Meet the Educators

Samantha Forster

Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood

Nominated Supervisor

Teacher for 3 year old class

I have worked at North Rocks Preschool since 2003.

I believe that each child is a unique individual that should be respected and made feel safe within their learning environment.

My aim is to create an inviting atmosphere which fosters learning, respect and most of all fun through play.

I am very blessed to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff that make North Rocks Preschool the amazinf place that it is.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my two beautiful daughters Makayla and Immogen, and with our many animals.

Sandra

Administrative Officer

I have recently joined the North Rocks Preschool team in 2024. I look forward to learning from the wonderful staff at the preschool and getting to know all the children and their families.

Both my girls attended North Rocks Preschool so i am already familiar with the routines and positive reputation the Preschool has.

In my spare time i love spending time with my family and developing my creativity through different craft activities.

Claire

Diploma in Early Childhood and Care

 I work as an educator assisting in Wednesday/Thursday and Friday classes.

In 1999 I started my journey into working with children as a Gymbaroo assistant and instructor. It was working in this role that ignited my desire to work with children.

I am very passionate about my chosen field of work and feel that working with children is fulfilling my destiny.

As an educator I believe it is important to acknowledge that children develop differently, they have their own unique abilities, interests and learning styles. We as Educators act as facilitators - recognising that children are capable of leading their own learning and giving them the opportunity to make choices allows for children to practise skills, experiement with new ideas, explore their creativity and build on their confidence and sense of identity.

I am a proud mum to a daughter who also works with children.

Jackie

 Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood

Teacher of Mon/Tue class

Teacher of Thur/Fri class

I have been teaching at North Rocks Preschool since 2016. I aim to provide stimulating, purposeful play based activities for children to explore, learn and develop. I strive to communicate with all children to promote a sense of belonging, being and becoming.

I have passion and genuine interest in school readiness and for providing environments and experiences that encourage a successful transition to school through fun play based learning, intentional teaching and following children's interests.

When I am not at Preschool, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We are a very active family who enjoy sport and lots of outdoor activities and holidays.

Julie

 Certificate 3

Assists on Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday class.

I have had the pleasure of being part of the North Rocks Preschool family for 10 years, and in that time I have worked closely with children with additional needs.

In my time away from work my husband Daniel and my two girls Lucy and Lillie and I enjoy browsing through flee markets on a weekend. I also love to cook and we all enjoy a good family movie together. We also enjoy spending time on the beautiful Lake Macquarie at our holiday home.

Loretta

Bachelor Of Arts (Education)

Diploma of Education

Teacher in the Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 

I have had the pleasure of teaching at North Rocks Preschool since the year 2000. Having a strong passion for music, drama and art, I love providing children with creative experiences which help them become independent, innovative learners and flourish as individuals.

I believe in giving children the opportunities to explore, take risks and discover their capabilities and self worth.

Outside of preschool, I enjoy spending time with my family going buskwalking, watching and listening to live music, and going to the theatre. 

Miho

Certificate 3

Assists in Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday Class 

When I am not at preschool I enjoy gardening and entertaining. I also love going out with friends for dinner and to the theatre.

I look foward to more happy times and ongoing teaching with the children.

Mani

Certificate 3

Assists in the Wednesday 3 year old class working 

I began working at North Rocks Preschool in 2013 to help children learn and grow and to help prepare them for their journey to big school.

I am committed to providing a safe, nurturing and fun environment where children can laugh and experience new challenges that help build their confidence.

I love getting involved in children's play and you will often find me blowing bubbles or reading books with the children.

I feel incredibly proud and lucky to be part of such an amazing team at North Rocks Preschool. 

Viola

 Associate Diploma of Child Studies

I completed my Diploma in 2015 and joined the team at North Rocks Preschool in 2021. 

I put emphasis on exploring and following children's interests and helping them to develop problem solving skills. I aim to provide a loving and secure environment for children to feel safe and reach their full potential. I see every child as a unique individual with their own passions, beliefs and diverse background that should be celebrated and embraced.

In my spare time, i enjoy spending time with my husband and three daughters. I also love going out with my friends and travelling.

Works in Annette's Thursday/Friday class 

Tiina

Certificate 3

Assists Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and Friday

I joined North Rocks Preschool in 2004 after 2 years as a young nanny, 8 years in office work, 5 years living abroad (Japan and Singapore), and further 5 years back in Australia as a stay at home mother with our 3 children.

I feel privileged to be working with such a friendly, caring, supportive and professional team of women here in preschool, and i take great pride in my working with children career that i have chosen.

I acknowledge that no child's journey is the same, and i will always be sensitive to your child's needs, personality and interests.

When i am not at preschool i spend my weekends catching up with my friends, family and my now adult children. I enjoy gardening, baking, bush walking, exploring and travelling.

Katherine Gray

Certificate 3

Assists in the Wednesday and Thursday/Friday class 

 Inspired by the amazing staff at North Rocks Preschool when my own 4 children attended, I decided to complete my Certificate 3 in children's studies. I continue to learn from the wonderful and experienced staff here.

I aim to give all children as fantastic experience that my own children had while they attended.

Prior to completing my Certificate 3, I had worked in several roles with children including creche carer, swimming instructor, playgroup co-ordinator and sports team manager.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family - travelling, bush walking and watching live music.

Yiran

Cert 3

Assists Monday/Tuesday

Anh Pham

Diploma 

Educator assisting on Monday/Tuesday

Since 2020, I have had the pleasure of working at North Rocks Preschool. Inspired by the amazing staff at North Rocks Preschool when my own 3 children attended, i decided to complete my Cert 3 and then Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

I have always had the desire to educate and assist in the development of young children. My aim is to help them grow, learn and explore as much as possible before they begin their journey to Kindergarten.

Aside from work, i enjoy camping and travelling with my husband and 3 children, as well as spending time with my family and friends.

I feel incredibly lucky and proud to be a part of the most amazing team at North Rocks Preschool.