Kathryn Barnes has officially started her role as Branksome’s new Deputy Principal, marking a meaningful return for an educator whose personal and professional roots run deep within the school’s community.

Ms. Barnes brings an impressive background in educational leadership, student well-being and inclusive learning. Most recently, she served as Middle and Senior School Principal at The York School, following her role as the Associate Academic Dean, Executive Director of the Wernham West Centre for Learning at Upper Canada College. She also serves on the Board of the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, continuing her focus at the intersection of teaching, learning and inclusive education.

While she is stepping into a new senior leadership role at Branksome, Kathryn’s history with the school spans decades. As the daughter of former Senior School Librarian (and longtime Branksome archivist!) Gayle Reid, she spent much of her youth on campus—working in the daycare, helping out in The Shop and shelving books in the library (she vividly remembers the jungle wallpaper from before it was renovated).

Later in her career, she returned to campus as a student teacher and supply teacher in the Physical Education department, as well as supporting Grade 8 culminating projects.

"To come back now in this role, many years later, really does feel like a homecoming," she shares. "There is something both wonderfully familiar and completely new about being here."

When asked what early experiences have shaped her career direction, Barnes explains that she originally went to university to be a physiotherapist, realized it wasn’t for her and pivoted to become a Physical Education and Science Teacher. It was while working as a teacher that she became fascinated with the science of learning, diving into her own professional development, and later passionately advocating for teacher growth and community building to ensure all students would have a way to grow.

In her role as Deputy Principal, Barnes will work closely with Branksome's Heads of School, alongside Jane-Anne Tateishi, Head, Student Support, and Katie Flynn, Athletics Director, to foster a cohesive K–12 experience. Her focus will centre on building alignment across academic and co-curricular programs, sharing best practices and ensuring a seamless, supportive Branksome journey for every student.

She shares that a flourishing student is both learning well and feeling well, mentally and physically. They are engaged, participating in co-curriculars, are challenged academically and feel a sense of belonging.

"At the heart of it, I believe schools should be places of joy," says Kathryn. "Places where students feel known, supported and challenged; where they can cultivate a genuine love of learning; and where they have opportunities to discover and pursue their unique interests, strengths and passions."

Her decision to return was driven by Branksome’s leadership and its shared commitment to preparing young people for an ever-changing world through innovation and holistic student care.

Outside of work, Barnes describes herself as an avid reader and lifelong learner who values humour and curiosity in everyday life. She loves being outside and staying active, and she and her husband are parents to three sons, who range in age from 8 to 21. She also counts chocolate and coffee as some of her guilty pleasures.

As the new academic year begins, she looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces in the halls and classrooms, and collaborating with students, colleagues and families across the entire Branksome Hall community. 

Welcome, Kathryn! We are looking forward to getting to know you, and are so happy you have come back to your Branksome “home.”