Michael - Director / Unit 1 Teacher

Michael has been a practising teacher since 2007. He graduated from QUT with a Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Years) after having completed a Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) with Griffith University.

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He joined Tarragindi Kindy in 2012, initially as a relief teacher, and was appointed to permanent Director in 2013. Prior to studying Education, Michael was a Sergeant in the Queensland Police Force. This experience gives Michael a unique understanding of the importance of learning about risk in a safe environment.

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"I value children's voices and understand that they need to experience the world around them in much the same way that we, as adults, do. I don't think kids are listened to enough, and I certainly don't think they have enough time to be just what they are - kids".

Sandra - Unit 2 Teacher

Sandra has been a practising early childhood teacher since 1986. She graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Education after having completed her Diploma in Teaching (Primary and Preschool) with the Brisbane College of Advanced Education. Sandra has taught at Mareeba State Preschool and Coorparoo Kindergarten before joining the Tarragindi Kindergarten team in 2004.

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Since she was 13 years old, occasionally babysitting a neighbour’s two young children, Sandra realised her dream to teach in the early childhood profession.

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“I love working with 3 to 5 year olds because they see the world and people differently to us. They view the world as a place to explore, investigate, discover and theorise why things happen. They stop to observe the clouds moving across the sky, an insect camouflaged in our playground and to empathise when a friend requires their hand to be gently held.

Young children visualise people as a person with beauty inside waiting to share an embrace, a conversation and just being at your side. They see educators as an extension of their loving and giving parents, siblings and grandparents.  We, as educators, value and treasure the privilege of being a part of your child’s lives and hope to grow your child’s uniqueness within themselves.”

Maria - Assistant

Maria was born in South America, Lima-Peru, speaks Spanish and started work as assistant at Tarragindi Kindy in 2007. She obtained a Graduate Diploma in Education (High School) overseas, she is provisionally registered with the Queensland College of Teachers and she might one day return to the teaching role. She also holds a Diploma in Education and Childcare.

Maria’s teaching career started back in 1975 and all together (Peru-Australia) she has lead programs for a wide range of ages (babies-adults). She founded a Kindergarten in Peru in 1983 and was the director-teacher until 1993 when she emigrated to Australia with her husband and two children.

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“I value the uniqueness of each child, and acknowledge that children learn best when they feel safe, respected, happy and accepted. I strive to make children feel that way so I engage with them with daily renewed enthusiasm”.

Anna has an Advanced Diploma in Children’s services and has been working with children since 1995 in various workplaces, carrying out a variety of job positions, including family day-care provider, special needs assistant, relief educator, educator, casual childcare officer, lead educator, assistant director, co-director and, since 2012, as Teachers’ Assistant here at Tarragindi War Memorial Kindergarten.

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“I believe children learn best when they are relaxed and happy and feel safe, so I endeavour to create this type of environment for our Kindy children. 

I have a special interest in the children’s social and emotional development".

Sue - Assistant

Sue has a Certificate III in Education Support and has worked at Tarragindi Kindy since 2016 as a part time Education Assistant.  She is currently studying for a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood).

Sue has also worked as a Senior Business Analyst and held other Information Technology roles, in the Customer Relationship and Banking sectors in both Brisbane and London.  She graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Business (Computing).

"My three sons and I attended Tarragindi Kindy.  When my youngest son attended, I had the opportunity to spend time with the children at the Kindy.  I found that I enjoyed dealing with this age group.  I found their view of the world fascinating!  It was at this point that I decided that I wanted to change my career and work with young children.

I believe children learn best when they are having fun and enjoying themselves.  I aim to share my passions for reading, science and math with the children as they embark on their journey of growth and discovery while attending Kindergarten."

Nikita - Kindy Club Leader

Nikita is currently working towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood education at QUT. Prior to taking up the role at Tarragindi Kindy, she spent 5 years working at Wellers Hill State School’s before and after school care as a lead educator and responsible person.

"My passion for teaching stems from my love for a play-based learning environment. Where the children can play all day and unknowingly participate in a wide array of learning experiences.

I encourage all children to be actively involved in their own play-based learning experiences. By giving children the ability to choose their learning and play activities, I have opened up an avenue where their interests, ideas and voices will be heard.

It is important to me that the children are given the opportunity to be influencers of their own learning. I whole-heartedly embrace the spontaneity of the job, the inquisitiveness and passion for life of the children and the fact that the only limitation to my day is the determined by how big their imaginations are."

Marina - Administration

Marina has worked part time in the office since 2013, managing the administration and enrolment for the Kindy. Prior to this Marina was a management committee member in 2011 and 2012 when her son and daughter were at Tarragindi Kindy. Marina herself attended Tarragindi Kindy back in 1978 and 1979 and there are photos in our archive box to prove this! Before having children, Marina's main work experience was in both Marketing and Human Resource Management for Telstra.

Marina is in the office Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8.45am-2.45pm.

Christine - Finance Officer

After her marriage Christine moved to Tarragindi in 1990. In 1995 Christine started her family after leaving a corporate accounting role at Suncorp. In 1999, after the Kindy administrator unexpectedly resigned, Christine accepted the role of Office Manager to be closely involved with the facility. Soon afterwards, the Committee at that time made the decision to demolish the old building and replace it with a totally new building so as to comply with the new C&K Regulations.

Together with various committees, Christine oversaw the construction and subsequent repayment of the debt facility, so today the Kindy is debt free. Christine has been employed by the Kindy for 16 years and both her children attended the Kindy.

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Christine is in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9am and 12pm.