our class reunions for the simple reason that it’s a great group of gals: a group that laughs at itself, shares experiences and leads fascinating and diverse lives,” says Alison WILEY Rochon in a sentiment echoed by several of her peers. “To not go to my BH reunion is to disconnect with a community I care about. By attending, I have an opportunity to rekindle friendships, reflect, laugh and strengthen a lifeline,” says Alison.

As the years have gone on, Branksome Reunion serves as a reminder of where it all started, how it all happened and why it all continues. From the Class of ’82, Keep Well the Road and see you at the next Reunion! R

Hall

Class of 1982

Lisa CARROLL Draper

Sarah CHISHOLM Nisbeth

Lisa MATTHEWS Schatz

Sarah MUSTARD Crawford

Kathleen STINSON Morrison

Forever remembered by the class and the Branksome community.

Together In Seoul

Branksome Hall Asia celebrates its 10th anniversary

In November 2022, Principal Karen Jurjevich travelled to South Korea to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Branksome Hall Asia. The BHA community gathered for its first assembly since the pandemic to celebrate their achievements. At the gathering, students who have attended the school since its opening were honoured, an original song written by Grade 12 students was performed and student emcees presented a time capsule filled with meaningful treasures to be opened in 40 years. Branksome Hall Canada’s Board Chair Mona Malone was delighted to join Karen in the festivities. “It was such a thrill to see the school grow so beautifully and in keeping with the spirit of BH Canada values, mission and vision. It was more than I could have imagined when the opportunity first came in 2009,” says Principal Jurjevich.

No trip to South Korea would be complete without spending quality time with our alum community. We brought together alums from both BH Canada and Asia in Seoul for an intimate evening that was filled with reliving memories, special friendships and a lot of laughter. “Bringing these two unique groups of alums together was remarkable. Being oceans apart, the common thread that connects them so deeply is the strong Branksome Hall culture of building friendships for life,” Principal Jurjevich remarked.

A special thank-you goes out to Dayun (Diane) LEE’06, who was instrumental in bringing together this group, along with Eugine Oh, Director Marketing and Communications, and Steven Bligh McNutt, Head of Senior School for Branksome Hall Asia.

Upcoming Events

LONDON, U.K.

April 16–17, 2023

NEW YORK CITY, U.S.

May 3–4, 2023

REUNION WEEKEND

June 2–3, 2023

Join us in celebrating Branksome Hall’s 120th anniversary!

The ROAD Alum Newsletter

Don’t miss out on monthly Branksome Hall updates just for alums! The ROAD email newsletter focuses on the alum community and shares the details of upcoming alum events around the world. Sign up or provide feedback on recent issues by emailing Neetu White at nwhite@branksome.on.ca.

June 2

Decades Lunch

Branksome’s celebration of alums who graduated more than 40 years ago. Tours will be hosted, and an intimate lunch will be served on campus.

Wine and Wander

An opportunity for all alums to bring a guest and walk the halls of Branksome to relive memories together. Light snacks and drinks will be served throughout campus.

June 3

Reunion Dinner

Celebrating the Class of ’98 (25th reunion) and Class of ’73 (50th reunion), as well as all classes ending in 3 and 8.

Keep your contact information with us up-to-date to ensure you receive event invitations. Send your contact information and mailing address to: alum@branksome.on.ca.