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Branksome Hall

Branksome Hall Hosts Inaugural Leadership Launchpad Conference

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A family of four stands smiling next to a "Leadership Launchpad" banner, which features a green rocket illustration and promotes empowering young minds to lead the future. Two children wear school lanyards and sweatshirts.
The Bayne family poses for a photo with the conference banner.

On February 21, 2025, 200 energetic and eager Grade 5 students from around the city gathered at Branksome Hall’s Athletics and Wellness Centre for the inaugural Leadership Launchpad Conference. The conference brought the students together for a day of inspirational guest panels, whole- and small-group workshops and engaging activities focused on building leadership and problem-solving skills to prepare them to be role models in Grade 6.

In the morning, the AWC Gym filled with students from Branksome Hall, Upper Canada College and Rose Avenue Public School. After getting high fives from Ribbit and settling into their seats, the exciting day began. The conference opened with an introduction from co-chairs Danielle Ross, Junior School Learning Strategies Teacher & Community Coordinator, and Andrea Russell, Grade 6 Teacher. “Our objective was simple: to harness the enthusiasm and drive of young student leaders, challenging them to take risks and make a tangible impact,” explained Andrea. “By launching this event, we hope to establish an annual tradition—one that instills a framework for action, builds confidence and empowers students to lead change in their local communities.”

A smiling man in a cap holds books while surrounded by excited children, some holding open notebooks and pens, at what appears to be an indoor event or workshop.
Dwayne Morgan signs autographs for students.
A person in a green frog mascot costume high-fives a child wearing a green hat and orange sweater, with a group of people seated on the floor in the background.
Ribbit high fives a student.
Five people stand smiling around a "Leadership Launchpad" banner, which reads: "Empowering Young Minds to Jump in and Lead the Future!" The group appears friendly and diverse in a bright indoor setting.
Nirra Fields, Lindsay Wagner, Hana (Grade 11), Dwayne Morgan and Hayley AvRuskin.

The first time an event of this kind has been hosted at Branksome and in Toronto, the two co-chairs were eager to start the day. “​​I love any opportunity to build our students' leadership capacity and take action in the community,” said Danielle. “The idea of having other schools join was an instant yes for me. Immediately, I thought about how we could make it fun, engaging and an opportunity for growth for all the students that would attend.”

The day got off to a strong start with a talk and poetry performance by spoken-word artist, motivational speaker and Order of Ontario recipient Dwayne Morgan. Dwayne discussed the importance of self-confidence, believing in oneself and chasing dreams. The presentation resonated with students so much that many ran up to him at the end of the presentation to get his autograph. Students then participated in a question-and-answer panel with inspirational guests, including Grade 11 student Hana (who started a composting initiative at her school in Dubai), Let’s Grow Coordinator Hayley AvRuskin, City of Toronto Community Recreation Programmer Lindsay Wagner and Canadian Olympic Basketball player Nirra Fields.

Two women stand smiling at a podium with a “Branksome Hall” sign. Both wear white outfits, and the background features large windows and a partial banner on the right.
Andrea Russell and Danielle Ross, the conference's organizers.
A panel of five people sits at the front of a room, speaking to an audience seated at round tables covered in white cloths. One panelist holds a microphone. Large windows let in natural light behind them.
The conference panelists answer questions from students.

Throughout the rest of the day, the Grade 5s had a wonderful time bonding and developing confidence in a wide variety of workshops and team-building games. Lara Down, Assistant Head, Junior School and PYP Coordinator, was overjoyed seeing months of hard work culminate in a successful conference. “It was incredible to witness Grade 5 student leaders from across Toronto come together—starting as strangers and leaving as companions and changemakers. Their enthusiasm, critical thinking and willingness to take risks were truly inspiring. Seeing them engaged, sharing diverse perspectives, and taking action, all while being motivated by our amazing panelists, was a powerful reminder that young leaders have the power to create real change in their communities."

The day was a huge success, but it was no easy feat to put all of this together. “With this being the inaugural Leadership Launchpad, there was no blueprint to follow—every detail had to be carefully designed, tested and refined. It was a demanding process, but it would not have been possible without an incredible team of people who generously contributed their time, expertise and creativity. I am forever grateful for their support in bringing this vision to reality,” said Andrea.

A child in a colorful jacket talks to a smiling woman in a red hoodie who is sitting down. Other people are sitting and talking in the background in a bright indoor space.
Nirra speaks with a Rose Avenue student.
A smiling woman with gray curly hair signs a paper for a young girl in a black hoodie. Other people stand and sit in the background near a white brick wall at an indoor event.
Hayley signs a Branksome student's workbook.
Seven smiling children sit in a circle on the floor, stacking red plastic cups as part of a group activity. They wear casual clothes, lanyards, and some have green beanies. A booklet lies on the floor nearby.
Students work together to stack cups using rubber bands.

Time flies when you are having fun, and when the conference wrapped up at the end of the day, students were already asking when the next one would take place! “I hope to continue to lead our young students as they develop the skills needed to be the leaders of tomorrow,” said Danielle. “We need to guide our students to see that they are important, they have value and their uniqueness can make a difference. As Dwayne Morgan said, ‘Choose you. Hold your values high and set out to be unapologetically YOU.’"

Branksome Hall would like to thank all who contributed to making this event a success. This inspiring event was made possible through the Ruth Bayne Leadership Through Action Fund, which celebrates Ruth’s values of empowering youth, fostering community action and inspiring future leaders.

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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