School Support Systems

Guidance Counsellors

guidance@branksome.on.ca

Beginning in Grade 7, students are assigned a Guidance Counsellor. The counsellor helps the student with course selection and follows her academic progress throughout the school year. As students enter the senior grades, our Guidance and University Relations Counsellors direct them with university goal-setting and assist with the university application process. Members of the Guidance and University Relations team and the Boarding staff communicate regularly to monitor the academic and personal development of each Boarding student.

Head, Research and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Head, Research and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) will lead the development and ongoing implementation of a strategic vision and plan for research and diversity, equity and inclusion at Branksome Hall. In this new role, she will develop and oversee strategies and programs that embed the vision and principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, including curriculum design and delivery, student engagement, and education initiatives. As a resource and strategic partner at the school, she collaborates with stakeholders, including students, to develop a framework to review, develop and implement systems and practices in admissions, human resources, communications and marketing, with the aim of integrating and strengthening the school’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Advisors

The Advisor Program matches each student with a faculty advisor who acts as a mentor, taking a special interest in their personal growth. The Advisor’s role is one that helps personalize the students’ school experience on an ongoing basis through weekly sessions and supports each students’ co-curricular involvement. Advisors ensure that students are meeting the expectations of the Principal’s Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award and CAS programs every step of the way.

Learning Strategies, Tutors

Learning Strategies is an integral part of the academic program, working with students, their families, Guidance counsellors and teachers to support the academic success of each student. The Learning Strategies Centre operates as the hub of learning support for all students. Students with exceptional learning needs and accommodations have individual Learning Strategies Plans developed for them.

From time to time, students or their families may feel that additional assistance in a subject is required through either peer tutoring or professional tutoring. Please note that professional tutoring has an additional cost (charged to the student’s account) and does not take place in the Boarding houses. It is recommended that the tutoring take place online for this year.

English Language Learners (ELL)

Branksome Hall supports English Language Learners (ELL) and provides many courses and methods to enable students to deepen their mother tongue language competency. The English Language Learners Program includes reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Our program also improves students’ social and cultural understanding and confidence. In the

Middle and Senior Schools, language support is offered for all subject areas, in consultation with students’ subject teachers. This support is offered at lunch and after school. Students may also choose to work with a peer tutor for assistance with their homework.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Through the ESL program, each student develops their English language skills for success in secondary school and university receiving individualized support to help her achieve her language goals. ESL is a credit course offered to students who are learning English, in lieu of taking their regular grade-level English. Co-curricular activities centering on ESL are also offered, giving students opportunities to improve vocabulary, develop conversation skills and prepare for the TOEFL test required for university admission.

Subject Teachers, Sittings

Extra help is available for students in each subject area of the school’s curriculum. Subject teachers give additional academic support to students at regularly scheduled sittings. A timetable listing each teacher’s sitting and the hours of the Math Clinic will be available at the beginning of September. Students are recommended to seek extra help from sittings before turning to an outside tutor.

Integrative Technology (IT)

The high-speed infrastructure, wireless network, and laptop program aim to enhance the range of instructional practices and allow students to process, collaborate on and present information in more efficient ways. Targeted technology classes not only give students an understanding of computer hardware and software, but empower them to use more advanced technologies such as those used for photography, video and audio editing, robotics, 3D printing, programming, desktop publishing and website design. The IT Department is open and available to students Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. for technical support at helpdesk@branksome.on.ca

Fitness Centre and Aquatics Staff

An integral part of the International Baccalaureate is the CAS program which requires students to be physically active on a regular basis for good health. To support student wellness, the Fitness Centre and Aquatics (swimming pools) are both open and supervised regularly, before and after school and on weekends, by professional staff who are able to design personal fitness programs, explain and demonstrate exercises, and support students to meet their wellness goals.

Peer Support

Peer Support is a peer-led, skills based program that empowers students to support each other, fostering resiliency and well-being. Grade 10 and 11 Peer Supporters, trained in leadership skills, play two major roles: Circle Facilitators lead monthly Girls’ Circles for students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 with a focus on small group activity and discussion, while Peer Promoters plan and facilitate school-wide initiatives in support of community values of care, inclusion and belonging. Peer Promoters provide care and social-emotional support to their cohort through grade-wide activities and one-to-one support.