Meet our newest Early Childhood Educator at Heritage College, Miss April, who joins the team in the lead-up to the new Early Learning Centre opening in 2021.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

The quote “a teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, touches a heart” (Author unknown) describes why I chose to teach as a career. The affinity built with young children inspires me to share knowledge and guide them through life to become caring adults. Their warmth, humour and excitement to learn, drives me to create and achieve learning environments that inspire their quest for knowledge.

Who inspires you and why?

The practices of Loris Malaguzzi and Carina Rinaldi resonate with me. Through engaging the child in ‘100 different languages’ (Loris Malaguzzi), seeing the wonder as they explore and learn as capable individuals by expressing their abilities in extraordinary ways - I believe this enriches the learning that occurs.

“The cornerstone of our experience, based on practice, theory and research, is the image of the child as rich, strong and powerful. The emphasis is placed on seeing the children as unique with rights. The potential and the desire to grow, their curiosity, the ability to be amazed and the desire to relate to other people and communicate” ~ Carina Rinaldi

What is the most rewarding thing about your role?

The most rewarding thing about teaching is witnessing the passion and excitement of the children as they approach each day as an amazing opportunity. I am privileged to share this journey with them! I believe children learn a multitude of skills from engaging with the natural environment, both within the centre and the local community.

What are you looking forward to?

I look forward to creating spaces at Narre Warren South campus that strengthens the children’s bond to the natural world God created. I also look forward to exploring the beauty and possibilities with the children as they challenge themselves and take risks in the Bush Kinder program.

When you're not teaching, what do you do in your downtime? Do you have interests or hobbies?

I like to spend my free time immersed in nature, going for bushwalks and exploring new trails. I also enjoy time spent with my family and friends over casual get-togethers, picnics by the lake and paddleboarding in my hometown.

What book are you reading, or what would we find on your podcast list? What do you love to learn about?

One of my favourite things to do is exploring quaint bookstores with charming children’s stories. Recently amidst the shelves, there was a lovely story called ‘Tiny Perfect Things’ by Clark Kloepper. This story inspires children to imagine, dream and immerse themselves in the pages of the book, leaving children with the reminder that the world is full of perfect things no matter where you go.

Limited places are available for 2021 at the Early Learning Centre, Narre Warren South campus. For more information on fees and how to apply, visit the Early Learning section of the website.