2024-2025 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2024-2025

Cultivating

Nurturing

Empowering

CURIOSITY

POTENTIAL

INDEPENDENCE

BANNOCKBURN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Table of Contents

1‌

2‌

Our Mission and Vision‌

Head of School’s Message‌

4‌

5‌

6‌

Message from‌‌ the Chair‌

The Board of Directors‌

Message from the Business Manager‌

7‌

8‌

10‌

Financial‌‌ Summary‌

Bannockburn Parents’ Association‌

BPA Classroom‌‌ Reps‌

11‌

12‌

The Bannockburn Foundation‌

Thank You to Our Donors‌

OUR MISSION AND VISION

MISSION

Bannockburn develops responsible, nurturing, peaceful young people with self-esteem and respect for others. Bannockburn graduates are self-motivated, intellectually-curious students who love learning and who achieve academic success.

VISION

An excellent school, providing a well-rounded education for its students through the application of the Montessori philosophy, principles, and methodology A modest school, accommodated in facilities conducive to the Montessori principles A student body that benefits from and contributes to their school A parent body that understands and supports the school’s Montessori philosophy, principles, and methodology A staff of qualified teachers and support personnel who contribute to the school through their knowledge, abilities, and love of their profession, who feel valued for the job they are doing and who work together as a team in the further development of the school A board of governors that provides stewardship for the school to ensure its future experience Annual Report‌

01‌

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S MESSAGE As I reflect on the 2024–25 school year at Bannockburn Independent School, I am filled with profound gratitude for the strength, dedication, and spirit of our community. Each day, our students arrive eager to explore, discover, and grow. This curiosity—paired with the unwavering partnership of our parents and the expertise of our faculty and staff—continues to shape Bannockburn into a place where children are known, nurtured, and inspired.

This year, we continued to build on our strong foundation while embracing meaningful growth and innovation. Our faculty deepened their work in Montessori best practices, fostering independence, and strengthening core academic skills across all program levels. It has been a joy to see students tackle new challenges, pursue ambitious projects, and develop confidence in themselves as capable and thoughtful learners.

We advanced several initiatives designed to enrich the student experience and strengthen our school for the future. From classroom enhancements to expanded learning opportunities, our focus remained

JACQUELINE RICHMAN

Head of School

unwavering: create an environment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our community events, from curriculum evenings to holiday concerts and parent appreciation breakfasts, brought families together and highlighted the remarkable work happening in our classrooms every day. These moments of connection remind us of the powerful role community plays in a child’s education.

Our relationships beyond the school also deepened this year. Bannockburn continued to strengthen ties with the broader Montessori

and independent school communities, ensuring our students benefit from a forward-looking, well-rounded educational experience. We remain committed to preparing our graduates for success, not just in their next schools, but as adaptable, confident, and empathetic young people ready to navigate an ever-changing world.

None of this work is possible without the trust and generosity of our families, staff, and supporters. Your belief in Bannockburn’s mission fuels our progress and ensures that we continue to provide the exceptional education for which our school is known. Thank you for your partnership and for the countless ways you contribute to the vibrancy of our community.

As we look ahead, we do so with optimism and shared purpose. Together, we will continue to uphold the values that define Bannockburn while embracing opportunities to grow, innovate, and inspire the next generation of learners.

With gratitude and warmest wishes,

Jacqueline Richman,‌ Head of School‌

Annual Report‌

03‌

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR During the 2024–2025 school year, we continued to strengthen our presence in our new neighbourhood. In order to solidify the path forward for the school, the Board undertook the important task of creating a strategic plan for Bannockburn Independent School. Laridae, who provides strategic planning services for non-profit organizations, worked with our Board, leadership team, staff, and parents to develop a cohesive plan that will guide Bannockburn through the next several years. We had excellent participation with over one hundred responses through our survey and focus groups, with just over half of the responses from current parents, followed by former parents, staff and teachers, students, alumni and Board members. We were overwhelmed by the depth of the responses and by the breadth of participation of our community members.

Once again, our community proved their strong engagement and the value that Bannockburn Independent School holds for them. Thank you, as always, for your ideas and commitment to our school. The completed strategic plan will be rolled out to the wider community in 2026.

On a personal note, our family’s Bannockburn journey, which began in 2016 when our oldest son, Edward, began Primary as a three-year-old at Bannockburn, continues on with our younger son Nicholas, as he begins Lower Elementary this year.

We have been so impressed with the quality of education both our sons have received over the years, the numerous leadership opportunities they’ve had and how wellprepared Edward was for his start of Grade 7 at Upper Canada College this September.

It solidifies our belief that Nicholas is in the right place. My belief in the school is reflected in my deep involvement across many roles from that first year at the school to the present. I initially served as a Class Representative, then as a BPA co-chair, before joining the Board six years ago. For the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Board.

As I close out my time as Chair, I am thankful for the opportunity and grateful for all the expertise, support, and time provided by the amazing leadership team, staff, Board members, and parents of our wonderful Bannockburn community.

