Our Staff
Katie - Director and Unit 2 Teacher
Katie is new to Tarragindi Kindy- joining us in May 2020. Katie has had a 20 year Early Childhood Teaching career, with highlights including teaching in London, and remote Australian communities. Katie special interest nature art and Literacy in early years.
More recently Katie was the Teaching /Director at River School Kindergarten Maleny, which was nestled on the banks of the creek in the forest. It was there that Katie studied further with Clare Warden–Forest School Founder Scotland really focusing on Nature as the third teacher, looking at ways to truly integrate nature into all aspects of learning- engaging in meaningful and integrate projects, thinking deeper about what makes a worm wiggle, taking a closer look at a favourite book.
"I have enjoyed working with young children for as long as I can remember. Over the years I have found my passion working in collaboration with children to experience the wonders of the world around us. I celebrate the magic of childhood, and love to foster awe and wonder in children’s learning. I look forward to many adventures that teaching Kindergarten will bring this year!"
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.
“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 - Assistant
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.
“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.".
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.
Christine is in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9am and 12pm.