Boarding Life

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Orientation week program highlights

All new Boarding students, Canadian and international, attend our week-long orientation program in late August. Orientation Week is an essential time for students to get settled into life at Branksome Hall and helps our Boarding students become familiar with the school, the Boarding Houses, Toronto and the Boarding Team.

Individual meetings

Individual meetings with each girl’s School Counsellor, language coordinator and the school nurse.

Academic assessments

Assessments of each girl’s speaking, listening and writing skills.

Academic strategies

Strategies to prepare each girl for academic success at Branksome Hall.

Immersive environment

Immersion in an English-language environment and Canadian culture.

Uniform fittings

Appointments at the Uniform Shop for a personalized uniform fitting.

Excursions

Excursions with Boarding Advisors to introduce students to their new home away from home and help them feel comfortable in Toronto.

Shopping trips

Shopping trips to buy necessities such as a local cell phone, toiletries, cold-weather clothes and school supplies.

Friendships and memories

The opportunity to create strong friendships and great memories!

A diverse and inclusive community

Branksome Hall is more than just a top IB school for girls — it’s a global village where students build lifelong friendships, celebrate different traditions and learn from one another every day. From cultural nights and international food festivals to shared study sessions and fun city outings, our boarding program offers endless opportunities for students to connect and grow.

Evening and Weekend Activities

Activities Offered

These include, but are not limited to: cultural and festive meals, supervised sessions in the Athletics and Wellness Centre fitness studio, gymnasium and pool, day trips to visit local universities and attractions (such as Canada’s Wonderland and Niagara Falls), cooking lessons, arts and crafts, community service activities, professional sporting events and theatre or orchestral performances in Toronto.
Fees and Participation

The costs for these events are included in the annual Boarding Activities Fee ($900), which is charged to your child’s school account in the fall. All Boarding students are welcome and encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible.
Benefits

Activities build community within the diverse group of students living on campus, support student well-being, foster a growth mindset and embrace international mindedness. Activities also provide opportunities for students to try new things and learn more about themselves, each other, the school community, the City of Toronto and Canadian culture.

Activities Offered

These include, but are not limited to: cultural and festive meals, supervised sessions in the Athletics and Wellness Centre fitness studio, gymnasium and pool, day trips to visit local universities and attractions (such as Canada’s Wonderland and Niagara Falls), cooking lessons, arts and crafts, community service activities, professional sporting events and theatre or orchestral performances in Toronto.

Fees and Participation

The costs for these events are included in the annual Boarding Activities Fee ($900), which is charged to your child’s school account in the fall. All Boarding students are welcome and encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible.

Benefits

Activities build community within the diverse group of students living on campus, support student well-being, foster a growth mindset and embrace international mindedness. Activities also provide opportunities for students to try new things and learn more about themselves, each other, the school community, the City of Toronto and Canadian culture.

Boarding Activities

BH Boarding on Instagram

Five young people stand smiling in front of a large blue and white striped circus tent on a sunny day. There are crowds and string lights in the background, and everyone appears excited.

Three young women in traditional and festive dresses stand in front of a wall decorated with vibrant red and gold Chinese New Year ornaments, including a fish, fans, and banners.

Three young people sit on a red carpet in front of a cattle show ring, smiling and looking back at the camera. Behind them is a white fence with cow-themed signs and cows walking in the ring.

Six young people pose in front of a purple “SIX” musical backdrop at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Two are seated on brown chairs, while four stand behind them, all smiling or making peace signs.

A group of young women dressed in semi-formal attire smile for a photo around a banquet table with drinks, plates, and a "Future Now Awards" centerpiece. The background shows a wood-paneled wall.

Service and Leadership

The Boarding community provides students with opportunities to grow their citizenship skills and awareness of global issues. Some of these include partnerships with the Junior School, the Branksome Hall Events Team and external service organizations such as Let’s Grow Learning & Living Hub and New Circles.

Boarding life offers students many opportunities to become involved in the co-curricular life of the school. All Boarding programs are run by Branksome staff and Boarders with the goal of creating a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment for Boarders to develop leadership and teamwork skills.

Boarders are encouraged to create new committees and groups as they are inspired with new and innovative ideas that will help to enrich Boarding life, and can work with a member of the Boarding team if they are interested in creating a new committee.

Student Leaders

A group of thirteen smiling young women, most wearing matching red blazers and plaid skirts, pose outdoors in the sunshine with two adults standing behind them.

Boarding Prefect

The Boarding Prefect is a graduating-year student who is a member of the elected school Prefects group. The Boarding Prefect serves as a liaison between the Senior & Middle School student body and the Boarding community and acts as a role model and mentor within the Boarding houses. This leadership role involves running the Boarding Student Council, speaking on behalf of the Boarding community at school Assemblies and organizing events.

Seven women wearing traditional Indian attire stand together and smile in front of a screen displaying "Diwali: A Festival of Lights" at a brightly lit indoor event.

Boarding Student Council

The Boarding Council is a group of Boarders and staff who help to organize the co-curricular life of the Boarding program. The Council is also a forum for discussion of house issues and developing methods to address concerns. The Boarding Prefect, Boarding Council members, including the Heads of House, and the Boarding Life Coordinator, all participate in the Boarding Council.