Administrative Leaders
Directors
Craig Dunn Buddy Clinch
With over 30 years each in education, both Craig and Buddy have spent the vast majority of their careers at Turnbull School.
Craig graduated from McGill University in 1994 with a B.Ed. in Physical Education. Since starting at Turnbull School in 1997 as a classroom and physical education teacher, Craig also worked as Athletic Director, Senior School Vice-Principal from 2007 to 2012, Senior School Principal from 2012 to 2025, and currently Director. Craig has thoroughly enjoyed coaching many teams over the years, where he continues to have an active role today.
Buddy also graduated from McGill University in 1993 with a B.Ed. majoring in Primary/Junior Education. He began his time at Turnbull School in 1999 as a homeroom teacher in the junior division. He moved into administration in 2007, where he served as Junior School Vice-Principal until 2012, when he went on to be the Junior School Principal until 2025. In the summer of 2025, Buddy became Director. A musician himself, Buddy thoroughly enjoys his role in the Turnbull School Concert Band as Assistant Band Director.
Both Craig and Buddy have completed the Diploma of Independent School Leadership from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools Leadership Institute and the Private School Principal’s Diploma from York University in conjunction with the Ontario Federation of Independent Schools. They have sound knowledge of curriculum and the developmental stages of children, and their patience, kindness, empathy and compassion are traits that both parents and students appreciate when working with them.
Rachel Fabich, Head of Admissions
Rachel Fabich began her career at Turnbull School in 2003 as a teacher. Prior to moving to Ottawa, she worked for the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board as an Intermediate and Special Education teacher. Rachel has taught students in all three divisions at Turnbull School (Primary, Junior and Senior). She completed her B.Sc. (Hon) in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph in 1999 and a B.Ed. from Brock University in 2000. In addition to her Junior/Intermediate qualifications, Rachel completed her Primary specialist and training in multi-sensory learning for students with dyslexia.
As a teacher Rachel was actively involved in the extra-curricular life of Turnbull School. She coached both boys and girls in soccer, volleyball and other sports and she has led the after-school running club. Rachel also worked with colleagues to develop teams to compete at the Kids Lit Quiz. She is a dedicated fundraiser and active participant in Turnbull School’s partnerships with The Ottawa Hospital and United Way. Rachel cares deeply for the well-being of the students and has worked collaboratively with her colleagues and families to help create a challenging, inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her vast experience greatly supports her in her role as Head of Admissions, with the main goal of helping families make the best educational choices for their children.
Brian Blank, Junior School Principal
Brian has been a certified teacher since 2009. Prior to joining Turnbull School in 2013 he gained valuable professional experience as a teacher with two local school boards. Brian has a B.A. (Hon.) from Carleton University and a B.Ed. from Queen’s University. He has also completed a number of additional qualification courses including a specialization in mathematics.
Brian has enjoyed taking part in many of the extracurricular activities offered at the School, including coaching the junior boys’ soccer team to two regional championships, as well as helping to establish a competitive chess club. He has been a leader at Turnbull since 2016 when he became Summer School Principal. In this role, Brian helped to mentor new teachers, maintain and develop quality summer programming, while supporting students and parents during their summer learning experience. Brian is an energetic educator who works collaboratively with his colleagues while promoting a positive work environment for the students.
Brenda Cole, Senior School Principal
Brenda Cole began her teaching career in 1991 after graduating from the University of Alberta. She joined Turnbull School in the Junior School in 1997, teaching grades four and five. She also served as Academic Head until her maternity leave in 2006. In 2015, she returned to join the Senior School. Brenda is always looking to expand her professional knowledge, taking many additional qualification courses, including the Specialist level in Reading, Mathematics, Special Education, and Computers in Education.
Brenda shares her passion for literature and mathematics with students both in class and in extracurricular clubs. In addition to working in both the Junior and Senior divisions of the school, she was also a Summer School Principal. Brenda enjoys hosting a variety of clubs and being involved in larger events such as the annual Science Fair and the Graduation and Closing Ceremony. As Vice Principal, Brenda co-ordinates programming for students and oversees curriculum expectations and resources to support the senior teaching team.