Educators
Viewbank Preschool is incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated team teaching and caring for our children. They bring a range of experience to our preschool and are enthusiastic and passionate about what they do.This is reflected in our children’s faces as they leave kinder every session.
All our educators have current Level 2 First Aid (CPR) qualifications, Police Checks and Working With Children Checks as required by the Department of Education and Early childhood regulations. Staff are also qualified to administer EpiPen and hold a current Asthma Management Certificate.
From time to time our educators take leave to attend professional development training and organisational activities. Wherever possible our staff will cover internal leave. In unforeseen circumstances a relief educator will be appointed to run the kinder session/s. Relief educators are always appointed following our policy to engage appropriately qualified staff and advance notice is given to parents wherever possible.
Ann-Marie Bucello
4-year-old RED GROUP Teacher
After working with children for over 25 years my passion is still strong. I graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1989 (Diploma of Teaching - Early Childhood) and have taught at Viewbank Preschool since the start of 2012. The uniqueness of each child and the important developmental learning at this age makes teaching a joyful challenge.
My program has a large focus on environmental awareness, the creative arts, perceptual motor skills, body awareness and sensory integration. The preschool provides a perfect natural environment for children to be, grow, and develop. Our outdoor space is extensive with many play spaces for the children to be creative and explore.
Barb Madrigale
4-year-old BLUE GROUP Teacher
I was fortunate enough to join the Viewbank Preschool teaching team in 2016 in the role of 4 year old BLUE GROUP Teacher for a 12 month maternity leave position. I thoroughly enjoyed my year getting to know the staff and families in the Viewbank community and was delighted at the end of 2016, to be offered the position of 3-year-old GREEN GROUP Teacher. I am excited to now return to BLUE GROUP for 2020 in an ongoing position.
Prior to working at Viewbank Preschool I have spent the last 20 years working with children in both sessional kindergarten and Long Day Care settings. I believe that children learn through play and from experiences they create and carry out themselves. I enjoy sharing each child’s learning journey and providing them with an inviting, stimulating and caring environment to grow and learn in. I am particularly interested in fostering children’s self esteem and relationships with others. I love to dance and sing with the children and am always looking for new ideas for creative expression and art.
Vicki Mules
3-year-old GREEN GROUP Teacher
My journey working in the education sector has taken me in a variety of directions, however the importance of providing exploration, challenge, excitement and security for children has remained at the forefront of my philosophy. I believe that all children should be offered the opportunity to test themselves, to have access to resources, to feel safe and loved, and to feel joy in their lives. Families too, as the cornerstone of the child’s life, should feel part of the preschool journey. Creating a positive connection between preschool and home is something that I am passionate about.
I am a past parent of Viewbank Preschool, and am thrilled to join the team in 2021 as the Three Year Old Teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and have experience working as a kindergarten teacher and as an integration aide in the primary school sector.
Merryn Milesi
4-year-old RED GROUP & 3-year-old GREEN GROUP Educator
I have lived here in the Viewbank area for the past eighteen years. During that time my two children attended Viewbank Preschool. It was through my own interest in my children's development that I gained interest in early childhood education. In September 2008, after seeing my youngest off to school, I was offered a position as an aide assisting a child in the four year program. This experience lead to working at the preschool as an Additional Assistant. During this time I gained my Certificate III in Children's Services.
In 2010 I was employed as an Assistant in the Three Year Old program and the following year I also became an educator in the Four Year Old Red Group. During the past 8 years I have worked alongside four teachers, each with twenty plus years experience which I have found to be invaluable in developing my own 'body of knowledge' in early years learning.
Anna Rappa
4-year-old BLUE GROUP Educator
Viewbank Preschool enables me to help children learn in a fun, creative and safe environment, and positively contribute to their growth and wellbeing. My two children have both attended Viewbank Preschool where I assisted as a duty parent on many occasions and volunteered on the committee.
I have a Certificate III in Children’s Services and hold a Certificate in Education Support (Integration Aide). I am enthusiastic and have a passion for children’s learning whilst being sensitive to their individual needs. I commenced at Viewbank Preschool in January 2013 and have enjoyed developing a solid rapport with the children, families and staff.
Dawei Lei
4-year-old Chinese Language Program Teacher
I am Dawei, the language teacher at Viewbank Preschool! I graduated from RMIT in 2009 with Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (4 year Bachelor equivalent) and have been teaching as a Kinder Teacher since then.
I am passionate about Early Childhood Education, the smile on children's faces mean a lot to me. It is a great honour to be able to introduce the Chinese language to children at Viewbank Preschool. I hope I can bring fun and joy to the young children here at Viewbank for their language learning and abilities to build a foundation for children to explore a different culture.
Management Committee
Viewbank Preschool is managed by a committee of parent volunteers elected annually at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Parents and friends can support the preschool in a variety of ways. This may include supporting fundraising events, assisting with kinder duty, and volunteering time at working bees to maintain our wonderful playground.
All parents and friends are encouraged to nominate themselves to join our committee. It is a rewarding way to support the continued success of our kinder and make new friends. Without volunteers our preschool would simply not exist!
Committee of Management
Executive Committee
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
General Committee
Enrolment officer
Maintenance Convener
Fundraising Convener
Grants officer
OH&S officer
Communications
We hope you consider volunteering – it is not only a great way to meet people but it is an enriching and rewarding way to become involved in your preschooler’s life.