Kurboroo Kindergarten offers a caring and secure environment where warm and trusting relationships encourage each child to learn through their play.
Families are the most important and constant part of the child’s journey, and we aim to further enrich and support this role by forming a partnership with you. All our families are encouraged to contribute to our program.
Our educators view children as capable, competent co-contributors and acknowledge them as active participants in their own learning. The role of our educators is to provide a stimulating and responsive environment, based on the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and Early Years Learning Framework, giving positive reinforcement and encouragement to make learning possible. Children are encouraged to develop self-confidence, resilience, a positive self-esteem and a sense of self-worth as they begin to make sense of the world around them. Kurboroo Kindergarten aims to prepare our children for future learning and develop life skills, which will help their transition to school and beyond.
Lisa Waters
Hi, my name is Lisa and I joined the team at Kurboroo in 2004. I initially taught the two three year old groups for three years, before taking up the four year old Teacher position in 2007.
I completed my Diploma of Early Childhood Education from the Institute of Early Childhood – Melbourne College of Advanced Education in 1986. After graduating, I taught for four years as a full time Director, working with two four year old groups at Camberwell Baptist Day Kindergarten. In 1991 I moved to Oban Pre-school in North Ringwood to be closer to my home. I was a full time four year old group teacher/Director for three years, until leaving at the end of 1993 to have my first child. Whilst on leave from paid employment, I undertook casual relief teaching at several kindergartens in the local area to maintain my skills and knowledge. I also set up and coordinated a playgroup at Croydon Hills Baptist church for almost seven years whilst my three children were either attending or at kindergarten themselves.
I love working with young children and receive tremendous satisfaction from watching and nurturing their learning and development through play.
Kurboroo Director & Koalas Educator
Hi, my name is Zoe and I am the teacher of the Possums group. After completing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Melbourne University, I moved to Tanzania, East Africa to teach Grade 1's in an International School. This time really shaped me as an educator and ignited my passion for the profession. It is such a privilege to help mould and shape the growth of the children in our care and I love watching them develop and flourish in their learning through play. Over the years I have held a number of roles including Director, 3 year old teacher, 4 year old teacher, Early Years Adviser and Primary school teacher. I believe that every child comes to us as a competent learner, with much to share, and I enjoy watching children develop their skills and abilities, build friendships and navigate the wider world.
I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful girls, who keep me very busy! As a family, we enjoy travelling and camping and In my spare time, my favourite thing to do is read.
Educator
Amanda Hodgett
Hi, my name is Amanda and I am excited to be joining the Kurboroo community as the teacher of the Wallabies group.
After attaining my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood/ Primary), I ventured into a fulfilling year of relief teaching in both kindergarten and primary schools, gaining valuable experiences, and connecting with students from various backgrounds. Additionally, I had incredible opportunities to travel overseas, soaking in diverse cultures and expanding my perspectives.
For four rewarding years, I dedicated myself to primary education, predominantly teaching Prep classes. Witnessing the growth and development of my students brought immense joy and reinforced my commitment to nurturing young learners.
My education journey took an exciting turn when I decided to explore the preschool sector. Fostering a love for learning from an even earlier age and witnessing the wonder and curiosity of this age group was something I couldn't resist. I found myself drawn to creating a fun and nurturing environment where these young explorers can thrive.
Beyond the classroom, I am blessed with a loving husband and son who fills my heart with joy. We love exploring the local area with our playful chocolate Labrador, finding all the perfect parks to play fetch.
Possums Educator
Hayley Rule
Wallabies Educator
Amy Freeman
Hi, my name is Amy and I am a co-educator in the Wallabies group.
After many years volunteering as a parent helper at kinder and primary school as well as caring for children of family and friends, I decided to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.
It is an absolute pleasure to be working at Kurboroo Kindergarten. All three of my children attended Kurboroo and we all have many wonderful memories and friendships from the 6 years we were there.
As an educator I really enjoy connecting with each child, getting to know their personality and supporting them as they grow and explore their world, learning through play.
Wallabies Assistant Educator
Maddie Fullerton
Hi, my name is Maddie and I am a co-educator in the Possums group.
I joined the team at Kurboroo in 2020, after recently completing my Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood). I also have a Bachelor of Health Science (majoring in Psychology and Family Studies). Throughout my years studying I have found that my passion is working with younger children and fostering their well-being and learning.
I believe that my role as an early childhood educator is to build trusting and secure relationships with children and create a safe and warm environment where children are encouraged to learn and develop through play.
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, dancing, painting (or really any creative projects) and spending time with family and friends.
Possums Assistant Educator
Kylie Warburton
Hi my name is Kylie and I joined Kurboroo Kindergarten in 2016. I live in Boronia and moved there after marrying. I have one son. I love the outdoor spaces allowing children to explore their surroundings and treat nature with care, I also think that it is important that children have the opportunity to explore learn new skills themselves and find out why things happen.
I have 15years experience as a Childcare worker, with the final 5 years as a Diploma Qualified, I bring a large amount of experience working with ages all the way from babies up to the Kindergarten age.
I am a member of the local Salvation Army church and am a leader for the Youth group that we are trying to establish in the area.
Koalas Assistant Educator
Karen Sproat
Hello, my name Is Karen and I am excited to be joining the Koala group as co-educator in 2021. In the last 13 years I have worked as a primary school teacher at a small school, OSHC educator, in a child care centre and in an inclusion support role in kindergarten. I love being part of the children’s learning journey and getting to know the families.
I have 4 children ranging from 4 to 24 years old…just a little crazy but it’s wonderful to see my older children interact with their younger sister.
In 2020 our family moved to just outside of Yarra Glen and we are enjoying our mountain views and discovering all the birds and native animals that come to visit.
My interests include photography, attempting to grow fruit and vegetables, travelling and I have been an active participant in calisthenics for over 30 years. I am on the committee at my daughter’s kinder and for calisthenics.
I’m looking forward to watching the children’s personalities develop and seeing how they learn through exploring and investigation.
Koalas Assistant Educator
Angela Willey
Hi, my name is Angela.
I joined the team in January 2017 and bring with me 18 years’ experience working as a lead educator in a long day care Centre. I hold my Diploma in Community Services (Child Care).
I live locally and have 2 daughters. In my free time I enjoy watching my girls compete in athletics, helping out at the athletics club and at their school, as well as spending time with family and friends.
I see my role as an educator as being supportive of each individual child, as they are all unique people, and encourage and teach them to be resilient, have positive self-esteem so they can become confident learners and be ready to tackle the world around them.
I look forward to meeting your child and your family and work together to prepare them for future learning.
Possums Assistant Educator
Caterina Ferraro
Hi, my name is Caterina and I feel so grateful to be a part of the wonderful Kurboroo community.
I have worked within the early childhood field for over 15 year in a variety of settings and with various ages. I hold a Diploma of Community Services (Children's Services) and am extremely passionate about the importance of children's early years. I feel it is a privilege to play such an important role in the children's lives and see their development and learning firsthand.
I am married with three wonderful children, 4.5 year old twins and a 20 month old. When I am not busy chasing my three I love spending time with families and friends, enjoying nature and travelling.
Possums Assistant Educator
Melissa Rennie
Hi my name is Melissa (Mel) Rennie. I have joined the Wallabies group as the Diploma Qualified Assistant. I have been working with children for the past 34 years, predominantly in Long Day Care. I did a short stint as a children’s librarian doing story time sessions for Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries. When I’m not at work I am busy indulging myself in crafts. I am a keen knitter and enjoy cross stitch and card making as well. I’m also an avid sports fan with a passion for the Richmond Tigers, Cricket and Super Car V8 racing.