REVIEW OF Sunnybrook School BY parent, Saba Hameed

(5) Student Experience

My kids had the best experience at Sunnybrook due to the EXCELLENT staff and administration at the school. Every teacher they have encountered has been kind, supportive and a true partner in learning. We appreciate the feeling of community that embodies this school and its dedication to the families that are a part of it. Sunnybrook has the most up-to-date tools and technology for learning and continuously invests in the staff to update teaching skills, be aware of the newest educational information and provide support systems to families who require. We appreciated the bright, airy classrooms, fully stocked library and well-equipped gym and playground facilities. Parents will appreciate the on-site kitchen service that provides delicious and healthy lunches and snacks that are always a hit with the students!

Why Sunnybrook School?

We chose Sunnybrook School because we appreciated the more intimate, community feel of the school. It is the best environment to nurture younger children and provide a challenging education while in a safe and supportive space.

Expectations vs. Reality

Our expectations were that our kids would receive a strong educational foundation and the opportunities to have experiences such as interesting school trips, after-school activities, and extra-curricular programs, which Sunnybrook completely met. Sunnybrook could work on strengthening its sports curriculum for the future to further enhance the experience for students looking for a more challenging physical activities program.

Your Advice

This school does a great job in preparing its students for junior/high school. They provide a really strong educational foundation, and students often move on to their next schools stronger academically and better prepared to manage workloads. The warm and nurturing environment of the school gives students a strong sense of confidence and comfort in their capabilities because they feel seen and heard in a safe space.

(5) School Leadership

Sunnybrook administration is a strong, cohesive team that works well together and works well with the students and their families. They are quick to provide support and feedback. They involve parents in discussions and work together to resolve issues in a manner that is firm but kind and understanding. They try to use a variety of tools to support and monitor students who may require additional assistance, and always keep parents well-informed to ensure everyone is on the same page.

(5) Teaching

The education at Sunnybrook is advanced and challenging. They follow the IB program, and the structure is implemented from the youngest ages, which leads to high-performing and well-informed students when they ultimately graduate. The teachers are well-informed on their subjects and have many years of experience due to their tenures. Students are encouraged to take on initiatives and challenges and are continuously recognized through assemblies and recognition boards at school for their successes. Parent/teacher interviews are well attended, and teachers provide thoughtful and concise feedback to inform parents of student accomplishments. As well, teachers are always available to be contacted through phone or email and are very efficient in responding to parent queries. These are the benefits of a smaller classroom and the ability to provide clear attention and feedback.

(5) Academics

Sunnybrook has a strong IB program, and the academics are of a high standard, preparing students well for the next phase of education, where they often present with an advantage over their peers. The school's Math and Language programs are excellent. French is taught from Kindergarten onward and focuses on integrating language into everyday life. Math concepts are taught intuitively and continuously reinforced and reviewed. Sunnybrook has a wonderful Music program, and students are able to experience a variety of instruments as they learn theory and application. There are wonderful concerts, and the annual year-end play includes all the students, faculty and parent volunteers in a production that is full of talent, energy and hard work. Sunnybrook has a large, well-stocked library with hundreds of book options for all grade levels. Students have access to the library multiple times a week and are able to explore the countless reading materials available to them. The phys-ed program is strong, limited only by the constraint of space. However, students are still able to partake in skating, baseball, track and field, and many other sporting activities through the leverage of community parks and fields. The school works hard to cultivate a culture of joy in learning, with bright classrooms displaying class projects, hallways covered in posters and student artwork, and spaces such as the library for quiet time or the playground to enjoy with friends. Sunnybrook has prepared my child well for their next phase of school, establishing a solid educational foundation.

(5) Extracurriculars

There are many extracurricular opportunities offered to students. They have the option of attending activities in the morning before school starts, and many options for fun after-school activities such as Model UN, Chess Club, Baking, etc. In addition to the extracurricular activities, there are a number of sports teams that students are able to try out for and compete in. There are lots of options for students to try new things and to take part in what they enjoy, be it the arts, sports or academics.

(5) Students

As a community school, the Sunnybrook student body and staff reflect the members of the community. There is a huge focus on diversity and celebrating diversity through cultural experiences, assemblies celebrating special religious events, partnering with local hospitals to support children's charities and holding regular fundraising events to support children's initiatives. The student body is a positive environment with the older grades supporting the younger ones through partnering and leadership opportunities at school.

(5) School Life

The quality of life at Sunnybrook School is excellent. My children loved going to school every single day. They thoroughly enjoyed every grade and teacher and took advantage of every opportunity available to them to learn and gain new experiences. Prospective parents need to understand that Sunnybrook is a small, community school and will have restrictions based on its size constraints. The exposure to experiences and activities may be less compared to a school of 1000 students, but the tradeoff is a more nurturing, attentive environment. A small school means more opportunities to be involved as a parent and make close friendships with the other families. It also allows parents to experience the school with their child and have a close relationship with the staff, establishing a warm, family-type community.

(5) Community

The parent community at Sunnybrook School is strong and active. There is a strong parents' association, and all families are encouraged to get involved. There are many activities that need parent volunteer support, without which these activities would not occur. The administration happily welcomes all parent volunteers and support.

(5) School Location

Students are restricted to the school grounds during the school day. The school is located on a busy residential street, and student movement during the day is restricted to the back of the school, where the playground is located, to ensure the students' safety. Many students who live in the neighbourhood walk to and from school and/or take public transit.

(5) Admissions

Sunnybrook administration is warm and welcoming, and the admissions process is simple and effective. All the students are interviewed in an age-appropriate manner, and parents are included in the process through an interview as a family. The administration is very experienced in understanding how a potential student may or may not fit into the Sunnybrook system and encourages open and frank conversations about what a family's expectations are as well.