About Us
Hi my name is Megan
I am the Managing Director or Port Macquarie Community Preschool!
It was 28 years ago that I began my career as an Early Childhood Teacher and to this day I still have a driving passion to provide high quality education and care. As Managing Director, it is my role to ensure that your child is educated in a welcoming and supportive environment, where the ultimate goal is for them to feel safe and happy! I work closely with the room educators to ensure that the learning program provides stimulating and meaningful experiences, which allows each child to progress at their own pace.
The other part of the Managing Director role is to develop relationships with families. My door is always open and to offer guidance and support, as you navigate the early learning journey. Do not hesitate to come in, I look forward to meeting you.
When I am not at preschool you will find me on a beach somewhere, camping with my family. My partner Paul and I have two daughters aged thirty and almost fifteen! My eldest daughter is a professional scuba diver and Master 5 in Maritime Operations, she is currently driving boats on the Gold Coast. My youngest is in year 9 at high school. So I am well versed in all aspects of child rearing if you are in need of a friendly ear!
I feel confident that you have made an excellent choice in choosing Port Macquarie Community Preschool! As you will not find a more experienced and dedicated team of educators. The African proverb says that “It takes a village to raise a child”. I firmly believe that we are part of an extended network entrusted with the education and care of your child. At Port Macquarie Community Preschool your child will have the opportunity to learn and laugh in a nurturing, stimulating and trusting environment. As part of your village we will give your child every opportunity to develop their full potential and make a smooth transition from preschool to school!
Hi, my name is Cara, I'm the Business Manager.
I have a Bachelor of Economics with a majors in Management and Government. Early Childhood is the best industry to be in! Its so rewarding working in a not-for-profit, community based organisation as the profits go back into our wonderful preschool community.
I feel so lucky to be able to come to work with these beautiful, happy little people; I get to hear laughter and singing all day long! I love watching the children grow; from the time they walk in the door on their first day to the time they head off to big school (although I always feel a little teary when they leave us). I'm blessed to be work with a fantastic, supportive administrative team and hugely, enthusiastic educators.
I'm a mother of three children aged 12, 10 and 7 and live on a farm of 24 acres with 10 cows, 12 chickens, 2 dogs, a cat and fish. I'm kept extremely busy when I'm not at preschool, on the farm, in my veggie garden and with my kids. Whenever I can, I love to get away and camp with my family, exploring the beautiful parts of this country that we live in!
Hi I’m Debby,
I am the friendly smiling face you see at reception, when you walk in at Munster Street.
I have worked 5 days a week at PMCP for 10 years as Office Manager, the dynamics of my role has changed and evolved over time and I LOVE MY WORK.
My job is so varied and each day brings new and exciting things. I enjoy seeing the children grow and develop into confident children who are comfortable in their surroundings and ready to take on their next big adventure. I love it when the children stop and have a chat, show me something special that they have brought in or just want to share what is going on in their world.
Having 4 grown children, and a partner our home is always filled with fun and laughter. My background is in hospitality and as a chef, I enjoy cooking and entertaining along with gardening and travelling.
Hi, I’m Nicola!
I have been a part of Port Macquarie Community Preschool since January 2013. I have lived in Port Macquarie pretty much all my life, except a four-year stint in Newcastle where I gained my Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education (way back in the day!). My house is a zoo, there is always something happening with four daughters and my two dogs!
My 24-year young career has seen me teaching in primary schools, long day care centres, preschools and I’ve also clocked up 8 years in managing roles. I do have to admit though; the teaching side of things has stolen my heart.
There are so many aspects I love about my job but the few things that stand out would have to be the incredible smiles you get from the gorgeous little faces when you greet them in the morning, the wonderful enthusiasm for learning the children show (it should be bottled) and the many days you can honestly say to yourself that you have made a difference in making someone’s day better.
Well, I had better get back to it, I’m missing out on play!
Hi, I'm Michelle
My career in Early Childhood began in the early ‘80’s initially as a Diploma trained Educator. I went onto University and obtained The Bachelor of Education Early Childhood/Primary Degree.
I have taught in Long Day Care Centres, Vacation Care, The Department of Education - Infant /Primary School, TAFE and for the majority of my career in Preschools working in the capacity of Director and Teacher.
I strongly believe in the early childhood pedagogy that children learn best through play.
