By Roxanne Henderon, Broker C.I.P.S.
Last month, we posted an article to our blog, “Top Private Schools in the Guelph and Kitchener-Waterloo Area” and were pleasantly surprised to see how many people viewed the article. We decided to highlight one school as part of our promoting Kitchener-Waterloo series.
Brooke Goad, Director of Admissions at Sunshine Montessori School (“SMS”) reached out to us after reading our article and invited us in to meet with her and to tour their school.
I am quite familiar with the Montessori style of education ever since my youngest daughter, Samantha, attended the Aurora Montessori School in the late 90s. It was a memorable experience for both of us. We still talk about “CASA” today.
Our Visit
I was delighted to spend some time at SMS. Seeing all of the children working away in their classrooms, dressed in uniforms with lots of smiles coming back us as we send “hello” from the door was so much fun!
Brooke has a real twinkle in her eye. You know almost immediately upon meeting her that she is very passionate about the school. She knows first-hand the impact that a positive, nurturing educational experience will have on a child’s life. While touring the hallways and classrooms she knew every child’s name and they all knew her! In the two hours that we spent with her, I walked away with the feeling that Brooke has a strong sense of conviction and determination to meet the school’s overall mission, which is “To nurture and ignite each child’s curiosity and love for learning in a diverse and enriched environment.”
Brooke works very closely with Cynthia Bradshaw, Head of School on a strategic and day-to-day operational level. We met Cynthia and the founder of the school as well as a number of the teachers that day.
SMS’s Roots
Joanne and Guy McLean of The McLean Education Group purchased the school from Mina Shamji in 2017. Mina founded the school in 1986. The school’s initial enrollment was 12 students. Today, 258 fortunate students are enrolled on a full-time basis. SMS offers programs tailored to children ranging in age from 18 months to eighth grade.
Mina’s name is still proudly displayed above the doors of the auditorium symbolizing their ongoing respect of Mina’s work and vision. Mrs. Shamji still owns and operates the Canadian Montessori Academy in Maputo, Mozambique.
SMS is an accredited school with CCMA or the Canadian Council of Montessori Administration. CCMA promotes standards of excellence for Canadian Montessori educators and programs in order to help children reach their full potential. Not all Montessori schools are accredited with CCMA. SMS standards are very high, such that 100% of their students that apply to the international baccalaureate (“IB”) program are accepted.
SMS offers the following programmes including:
- Toddler | 18-months to 2 ½ years
- Prima Casa | 2 ½ to 4 years
- Casa | 4 to 6 years
- Elementary | Grades 1 to 6
- Junior High | Grade 7 and 8
SMS offers a comprehensive range of services to help parents round out their children’s education including:
- Integrated curriculum
- Character education
- Intrinsic motivation
- STEM learning
- Before & After school care
- Busing & transportation
- Hot lunches
- Summer & March break camps
- Enrichment programmes
Round Square
I would be remiss if I did not mention that SMS is a member of Round Square, an international network of 200 like-minded schools in 50-countries that connect and collaborate to offer world-class programmes to their students. Brooke is very proud of this alliance. SMS believes that their students benefit greatly from the influence of Round Square by developing their global competence character and overall confidence.
The History of Montessori
Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian educator, physician and scientist created the Montessori approach to educating children. She opened her first school in 1907, calling the center the Casa dei Bambini or “The Children’s House.” Dr. Montessori offered her program for free to anyone in the world that was desirous of offering her philosophy and approach to educating children.
Montessori is growing on a worldwide basis. In Canada, there are approximately 500 Montessori schools operating in Canada of which 250 are located in Ontario. The U.S. has reported that approximately 5,000 schools are operating across the country and there are thousands more globally.
The American Montessori Society has shared that a number of well-known personalities were students of Montessori including NBA, MVP, Stephen Curry, Google founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin and the late chef, Julia Child. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, was also an alumnus of Montessori and is so committed to the Montessori approach to education, that in 2018, he launched Day One Academics to provide $1 billion in funding for full-scholarship Montessori inspired preschools for low-income families.
Final Thoughts
As a parent in today’s society, I would encourage that parents seek out lots of support to help their children succeed in a global world. On a personal note, Montessori offered more than a head start for my youngest daughter. The artistic ability that my daughter displayed at an early age was encouraged, nurtured and rewarded by her teachers. Now at the age of 26, Samantha uses her natural abilities and acquired skill set each and every day in her career as an Interior Designer. I can thus personally attest to the Montessori method of teaching. Seeing her get off the little school bus in her tartan tunic and clip-on tie and billowing with loads of enthusiasm and stories about her day, are great memories to this day.
It’s nice to share my own story with you and hope that you will consider a Montessori style of education for your child.
If you would like more information or schedule a tour of SMS, please contact Brooke Goad at goadb@smsschool.ca or call her at 519-744-1423. Visit their website at www.smsschool.ca.
P.S. I also love their name — Sunshine Montessori School— that tells their whole story!
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Just Listed on Lake Simcoe: 968 Degrassi Cove Pl W, Innisfil
This custom home direct waterfront home was built in 2000 by the current owner and has served as a sanctuary for family and friends. Over their 22 years of ownership, they have enjoyed the property during every season.
Degrassi Cove is a small and exclusive waterfront community and share the private road. The forested lands on the opposite side of the street provide great privacy. There is no vehicle traffic other than the neighbours, so it is very safe for kids.
