3-year-old Koalas educator

I have the pleasure of educating the children in the 3 year-old Koala group and I am so pleased to be part of such a friendly, supportive and dynamic team of educators and kinder community. With over 28 years of teaching experience to reflect on, I am of the belief that all children are unique individuals with the capacity to learn and will do so when immersed in a safe, secure and nurturing environment with dedicated and committed early childhood professionals.

Our program places emphasis on providing an environment that promotes children’s learning through valuable and meaningful experiences and interactions which stimulate and facilitate high level thinking skills. We encourage the children to be active participants and decision makers where they can explore, create, construct and solve problems with experiences and activities that allow the children to experience success.

We aim to foster positive attitudes towards learning and encourage all the imagination, creativity and wonder a child possesses to take flight.

3-year-old Koalas co-educator

During the years that my three children attended Robert Cochrane Kindergarten, I gained a deep appreciation of the caring and nurturing approach that is embedded in every aspect of the kindergarten. The dedicated staff and wonderful families help to create a strong sense of community that makes Robert Cochrane a truly special place! I was delighted to join the staff as Co-Educator in 2009. Watching the three year-old children develop and grow is thoroughly enjoyable and very rewarding work.

3-year-old Possums Educator

My love of teaching Early Childhood came from my mother who was an Early Childhood teacher herself for over 40 years. As a role model she instilled in my sister and I the importance of education for young children through play based learning, nature play and laughter.

I have been fortunate to have lived overseas for over 16 years varying between Asia and Europe where I taught in the American and British International schools. Within Australia, I have lived and taught in Perth, Sale and Melbourne. This life experience of moving and teaching in different parts of the world has given me a greater understanding of culture and inclusion. Through learning in depth about other cultures, languages and philosophies towards Early Childhood teaching it always comes back to the child having a sense of Identity and Belonging.

At Robert Cochrane Kindergarten the educators recognise that families and their children are the core basis for the positive, respectful and responsive relationships that are formed when they attend the centre.

I feel proud to be working with such a dedicated staff.

3-year-old Possums co-educator

My initial study and work after school was in the science field, which I enjoyed for many years. After my experience with my eldest daughter in the ELC and lower primary I felt the pull to understanding more and changing my career direction; training in early childhood and completing the course two weeks before the arrival of my youngest daughter.

I have been working as an additional aid over the past few years and it's such a pleasure to be part of the RCK community. I have a passion for early and formative years and hold a high importance through play-based learning. I have a warm, calm and thoughtful manner which all children, staff and parents respond to.

3-year-old Possums co-educator

After working with preschool children for 12 years within the Boroondara community, I am delighted to again be a part of Robert Cochrane Kindergarten. Working with Robert Cochrane since 2022 has given me an insight into why Robert Cochrane is held in such high regard. The aim of its dedicated staff is to provide the children in its education and care with the most constructive, most creative and fullfilling experience possible. My interests include gardening and craft with the children. I look forward to being a part of Robert Cochrane for many years to come.

4-year-old Wombats educator and Educational leader

I am an Early Childhood teacher, mentor and leader with over ten years of experience across multiple educational settings within teaching and leadership roles.

As a teacher, I have high expectations for every child. Each child is a competent, capable and natural researcher who has the desire for knowledge and is always ready for challenges.

I believe families are the primary influence on children’s learning and development. I always make an effort to engage in partnerships with families, share my knowledge and skills and at the same time respect the uniqueness of each family, their choices, knowledge and values.

As an Educational leader, I collaboratively work with my team in ethical ways that influence movement towards a shared vision. I believe that leadership is diffused and distributed power that is shared with others. Teaching is not a job that can be done alone, and leadership is everybody’s responsibility, as it is inherent in being, belonging and becoming a professional.

4-year-old Wombats co-educator

I am an Early Childhood Educator with 14 years of experience in a variety of settings and a mother to my two young men. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to children's education, at the centre of which is the family, streaming into the closer and wider community. I believe that my role as an Early Childhood Educator is to support the implementation of an approved learning frameworks and support children's wellbeing, learning and development.

I am honoured and, at the same time, excited to work at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten and to share my knowledge, passion and love towards children with the community.

4-year-old Wombats co-educator

I have been in the Early Childhood field for 25 years with vast experience in before and after school care, long day care and sessional kindergarten. I have a Diploma in Children's services and Certificate in Teacher’s Aid.

I enjoy educating 3 and 4-year-olds and sharing a laugh, working on a puzzle, reading a story or assisting in playground fun.

I believe children are active participants in creating their own learning environments.

I am an enthusiastic, caring and committed worker, who shares in the passion for Early Childhood Education.

I enjoy working as part of a cohesive team and assisting to implement a flexible and respectful play based program.

I am delighted to join Robert Cochrane Kindergarten and to share in your child's play and learning journey.

4-year-old Emus educator

I feel privileged to be working with the wonderful team at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten as the Emus Group Educator.

I have a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Deakin University.

My teaching practices are influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach (emergent curriculum) where I focus on developing curriculum based on children’s interests, passions, strengths, needs and exploring what is relevant, interesting and meaningful to children.

I am originally from Indonesia. Besides working and study, my life is busy looking after two sons.

I look forward to working with passionate children, families and educators. here

4-year-old Emus co-educator

I am very excited to work at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten. I graduated from Monash University (Early childhood Education), and I have been working as a casual educator/ECT for the past few years while looking after my family.

I love being involved in such a crucial part of children’s growth and development and I am excited to be able to make my own contribution.

Currently, I am looking after my 8 year old niece, Dorothy. In my free time, I often go out for nature day trips with my partner Chris, or immerse myself in the kitchen baking and cooking. I’m looking forward to having an amazing journey with the RCK team, children and families.

4-year-old Emus co-educator

Early childhood education is a recent career change for me - I was previously a graphic designer for 18 years.

I have a Masters Degree in Design from the University of Edinburgh, UK, and last year I graduated with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education from Swinburne University.

Both of my children attended Robert Cochrane Kindergarten, and my family has always loved the welcoming and caring environment of the kindergarten and its staff. My two boys are neurodivergent, and the journey of care I have taken with them over the years inspired me to change my career direction and become an Early Childhood Educator.

Being at at Robert Cochrane is such a fun and fulfilling experience, and I especially love working with the children on creative and artistic projects.