Explore the evolving landscapes of schools and universities, and learn how families and schools can empower students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. A University of Toronto Schools Event Shifting the Success Paradigm in an AI World Navigating new paths to academic success Monday, June 2, 2025 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. University of Toronto Schools 371 Bloor St. W. Withrow Auditorium RSVP at utschools.ca/shifting Join us for a powerful evening of insight and forward-thinking discussion featuring two national leaders in education: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education Associate Professor Steven Katz and University of Toronto Associate Professor, Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Digital Strategies Susan McCahan. As artificial intelligence reshapes learning and universities look beyond traditional skills, families and educators are asking big questions: What must schools do differently now to prepare students for a future as we navigate an AI revolution? What mindsets, literacies, and skills are university programs prioritizing—and how do we innovate within a provincial education system that feels resistant to change? How can AI become a tool to empower, not limit, students in developing original ideas and paths? This event will explore the evolving landscapes of both schools and universities, with a focus on how we as parents and educators can support our students in becoming resilient, future-ready thinkers in a world of rapid change. (fb)

The power of persuasive speaking can take our students far, and the process begins long before competition day with the time, effort and dedication students demonstrate in crafting their pieces and performances. Six students, along with Coach Levi Tepner ’17 and Head of Speech and Debate Mita Bhattacharyya, took part in three demanding categories of competition at Branksome Hall, Toronto's annual Nora McRae Public Speaking Competition in April: impromptu speaking, persuasive speech and interpretative reading. M3 (grade 9) Nethra spoke about the health risks caused by skin bleaching to earn second place in persuasive speaking and third overall for juniors. M3 Derek performed an impressive rendition of a story from David Sedaris' Me Talk Pretty One Day to place first in interpretive reading, while F2 (grade 8) Honwell placed second for her performance of Roald Dahl's The Witches. S5 (grade 11) Phoebe earned a mind-boggling 95 percent score from a judge, almost never given at Nora McRae's, for her interpretative reading. The junior team of M3 Alix, Nethra and Derek came together to earn third place overall in the teams part of the competition. Congratulations to all of our students who took part ‒ it takes courage to put yourself out there and skills honed in these types of competitions can take you far. Today Branksome Hall, tomorrow the world! (fb)