Our Teachers:

Sarah Read Director/ 4-Year Old Teacher - Dolphin and Sea Stars Groups

(on Maternity leave until term 1 2013)

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) – 1996
Bachelor of Educational Studies – 1999

I began at Parkdale Pre School in 1998 as teacher of the 3 year old group while studying for my Bachelor of Educational Studies at Monash University.
In September I became Director and teacher of both 4 year old groups, which is currently the position I hold.
The great community atmosphere of Parkdale influenced me to buy my home in Mordialloc a few years ago.
I enjoy the fact that I learn every day from teaching and as a result have extended my professional learning by being involved in research with Monash University’s Early Childhood faculty.

Natalie Caughey - Three-Year Old Teacher – Turtle Group (on Maternity leave until term 2 2012)
Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) – 1996 Bachelor of Education (Primary) – 1997 I began my teaching career in 1996 after studying for my Bachelor of Teaching and Bachelor of Education at Monash University in Frankston. I have had the pleasure of teaching 3-6 year olds for over 10 years at several centres including most recently in London (UK), Chelsea and Cranbourne. After completing a term of relief teaching for the 3 year old group in 2007 I began my permanent position at Parkdale Preschool in January 2008 as the teacher of the newly named Turtle Group. I am married with two young children and reside in Parkdale. It is my privilege to share in your child’s development as we embark on this journey together.
Kerry Brockbank - 3 and 4 Year Old Assistant – Dolphins, Sea Stars and Turtle Groups
I began at Parkdale Pre School in 1991 as an integration aide two mornings a week. In July of that year I became the assistant to both 4 year old groups. I ran a playgroup at Parkdale Pre-School in 1993-1994 and also became the assistant to our three year old group when it began in 1998. I am married with two adult children (twins) and reside in Parkdale.
Camilla Gaff - 3 Year and 4 Year Old Assistant - Dolphins and Sea Stars Groups
Bachelor of Education After completing a Bachelor of Education at the Australian Catholic University, I taught for 12 years at St. Patrick's Primary School in Mentone. Following my time at St. Pat's, I was busy running a tutoring business whilst writing educational teaching resources for Hawker Brownlow Education. Sixteen books and 2 daughters later I joined the team at Parkdale Preschool as an Additional Assistant in 2011 and loved every moment of it!.
Mary Koutrouvelis Director/ 4- Year Old Teacher ~ Dolphins and Sea Stars
Certificate III in Children's Services - 2005 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education - 2009 I completed my Certificate III in Childrens Services in 2005 and graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2009 with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Since completing my undergraduate studies, I have worked in a variety of Kindergartens and Primary Schools through my work as a casual relief teacher. Last year, I was employed by Doncaster Kindergarten in the position of 4yr old Teacher. I will have the pleasure of teaching both 4yr old groups at Parkdale. I am very passionate about Early Childhood Education, and believe that it is essential for students to become life-long learners. I also believe its essential to improve the children's social, emotional and resilience development. This is done by creating a warm, stimulating, challenging and safe environment so that the students feel confident and secure to explore, surrounded by teachers they can trust. I am looking forward to getting to know your child and your family over the course of the year.