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 has a special interest in nature art and literacy in the early years.

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Before joining our Kindy, Katie was the Teacher/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
in Scotland, really focusing on nature as the third teacher and looking at ways to truly integrate nature into all aspects of learning. This includes engaging in meaningful and integrated projects, thinking deeper about what makes a worm wiggle, or taking a closer look at a favourite book.

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"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!"

Sarah 

Unit 1 Teacher

Sarah is a Tarragindi local and has three daughters who have attended/are attending the Kindy. Sarah herself attended Tarragindi Kindy in 1988 and 1989. Sarah has always loved working with children, watching them grow and learn, and loves working in a natural setting.

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Sarah started working at Tarragindi Kindy in 2019. She is currently studying her Master of Teaching (Early Years) & Certificate III of Early Childhood Services, she also holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing). Her workdays are Monday to Friday 8.00am–4.30pm.

Amber 

Pre Kindy Program Educator & Unit 1 Assistant (Mon/ Tue)

Amber started with Tarragindi Kindy this year, joining us as our Pre Kindy Program educator and our assistant in Unit 1 on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

 

Amber is from New Zealand and realised her love of children while in high school doing work experience at a local kindergarten. After migrating to Australia with her family in 2004 and finishing high school, Amber studied and worked as an Aupair/Nanny before completing her Diploma in Children’s Services. Since then, she has worked with children of various ages.

 

Amber has a special interest in caring for children with additional needs and was previously an inclusion support worker at another C&K centre.

 

Amber has a beautiful, warm and inclusive nature and a passion for early education.

Anna 

Unit 2 Assistant 

Anna has an Advanced Diploma of Children’s services and has worked with children since 1995. She has help various position, such as family day-care provider, special needs assistant, Educator, Childcare officer, Lead Educator, Co-Director, Director.

Anna has her Certificate IV in Training and assessment. 

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Anna has 4 years experience working alongside a teacher trained in the Reggio Emilia approach. 

Since 2012 Anna has worked 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.

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I believe in the benefits of playing in nature.

 

I believe in building positive relationships with children and families.

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I believe in risky play for children

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I believe in promoting Social-Emotional development in children."

Christine 

Finance Officer

Christine has lived in Tarragindi with her husband for the past thirty years. Both of her kids attended kindy and are now working or studying. 

 

After leaving a corporate accounting role at Suncorp, she accepted the role of office manager and now works as the finance officer, while helping with other admin roles. 

 

Together with various committees, Christine oversaw the construction of the kindy shortly after 1999 and subsequent repayment of the debt facility, so today the Kindy is debt free. 

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