Team Talk
Our Outstanding Team Members
Team Talk is where we celebrate the amazing educators who make Sydney Early Education Centre a special place. Here, you’ll get to know the dedicated team members who nurture our children’s curiosity, ignite their love of learning, and guide them on their early childhood journey.
Every month, Team Talk will feature a different team member from each of our Services, delving into their background, experience, and the unique ways they contribute to our shared goals. You’ll see firsthand the passion, expertise, and commitment that goes into creating a stimulating and supportive environment for all our children.
“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.”
LORIS MALAGUZZI
Meet the people featured in Team Talk this month
Hi, I’m Sophie,
CEEC Diploma Educator
Hi, my name is Sophie, and I began my early childhood career by completing the first year of a Bachelor of Early Childhood at Macquarie University in 2020. I joined CEEC’s foundational team at the end of 2020 as an educator, as I wanted to gain more experience working with young children while continuing my studies.
I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, which encourages me to experiment with new ideas and skills to promote the children’s overall development. I believe building relationships with children is an important part of understanding them and being able to help guide them.
I believe Cheltenham Early Education Centre has allowed me to gain new insights into teaching young children and explore fresh horizons. I hope to complete my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education one day and become a teacher, further enhancing the lives of young children.
My vision and values align with SEEC, especially the importance of…
- Believing children can learn the most about life by taking the lead, being allowed to make their own choices, and being respected by their educators and peers
- Working and supporting each other in partnership and teams to achieve collective goals and positive outcomes
- Acting with honesty, openness and ethical behaviour
What is the most memorable place you’ve visited?
The most memorable place I have visited is New Zealand, because it was the first time I experienced playing in the snow, and I challenged myself with some extreme activities like the canyon swing, white water rafting and go-karting. It was a special time with my family.
Hi, I’m Iere,
NEEC Child Care Educator
Hello, my name is Iere Petuha-Shailer, and I am currently completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care as a trainee at Northmead Early Education Centre. I’ve grown up in a really big family, which has taught me a lot, and that’s what gives me my passion for giving children the same experiences of learning and growing, and for helping them nurture their wellbeing in a safe environment.
In my spare time I play a lot of sport, such as netball and Oztag. I also enjoy doing puzzles and baking sweet treats, but what I love most is spending time with my close ones. My hobbies help me stay alert and organised, and I bring them into my work by encouraging cleanliness, creativity and exploring new experiences.
My vision and values align with SEEC, especially the importance of…
- Creating a safe and nurturing environment for all young children
- Valuing all children’s strengths, abilities and skills to help them learn and create
- Building positive relationships with all families, children and colleagues
Where is your favourite travel destination and why?
My favourite travel destination would be my homeland, Aotearoa, also known as New Zealand. NZ will always feel like home to me, no matter how far away I am, and I will always be grateful for having whānau (family) all over the country, so wherever I go in NZ I will always have a place. The scenery is beautiful, the people are lovely and funny, and the pies are way better!
Hi, I’m Sunita,
WEEC Diploma Community Leader
My name is Sunita. I completed my Diploma in Early Education and Care in 2012, and I have been working at WEEC since 2015. I strongly believe this is the most rewarding job, as you get to cherish the growth of children in every stage of their early childhood experience. I am very passionate about my work at WEEC, and I am determined to keep improving myself for the betterment of the care and education of children.
As a preschool educator, I strive to provide a stimulating and challenging environment for each child, so they feel safe and secure and have a strong sense of belonging at the centre, and I follow their interests by providing more challenging, play-based activities. My aim is to help the children by programming and offering a wide range of developmentally appropriate experiences that support each child’s desires and abilities to be lifelong learners.
Alongside my teaching duties, I also serve in the Preschool Community Leader role, where I guide the team and work closely with our families. I believe that family contribution plays a big role in a child’s growth, so I make sure we communicate with families every day, so we can work together to bring out the best in each child.
My vision and values align with SEEC, especially the importance of…
- Creating a three-way partnership between educators, families and children to maximise their growth and learning
- Creating play-based experiences where children push the boundaries of their imagination
- Incorporating sustainable practices into everyday tasks, routines and activities
What is your favourite hobby?
Gardening is my favourite hobby, because spending time with plants helps me relax and clear my mind.
Join our Community of Learners
The team members you’ve met in Team Talk are just a glimpse of the incredible team at Sydney Early Education Centres. We believe in fostering a collaborative environment where experienced professionals can share their knowledge and passion for early childhood development.
If you’re looking for a career that’s both challenging and rewarding, where you can make a real difference in the lives of young children, we encourage you to consider joining our community of leaders. We offer opportunities for professional growth, a supportive work environment, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your dedication to nurturing young minds.
“Respect all the reasonable forms of activity in which the child engages and try to understand them.’
MARIA MONTESSORI