SDN Marrickville Long Day Care and Preschool

“I am passionate about transforming families’ perceptions of school readiness and supporting children to explore different subject areas through play.”

My qualifications and experience

I received my Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood Education from the Sydney College of Advanced Education in 1988.

I started working at  from April 1988 to December 2006 in both a teaching role and as Centre Director. I transferred to SDN Marrickville in 2006 as the Director.

In 2016 I also had the opportunity to spend a year as the Senior Practice leader with SDN’s in-house Professional Learning and Development team.

What I'm most passionate about in my role

As a Leader with this dedicated team at SDN Marrickville, I am inspired by each of the staff, their strengths and what they bring to the team. A strong sense of belonging and a family like bond is unique to this team. Majority of the staff have worked at the centre for over 10 years! With a blend of long standing and new staff all from diverse cultures, the team is enriched in partnership, which is a joy to be part of each day.

The Marrickville Community is a bustling fusion of many cultures, diverse families, and a strong sense of community. Families will start in the 0-2’s room and stay until they start their next journey at school. Children and families form friendships at the centre, which will continue outside of SDN Marrickville as well.

The daily conversations with families and children are so rewarding to me on a daily basis. Hearing their stories and sharing my stories about my family, is the bridge for building a trusting and respectful relationship with the children and families.

What I love about working with SDN

I have only ever worked for SDN because I feel SDN’s values align very closely with mine. We are not only about providing a high-quality education and care service, but also about making a genuine difference in the lives of children, families and in the community.

A little bit more about me

I am a 5th generation from Lord Howe Island. My mum still lives on Lord Howe Island. I try and go back at least 2-3 times a year to see my mum and extended family.

My ultimate joys are sitting under a palm tree with a good book and swimming in the crystal blue waters of the lagoon. I enjoy the quietness and escape from the ringing of mobile phones, the traffic and the hustle and bustle of Sydney!

Preschool educational program

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our welcoming early education and care centres and continues with our dedicated preschool program.

Developed by university-trained early childhood teachers, our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our curriculum pillars are:

• Relationship and social skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Early literacy and numeracy
• Health, wellbeing and movement
• Science, technology, construction and design
• Nature play and sustainability
• Creative arts
• Equity and social justice

Our centres have a transition to school program where our teachers and educators work together with local schools to prepare your child for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.