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
Meet Jo,
CEEC Mothercraft Nurse (undertaking a Certificate 3 in ECEC) Educator
Hi, I’m Jo, born in Oxford England. After extensive travels, i made Australia my home in 2000. I have two late teens in tow along with 3 fur babies. I enjoy kayaking, stand-up comedy, soccer (Man-United all the way !!) and food.
I previously worked at Karitane for 20+ years as an EEN/Mothercraft Nurse, offering evidence-based support to families with children 0-5 years. I have a strong passion for working in partnership with children and their families. Watching them grow in confidence and feeling empowered, is such a rewarding experience. Since leaving Karitane I embarked on a solo journey as a private nanny and mother craft nurse. After some time, I longed to be back in a teamwork environment. After hearing positive feedback in the community about CEEC, I applied for a position.
CEEC is a nurturing and supportive environment that focuses on holistic development in their learning. Fostering children’s cognitive, emotional and physical development through age-appropriate experiences.
In my short time being here I have been made to feel welcome by the staff from all areas, creating a safe and secure environment on my journey as an educator.
Jo shares our vision and values, especially the importance of…
- The value of the child’s autonomy.
- Psychosocial development in the early years.
- Working in partnership with both child and the family.
Whats and interesting fact that people might not know about you?
The late, Queen Elizabeth II sent me a letter thanking me for the picture I drew, when I was 6 years old.
Meet Madeline,
NEEC Diploma Team Leader
I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2024 at Northmead Early Education Centre and am currently working in the Early Learners’ Community as a Team Leader.
I am enjoying being a part of each child’s life and watching them develop. I chose this career as I wanted to be involved in their early years of learning. Children’s learning occurs in their early years of life with play-based experiences such as games, music, reading, art, and learning about different cultures and the environment. Watching them grow and reach their milestones brings me a lot of joy every day. Being kind, loving and having positive interactions between the children and their teachers builds up their self-esteem. I am very grateful to NEEC for their ongoing support and assistance throughout my educational development as I started my role here as a trainee. I appreciate all the kindness and acceptance they have shown me. They have helped me grow as a person and as an educator.
Madeline shares our vision and values, especially the importance of…….
- The right of every child to be provided with a creative, innovative and exciting education.
- Providing a kind and caring environment where children feel safe and loved.
- Providing a place where children will be able to learn foundation skills to be ready for kindergarten.
Where is your favourite travel destination and why?
Greece is one of my favourite destinations because it’s where my family roots are. My Pappou is from the beautiful island of Kefalonia, and my Yiayia is from Elassona, a small, charming village where I am related to most of the locals in the village. The stunning blue waters, delicious food, and rich culture make it a place to which I feel a strong connection to. The fresh seafood, local dishes, and family traditions always make every visit unforgettable.
Meet Anu,
WEEC Diploma Educator
My name is Anu, and I have been working with SEEC since 2013, primarily at Westmead Early Education Centre with the 0–4 years-old children. I am currently working with the Jnr Pre-School room and sincerely implementing and role modelling the centre’s philosophies and policies in day-to-day rituals. I held the position of Early Learning Head of Community Leader at Northmead Early Education Centre in 2022 and had a great time growing professionally and personally in the sister centre. I also acted in the roles of Chief Fire Warden and Sustainability officer over the years.
Actively embedding the cultural heritage of children is at the base of my teaching practices. I strongly believe that children should have a strong sense of comfort in their identity. This will further inform their learning and exploration and encourage them to be open to diversity and the multicultural community in which we live.
My pedagogical practices are reflected in the organisation of learning spaces for the children, created to invite exploration, inquisitiveness, problem solving, creativity and working with others in a team. I finally have been given the opportunity to work with the talented and dedicated team of WEEC again and I am very excited to share my knowledge.
Anu shares our vision and values, especially the importance of…
- Early childhood and research-based practices. I forever endeavour to keep myself up to date with current sector knowledge and recent developments in early childhood research,
- Building collaborative partnerships with children and their families.
- Bringing exemplary quality care and education to the children in our Service.
Do you have any hidden talents?
My hidden talent is drawing and sketching. It helps me express myself and put my thoughts on the paper. It is one of the things that makes me very popular amongst all, young and old.
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