Home

About Us

>Staff

>Our Philosophy

>Programs

>History

>Committee of Management

>Hours

>Newsletters

>Uniforms

Groups

Fees

3 Year Old Enrolment

4 Year Old Enrolment

Policies

Contact

Fundraising & Events

Our Supporters

Staff

Director  / Waratah [4yo]  Teacher – Melissa McGrath

Melissa McGrath jointed our staff officially in 2010, however has been a relieving teacher for us since 2007.  In 2011 we welcome Melissa as our Director.  Melissa completed her Kindergarten Teaching and Primary School Teaching training in 1993, and since has worked in a range of early childhood services – including sessional kindergarten, childcare and as a primary school teacher.  Melissa has 2 children, both of whom attended Hurstbridge Preschool.  Melissa advocates play based programming and offers a calm and gentle nature to our preschool.


4yo Teacher – Heidi Ratje



Heidi graduated in 2010 with her Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.  Heidi believes that kinder is a time for preparing children for life and is a firm believer in play based learning.  Heidi is enjoying learning with the children at Hurstbridge Pre-School and is working towards assisting children to develop an awareness of the environment and people around them. 

Gumnuts [3yo] Teacher – Nicole Hender



Nicole  joined our staff in 2011 and  lives in Hurstbridge with her young family.  Having worked as a childcare educator for over 15 years,  Nicole's passion is to give each child the opportunity, support and encouragement to develop to their maximum potential.  Nicole is very interested and committed to the quality of education that our pre-school offers and believes that a child's learning benefits when the curriculum is connected and reflects each child's everyday lives, interests, and individuality.    
 

Wattle / Waratah [4yo]  Assistant - Carole Watson

Carole Watson lives in Wattle Glen and has been with the kinder for over 20 years. All 3 of Carole's children attended the kindergarten. Carole has a wonderful imagination and supports the children's play beautifully. Carole's bright and happy personality brings a lovely harmony to the kinder.

Wattle / Waratah [4yo] Assistant - Roz McCormack

Roz has lived in Hurstbridge since 2002 with her 3 (grown-up) children, and loves the Hurstbridge lifestyle!  Roz has always wanted to work with children, and completed her Certificate III in Children's Services in 2007.  During this study, Roz completed her placement with us here at Hurstbridge Preschool, then later joined us as a permanent staff member in 2009.  Roz brings with her fantastic organisational skills as well as a genuine love/care for all of our children.

Gumnuts [3yo] Year Old Group Assistant - Dini Shepherd

Dini Shepherd has been our very special 3-year-old group Assistant since 1976. Dini is a very caring, creative, highly valued colleague and friend who provides exceptional service and support to our Gumnut children, parents, Carlene and the 3 year old program. As a parent of 2 sons who attended the Hurstbridge Preschool, Dini has also been one of the many past parents who made sure their children attended the Preschool by lining up in the then long overnight queues for enrolment day!