The Heart of Sherbourne Preschool
Behind every child’s smile, every “aha!” moment, and every milestone achieved is our dedicated team of passionate educators. Get to know the caring professionals who make Sherbourne Preschool such a special place for children to learn and grow.
All our teachers hold Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood Education and maintain current Working with Children Checks, First Aid, and Child Protection certifications. But beyond qualifications, they bring heart, creativity, and genuine love for teaching.
Meet Our Teaching Team
👩🏫 Katrina Failla
Manager & Lead Teacher | 4-Year-Old Program
Experience: 15+ years in early childhood education
Qualifications: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, Diploma of School Age Education and Care
Special Interests: School readiness, literacy development, STEAM learning
"I believe every child has unique gifts to share. My role is to create an environment where those gifts can flourish. Watching children discover their capabilities and develop confidence is what drives my passion for early education."
Teaching Philosophy: Katrina champions play-based learning with intentional teaching moments. She believes in building strong partnerships with families and creating a classroom community where every child feels valued and capable.
🌈 Narelle Allen
3-Year-Old Teacher | Early Years Specialist
Experience: 20+ years specialising in 4 & 3-year-old programs
Qualifications: Bachelor of Early Childhood Education, University of Melbourne
Special Interests: Emotional Intelligence, Performing Arts, Creating Aesthetic Environments
"Three-year-olds see the world with such wonder! I love nurturing their natural curiosity and helping them take their first steps into social learning. Every day brings new discoveries and joyful moments."
Teaching Philosophy: Narelle creates a gentle, nurturing environment where young children feel secure to explore and learn. She emphasizes emotional intelligence and social skills as foundations for future learning.
📚 Tracy Simpson
4-Year-Old Teacher | School Transition Expert
Experience: 10+ years in preschool and prep transition
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Graduate Certificate in Literacy Education
Special Interests: School readiness, mathematical thinking, creative arts
"Preparing children for school is about so much more than academics. It's about building confidence, independence, and a love of learning that will serve them throughout their education journey."
Teaching Philosophy: Tracy balances school readiness skills with play-based learning, ensuring children are prepared academically, socially, and emotionally for their next adventure.
🌿 Erin Holmes
Teacher | Sustainability & Creative Arts Specialist
Experience: 10+ years in Early Childhood Education
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
Special Interests: Sustainability, creative arts, play-based learning
"I believe that every small step towards understanding our world can spark a lifetime of curiosity and care."
Teaching Philosophy: My goal is to provide a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to grow. I aim to instil a lifelong love of learning and respect for our planet in every child.
Educators
🤝 Support Staff
Our qualified assistants work alongside our teachers to ensure every child receives individual attention and support. They bring additional expertise in:
Creative Arts
Supporting artistic expression and creativity
Garden Program
Nurturing environmental awareness
Literacy Support
One-on-one reading and language activities
Physical Development
Gross motor skills and movement
🎯 Specialist Programs
Throughout the year, we also welcome specialist educators who enhance our program:
- Music Teacher - Weekly music and movement sessions
- Language Teachers - Cultural language programs
- Yoga Instructor - Mindfulness and body awareness
- Science Educators - Special STEM investigations
What Makes Our Team Special
💝 Our Values in Action
Professional Excellence
- All staff maintain current VIT registration
- Regular professional development attendance
- Commitment to reflective practice
- Collaborative planning and assessment
Personal Qualities
- Genuine warmth and care for every child
- Creative and innovative teaching approaches
- Strong communication with families
- Flexibility and responsiveness to children's needs
📊 Continuous Professional Development
Our teachers regularly engage in:
- Network Meetings with other early childhood professionals
- Online Courses in specialized areas of interest
- Conference Attendance for latest research and practices
- Peer Observations to share best practices
- Action Research Projects to improve outcomes
Parent Testimonials
"The teachers at Sherbourne truly see each child as an individual. They've nurtured my daughter's love of learning while helping her overcome her shyness. We couldn't ask for a more caring team."
- Michelle, parent of 4-year-old Emma
"What impressed me most was how the teachers really listened to my concerns and worked with us to support our son's development. It's a true partnership."
- David, parent of 3-year-old Jack
Join Our Team
🌟 Career Opportunities
Are you a passionate early childhood educator looking to join a supportive, professional team? We occasionally have positions available for:
- Qualified Early Childhood Teachers
- Diploma-qualified Educators
- Relief Staff
- Student Placements
Meet the Team in Person
Experience the Sherbourne Difference
The best way to appreciate our team's dedication is to see them in action.
Schedule a visit to meet our educators and see how they create magic every day.
Questions About Our Program?
Our teachers would love to discuss how we can support your child's learning journey.