My daughter is graduating from Sunrise Montessori this August after nearly three years and I can…read morehonestly say choosing this school was one of the best parenting decisions I've ever made.
When I was pregnant, I was on waitlists with several childcare options much closer to home. On a whim, I booked a tour at Sunrise Montessori, even though it was significantly farther away. After meeting Principal Grace Koo and touring the school, I knew immediately that a strong educational foundation during my daughter's most formative years was worth every extra minute in the car.
From the very beginning, Sunrise felt different. The classrooms are spotless and filled with natural light, with large interior windows that allow you to see into each classroom. I also loved the large indoor gymnasium, which gives the children plenty of room to play and stay active during rainy days, winter weather or extreme heat. The children wear uniforms after the infant program, which makes mornings so much easier.
I've been fortunate to have incredible teachers throughout every stage of my daughter's journey. Ms. Evelyn provided such a loving start in the infant room and Ms. Karima continued that same care in the toddler room.
But I especially want to recognize my daughter's Casa head teacher - Ms. Sue.
I truly don't have enough words to describe what an extraordinary teacher she is. My daughter entered Ms. Sue's Casa classroom early at only two and a half years old. As a first-time parent, I was nervous she might not be ready, but Ms. Sue immediately put my mind at ease.
Ms. Sue is one of those rare educators who was simply meant to teach. Every morning when I arrive around 7:30 a.m., she is already in the classroom preparing materials, cleaning, organizing activities and getting everything ready before the children arrive. I'm pretty sure her official start time isn't until later in the morning, yet there she is at 7:30. Her dedication is obvious every single day.
She is also incredibly responsive through the school communication app. Whether I'm asking how my daughter ate, how she napped or even requesting a photo because I miss her, Ms. Sue always responds with kindness and patience. That reassurance means more than she probably realizes.
It's the little things that make such a difference. Because she knows we have a long drive home each day, she reminds my daughter to use the washroom before leaving and makes sure her water bottle is partially filled for the ride home. If I'm running late one morning, Ms. Sue is the first to message me to make sure everything is okay and ask where her "special girl" is. Those thoughtful gestures speak volumes about how genuinely she cares.
The growth I've seen in my daughter over the past year and a half has been remarkable. As she prepares to enter kindergarten, she can spell her first, middle and last name, complete simple addition, count to 100 and has developed wonderful manners, confidence, independence and a genuine love of learning. She has completed beautiful workbooks filled with writing and numbers and has made me the most beautiful cards that I will treasure forever. I have no doubt she's more than ready for kindergarten thanks to the incredible foundation she's received from Ms. Sue.
One unique aspect of Sunrise is the integration of Mandarin instruction and Lunar New Year celebrations. My daughter can name all the body parts in Mandarin and has learned to appreciate another language and culture in such a natural, inclusive way.
The activity fee is also put to excellent use. Throughout the year, the children enjoy wonderful experiences including visiting magicians, lion dance performances, fun fairs and age-appropriate field trips. As my daughter got older, I was able to join class trips to places like the aquarium, a farm and an indoor playground. Watching Ms. Sue manage these outings only reinforced my confidence in how much she prioritizes every child's safety, happiness and well-being.
I would also like to recognize Ms. Sumaya and Ms. Marcia, who work alongside Ms. Sue in Casa 3 every day. They are kind, patient, warm and clearly adored by the children. Together, the three of them create an environment where every child feels safe, respected and genuinely loved. I am sincerely grateful for the care, kindness and dedication they have shown my daughter. They will be missed.
Knowing my daughter was loved, safe, encouraged and genuinely cared for allowed me to focus on work each day without worrying. That peace of mind is something I'll never be able to fully repay.
As this chapter at Sunrise ending fast approaches, I find myself filled with sadness and gratitude simultaneously. I honestly don't know how I'm going to say goodbye. In true Ms. Sue fashion, she reminds me that my daughter is ready for kindergarten - and that I'll be okay too.
Ms. Sue is so much more than a teacher. Sunrise Montessori is incredibly fortunate to have an educator like her.
