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Alexia Westhuyzen
Director Teacher
Alexia is the Director and Teacher at West Chermside C&K Pre-prep and has been working with young children for over 13 years. She has a Bachelor of Education – Early childhood.
“I believe children learn best through play, so providing many opportunities for open ended play throughout the day is paramount. Finding the wonder in the everyday, slowing down our pace, listening to their ideas, getting down onto a child’s level are all so important in the early childhood setting. Getting to know each unique individual and helping them grow in confidence is a privilege.”
Alexia is kind, calm and understanding, and enjoys working together with families to encourage and support children’s growth and helping to build independence and persistence.
Outside of kindy, Alexia has 3 children and enjoys spending time with her family outdoors on walks, reading books, watching movies and cooking delicious food.
Alice Hynes
Educator
Alice works in the Extended Hours Kindy Program and as a relief assistant supporting the children's interests and learning through play and intentional teaching experiences. Alice is currently studying for her Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood.
Alice is understanding, caring and considerate. She builds positive relationships with the children she works with through her patient and respectful demeanour.
Outside of kindy Alice keeps busy with beach trips, spending time with family and friends, and reading.
Emerson Westenhuyzen
Assistant
Emerson works in the Extended Hours Kindy Program and is currently studying Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood.
Emerson is warm, nurturing and patient in her approach to the children. Her attention to every child and their individual needs helps create a sense of belonging and promotes positive social interactions.
Outside of Kindy Emerson enjoys reading, spending time with friends and beach walks at Sandgate.
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Joanna Ryan
Educator
Joanna has dedicated her career to working with children and has a Certificate III in Children's Services. She has 25 years experience and 13 of them have been with C&K.
"I am a strong believer in the Reggio Emilia concept of learning. I believe and value the importance of play where children experience ownership, empowerment and interest.
In the year that we spend with the children, I love guiding them on their journey and watching them become independent and confident individuals ready to start school."
Joanna is enthusiastic, organised and always eagerly looking for opportunities to support the children's learning; carefully orchestrating activities that artfully contribute to their development and sense of joy.
Outside of kindy, Joanna loves spending time with her 2 boys, her husband and extended family.
Kasey Gregory
Administration
Kasey is our multi-tasking, multi-talented administration guru who does an amazing job of keeping our kindy running smoothly every day. She thrives on being organised and developing systems that improve the efficiency of the office. Kasey is also warm, friendly, approachable and always happy to help with any queries you might have.
Kasey has a legal background which has been put on hold since choosing to be a stay-at-home Mum with her four children. While she finds attending her children’s school events and volunteering time in the classroom rewarding, Kasey also enjoys a regular hot chocolate catch up with friends and a spot of shopping!
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OUR TEAM
Our expert and caring educators Alexia, Joanna, Alice and Emerson welcome the children into a safe and prepared classroom environment each day.
We understand how energetic, curious, creative, and determined the children are and we are united and focused on providing the best possible start to their learning journey. We carefully curate the kindergarten environment to support and nurture the children’s growing eagerness to learn about and become members of the larger community while encouraging them to discover and express their own individuality.
Alexia, Joanna, Alice and Emerson all hold Blue Cards, First Aid certificates and undertake ongoing professional development to ensure they are aware of current research and teaching pedagogy.