Our Teachers

MARCUS RD KINDERGARTEN:

RENEE ANQUETIL

TEACHER 4YO POSSUM & 3YO KOALA GROUPS

Hello! My name is Renee, and I have the pleasure of teaching the 4-year-old Possum Group, and the 3-year-old Koala Group at Marcus Rd Kindergarten.

My passion for Early Childhood Education began as a Year 10 student when I completed my work experience in a Child Care setting. Upon completing my VCE, I studied for my Diploma in Community Services (Child Care) at Swinburne University. Soon after I had a desire to enhance my professional knowledge, obtaining a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from the University of Melbourne.

Prior to my employment at Dingley Kindergarten in 2008, I have had experience in a variety of early childhood settings – including coordinating an occasional care service, team leader in a Long Day Care Centre (3-5 year olds) and Kindergarten Teacher within an Early Intervention Program; as well as with primary school aged children – coordinating School Holiday Programs and an Out of School Hours Care program.

I believe that Kindergarten is an exciting time in the lives of children and their families, and for most is the first step in their education – setting the foundations for a lifetime of learning. I value the role of families in the lives of children, and recognise the importance of working in conjunction with parents to ensure children reach their full potential – even more so since starting my own family in 2001.

Our play-based approach to learning provides a quality, educational, child-centred program that is exciting, fascinating and challenging.

JENNY THOMAS

EDUCATOR 4YO POSSUM & 3YO KOALA GROUPS

Hello, my name is Jenny Thomas and I have the pleasure of working as a co-educator in both the three-year-old Koala Group and four-year-old Possum Group at Marcus Rd Kindergarten.

I am a mother of 4 children (3 girls and a boy). I have been working at the Dingley Kindergartens since January 2008 and I currently hold a certificate 3 in children’s services and have also completed a disability education program.

Prior to working at the kindergartens I spent 5 years working at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough. My main role being Junior Program Co-ordinator. This role required me to organise all sports programs, liaise with primary schools, plan school holiday programs and work with disabled and multicultural children/ adults.

I love working here at the kindergarten, and being a part of the children’s and families lives is very rewarding for me. Many great friendships have been formed over the years.

SONIA DAVIS

TEACHER 4YO DOLPHIN GROUP

Hi. My name is Sonia and I am one of the four-year-old Dolphin Group teachers at Marcus Road Kindergarten.

As a VCE graduate, I ventured on to study Early Childhood at Melbourne University and completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies in 1996.

Prior to starting my own family, I spent 9 years co-ordinating 3-5 year old programs within two long day child care centres. After this I spent 8 years as a stay at home mum raising my 3 children, before returning to teaching on a relief basis with the Dingley Kindergarten Centres in 2013.

Working with children is a very rewarding experience. To watch children learn and grow, and to see them challenge themselves to meet milestones is a wonderful thing to be part of. It's also very rewarding to work in partnerships with families and the community to provide the best possible learning environment for the children.

NATASHA BLOOMFIELD

EDUCATOR 4YO DOLPHIN GROUP

JACKS AVE KINDERGARTEN:

Nicole Moffat
TEACHER 4YO Jellyfish

Hello. My name is Nicole, as of 2023 I am the teacher of the 4-year-old Jellyfish Group, and the Educational Leader at Jacks Road Kindergarten.

I live in Dingley Village with my husband and two adult sons. I love music, reading, the beach, travelling, our caravan holidays and AFL (go Pies!).

After starting out in primary teaching, I quickly recognised that Early Years Education was the world for me. In 1992 I found my first job in a kindergarten room and have never looked back! Over the years I have attained a Diploma in Community Services (childcare), a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play. I am currently completing a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Leadership.

I am extremely passionate about my work with children and see my role as a supporter, facilitator and guide. I find joy in my role and feel so fortunate to do what I love. Finding out what children need to be their best, shine brightly and be happy in themselves while we build relationships with them is my goal.

Prior to starting at Dingley Kindergarten I have had roles in had experience in home settings, occasional care, long daycare, sessional kinder (independent school ELC and community), after-school care, and as an owner/operator of a children’s kinder gym/music/party business.

I am home to stay at Jacks Avenue! I feel very happy to be supporting my community where I feel connected, and love the team of educators and teachers. We can achieve great things together.

I look forward to hopefully meeting you and your family

KAREN STEINBERG
Eucator 4YO Jellyfish

My name is Karen Steinberg and I am the four year old Educator at Jacks
Avenue Kindergarten. I am new to the team at Jacks Avenue joining at the
beginning of 2022. I have a Certificate 3 in Children’s Services and I have
worked in various areas of childrens’ services over the years. Family is
important to me and I enjoy spending time with them as well as travelling.

Melissa Webb
TEACHER 4YO Wombat

Hi I'm Mel and I am the 3 year old kinder teacher at Jacks Ave kindergarten.

I started there in 2023.

I have worked in the early years industry for about 27 years now. Over that time I have worked in a variety of setting and roles.

In 2014 I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education through Monash university.

I feel that all children should have the chance to grow and develop by feeling a sense of belonging and security in their learning environment. Every child is a unique individual and citizen of our community. I understand the importance to be respectful of each family individually and to learn about their culture, diversity, beliefs and values by developing trusting and engaging relationships with all families.

I aim to work collaboratively as a team with my co-educator and other colleagues at both Dingley kindergarten services.

I would also like to acknowledge my co-educator’s skills, professional experience and diversity as a great asset to the team.

I am dedicated to supporting the emotional and social development of the 3 year old group and look forward to working with your family.

I have my own daughter Ella who is 12 and had just started high school this year. In my free time I love to spend time with my daughter, family and friends.

Hulya Kanmaz
Educator 3YO Wombat

JORDON BROWN
Operations Manager

Jordon Hello,

My name is Jordon, and I am the operations manager at both Marcus Road and Jacks Avenue Kindergartens. I hold an Advance Diploma of Community Sector Management and a Diploma in Early Childhood, I am also back at University studying a Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

I began my career at the age of 16, studying the certificate 3 in children's services while completing years 11 and 12 at highschool.

I am a passionate teacher with one of my main interests being children’s well-being and making sure all children are supported in the education sector.

When I'm not working, I am spending time with my daughter, Indie. She is teaching me all things motherhood and how to function while being sleep deprived.