I implore you to continue to share your ideas and your time. Together, we can continue to strengthen this thriving institution, ensuring the education our children receive here continues to inspire them.

Wishing everyone a wonderful winter break and a great school year for 2025-2026, Lisa Russell‌ Out-going Chair of the Board‌

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dynamic, involved, and dedicated are three words that describe Bannockburn's Board of Governors. Our Board members, who are all volunteers, have varied backgrounds, which allows us to create a Board that is rich in knowledge and perspective. Thank you for giving your time and wise counsel to our school. The significant commitment of our Board members helps provide a rich educational experience for our current students, as well as future generations.

Lisa Bayrami

Diana Williams

Vasilis Papadiamantopoulos

Phil Gibson

Lisa Russell Out-going Chair of the Board

Jeff Yeung

Mariana Fornar

Christine Bernardini

Annual Report‌

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MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER As part of Bannockburn’s ongoing commitment to strong governance and financial accountability, the school undergoes an independent audit each year. The following provides a summary of the audited financial statements for the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

Bannockburn continues to demonstrate a healthy financial position. Enrollment remained strong as the school gained momentum in its relatively new catchment area and more families learned about Bannockburn’s authentic Montessori programming, low studentteacher ratios, and highly qualified, dedicated faculty.

Expenses were consistent with the previous year. The Board and school leadership team continued to prioritize staff retention, including increases to the teacher salary grid, a fully funded benefits package, and continued RRSP contributions. Additional expenditures included enhancements to the school’s HVAC system, a deposit for the new Primary and Elementary playground, and the installation of a new gazebo in the Toddler playground.

My sincere thanks go to the many families and staff who supported the school through donations to the playground capital campaign and through Fun Fair sponsorships. While tuition fees fund the school’s operating budget, the generosity of our community plays a critical role in enriching the student experience. These contributions make possible important programming enhancements and capital improvements, such as the new playground.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the 2024–2025 Finance Committee—Derek Russell, Christine Bernardini, and Diana Williams—for their careful analysis and thoughtful guidance. We are deeply grateful for their time, expertise, and commitment to ensuring Bannockburn’s continued financial strength, now and in the years ahead.

Sharon Robinson Business Manager

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Summary of Statement of Financial Position Assets

2025

2024

$ 2,816,638

$ 3,078,174

1,881,513

1,881,438

$ 4,698,151

$ 4,959,612

$ 2,482,224

$ 2,971,862

0

0

$ 2,482,224

$ 2,971,862

2,017,106

1,757,225

198,821

230,495

2,215,927

1,987,750

$ 4,698,151

$ 4,959,612

2024

2023

$ 3,830,454

$ 4,602,268

523,375

527,359

Total Revenue

$ 4,353,829

$ 5,129,627

Salaries, Classroom Materials & Other Student Costs

$ 2,695,543

$ 2,912,233

118,278

137,584

1,264,092

1,448,253

79,488

76,831

$ 4,157,401

$ 4,574,901

Current Long-Term

Liabilities

Current Mortgage Payable

Net Assets

Unrestricted Invested in Property and Equipment

Total Assets

Summary of Revenue and Expenditures Revenue

Tuition and New Student Registration Other (School Programs, Facilities, Interest, etc)

Expenditures

Marketing, Communications and Development Facility, Administration and Other Costs Amortization of Capital Assets Total Expenditures

Annual Report‌

07‌

BANNOCKBURN PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The aim of Bannockburn’s Parents’ Association (BPA) is to foster a strong school community while also raising funds to add supplementary programs and activities that enrich our children’s experience at school. We strive to ensure that all parents and their children feel welcome and encourage parents to engage with and participate in our initiatives in order to achieve that goal.

During the 2024–25 school year, the BPA continued to build community spirit and support student life through a wide range of events and initiatives. We began the year with our well-loved Ice Cream Social, welcoming both new and returning families. Students then participated in the “Created By Kids” art project, creating self-portraits that were transformed into mugs, magnets, and other keepsakes cherished by families.

A “self-portrait” magnet installation is also on display in the office, showcasing the students’ artwork.

Our Fall Sale featured delicious baked goods, flowers, crafts, and personalized Halloween treat bags. In November, we were thrilled to launch the very first

CO-CHAIRS OF THE BPA

Niyanta, Tracy, and Jenn

Starlight Market, our first vendor market, which was warmly embraced by the community. The event also featured complimentary hot chocolate, treats, and a craft table, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Winter fun continued with the annual Family Skate at the Cricket Club, followed by the much-anticipated Waffle Party in February, where parents prepared and delivered fresh waffles to classrooms.

In April, we hosted our Used Book Sale, collecting and selling pre-loved books to raise funds for The Children’s Book Bank. We also

gathered at Absolute Comedy Club for a parents-only social event in late April, organized by Maggie Orenstein. The Spring Sale offered another round of everpopular baked goods and crafts. We concluded the year with the annual Fun Fair, complete with inflatables, a kids’ gym bus, a DJ and dance party, a bubble show, games, delicious food trucks, and a movie. It was an unforgettable day for students and families alike.

