December, 2010

The Road - Alumnae Newsletter
Hello everyone!

December is a wonderful month! Here at Branksome, we are looking forward to the holidays when a change of pace and family time begins.
 
I'm delighted to showcase some of our happenings in this holiday issue of The Road. Several alumnae have provided a glimpse into their lives and the ways in which holiday celebrations are taking shape in their corners of the world.

Wherever you may be, I send you warm wishes for a safe and happy December and New Year.

Tanya Pimenoff, Editor

Carol Service Join us on Sunday, December 12, at 3:00 p.m., Rosedale United Church.  

Alumnae Association Executive
Message From the President
Kathryn BULEYCHUK Champion'82

Kathryn BULEYCHUK Champion'82
I remember, as a student, arriving at Branksome, filled with enthusiasm and expectation. And this feeling remains true for me now, as I step into my new role as President of the Alumnae Association.
Read more>>
FUN at FUNdraisers!
Plaid Tidings - 19th Year!

Our community rallied in support of this joyful event held on November 19, 20 and 21.

Details and photos>>
Mystery Art Sale - Save the Date
This wonderful evening raised $24,902 for
Student Financial Aid!
Details and photos>>
Celebrations Across the Miles
Casandra JOHNSON'02
Paris, France

Casandra, in Paris.

I especially love the holiday season in Paris. The lights on the Champs Elys�es, window displays at Galeries Lafayette, open-air ice skating at Hotel de Ville, the Christmas markets, vin chaud and a b�che de no�l.
Read more>>
 
Check out The Eternal Intern - a blog written by Casandra and her classmate, Constance SMITH. It is dedicated to recent grads who, despite a great education, strong motivation and international work experience, have trouble finding a job.
Music and Love
Toronto, ON
One Little Candle, written and sung by DUNCAN sisters Cynthia'79 and Andi'81, was released on December 7. It's a ballad with a powerful message that celebrates cultural diversity over the holidays.
View video>> 
Christmas in Venezuela
Anja NOPPER de Portocarrero'89

Venezuelan landscape
Venezuelan landscape
Christmas starts on November 18 when the people in Maracaibo (city in the west) celebrate the Virgin named Chinita. It is an exuberant, happy feast.
Read more>>

Where Roads Have Led
Kathy WATT Kimmins'86
Anchorage, Alaska

Kathy and friends fishing, Katmai Nat'l Park.


We have lived in Anchorage since 2007, and we love it. The city is unpretentious and friendly, and its setting is spectacularly beautiful - surrounded by true wilderness in every direction.
Read more>>
Libby STOKER-Lavelle'02
Quito, Equador
Climbing Pichincha Volcano.
With its combination of diverse natural wonders, adventure sports and cultural landscapes, Ecuador is a fascinating country. Living here has exposed me to experiences that I never thought I would have, like rappelling down a 150-foot waterfall, travelling down a river in the Amazon jungle in a dugout canoe and, most recently, living in the capital city during an attempted coup last September.
Read more>>
 Philanthropy - 'Tis the Season
Annual Giving Campaign:
A Friendly Reminder

Please join your friends and classmates who have already shown their supportl To receive a 2010 tax receipt, donations must be received by December 31!
Give online>>
 
Donations may be made in honour or in memory of a teacher, classmate or friend.
For more information, please contact:
Sue STRAK Rosenblat'76
Alum Outreach in BC and Asia
West Coast Get-Togethers

October 12 - At the home of
Gerda MURRAY Todd'46, Vancouver

Alumnae get-together on October 12
Karen Murton and alumnae studying at UBC were treated to an evening at the home of Gerda MURRAY Todd'46.
Details and photos>>

October 17 - Victoria Luncheon

On a brilliant fall day, guests gathered for lunch at the Delta Ocean Pointe.
Details and photos>>

October 19 - Vancouver Reception

The Jericho Tennis Club was the venue for this intimate gathering of alumnae, parents of alumnae, and current/former employees.
Details and photos>>
Seoul, South Korea
November 16, 2010
Celebrating the Launch of
Branksome Hall Asia

Alumnae, shown with Karrie Weinstock, Head of Senior/Middle School and Admissions, celebrate the occasion at a special ceremony and dinner.
Read more>>
Admissions Update
Family Ties
Alum Admissions Info Session
Alumnae at the Info Session on November 17.

Alumnae and their guests learn about the independent school application process, whether for a daughter or son.
Read more>>
India Connections, Anyone?
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

Branksome is travelling to Mumbai in January to meet with interested families and host a Reception and Presentation about the IB Program, our Residence Program, and the remarkable opportunities that await students at Branksome Hall. 

Do you know a girl in India who would thrive at Branksome? If so, please let her family know that we'll be there. Your interested friends are welcome to meet us in Mumbai!
 
Tuesday, January 25
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
Presentation & Reception, 7-8:30 p.m.
Details>>
Sad Goodbyes
Marie Hay
History Teacher (1969-1989)

We have just learned of Marie's death on Sunday, December 5. We will have a tribute to this much-loved former teacher in the next issue of The Road, and in
The READ.
     
Tribute to Jackie BURROUGHS'58
1939-2010
From classmates Gail BURTON Kendall, Mary IRELAND Armstrong and
Joanne VALIANT Cook

In 1957, none of us were surprised when Jackie was named Head Girl. An honours student and an enthusiastic participant in all activities from the time she started Junior School in 1948, Jackie participated in the choir and on the swim, basketball and volleyball teams. 
Read the full tribute>>                                   
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