Built as a 4-season home and located on the west-side of Lake Simcoe. You will enjoy north-west facing views of the lake and sunsets. There are no stairs to the water’s edge. The water table is level to the lot, which offers a beautiful beach area along the shoreline. There is great swimming and boating. The portable dock is 65 ft long with a 12’ x 12’ patio area. Boating enthusiasts can store their boat in the dry boathouse. Entertaining on the lake is so easy!
The home offers 2,700 sf on the main and upper level. The principal rooms offer generous space including a large private family room, formal dining room, large great room combined with the eat-in kitchen. In addition, there is 1,535 sf of finished space on the walk-out level. There are four generous size bedrooms. The primary bedroom is situated on the main level and overlooks the lake, and includes a five-piece ensuite, a walk-in closet and a garden door to the lakeside patio area. The three other bedrooms are located on the second floor.
The lower level includes a large recreation room with wood-burning fireplace and a walk-out to the lake. A large office with a built-in desk and bookcases can serve as a large 5th bedroom. The 3-piece bathroom is also equipped with a partially finished cedar-lined sauna. There is plenty of storage space on this level too.
$2,500,000
Photography by @ishutterphoto
Staging by @chateau_designandstaging
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Just Listed: 30 George Street, Bayfield.
This professionally designed custom-built home embodies a comfortable, vintage cottage feel built with energy efficient maintenance-free materials. This home offers a private park-like setting, with in- town conveniences. It’s a nature lover’s lot…a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. This one in in a million home was showcased in a 16-page spread in Cottages & Bungalows Magazine.
Shiplap walls and wood slat ceilings throughout impart a cabin-like coziness. The primary bedroom is secluded on the main floor overlooking a wooded area that surrounds the property. The front office duals as an additional main floor bedroom adjacent to a 3-piece bathroom. The upper level includes two additional bedrooms that provide enhanced privacy for guests. One of the bedrooms functions as a seating area with a Murphy bed and small kitchenette. It has been designed as a secure space for future rental opportunity.
Located in the charming lakeside village of Bayfield, this property is a stone-throw away from Lake Huron, a short walk to town, the fishing pier and marina, Pioneer Park and the Community playground. This spectacular property backs on to a designated environmental area and surrounded by trees makes it an ideal retreat for entertaining family and friends.
$1,495,000
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There are rooms with a view, and then there are bathrooms with a view. What better way to end your day than in this freestanding tub.
Design @candaceplotzdesign
Photo @patrickbiller
Builder @jeffery_homes
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For Sale: 334 Metro Road N, Georgina
Sweet 3 bedroom home that has a light and airy feel to the interior. Vaulted ceiling with open concept design creates a welcoming feel with plenty of natural sunlight all afternoon. Hardwood floors in bedrooms. Updated interior ready to be moved in to. It is a special place to call home or cottage.
Large wrap-around deck features West-facing views of 2-acre park of which you would be a 1/10th owner. Private dock for all park owners. Deeded Lake Simcoe access is rare to find. Very private setting with mature trees.
$964,000
Message us today for more information or to book private showing.
staging by @chateau_designandstaging
photography by @ishutterphoto
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20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina provides views of the lake from all spaces on the west side of them home, including the great room, kitchen, dining area, and primary bedroom.
You will enjoy the morning sunrise from the front covered porch and of course, sunset views from the lakeside. The natural sunlight fills the home with warmth and light all day long. It’s tranquil, serene, and welcoming.
In the design stages, the current owner had some important “must-have’s” including a Muskoka like feel, spaciousness, sun-filled rooms, and an “understated elegance“ carried throughout the home.
Some of the interior features include:
– 3 bedrooms on main level and 2 additional bedrooms on the lower level
– 3 full bathrooms plus powder room
– 10.9 ft ceiling height on the main level and 9 ft ceiling height on the lower level
– Great room includes custom millwork and 13 ft vaulted coffered ceiling
– Gourmet kitchen with upgraded appliances
– Spectacular light fixtures including ceiling fans in each bedroom
– Custom drapery and blinds
– Radiant heated floors in kitchen, primary ensuite and the entire lower level
– Surround sound system both indoors and outdoors
A full list of room features, additional images, virtual tour, and more can be found on our website (link in bio).
This listing is also available on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Listing Price: $1,935,000
DM us to book a private viewing.
Photography @ishutterphoto
Staging @chateau_designandstaging
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Just Listed: 20 Quiet Heights Lane, Georgina.
When you combine the attention to detail of a quality builder with the owner’s vision to create a sanctuary home, the result is spectacular.
This home offers a “Zen” feel immediately upon your arrival.
The landscaping is wonderfully appointed with a collection of perennial gardens, shrubs, mature trees and privacy hedges on both sides, which is home to many birds. There are several seating areas promote great conversation with family and friends or a place to enjoy some quiet time when you want to be alone and enjoy nature all around you.
This is a wonderful home to entertain in both indoors and outdoors. The raised balcony includes a covered area where you can enjoy a summer rain shower. The open area provides lots of space for your chaise loungers to get some sun and watch an array of boats on the lake.
The lower deck is covered and a perfect location for the 7-seater plus lounger hot tub along with another separate seating area to enjoy the lake views.
Listing Price: $1,935,000
DM us to book a private viewing.
The full listing can be found on our site & on realtor.ca (MLS# N5657656)
Photography @ishutterphoto
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