I believe that children are competent in leading their own learning and that my role is to support, guide, enhance and extend on this. I believe that we learn together in partnership with families and the community.
I enjoy working with children in these early years, as I believe this is the best stage in a our lives– carefree, happy, finding pleasure in simple things, they are honest, kind, curious, enthusiastic, motivated, creative, imaginative and loads of fun.
It is my goal to maintain these qualities in my own life, working with them is my reminder and inspiration.
Hi, my name is Alyssa
I have worked in children's services since 2002, starting my career in Canberra and then moving to Port Macquarie in 2009. I have been working at Port Macquarie Community Preschool since then. During this time I have had two children who have opened my eyes to teaching in a new way, understanding families and children on a different level.
I am passionate about the rights of children, respecting and listening to their voices and needs by building meaningful relationships with them and their families.
I believe in celebrating childhood, allowing children to be children, enjoying being silly, fun loving, and curious as they express wonder in the world around them. I also have a strong interest in improving literacy and love children's books.
Hello, my name is Linda and I am a Early Childhood Educator.
I have been working here at this preschool for many years....long enough now to have some of my first preschoolers returning here with children of their own. Where has the time gone!!!
I enjoy being with the children and love the opportunity to watch them learn and grow into little individuals.
Personally I am a 'Nanna' to 2 wonderful children and love spending time with them and my expanding family. I enjoy gardening, cooking, painting, traveling, beach walks and being involved in the local community.
My name is Maggie and I have a Certificate III and a Diploma in Children's Services. I have worked at PMCP for 10 years and have seen the role of Educator evolve and change during that time.
I particularly enjoy the trust that builds up with the children in our care. Seeing them learn and develop to become comfortable in their environment and confident in their sense of self. It is also wonderful to support families in their role as parents.
I am married and have one grown-up daughter. My interests outside of work; I love nature, walking, family and travel.
Hi, my name is Karen
I am a wife and a mum of 4+2=6, which makes for lots of blended family love.
I have lived in Port Macquarie for 10 years and worked at PMCP for 8 of those years.
My role as a qualified Childhood Educator is very important to me, especially forming special bonds with the children and their families, this makes each and every day such a rewarding experience.
Hi, I'm Amy,
I am married to my husband Adam, who is a primary school teacher at Telegraph Point Public School. Together we have 6 children aged 18 – 8. I studied for my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Port Macquarie TAFE.
In my spare time our family enjoys CrossFit, where we spend almost every afternoon! We live close by the beach and enjoy swimming, walking and playing football or cricket on the sand. It helps to have enough people for two teams!!
Being with children feels very natural to me and that is what inspired me to peruse a career in early childhood. I truly enjoy the many conversations I have with these wonderful individuals each day. I love hearing what they like, dislike, what interest them, what they find funny and what makes their hearts sing!
You will always find me playing, singing, chatting, building or constructing with the children. Providing a positive learning experience in early childhood is very important to me.
I look forward to working with you and your child!
Hi, my name is Kelly.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in History and English literature and a Diploma in Early Education and Care. I was born and bred in Port Macquarie before venturing off to university and then overseas to travel. Upon returning, I moved to Sydney for 16 years where I was a private nanny for a family for 11 years before heading back home for my sea-change. I have one child, a eight year old called Jack.
Early childhood education is important to me because I believe if we can reach children at that critical stage of early development then we can play a crucial role in helping them become the best versions of themselves. For some, preschools are a sanctuary away from home and provide opportunities to develop in all key learning areas.
I enjoy the company and conversations I have with children, the optimism, the questions, the brutal, unfiltered truth. I aim to provide a positive, safe and judgement free place for them to grow, learn and play.
Hi, I'm Kathy
I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Sustainability.
Preschool is part of my life; as an Educator I enjoy working with the children and families. Its a buzz to see the children change in the short time we have them and being able to celebrate their achievements.
A day at preschool is busy, fun, spontaneous and everyday is different, which I love!
I am married with 3 children, 2 girls and a boy and have been living in Port Macquarie for 20 years. I love my daily walks on the beach, cooking, painting and BBQ's with friends and family. I try to travel as much as possible overseas and I'm always planning my next trip. I love life and enjoy having a laugh and being spontaneous!
