“I like my kinder teachers because they are nice…they help me figure out how to do activities.”
“My teachers are good and I like them. Jackie is the bravest! She isn’t even scared of spiders!”
Our Educators
East Beaumaris Kindergarten has a dedicated team of early childhood educators who bring with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and culture. Our educators are respected for the important work they do and are focused on promoting a culture of learning, a sense of belonging and a sense of well-being in partnerships with families. They have a passionate commitment to maximise the learning for each child at the kinder and help develop their potential.
Meet Our Team
Rachel, Roberta & Maya King Parrots 4yo
I have taught in several sessional kindergartens in Bayside for the past 13 years after studying a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood at Monash University. I also have a Bachelor of Arts degree from La Trobe University.
My passion for early childhood teaching was sparked by being on the Committee of Management (President) at Olive Phillips kindergarten, when my eldest daughter attended there. I had previously worked in Communications for the State Government and then had my own Communications consultancy.
I love making a difference in children’s lives and treasure being part of their early education experiences. I enjoy seeing children explore their environment and learn from educators, peers and family. We each have our own unique learning style and I believe that early childhood education is best equipped to nuture those differences and help children discover their love of learning through flexible learning spaces and experiences. Early childhood education is truly child centered learning with a direct correlation to children’s interests and curiosities through play based experiences.
Working in sessional kindergarten has been a rewarding experience for me as I enjoy working closely with children and families to provide a nurturing, inclusive environment. I believe children thrive in an environment that supports not only their learning but also supports families as part of a community. Sessional kindergarten provides opportunities for educators, parents and children to come together and build these lasting relationships.
When not teaching, I like to go on adventures with my family, cooking and catching up with friends. As a family, we have spent several snow seasons at Mt Hotham and enjoy boating on Lake Eildon. I live locally with my husband and three children, two of whom have finished school and are now often off on their own adventures.
Roberta has been a co-educator in a local bayside kindergarten for over 14 years. Over this time, she had the opportunity to work with numerous children in both 3 and 4-year-old groups. Roberta completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2020 to upskill and stay up to date with current practices to provide engaging learning opportunities for children.
It brings Roberta great joy working with children. Being able to watch their personal development and enhance their skills throughout their kinder years is a very individual experience, one that she loves being a part of. Working in a team and witnessing each child’s growth and development is very special. Roberta takes pride as a team member to prepare each child for their next steps into primary school and beyond.
Outside of work, Roberta enjoys spending time outdoors in the garden and cooking up delicious meals to share with her family and friends. Her other interests include volunteering at a local lifesaving club and contributing to their all-ability nippers program. Roberta also volunteers with Southern Region Special Olympics Tennis Team to assist with athletes to reach their sporting goals.
I believe in providing a warm, nurturing, safe and inclusive learning environment that is responsive to every child’s individual learning styles. I also aim to cater to the interests and needs of each individual, providing engaging and supportive learning opportunities to build children’s positive interactions and independent skills. I also believe in collaborating with families, sharing their values and beliefs, assisting in developing positive interactions for all children and promoting quality learning outcomes whilst striving for self-confidence and a sense of belonging.
Maya is a Diploma qualified Educator with 14 years experience at sessional kindergartens.
Maya believes learning takes place when children feel safe, happy, assured and supported.
She welcomes each child to our beautiful kindergarten with warmth, care and love knowing every child is unique, has their own pace of learning and has different life experiences.
Maya would like to create a safe environment for children to learn, explore, communicate, interact and express themselves through art and play.
Maya believes kindergarten is a happy place where children build friendships, relationships and memories that help them grow.
Kyra & Kat Blue Wrens 3yo
Kyra hold a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care and holds a bachelor degree.
For her, creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can truly be themselves is the most important aspect of early childhood. She strongly believes that every child has the potential for greatness and that their unique differences should be celebrated. She aims to create a fun and engaging environment that promotes hands-on play, encourages risk-taking, and fosters curiosity. She wants children to be excited about learning and feel empowered to pursue what interests them. She hopes to support children to develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential, while also having a lot of fun and laughter along the way.
She loves living so close to the beach with her partner, two boys and their dog named Hank. Her favourite things to do are spending quality time with her family and going on exciting adventures together, like exploring new places, whether it’s on a hike or bike ride. When she needs relaxing, she enjoys taking some quiet time working in her veggie garden.
Kat is passionate about her role as an early childhood professional. She sees herself as a trustworthy, caring educator who works hard to provide a positive and nurturing program in which each child can thrive and develop as a confident and independent individual.
Kat recognises that each child is unique and believes in forming a nurturing and trusting relationship with every child in her care. She respects the insight that parents have on their children and values the importance of a strong and supportive partnership between educators, children and their families
Hollie Educational Leader and Donna Extended Care Educator
Hollie has her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and a decade of experience working within community run, non-for-profit kindergartens and child care centre
Hollie simply loves children’s curiosity, creativity and joyous energy that they bring to every kinder session. She considers it a great privilege to be a part of their learning and developmental journey
Hollie creates play spaces to enhance the learning environment. It is with this and through playful guidance, visuals, music and encouragement, her aim is to foster each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language development through a play-based program.
When she is not teaching the Blue Wren’s group, she likes to cook, garden and go for nature walks with her fiancé and pooch
Donna has her diploma in children’s services and has several years experience working in childcare, including the kinder room.
Donna finds working with children very rewarding. She loves building strong relationships with the children to ensure they feel as safe and supported as they would at home.
Donna has her own daughter, Evie and a dog Maverick. They love heading to the beach and playgrounds on weekends. When at home, they love doing craft or baking together.
