OUR TEACHERS
4 YEAR OLD
Ann
Lorikeet Group Teacher (Educational Leader & Nominated Supervisor)
Catherine
Honeyeaters Group Teacher
My name is Ann O'Gorman. I had the pleasure of beginning my teaching career at the ever popular Gum Nut Gully Preschool over 20 years ago. I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood studies at The University of Melbourne and after completing my teacher training (final year placement) at Gum Nut Gully I was fortunate enough in working my graduate years here.
I returned to the preschool in 2017 and have had the pleasure of working alongside an amazing team of educators teaching a four year old group and working as the Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader. In 2024 I worked alongside Tracey Barr delivering a program to the 4 year old Lorikeet group. Tracey and I look forward to offering our group an interesting, exciting and ever evolving emergent curriculum throughout the year.
We aim to ensure the children feel safe and supported at all times. We look forward to involving parents in all aspects of the program and delivering our Bush kinder program shortly.
This year, I have been able to relinquish some of my administrative tasks to Laura, our new enrolment and admin officer. Together we will be working with the Committee of Management in ensuring we are meeting the regulatory requirements of the Department of Education and working alongside the educators ensuring quality improvements and educator support and mentoring is an ongoing focus. It is with great excitement and pride that I share the wonderful news that the Gum Nut Gully Preschool team and community received a rating of "Exceeding" the National Quality Standards in all quality areas late in 2023.
It is an absolute pleasure to lead and inspire such an amazing team of educators at Gum Nut Gully Preschool and I look forward to the learning journey that lies ahead.
In my home life I enjoy living life to the full, spending time with my husband, my 2 teenage sons and my dog. We spend our spare time at sports activities and socialising with friends.
We enjoy traveling, eating and laughing together. Working at Gum Nut Gully is more than simply a job to me, it is an absolute joy. I look forward to many fun times ahead and sharing in the children's and families journeys.
I started my teaching journey in 2016 after I graduated with a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education from Deakin University. Over the years I have worked in a range of settings, teaching both three and four year old Kindergarten.
I joined the team at Gum Nut Gully Preschool in 2019 working as one of the four-year-old teachers. It is a joy to teach at Gum Nut Gully and work amongst a team of wonderful, passionate Educators. We are so lucky to work in such a beautiful bush setting and I especially enjoy running our Bush Kinder program with the four-year-old group.
I hold a deep belief that the early years are crucial to a child's growth and development. They are the building blocks for the rest of their lives. I believe that young children learn best through a play-based program, which caters to both intentional and spontaneous teaching opportunities. I believe that building relationships should be at the core of everything we do. These relationships drive my passion for teaching in the early years and encourage me to strive to be a better teacher.
I affirm that children are members of a family and that parents (or guardians) are the most important adults in a child’s life. Therefore, as a teacher, I am dedicated to building and maintaining respectful and collaborative relationships with children, families, and educators.
When children feel safe and supported within their environment it fosters both creativity and a love of learning. I believe in creating an environment that is responsive to their needs and enables them to discover the wonders of the world around them, while also helping them to build a strong foundation socially and emotionally.
Personally, I live with my husband and 18 month old daughter. We are currently building our first family home that we should be moving into mid 2024, which we are very excited about!
Carmel
Honeyeaters Group
Co-Educator
Tracey
Lorikeets Group
Co-Educator
It has been a privilege to be part of Gum Nut Gully Preschool since 1997, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I have a certificate 111 in Children’s Services. I am the CoEducator for Honeyeater Group.
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Outside of kinder, I enjoy going for walks with my husband and at the end, have a nice big piece of cake and coffee.
I have two adult sons which I love spending time with when they can fit me in!!! I love spending every spare minute I have with my little granddaughter.
I am currently a Co Educator working with the Lorikeet Group and I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I have been at Gum Nut Gully Preschool for 7 years and I absolutely love being part of the teaching team here and being a part of this wonderful Gum Nut Gully Community!
I believe that my role as an early childhood educator is to build trusting and secure relationships with the children and their families and create a safe and warm
environment where children are encouraged to learn, grow and develop through their love of play.
Personally, I live locally with my husband and we have 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren. When I’m not at kinder and not caring for our grandchildren on my days off, I love to spend time with our family, taking our two Labradors for walks, cooking, gardening and scrapbooking.
3 YEAR OLD
Megan
Rosella Group
Teacher
Tasa
Rosella Group
Co Educator
Emily
Rosella Group
Co Educator
I completed my Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Melbourne in 1996. I have taught in many differing early childhood environments in Australia and the United Kingdom.
I believe in the importance of treating each child individually and value the importance of developing a trusting and respectful relationship with the children and their families.
Outside of Kinder, I am busy with our three sons who keep me on my toes! I enjoy the arts and appreciate seeing live theatre, art exhibitions and music when I find the time.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Gum Nut Gully team.
I began my teaching career in 2021 after completing my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. I am currently studying the Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, due to be completed in later this year.
I have a keen interest in working and caring for children, and I am passionate about creating fun and engaging learning experiences, while supporting and nurturing the children’s interest, strengths and abilities.
Personally, I live with my husband and 4 children, who keep me very busy. I love reading, baking, and the beach. I have a strong connection to my Greek heritage, and believe in maintaining my culture, through food, language and Greek dancing.
I am looking forward to working with the team at Gum Nut Gully Preschool, and working collaboratively with the families to build strong relationships.
I am currently working with the 3 year old Rosella Group as a Co -Educator and have enjoyed being a part of the fantastic GNG team in different roles since 2020. I began my career in Early Childhood over 20 years ago and have worked in a variety of settings, completing my Certificate 3 in 2015 and Diploma early last year. I am currently continuing my studies towards a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Deakin University.
As an Educator I am committed to building warm, respectful relationships with each child and their family, whilst supporting the children’s learning and development through our play based program. I love working in a team and program that supports me to be present as an educator, attuned to your children, and to experience the joy of their curiosity, capabilities and unique ways of being.
The beautiful bush setting of Currawong Park is something I am very grateful for, as is the wonderful sense of community at Gum Nut Gully.
I am lucky to share my home with my husband and our daughter along with many beloved pets, and am a proud mother to two adult sons. Bush walking, body surfing and yoga are some of my favorite ways to spend time, as well as family movie nights with plenty of popcorn.