PrincipalED: Conversations with Grace McCallum

Grace McCallum/Branksome Hall
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Interested in girls’ and women’s success? And in hearing from people who are invested in advancing girls’ education today and helping to shape its future? Then the PrincipalED podcast is for you! We’ll take you inside the halls of a girls’ school, where you’ll hear candid conversations with educators and students, friends of the school and experts in their fields. We’ll also highlight the incredible stories of people in our Branksome Hall community, sharing what's on their minds—and why it matters. Listen to the PrincipalED Podcast Playlist: bit.ly/PrincipalED 

  1. MAR 24

    Beyond the Boards: Eric Lindros on Hockey IQ, Grit and Leading Change

    What does it take to stay three moves ahead when the world is watching? In the state-of-the-art setting of Branksome Hall’s Athletics and Wellness Centre, Grace sits down with NHL Hall of Famer and Branksome parent Eric Lindros. While known for his physical dominance on the ice, Eric speaks to the value of the "soft skills" that are often the hardest to master: handling public criticism, navigating failure and leading a franchise as the youngest captain in Flyers history. In this episode, Eric shares candid reflections on: The Car Ride Home: His parents’ role in shaping his journey—from the extra hours on the backyard ice rink to the coaching and conversations in the car after the game, and why keeping it fun is the ultimate fuel for high performance.Multi-Sport Mindsets: Why being the best player on a team isn't always the best way to learn, and how playing sports you aren’t good at can help to build a winning mindset. The Identity Shift: Navigating life after the game and his transition from the "Big E" to a champion for systemic change through concussion awareness and Rowan’s Law.Advice for the Next Generation: A compelling message to students and parents on balancing high-performance dreams with academics, and the importance of being honest about injury.Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent or a leader, this is an essential masterclass in playing smart, building mental toughness and leading with purpose. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: Eric Lindros, hockey, hockey hall of fame, National Hockey League, high performance, student-athletes, Branksome Hall athletics, soft skills, resilience, concussion awareness, Rowan’s Law Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    58 min

  2. FEB 6

    If You Can’t Hear the Cellos: The Art of Listening Louder than You Play

    In this episode, Grace sits down with members of Branksome Hall's Arts faculty to explore why the ‘A’ in STEAM is the essential ingredient for true innovation. Recorded in the Senior & Middle School Theatre Lab, this conversation explores how the artistic process helps students develop the key qualities of empathy, resilience, collaboration and risk-taking. Angela David, Arts Instructional Leader, Adam Despinic, Music Coordinator and Janeen Gilbert, Visual Arts Coordinator, share their journeys to Branksome, how they coach students to “listen louder than they play,” and the human qualities the arts foster that can never be replaced by AI. They also provide some teasers about Nocturne, the exciting student-led, cross-disciplinary performance created in partnership with Toronto’s Red Sky Performance that will open the new iCAST building at Branksome in fall 2026. The episode concludes with a spotlight on Grade 12 student Carina, winner of our podcast theme song competition! Carina joins Grace to break down her creative process and share the inspiration behind the music you’ll hear in every episode.  Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: Arts, theatre, visual arts, music, composition, arts education, STEAM education, human creativity, arts in innovation, transdisciplinary learning, empathy in education. Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    57 min
  3. Blueprinting the Future: Inside Branksome’s K-12 Innovation Vision and Spaces

    JAN 12

    Blueprinting the Future: Inside Branksome’s K-12 Innovation Vision and Spaces

    Join Grace as she welcomes the school's dynamic Innovation team for an engaging conversation about the future of learning. Meet Megan, the Director of Curriculum Innovation, Isabella and Coulter, the Innovation and Technology Coordinators for the Junior and Senior & Middle Schools, and Tibor, the school’s new Metal and Woodworking Shop Coordinator. What happens when world-class performing arts meet the cutting edge of technology? Get ready for a masterclass in interdisciplinary learning. In this episode, we take an exclusive look inside the Karen L. Jurjevich Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST), launching in 2026. Join Branksome Hall’s Innovation team as they reveal how this landmark space will help to dismantle the walls between subjects. From the tactile power of "making" to the seamless K–12 innovation continuum, discover how Branksome’s iHubs and physical fabrication are equipping the next generation of leaders to design the future. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: future of learning, innovation, K-12 curriculum, interdisciplinary learning, curriculum innovation, STEAM, girls in STEM, women in STEM Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    43 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    CK PURKS Hoffler’80 & Emmi Murphy Ives: The Head Prefect Effect

    Join us for an inspiring intergenerational discussion with two extraordinary Branksome Hall Head Prefects. Current Head Prefect Emmi Murphy Ives meets up with former Head Girl, acclaimed attorney and media legal analyst CK PURKS Hoffler’80, as they share what it means to be part of this legacy of leadership. In this episode, we're debunking everything you think you know about girls’ schools. Hear how Branksome has fostered an unparalleled sense of empowerment for Emmi and CK, from tackling their biggest fears like public speaking to discovering they had the final say. Tune in for laughs, real talk and stories about finding your voice. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: CK Purks Hoffler, Emmi Murphy Ives, head prefect, public speaking, student leadership, boarding schools, girls' schools, girls’ empowerment  Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    48 min

  5. 10/27/2025

    From First Impressions to Leading the House: The Sisterhood of Branksome Boarding

