Welcome to Sunnybrook Elementary IB School

Dear Parents,



It is my pleasure to introduce you to our school. We have a long, proud history. Sunnybrook School was founded in 1952, as North Toronto’s first Nursery School. Over the years it has grown into the splendid school I have the privilege of leading today. Sunnybrook is about to embark on a tremendous building project. We are adding 4,300 square feet of new learning space including 4 new classrooms and an art/drama studio. Our capacity will remain the same, our facilities will improve dramatically.



Sunnybrook is a small co-ed school because we believe that small schools are good for both students and teachers. ‘Researchers have reviewed thirty-five years of literature on small schools and found … that students were more satisfied, more academically productive, more likely to participate in school activities, better behaved…’ We believe young children learn best in a co-ed environment. With our focus on JK – grade 6 we can direct our expertise and energy toward the young learner. Our graduates benefit from the small school environment by becoming confident, self-assured, inquiring young people, ready for the world of a larger middle school.



Sunnybrook is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) enriches and complements our philosophy, giving us an outstanding framework for assessment and curriculum development. In the IB our students become members of a global learning community.



Passionate teachers have the power to excite and inspire young people. Our faculty is both the heart and the backbone of our dynamic school. The core of a teacher’s work is to foster learning. Our small school environment benefits the teaching team by providing opportunities for frequent cooperation and collaboration. In addition to their professional qualifications, our talented teachers have received extensive training in the IB PYP , both in-service and at IB workshops. Seven members of our staff are on the faculty of IB and I am privileged to be a member of the IB Board of Directors and serve on the Education Committee.



Young children are natural learners. At Sunnybrook School we succeed in channeling the energy, enthusiasm and joy of elementary students into disciplined, thoughtful learning. The small size of our school enables us to know our students and their families, giving greater meaning to the triangle of child, home and school. Our size also enables us to showcase all childrens' work.



Choosing an elementary school is an exciting time for families. This information package is designed to answer many of your questions, but it cannot give you the flavour of our vibrant learning community. Sunnybrook School is a vessel of hope, bearing the promise of the future in each child who is admitted. I encourage you to come and experience the uniqueness of Sunnybrook School. The minute you walk in the door you will discover the value of a small school with a big heart. I look forward to meeting you and discussing your child’s gifts and needs.



Looking forward to seeing you,

Irene Davy, PhD


Director