Fiona

Fiona trained as an early childhood and infants teacher in the United Kingdom. She has been at Tamworth Montessori Preschool for many years.

Fiona is our Teaching Director, Early Childhood Teacher, Educational Leader and Nominated Supervisor. She has also been assessed by NESA as a Proficient Teacher. Fiona has also completed Montessori qualifications.

Fiona has a current first aid and child protection qualifications as well as a valid Working with Children Check.

Fiona’s Educational Philosophy

I believe that all children should have equal access to a quality Preschool Education. In providing this, I am laying down foundation for a positive future in terms of attitude towards both education and the wider world.

Mariko

Mariko has many experiences of Tamworth Montessori Preschool, as a parent, Administrator, Board Member and now as the Preschool Manager. She keeps coming back to Preschool.

Mariko has many years’ experience in business and administration and has relevant qualifications as well as being a director of several companies.

Mariko has undertaken studies in Early Childhood Education studies and has current first aid and child protection qualifications as well as a valid Working with Children Check.

Mariko’s Educational Philosophy

I will encourage a thirst for life-long independent learning in children. I will make sure that the environment is challenging, creative, inclusive, motivating and supportive so that all children can learn at their pace but still reach their full potential. I will be the advocate for the children.

I will guide the children to understanding themselves and their behaviour and help them to learn to organise themselves. I want children to realise their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and to have the freedom to encourage and assist other children; not just older children helping younger children but children more experienced in some areas helping those not so experienced in that area. 

We need to remember that Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. - Nelson Mandela 

Dee

Dee has worked at Tamworth Montessori Preschool since 2017. She has many years experience working with young children. 

She has a Certificate III in Children’s Services and has current first-aid qualifications as well as a valid Working with Children Check.

Dee's Educational Philosophy

My aim in educating young children will be to provide:

1. A safe and inclusive learning environment
2. assistance to each child to explore and understand their own individuality,
3. encouragement to develop an awareness of their family, culture and community,
4. provide as many materials, natural and commercial as possible to aid their learning process,
5. ensure all children have the time to progress at their own pace.

I shall remain committed to maintaining quality assurance and committed to promoting the importance of children’s early years development.

Sandy

Sandy has worked for many years as our Cleaner. She cleans our preschool every afternoon.

Most children do not see Sandy as she comes in after they have left for the day.

Sandy has a valid Working With Children Check.

Payalben

Payalben has worked at Tamworth Montessori Preschool since 2016. She has teaching experience in India and speaks fluent Hindi and Gujarati.

Payalben also has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Payalben has a current first aid and child protection qualifications as well as a valid Working with Children Check.

Payalben’s Educational Philosophy

I see each child as a unique. My role as an educator is to provide activities that increase the child’s natural curiosity and interest level. My purpose is to create an environment where children feel welcome, safe and secure, respected and free to create, discover and imagine their own world. My goal is to integrate different cultures and help children gain understanding and acceptance, develop love and respect for themselves and others.

Cate

Cate has worked at Tamworth Montessori Preschool since 2019. She holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a current First Aid as well as a valid Working With Children Check.

Cate’s Educational Philosophy

My philosophy of education is that all children are equal and unique, and we as the teacher must work with them to help them develop and grow physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. I desire to create a safe and encouraging environment where all children feel welcomed and safe, no matter their age, gender, sexuality, race or culture. I will encourage the children to grow and become the best versions of themselves full of potential.

I believe all children show learn to express and accept themselves as well as embracing the differences of others. This is just as important as the children to learn their literacy and numeracy, for a child who knows all the information but not how to express it can not succeed. My role as a teacher is to assist each child to develop their own identity and feeling of belonging, as well as their knowledge and learning. I aim for each child to feel secure and strong in their knowledge of learning and themselves, so when they move on to bigger things they have the confidence within themselves to move forward.

Annette

Annette started working with us in 2020. She has many years experience working with young children. Annette holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, a current First Aid as well as a valid Working With Children Check.

Annette’s Educational Philosophy

Let the children play. I will encourage sharing and caring and allow children to become independent little people. I believe in learning in a positive way. Children should be allowed to explore their environment. I will encourage a love of reading and learning.

Glen

Glen started working with us this term. His children have all attend our preschool. Glen spent many years working in disability care. He has a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Glen also has current First Aid and Working With Children Check.

Glen’s Educational Philosophy

I believe that each child is an individual. As an educator I will value and aim to develop each child’s interests and learning with encouragement and guidance. All children develop independence and coordination when actively and passively exploring their environment. While the child is able to learn skills through play and being curious there are aspects that I can support them to establish a strong foundation. Through creating communication opportunities and social skill development to extend their learning.

Carla-Jane

Carla-Jane started working with us this term. She has experience working with children of different ages. Carla-Jane Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. She also has current First Aid and Working With Children Check.