    Get ready for an engaging and intimate look at life within Branksome Hall's Boarding community! In this special PrincipalED episode, Grace sits down with Kaitlyn, Arham, Angel, Titoluwa and Yuning, five of our Branksome boarders, who offer a genuine glimpse into their world. Hear their first impressions of boarding life and how their perspectives have evolved, the sisterhood that makes Branksome Boarding truly special and how having a roommate can really elevate your communication skills!  Listen in as they discuss being role models for younger students, what they wish more people understood about boarding, and offer their best advice for students who might be interested in joining this unique community. Thinking about boarding? They share how they knew they were ready and why you should consider it, making this episode a must-listen for prospective students, parents and educators alike. Tune in for inspiration, insight and lots of laughs with this fun-loving group!  Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: Boarding, Branksome Boarding, boarding students, boarding impressions, student experience, boarding misconceptions, student growth, boarding advice, prospective students Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    38 min

  6. 09/15/2025

    Innovation in Action: Building the Future at Branksome Hall

    Welcome back to PrincipalED! We’re launching Season 2 with a powerful live episode, recorded at the University of Toronto’s stunning new Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus—and the second event in Branksome Hall’s Innovation in Action series. In this episode, we explore how education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world—and how Branksome Hall is boldly leading that change through its groundbreaking Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre (iCAST) building, opening in 2026.  We’re thrilled to share highlights from the panel discussion, expertly moderated by Shannon LEWIS’96, President of the Canadian Media Directors’ Council. Our guests discuss Canada’s growing digital and STEM skills gap, the gender divide in innovation sectors and how Branksome Hall is helping to close both—not just with talk, but with action. Featured on the panel are: Shelby AUSTIN Cooper’99 – Co-founder and CEO of Arteria AI Inc.Eva Lau – Founding Partner of Two Small Fish VenturesDr. Mara Lederman – COO and Co-Founder of Signal 1Megan McKellar – Associate Director, Curriculum Innovation, Branksome HallGrace McCallum – Principal, Branksome HallTogether, their expertise spans healthcare, law, HR, education, AI, media, advertising and retail, offering crucial insights into the future of work, innovation and leadership. This episode is a rallying call for the future of girls’ education, where girls and women don’t just participate in the future of tech, innovation and leadership. They define it. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: STEM, digital skills gap, future of work, leadership, women in tech, innovation gender gap, Shannon Lewis, Shelby Austin Cooper, Eva Lau, Dr. Mara Lederman, Megan McKellar, technology, artificial intelligence, AI, education innovation Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    1h 4m

  7. 07/07/2025

    A Life of Purpose with Hayley AvRUSKIN’87

    In the final episode of Season 1 of PrincipalED, Grace McCallum welcomes Hayley AvRUSKIN’87— Branksome Hall alum, long-serving School Counsellor, dedicated coach and co-founder of Let’s Grow Learning and Living Hub for adults with complex disabilities. After graduating as Head Girl of the Class of ’87, earning a Master’s of Education in the UK and returning to Branksome as an educator, Hayley has spent the past 30 years shaping lives across generations. Whether guiding students as a counsellor, building inclusive communities through her nonprofit work, or coaching the Knightlanders Ultimate Frisbee team to a championship title, Hayley has always led with purpose and care. As she prepares for retirement, Hayley reflects on the experiences that influenced her path, the evolving needs of students over time and the importance of creating spaces where every individual can thrive. She also shares insights on leadership, advocacy and the value of staying connected to your “why” — both in work and in life. Join us as we look back on a remarkable career and celebrate Hayley’s lasting contributions to Branksome and beyond. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at bit.ly/PrincipalED. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: Hayley AvRuskin, school counsellor, inclusive education, student well-being, alumni stories, Ultimate Frisbee, special education, disability advocacy, retirement, coaching, student support, life after teaching, nonprofit leadership Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    33 min

  8. 06/20/2025

    From Kabul to the Classroom: Science Teacher Mujib Ahmadiy’s Inspiring Odyssey

    Grace McCallum sits down with Mujib Ahmadiy, Senior & Middle School Science teacher, as he reflects on his extraordinary journey—from his childhood in Afghanistan to his meaningful years in the classroom, including his time in Nunavut and his two years teaching at Branksome Hall. Mujib shares what it was like growing up in a household where education was deeply valued, shaped by his mother’s leadership as a school vice principal. He offers a candid glimpse into life in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban came to power, how the loss of educational opportunities for his sisters influenced his personal mission, and why he believes so strongly in the transformative power of education. They talk about his journey to Canada, the challenges and surprises along the way, and what it was like teaching in the North before his impactful time teaching and coaching at Branksome. As he prepares to depart this month following the conclusion of his contract, Mujib reflects on the lessons he’ll carry with him, the legacy he hopes to leave and what he wishes for his sisters—and all students—moving forward. Follow us on Instagram at @principalEDpod and listen to the PrincipalED podcast Spotify playlist at spoti.fi/3ESuCRo. Follow and subscribe to the Branksome Hall YouTube channel, where you can see the video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@branksomehall. The PrincipalED podcast is produced by Branksome Hall, Toronto's leading independent International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. www.branksome.on.ca Episode keywords: Mujib Ahmadiy, Science teacher, teaching, teacher journey, educational opportunities, teaching in Canada, immigrant experience, Afghanistan, Nunavut Show keywords: Branksome Hall, Grace McCallum, podcast, education, girls’ education, leadership, school leadership, independent schools, private schools, girls, teens, women, academic success, social-emotional learning, resilience, well-being, future of education, university preparation, women in leadership

    25 min
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Interested in girls’ and women’s success? And in hearing from people who are invested in advancing girls’ education today and helping to shape its future? Then the PrincipalED podcast is for you! We’ll take you inside the halls of a girls’ school, where you’ll hear candid conversations with educators and students, friends of the school and experts in their fields. We’ll also highlight the incredible stories of people in our Branksome Hall community, sharing what's on their minds—and why it matters. Listen to the PrincipalED Podcast Playlist: bit.ly/PrincipalED 

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