Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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Home › About › Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Branksome Hall is committed to making sure our school community is a diverse, equitable and inclusive place to learn and to work.

Multiple perspectives

Our aim is to be a community that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion so that it permeates our institutional culture, guides our actions and is reflected in our students’ and employees’ lived experiences.

We also aim to be a community where diversity, equity, inclusion and restorative justice involve engaging multiple perspectives, critically challenging assumptions and taking empathetic, informed and responsible action in our school, our partnerships and the world.

WHAT's NEW

Two people stand side by side, smiling at the camera in a room with light walls and two patterned chairs. The woman wears a blue and black dress; the man wears glasses and a black sweater with an owl design.

PrincipalED Podcast: Science Teacher Mujib Ahmadiy’s Journey from Kabul to the Classroom

category: All News
topic: DEI
duration: 2 min read

In the latest episode of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum sits down with Senior & Middle School Science teacher Mujib Ahmadiy.

Branksome Hall has appointed Dr. Yasmin Razack as its new Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effective August 5.

Dr. Yasmin Razack Appointed Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

category: All News
topic: DEI
duration: 2 min read

Branksome Hall is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Yasmin Razack as the school’s new Head, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), following a comprehensive search process.

Three people in red and white stand behind a table covered with a Canadian flag, displaying food and items. They are indoors at an event with other tables and attendees in the background.

Celebrating Traditions and Diversity at Branksome’s Inaugural Culture Day

category: All News
topic: Community Engagement
duration: 6 min read

On April 4, 2025, the Senior & Middle School community came together for Branksome Hall’s first-ever Culture Day.

A group of children and adults in bright pink, blue, and red traditional Chinese opera costumes pose together on a staircase, smiling for the camera. The costumes feature ornate headpieces and colorful patterns.

Celebrating the Year of the Wood Snake

category: News
topic: Community Engagement
duration: 5 min read

Branksome’s halls were filled with good luck and fortune on January 29, 2025 when the school hosted its Lunar New Year celebrations in the Athletics and Wellness Centre.

A group of children sit on purple mats outdoors, facing a woman who is speaking to them near a bench. Most of the children wear orange shirts, and the scene is shaded by trees and surrounded by greenery.

Walk for Wenjack 2024: A Day of Unity and Learning

category: News
topic: Community Engagement
duration: 4 min read

On September 27, 2024, the Branksome community came together through a heartfelt community-wide Walk for Wenjack to honour the memory of Chanie Wenjack, a 12-year-old Anishinaabe boy who died after running away from the Cecilia Jeffrey Indian Residential School near Kenora, Ontario in 1966.

Get Involved

At Branksome, social-emotional learning (SEL) is one of our main priorities, and this includes social awareness. Social awareness is defined as “the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures” (The Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning, or CASEL). Learn more about ways to get involved below.

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AFFINITY GROUPS & ALLIANCES

Affinity groups are led by students or employees and bring together individuals who share a common identity, experience or background. These groups provide a supportive and safe environment for individuals to connect, share experiences and discuss issues relevant to their identities.

Alliance groups are rooted in fostering belonging, empowerment and advocacy, helping to amplify underrepresented voices within the school community. They are open to members of specific communities and their allies, and are centred around identity-based experiences that encourage open dialogue and mutual support.

Affinity Groups provide employees with the opportunity to meet other members of our community to connect, socialize and advocate.

The Black Student Union is an inclusive environment where Black students can thrive academically, socially and culturally. Through education, advocacy and community involvement, members amplify diverse Black voices. The union organizes events (for example, dinners, Assemblies and film viewings) and fosters unity among all students. Students also participate in the Inter-School Black Student Alliance Network.

The Diversity Council creates and hosts student initiatives to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Branksome Hall. As members of the council, students work on hands-on projects such as student panels, grade-run activities, presentations on DEI-related topics, writing projects and whole-school events like the Walk for Wenjack. The aim of the council is to foster a welcoming environment for all members of the school community.

The GSA creates safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students and allies to gather, discuss relevant issues, meet like-minded individuals and foster a sense of community and acceptance within the school environment. Its purpose is to promote understanding, tolerance and inclusivity, offering resources, advocacy and social activities for students regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The GSA may organize events during Pride week, such as the Pride Assembly, and provide education on LGBTQ+ topics.

This is a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ students and allies to gather, discuss relevant issues, meet like-minded individuals and foster a sense of community and acceptance with participants from a variety of independent schools across the GTA. This club is hosted once a month by each of the independent schools in turn.

This group's purpose is to celebrate and share Jewish culture and learn more about it as a group. Students discuss relevant issues, meet peers across grades and foster a sense of community within the school environment. The club functions as a space for both Jewish and non-Jewish participants.

Affinity Groups provide employees with the opportunity to meet other members of our community to connect, socialize and advocate.

This group meets Fridays to explore and understand their own sense of identity as students who identify as part of these diasporas. There are four club heads who work together to facilitate meaningful discussions, as well as plan fun games and activities. Students from Grades 7–12 are welcome.