| Boarding Mission
We commit to nurture positive relationships, wellness, resilience and personal growth within our internationally minded community. An IB blog post describes international-mindedness as “a view of the world in which people see themselves connected to the global community and assume a sense of responsibility to its members. It is an awareness of the inter-relatedness of all nations and peoples, and a recognition of the complexity of these relationships. Internationally-minded people appreciate and value the diversity of cultures in the world and make an effort to learn more about them.” The IB considers international mindedness to have three components: multilingualism, global engagement and intercultural understanding.
Boarding Communal Living Philosophy Boarding students and staff have created a Communal Living Philosophy which reflects the unique qualities, interests and values of our community. This philosophy, in conjunction with the Boarding Code of Conduct and Expectations for Behaviour, provides a context for student living which is referred to throughout the school year. Keeping the Communal Living Philosophy in the minds and hearts of Boarding community members helps everyone work towards creating the kind of home environment that best reflects our shared goals.
Boarding at Branksome Hall is a community whose nurturing approach creates an environment where students feel cared for and supported in their academic and co-curricular endeavors and where they are empowered to live as their best selves. It is a place where learning continues beyond the classroom and there are opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork skills. We embrace the cultural diversity represented by our students who come from around the world. In Boarding, our students aim to become globally aware and community-minded learners and leaders.
Our programming strives to connect Boarding students with the broader school community and combines creativity and experiential learning, designed to align with the values of Branksome Hall and the IB Learner Profile. This program presents a unique opportunity for both Boarding and Day students to form friendships as they learn from one another and explore their interests. The Boarding Staff play a critical role in shaping this culture and teach students essential life skills to promote self-advocacy, wellness and independence.
Our Communal Living Philosophy is crafted around four key themes: | Community: We strive to create a warm and welcoming community where students and staff are united by mutual care, support and understanding. We speak our common language, English, as much as possible to ensure everyone feels included. The Boarding program is a safe, supervised and well-maintained living environment which gives students a “home away from home” where they can learn, grow and build lifelong friendships. | | Wellness: Students and staff strive to create a sense of balance and perspective. They aim to allow time, each day, to recharge and relax. Mindfulness and healthy habits are embraced by our community. Integrated programming addresses emotional and physical well-being and gives students opportunities to explore their creativity and build confidence. | | Citizenship and Growth Mindset: As learners, we cultivate opportunities for growth and positive change. We value and celebrate resilience as we aim for success. The Boarding staff work in partnership with parents and students to address students’ needs and create opportunities for the development of positive self-esteem, resilience and leadership. | | International Mindedness: We support the development of students’ self-awareness and self-advocacy along with their understanding of global issues through a cultural lens. As members of the Boarding program, the wider school community and the world, we are responsible for acknowledging our privilege and attempting to use it to bring about positive change. We embrace our cultural diversity and seek to learn more about the world around us. |
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