What if a student could learn physics by working backstage in a theatre, develop a business idea and prototype it down the hall, or move from coding a robot to producing a podcast, all in the same school day?

That vision became reality on Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, 2026, as Branksome Hall officially opened the doors to the Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre & Studio Theatre (iCAST). iCAST is the first facility of its kind for a K–12 school in Canada, and one of only three in North America. The opening marked a historic moment for the school’s Make Way Campaign. Originally launched with a $30-million goal, the campaign shattered expectations by raising a phenomenal $46.1 million—making it one of the largest fundraising campaigns by a girls’ school in Canadian history.

Reimagining Girls’ Education

Designed to break down traditional subject boundaries, iCAST integrates science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, design, media and the performing arts under one roof. 

“At its heart, iCAST is about radically reimagining what learning feels like for girls,” said Grace McCallum, Principal, Branksome Hall. “In a world where women are still too often underrepresented in innovation, technology and engineering, iCAST ensures our students don’t just watch the future unfold—they build it with their own hands. Girls from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12 can move from an idea to building, testing, refining and ultimately sharing what they create. They aren't merely preparing for what comes next—they are the ones shaping it.”

That shift is especially significant for girls. iCAST gives students hands-on access to engineering, technology, fabrication, robotics, AI and entrepreneurship from an early age, helping them build confidence and see themselves as creators in fields where women remain underrepresented.

A Legacy of Courage and Community

Named in honour of Branksome's seventh Principal, Karen Jurjevich, the building reflects a 26-year legacy of forward-thinking leadership.

"Look up at almost any building in this country, and if it is named, the odds are it's a man's," Jurjevich shared during the launch proceedings. "Perhaps there is something powerful about a girl walking into this building, looking up and seeing a woman's name. I hope she sees possibility spelled out in stone."

The broader Make Way Campaign drew support from more than 2,000 donors who contributed over 7,600 gifts. Alongside the $37.5 million raised directly for iCAST, the campaign secured $4.4 million for Financial Assistance and $4.2 million for the Opportunity Fund. These additional funds ensure that an exceptional Branksome education remains accessible while giving the school the agility to launch innovative programming and bring in world-class experts.

“This result sends a powerful message about what happens when a community invests boldly in girls,” said Claire MacNamara, Co-Chair of the Make Way Campaign. “We surpassed an ambitious goal, but the number that matters most is the opportunity that follows: more girls gaining access, testing ideas, taking creative risks and seeing themselves as the people who will shape what comes next.”

A key highlight revealed during the grand opening was the naming of the building's performance space: The Lo Family Studio Theatre. More than a performance venue, its professional production infrastructure becomes a learning lab where students can explore lighting, sound, technology, design and science alongside performance.

World-Class Inspiration and Partnerships 

iCAST will connect students with perspectives beyond the school through artists, entrepreneurs, industry experts and community organizations. 

To mark the opening of iCAST and the 10th anniversary of the global project 200 Women: Who Will Change the Way You See the World, Branksome is presenting for the first time in Canada a curated collection of portraits and recorded interviews with women, including Margaret Atwood, Jane Goodall and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, surrounding students with stories of women who have reshaped their fields and the world.

Students are ready to take advantage of the space through programs like Noodle, Branksome’s signature student business accelerator. Last year, Middle and Senior School students launched 47 companies—building real ventures from the ground up with guidance from entrepreneurs and professionals. In iCAST, an idea can move from brainstorming to prototyping to pitching, allowing students to experience the process of turning an idea into something real and becoming founders of their own companies.

A multi-year partnership with Red Sky Performance, Canada’s leading Indigenous contemporary performance company, will bring Indigenous artists, creative residencies and workshops into the space. Students are already collaborating with Artistic Director Sandra Laronde and her team to create Nocturne, Branksome’s first original, student-written interdisciplinary performance.

“iCAST creates exciting opportunities for students to see how Indigenous wisdom, creativity and innovation can intersect,” said Sandra Laronde, Executive and Artistic Director, Red Sky Performance. “We’re proud to bring our perspective into this dynamic space and inspire the next generation of creators and leaders.”

The facility will also support programming and events beyond Branksome, extending opportunities for learning and collaboration into the wider community.

For McCallum, the ambition is ultimately larger than the building.

“Education has to prepare young people for a world where the most interesting problems won’t arrive neatly labelled ‘science,’ ‘business’ or ‘art’,” she said. “iCAST gives students the freedom to make those connections now.”

To every donor, alum, grandparent, parent, volunteer, staff member and friend who made this possible—whether you were on campus with us today or cheering us on from afar—THANK YOU. You didn't just fund a building. You built a launchpad for generations of Branksome girls to come.

Learn more about iCAST here and the Make Way Campaign here.