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Branksome Hall

Keep Well the Road, Principal Jurjevich!

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A smiling woman in an elegant outfit stands at a clear podium with microphones, speaking at an event. Behind her is a painted portrait of herself. The background features blue and yellow drapes.
Karen at the Farewell Gala

After 26 years of dedicated service and a year filled with joyous celebration and tearful goodbyes, Principal Karen L. Jurjevich is bidding a fond farewell to Branksome Hall. Today, as she finished packing her boxes in preparation for her move out of the Principal’s residence, she remarked, “I wanted to express a final thank you to each member of the BH community for making my time here so incredibly special. The numerous farewell events and tributes have made my last few months and weeks so meaningful—thank you!”

She continued, “There is no doubt that I am going to miss being a part of this remarkable community, especially all the interactions, conversations and opportunities I’ve had to learn from our amazing students, colleagues, parents, alums, and talented, committed volunteers.”

Three people dressed in formal attire stand close together and smile at the camera at a crowded indoor event. The background shows other guests mingling in a warmly lit room.
Karen with Eva and Allen Lau at the Farewell Gala
A group of women wearing green baseball caps pose and smile in front of a sheep sculpture inside a building. Most are standing, with a few kneeling in front, and the setting appears to be indoors near a bar area.
Karen with alums in South Korea

As can be seen in this video, the BH community is so incredible, they even stopped by to help her pack!

Karen has touched the hearts of thousands of people throughout her tenure as Principal. From students and colleagues, to parents and extended family members, alums, donors and school partners, the Branksome Hall Asia community, her peers in the CAIS, NAIS and ICGS networks, and many more—all have been impacted by her dedication to the school. This couldn’t have been made more clear than from the amount of love and support the community shared with Karen at this year’s various events and celebrations, including the tributes made at the CAIS Art of Leadership event in May.

From trips to Hong Kong, Seoul, New York City and London to visit alums and old friends, to employees donning “Jeans for Jurjevich” and donating to a fund for iCAST in her name, and the community coming together for fun farewell gatherings in her honour, there is no doubt that Branksome Hall’s outgoing Principal is beloved. 

At today’s final celebration, employees honoured Karen at a “Soo Do,” a Western-themed nod to her roots in Sault St. Marie. Employees donned cowboy hats and blue jeans as they made their way to the dance floor for a dance with Karen. 

Six women stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. Five of them hold wine glasses. They wear a mix of business-casual outfits and name tags, with a patterned carpet and beige walls in the background.
Karen with alums in New York
A group of women, dressed in business casual attire, stand closely together and smile for a group photo indoors in front of a staircase and dark glossy walls.
Karen with alums in Hong Kong
A group of twelve adults, men and women, pose and smile together in an office setting. Most are dressed in casual attire, including blue jeans and light-colored tops. Some are standing, some kneeling, and the mood is friendly.
Employees on "Jeans for Jurjevich" day Karen and a student at the Community-Wide Celebration
A smiling older woman in a blue blazer talks to a younger person with a braid and a backpack. They appear to be having a friendly conversation outdoors.
Karen and a student at the Community-Wide Celebration
A woman stands at a podium labeled "Branksome Hall," smiling while speaking. Behind her hang two tartan banners with the words "Bruce" and "Duncan" on them.
Karen speaking at the Grade 6 Ceremony

Looking to the future, Karen extends her best wishes to incoming Principal Grace McCallum, who officially joins the school on July 1, noting, “I know the coming year is going to be a special one, and that our community will welcome her in that wonderful Branksome way.”

In her closing message, Karen shared that “Branksome Hall has been the heartbeat of my life for more than a quarter-century, and I know it will always be a part of me. I’m already looking forward to coming back to visit.” 

So, this is not goodbye, just so long for now for Branksome’s 7th Principal. We look forward to seeing this visionary leader back on campus soon. Thanks for everything—and “Keep Well the Road”, Principal Jurjevich

Address

Branksome Hall
10 Elm Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
M4W 1N4

Contact

1-416-920-9741
admissions@branksome.on.ca

Land Acknowledgement
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*


*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.

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