South West Rocks
Preschool Incorporated.
Facebook page: South West Rocks Pre School Inc
Facebook Group: South West Rocks Pre School Families
(Closed group for families of currently enrolled children)
Affordable Pre School.
The NSW Government is providing fee relief to families through the Start Strong Affordable Preschool initiative as part of the Early Years Commitment.
Phone: 02 6566 6177 swrpadmin@swrpreschool.nsw.edu.au 13 Trial Street, South West Rocks NSW 2431
Meet Our Staff:
We don't all (necessarily) look like this.
Cally Pratt
Director
Cally by Bonnie
I consider myself very fortunate to be working in early childhood education and care profession. As a child, I always wanted to be a 'Kindergarten teacher'. My choice really never wavered, so after studying at Charles Sturt University, I got to do what I always wanted to! My work is varied, always interesting and sometimes challenging!
Primary School and TAFE as well as other Mid North Coast Early Childhood Centres have been my previous employment experiences.
I remember as a child - my preschool was in the teacher's house. Her name was Mrs Pointer and she played the piano. We played in a room in her house as well as in her garden.
Children's services have changed quite a bit since then, but childhood is still about 'being 'in the moment' and enjoying the serious business of learning that is taking place all day every day!
South West Rocks Pre School has been an important part of our community for many years. We have a lovely friendly environment of which I am proud. We always welcome new families to come along to visit our pre school before they join our pre school family.
Louise Haywood
Group Leader
I am passionate about early childhood education and the role nature plays. I was lucky enough to travel to Scotland and England in 2017 and experience their nature kindergartens. Our children are very nature privileged in SWR!
Prior to being part of this beautiful setting, I taught at a Tamworth community based preschool for 13 years. I love seeing children grow and thrive and appreciating how incredibly capable they are.
Our team of Educators are dedicated and never stop reflecting on how we can improve our children’s experience. We are constantly learning and growing.
Stacey Mottee
Group Leader
Stacey
by Brendan
(3yrs)
For as long as I can remember, education and care of children has always been a passion for me. From baby sitting as a young teenager to working in education and care centres to having my own four beautiful children.
I believe that children learn through play and each child will develop differently from their peers. I know that to create a nurturing, educational, social, home-like environment, I know that working within the context of families, community and the environment, means we can provide a holistic learning environment for our children and families.
Tessa Gadsden
Asssistant Group Leader
Tess by Neve
My name is Tessa Gadsden. I'm a Mum to three beautiful children - Ned, Hazel and Mavis.
After some time away, I now live here in South West Rocks with my husband and family. I grew up here, attended SWR Public School and am now very happy to working at the pre school I attended as a child! I have also worked in other early childhood settings, as well as in pharmacy before returning to early childhood education and care.
I'm so excited to be at SWR Pre School to help bring joy to the children.
Blythe Baker
Assistant Educator
Blythe by Jimmy
I have always enjoyed being surrounded by children but am actually overwhelmed at how being in child-care has lifted my spirits and made me thoroughly enjoy my job. It is always a pleasure coming to work and being welcomed by the most amazing children and staff every day. No single day is the same! I feel very privileged to work with children and watch them grow and reach their full potential.
I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop to their full potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are so they can express themselves.
Children have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys, the innocence and the diversity in the world. Because of this I will never forget how to smile with the new and cherish the old.
Kirren Forster
Assistant Educator
Kirren
by Rosie
I am currently studying for my Certificate 3 in Education and Care.
I have just joined this beautiful PreSchool team and I am loving it, both of my children have gone to SWR Preschool and have loved it.
I live in South West Rocks with my family.
I love being with my children, going to the beach, adventures around the Mid North Coast, gardening, and dressmaking.
Sally Landers
Office Administration
Sally
by Pia
Susie Williams.
Office Administration
I have worked at South West Rocks Preschool for over 20 years as an assistant educator, and have recently swum over from the Dolphins room into my new role in office administration.
My husband Simon and our three children Sam, Charlie and Matilda are lucky to call South West Rocks home, where your children are belonging, being and becoming the curious and gorgeous children they are.
Together, our Preschool aims to be a happy, safe and nurturing place to be.
How fortunate am I to be selected for the Assistant Administration position into the SWR Pre School.
Working in COMMUNITY is my happy place, and to be beside this wonderful group of educators and families , providing a warm, supportive, educational environment for your children.
There is nothing better than adding a smile on the face of children and to be given a smile back indeed.
Chelsea Partridge
Assistant Educator
Chelsea by Blue
Hi I'm Chelsea,
I am fortunate to still have a very close relationship with the beautiful educators who taught me when I was at preschool.
They supported me and guided me throughout my studies and continue to encourage and inspire me today. This also includes my amazing co-workers at South West Rocks Preschool who all work so hard and are incredible at what they do.
I look forward to being apart of the children's journey, to watch them grow and also learn along side them as I know they have just as much to me teach me!
Belinda Higgins
Assistant Educator
Bel
by Nell
Hi I'm Bel,
I love being mum to my three beautiful children - Zahn, Aminya and Odessa. I love animals too and we have several pets that we consider family as well.
I feel blessed that I can work with children. It’s an absolute joy to be a part of their early years and to help them learn and grow.
It’s very rewarding and I’m so thankful that I get to spend days with amazing children, as well as the nurturing, experienced staff at South West Rocks Preschool.
Nicky Bailey
Assistant Group Leader
Renae Mather
Assistant Educator
My name is Renea Mather. My husband Peter and I moved to South West Rocks in 2023.
I worked as a Family Day Care Educator for 17yrs (3mths -12yrs). Prior to this I was a stay at home mum caring for my 3 now adult children.
As an Educator I love seeing the children's personalities grow, reach milestones, make lasting friendships and grow into confident young individuals.
I look forward to getting to know all the children and helping them grow into confident people and working with a team of dedicated caring and nurturing Educators.
Lee Crowell
Teacher/ Allied Health Assistant
Lee
by Lola
My name is Lee Crowell and I was a Primary School teacher for over 32 years, with the last 20 plus years being at South West Rocks Primary School. Through this role I’ve been involved with the preschool and its amazing staff.
It is my greatest joy to be a SWR Pre School staff member now, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to see out my working days with such caring and thoughtful people. My roles here are varied and include Allied Health Assistant in Speech and Occupational Therapy and filling in for educators.
It has been a highlight to catch up with ex-students when they bring their children to the centre.
Nicole Laverack Bookkeeper
Nicole
by
Chelsea
I have had the pleasure of working at South West Rocks Preschool for many years now. I must admit that in all my working career I have not met such a hard working and cooperative team of people who give 110% at all times (I love numbers!).
As the mother of a son who has attended the preschool I have nothing but praise for all the educators in the way they interacted with my son and supported me as a parent.
As a community run preschool, we rely on parents paying fees to stay economically viable. I appreciate all those parents who pay their accounts on time thus saving us time and money.