Hi, my name is Jeanette…
I have been married to my husband Chris for 18 years and we have 3 children aged 20, 15 & 11. I studied for me Certificate III at Port Macquarie TAFE. In my spare time I love cooking, gardening and exploring our beautiful local beaches, rivers and National Parks with my family.
After many years working in retail and raising my own children, it was time for me to peruse the career I had always wanted!!
I find working with children extremely rewarding. I love all the singing, dancing, playing and interactions with the children and along the way I have found a passion for nurturing and educating them.
Hi, I am Jo and I have been actively working in the Early Childhood sector for 25 years. During this time,I have attained a Diploma-based qualification and have subsequently completed a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Nestled securely in these years of experience and training is the one aspect that has never diminished and that is valuing the families and supporting their children's development with love and respect.
I can play the guitar and piano and have a real love for literacy, music and drama. I regularly incorporate these into the learning program for the children.
I love waking up to watch the sunrise, growing my own veggies and enjoy lots of healthy exercise.
Hi I'm Jenny
I have worked at Port Macquarie Community Preschool since 2012. I love working with children and thrive within the team of like minded people who share my passion for quality early childhood education.
My favourite part of my job as an educator, is building relationships with the children, getting to know them and watching them grow everyday.
When I'm not at work I like to spend time with my family. I have a son and a daughter. I love cooking, reading and watching a good movie.
Hi, I’m Penny,
As the eldest child of eldest children on both sides of my family, I have always been surrounded by younger siblings and cousins. I have always enjoyed the company of young children and love being a cousin, an aunt, a mum and an educator. On a recent trip overseas, I really felt the lack of contact with small children. I missed being around pre-schoolers and delighted in observing them out and about in parks, cafes and on public transport.
I no longer have children living at home as my two are now young adults. My husband chuckles when he catches me watching pre-school TV “for research” and looks forward to a time when we can declutter all the children’s books and toys I have collected to use at Preschool. All Preschool teachers are hoarders!
My professional motivation is building relationships with children and families; seeing the growth in skills and knowledge of the children and sharing their enthusiasm and achievements. Each year the highlights are always the interest projects within my room. Our service has a varied mix of educators, children and parents, each sharing their talents and interests. This aspect keeps my job interesting and stimulating.
My primary objectives are to broaden my teaching experience, continue my professional development as an Early Childhood Educator and to ensure a quality education for every child under my care and guidance
Hi my name is Michelle.
I started my career in the early Childhood field in 2005, when I chose to study a Diploma in Children’s Services while I was at home caring for my two young children. Whilst studying my Diploma, I moved between South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland and had the opportunity to work in various children's services. We moved to Emerald in Queensland in 2010 where I finished my Diploma whilst working with the Emerald Community Preschool. In 2012 I decided to go to University full time and study to become a Primary School teacher.
I successfully completed one semester before moving again, this time to Port Macquarie. I wanted to continue studying but decided my real love was Early Childhood education and wanted to continue my career in this area. I started my Bachelor of Education (Birth-5) in 2013 and finished in 2015. My teaching philosophy reflects the developmental and socio-cultural theories. I believe that all children develop at different stages, at their own pace and in their own ways. I believe in planning experiences in relation to many different developmental levels and learning styles. I also believe that children’s learning does not exist in isolation but within a community who are willing to scaffold and transform children’s learning.
I have a passion for the newly emerging nature based play curriculum's being implemented across Australia in response to the research linked to the many benefits this type of curriculum provides.
Hi my name is Chris,
I am a father and a family man. I have a Diploma in Management and a Certificate III in Children's Services. My work history is 20+ years as a manager in the Resort and Motor Inn Industry and 15 years experience in children's services, having been at Port Macquarie Community Preschool for the past 8 years.
What I love most about my job is the bonds and friendships we make with the children, their families, the staff and the wider community. I love our philosophy of learning through play and enjoy making the children's days at preschool fun, exciting and educational!
Hi I'm Jacqui
After many years as a stay at home mother of four, I made the decision to complete a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education.
With 4 children of my own I felt I had a good foundation to begin this line of work. As a parent I understand what precious cargo we have each day at the preschool and thrive in working with families in a positive, respectful, parenting partnership. I believe in supporting children, encouraging strengths and independence and taking a gentle approach .
I have been with Port Macquarie Community Preschool for 5 years and enjoy working as part of a wonderful team.
Need more information?
Call our Administration Office today