Educators

All of our permanent staff are formally trained and/or have many years experience working in the childcare industry. Staffs are encouraged to keep their skills and knowledge updated through related in-service courses and workshops.

At Ocean Street Long Day Preschool we place great importance on continuity of care for your child and we have four permanent educator who work similar shifts each week covering and/or exceeding necessary child: adult ratios. Photographs of all permanent staff are displayed in the foyer.

To maintain continuity of care we call on a number of regular relief staff to fill in at times when staff are unable to work. You will be informed of any staff changes.

At times children will spend time in our centre. This is a great experience both for them, the children and our staff as new and different ideas are presented to the children through these students. Students are required to place an introductory notice, including their photo in the foyer to inform you of their presence.

Sophia Bejsak (Centre Director/Nominated Supervisor)

Diploma in Children’s Services

First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma trained

A little about me:

Originally I was born in Prague, Czech Republic and lived there for the first few years of my life as my father is from there. When i was 3 my parents decided to move back to Australia as my mother and her whole family are from here and I have grown up in sydney since. I began looking after children when I was 16, as a Nanny for a family friend, I did that for about 2 years an absolutely loved it. When the children became school age I decided to pursue a career in childcare, starting with a traineeship at a centre in North Ryde, I was there for around a year and a half before I left. I then took a job at Montessori Academy and stayed there for around 4 years, where I was a room leader of the toddler room and 2ic. I left that role as I wanted to find something a little more challenging. I am currently studying a Diploma of social work as I would one day (when im a little older) like to pursue a career in the industry and help children who have been victims of domestic and family violence to recover and continue there lives. Allthough for now I am looking grow my career in childcare and I am also looking to study my ECT in the near future.

My personal philosophy:

I believe the relationships children have with their peers and the adults around them aswell as the experiences they have play a big part in shaping who they become when they are older. It is important as educators that we build children up and support them to be the best that they can be, it is our responsibility to teach them and demonstrate to children respectful relationships and create a positive enviroment for children to learn, to grow, to build an understanding of relationships, and discover who they are in themselves.

References: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace place Relations. [DEEWR]. (2009). Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Barton, ACT: Commonwealth of Australia.

Hiromi Hara

Diploma in Children’s Services

First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma trained

A little bit about me: I am originally from Japan. I can speak English, and Japanese. I am currently hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

My personal philosophy: I believe that as an educator is really important to help the children to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others and their environment. I believe children have greater respect for their educators, their peers. It is important to learn to respect others and their environment. I believe that all children are unique and they have something special that they can bring to their own education. I will assist children to express themselves and accept themselves for who they are. Every classroom has their own unique community, my role as an educator will be to assist each child in developing their own potential and learning styles. I will develop a curriculum that will incorporate each different learning style, as well as make the content relevant to the children’ lives. I will incorporate hands-on learning, cooperative learning, projects, themes, and individual work that engage and activate children´s learning.

Hetal Bapodra

Diploma in Children’s Services

First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma trained

A little bit about me: I am originally from India (Gujrat). I moved to Australia in 2013. I speak English, Hindi and Gujrati. I am a Diploma qualified childcare educator and 2IC. I have been working in childcare industry since February 2015. I am working here at Ocean Street Long Day Preschool since June 2017.

Things I enjoy: I like to listening to music and play with children. I love nature and spend time in the bush. I am married since 2012 with my lovely husband whom I have shared the last 8 years of my life with. I am looking forward to grow my future with Ocean Street Long Street Preschool and my husband.

Favourite quotes: Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. Pablo Picasso. The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today. H. Jackson Brown A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.

My personal philosophy: I believe that as an educator is really important to help children to develop a deep love and respect for themselves, others and their environment. I believe children have greater respect for their educators, their peers. It is important to learn to respect others and their environment. I believe that all children are unique and they have something special that they can bring to their own education. I will assist children to express themselves and accept themselves for who they are. Every classroom has their own unique community, my role as an educator will be to assist each child in developing their own potential and learning styles. I will develop a curriculum that will incorporate each different learning style, as well as make the content relevant to the children’ lives. I will incorporate hands-on learning, cooperative learning, projects, themes, and individual work that engage and activate children´s learning.

Angolie (Thi Phuong Thuy Pham)

Diploma Trained

First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma trained

About me: I am from Vietnam. I completed my Diploma in children services. I’ve been working in the childcare industry since October 2016 and I am currently working here at Ocean Street Long Day Preschool since November 2019.

Things I enjoy: I love to read books, explore nature, listen to music and cooking. I enjoy spending time with my loved ones, I love to travel and to learn new things about different cultures.

Favourite quotes: 

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’.

Nelson Mandela

‘Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child’s eye, it is very beautiful’.

Kailash Satyrthi

My personal philosophy :I believe that as an early childhood educator my role is to promote children social and emotional well-being. I believe that each child has the rights to feel loved and build a solid relationship with his/her caregiver/s, as a secure base to explore the world and become confident and passionate about learning. During my days as an educator, I firmly believe that children come first and the educator must respond to children’s needs and underpin their interests/voices. I also believe in the uniqueness of each child. I believe in Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory for each individual child has their own talent and abilities. I do recognise strongly the great value of each family cultural background. I  believe that early childhood education has to promote a home friendly- environment in which the child feels at home. Working constantly in partnership with families is another key to promote the holistic development of each child.

Valerie (Bong Siaw Tze)

Diploma Trained

First Aid, Anaphylaxis and Asthma trained

Mandarin Language Teacher

About me: I have completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in 2015. I can speak English and Mandarin.

Favourite quotes: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” – Albert Einstein, Physicist

My Philosophy: I believe that children are all individuals and should be cared for and guided in a way that suits their individual needs. Children develop at different stages and have different learning styles. I believe that children learn by ‘doing’ by involving children into daily tasks and routines their knowledge and skills will be developed. I believe that educators in the classroom are essential in creating a positive environment by role modelling positive behaviour, children could grow up in a supportive, positive, nurturing and meaningful space to engage in, to develop relationship with peers and educators. Also, my programming and planning for learning is based around my knowledge of each child in my care, relevant early childhood theories and using Early Years Learning Framework to guide my teaching practices. I am committed to working in partnership with families to create open, honest and respectful relationships, as well as respecting families’ culture and communities.