Beyond events, the BPA continued to support the maintenance of the aquarium in the main-floor entrance, ensuring it remains a beloved feature of the school.

Most notably, thanks to the generosity and participation of our community, the BPA proudly donated $80,000 to the Playground Revitalization Project, helping create an improved outdoor space for Bannockburn students for years to come.

The BPA sincerely appreciates the support of all parents who volunteered at fundraisers and events, served as class representatives, and offered valuable input throughout the year. We extend our deepest thanks to Jacqueline Richman, as well as all the teachers and staff, who continuously support and encourage our efforts.

We have enjoyed our first year as BPA cochairs and look forward to further contributing to the Bannockburn community.

Niyanta, Tracy, and Jenn BPA Co-Chairs Annual Report‌

09‌

BPA CLASSROOM REPS TD1

Jake Yu

TD2

Michael Zheng

PR2

Lisa Russell

PR3

Dalia Ezzat Valentina Blinova

PR4

Candace Tse

LEL1

Niyanta Shah

Hong LEL2 Maggie Helen Overgaard

UEL

Gordon Chiu

THE BANNOCKBURN FOUNDATION The Bannockburn Foundation is a federally incorporated, charitable organization, created to support the furtherment of Montessori education at Bannockburn School. The Foundation provides funds for projects, programs, activities, and bursaries which are not funded by Bannockburn School’s normal operating budget. Tuition fees pay for the day-to-day operations of the School. Foundation funds are used to support facility upgrades, program enhancements, special activities, and bursaries.

Over the years the Foundation has gifted well over $500,000 towards these projects.

All classrooms within the School have benefitted from Foundation funds and all programs have been enhanced by the Foundation. Donations allow the School to invest in itself and its future for the advancement of the education of Bannockburn children.

Bannockburn Foundation Board Members Stu Miller Sharon Robinson Aldo Forgione Dan Singer

Annual Report‌

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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

A strong sense of community is evident in the generous gifts of financial support and hours of personal time parent volunteers devote to the Bannockburn community. Bannockburn School gratefully acknowledges these financial contributions of community members between July 2024 and June 2025. Thank you for your continued support of our School.

Aleks Zemdegs and Denise Young Aliusha Dayani Alvin Mok and Chik Rainbow Amir Samimi - Seasoned Caterer Andon Agolliu and Linda Escorcia Andrea Leung and James Jong Andrew Howlett and Nadira Rambihar Babak Kachoei and Tina Kerelska Brian Lee and Li Qin Candace Tse and Fulton Lee Celeste Wang and Haining Zha Chloe Routledge Christopher Kahnert Claire Bai and Qun Wen Craig Orenstein and Margaret Hong Derek and Lisa Russell Diana and Guilio Fiorenza Diane James Dilhumar Altay Dinara Kuanysheva Donna Boreham Esther Kang Kim Faegheh Hosseini Fani Englezou

Fu Ning Chuang Graham and Jamesina Lowe Golrou Iravani Gordon Chiu and Jennifer Hwang Guonan and Alan Yin Hanlu Chen Heather Fogarty Hetvi Gandhi Isabella Pippo Foster Ivy Au Jacqueline Richman Jeff Yeung and Jacqueline Wong Jian Min Hu Jody and Ian Richardson John Douglas Julianne Lynch Julie and Luca Ardizzi Kathryn Altay Leigh Ashworth Li Song and Shawn McGrath Liqin You and Edward Xu Lisa Bayrami and Gabor Lakatos Nelly and Alex Yuzbasiyan Niyanta and Ambrish Shah

Patrick Sapphire and Yang Xing Qun Wen and Xiaoou Bai Rita Araujo and Justin Kutyan Rocco Oppedisano and Kristine Cruz Saida Tesfai Sally (Peiqian ) Wu and Qi Liu Samira Movahedi Sangeetha Punniyamoorthy and Joe Borgo Sharon Robinson Shashank Parkhi Siqi Wang and Michael Zheng Sixian Wu and Ben Tian Sue Pattni Suhuyini Abudulai and Brock Wilimek Tanya Davis Tongyi Wang and Nanyang Zhu Tracy and Eric Morgan Vicky Lee and Edwin Chiu Vladimir Apanovitch and Vasilisa Kozhukhova Xiaoda Wang and Haining Zha Yang Hu and Allen Wang Yvette Gho Zhe Li and Jiang Zhu

Annual Report‌

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CONTACT US

BANNOCKBURN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL Phone 416-789-7855

Email reception@bannockburn.ca

Website

www.bannockburn.ca

Address 3080 Bayview Avenue North York, ON M2N 5L3

Cultivating

Nurturing

Empowering

CURIOSITY

POTENTIAL

INDEPENDENCE