Aynsley (Hinchliffe) Cockshott ’83

I am a proud alum of Balmoral Hall School. I started in Grade 6 and graduated in 1983. My parents made many sacrifices so that I could attend this school with my sisters, Heather ’81 and Christine ’88. I am so grateful to them for believing in what an all-girls school could give their daughters — a school where all the leaders were, and continue to be, girls. What an empowering experience! 

 

As a new graduate, I was invited to join the first alumnae board in 1984. At the time, the board was chaired by Suzie (Holland) (Banfield) Lount Gr. 11 ‘55, whom I now have the pleasure of working with through our volunteer roles with BH Foundation. I love that our paths have crossed again. A quintessential BH story of connection over the generations. 

 

My relationship with the school continued in the ’90s, when, in my last year of studying to be a French translator, I was hired to teach French at the school. In the 2000s, my sons attended Balmoral Hall for Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten.  

 

Now, 20 years later, I am Chair of BH Foundation. I am thrilled to be back to support a school that made such an impact on my life. I am passionate about ensuring that the school is healthy for generations to come and that the doors are wide open for any student who wishes to attend, regardless of financial means. A robust endowment makes this possible and BH Foundation directors are committed to building an extraordinary pool of funds for a bright and successful future for Balmoral Hall School. 

 

I believe in the power of volunteering and in the importance of stepping forward to serve the community. 

 

Over the years, I have sat on a number of boards, helped to organize fundraising events, and promoted worthy causes, large and small. I have had the good fortune to work with so many interesting and accomplished people. From them, I have learned about governance, oversight, critical thinking, inclusion, reconciliation, and, most importantly, the art of listening. 

 

The focus of my volunteering has been in the non-profit world: arts and culture, education, and health care. 

 

Chair, Winnipeg Art Gallery

Co-Chair, Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation Lifesaver’s Dinner
Past President, St. John’s-Ravenscourt Parent Association 
Past Governor, St. John’s-Ravenscourt Board of Governors 

 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead