Mt Colah Preschool Kindergarten, Mt Colah NSW

Annette Lang ECT, Director

“Welcome to Mt Colah Preschool Kindergarten. It is a pleasure to be a part of the nurturing learning environment that is created within our Preschool. We see ourselves as an important community resource, supporting child and families through early childhood education and care towards a successful transition to formal learning at school. It is a privilege to work with our team of Educators who are passionate about the relationships they create within our environment and focussed on supporting each child, through the rapid development that occurs during the early years of life. Our aim is to guide children, inspiring them to engage with the world around them, develop a love of learning and become confident and independent little people.”

Lara Castelnuovo, Assistant Director

“I have had the pleasure of working at Mt Colah Preschool since 2010 and have my Diploma in Children’s Services. The Preschool is one of a kind and is made all the more special by the amazing children and families that I have the privilege of working with. We build relationships with families that are based on open communication and daily interactions, which I feel are a vital part in assisting with any child's development. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing a child achieve something they thought they couldn't, hearing them laugh with friends, having them share a story with you and develop a passion to learn new things. I enjoy the relationships I have with the children but more than that knowing they feel supported and safe in your company is an amazing feeling. I am honoured to have the job I do and I love the fact I get to play such a vital role in a child's life during their most important years.”

Deon French, Educator

“I have worked in the childcare sector for 24 years and began working at Mt Colah Preschool in 2011. I am also Mum to two children. As an Early Childhood Educator, I strongly believe that children should learn through play and by playing. Through play children learn so much about the world and finding their place in it. The first five years are a crucial time in a child's development and I love playing a role in supporting this development. I enjoy teaching the children new skills and celebrating with them as they achieve each goal they set out to do. My hope is that through my encouragement, praise and support, the children I meet develop a love of learning that will carry them through their school days and onto a happy future.”

Zoe Noakes, Educational Leader

“Hi, I started working at Mt Colah Preschool towards the end of 2014. I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Degree and over 9 years’ experience working in early childhood educational environments. From the beginning, I have felt welcome by all the children, families and Educators at Mt Colah Preschool. Mt Colah Preschool offers a very positive and engaging environment led by a team of Educators, who collaborate well and value each other’s contributions, experience and knowledge. The play based curriculum is enjoyed by all the children as they are provided with a variety of meaningful and engaging experiences that have emerged from their interests. With our focus on school readiness skills, the children are gaining confidence and independence for their transition to school. I am happy to be able to support our local children and their families at this important stage of their lives.”

Jo Pryor, Educator

“I have been at Mt Colah Preschool Kindergarten for 20 years and worked for three owners. I am Certificate III trained and the positions I have held include casual and permanent part-time, one on one special needs assistant and Little Endeavours Co-ordinator. Preschool has changed dramatically over the time I have been here but I still enjoy seeing the children come in as three year olds and leaving as confident little people ready to start their ‘big school’ education, with skills learnt and practiced during their time with us. My interest and love has always been the creative and outdoor activities, and in Little Endeavours I am able to focus on these areas involving the children so they learn and practice skills in fun learning experiences. This includes art, craft, our worm farm and the veggie patch. My activities are often messy and provide the opportunity for the children to explore, discover and extend on their current knowledge. I love being told ‘Jo – you are making a mess again!’”

Stephanie Bellifemine, Educator

“I started working at Mt Colah Preschool as a Trainee in 2015 and I knew from the first day, after engaging with the educators, children and families, that this was the career for me. I have since continued my studies, taking up the Diploma in Children’s Services and have been keen to further develop my career, which has been very well supported by the great team of qualified and experienced educators with whom I work. I have also gained so much from the children and families during my time working at Mt Colah Preschool. I particularly enjoy watching the children grow and further develop their skills. Being able to participate and support skill development through play and social interactions and through the opportunity to provide stimulating educational activities, I have found my role to be rewarding and I am so pleased to be a part of this vibrant learning community. Mt Colah Preschool is such an enjoyable, friendly and secure place for children to learn and grow before heading to big school.”

Adele Castelyn, Educator

“I am the mother of two grown children and a grandmother to three beautiful little grandchildren. I have a Diploma in Children Services and have worked in early childhood education for the past 28 years. I feel so fortunate to be working at Mt Colah Preschool in a supportive and caring environment where I have been welcomed by educators, children and families. I have had the opportunity and privilege to care for many children with different learning abilities, watching them grow and develop. I believe that children learn best in a nurturing atmosphere where they feel safe and secure in order to learn and grow through play. Experiences such as music, craft, cognitive play, dramatic play, indoor and outdoor play provide children with the foundations of exploration and stimulation to grow into healthy and happy people. I feel that close relationships between educators and parents are important to provide the best possible care and outcome for children and their families. After all we have many things in common – one of them being your precious children.”