Keiraville Community Preschool Staff Team

Keiraville Community Preschool has a team of dedicated educators and professionals who work together to provide a high-quality preschool experience for families and children.

Our staff team motto is “Together we make a difference”.

Meet our Team

Margaret Gleeson

Managing Director and Nominated Supervisor

  • B.Teach. ECE, Macquarie Uni (1998)
  • Dip. Teach. Primary(1978), UOW
  • Diploma of Management (2011)

Experience:

  • Primary School, DoE, 5 years and 3 years casual
  • Long Day Care, 9 years
  • KCPS since 2000

About me

I feel very privileged to work at KCPS and love the caring, friendly community feel.

Meeting the 3 founding mothers at the preschool’s 50th birthday celebrations in 2002 gave me a strong sense of responsibility for continuing their heritage. Each year I look forward to meeting the new children and families who join our preschool community.

I love reading; for fun, to learn new things, to escape and sharing great books with children. I like words.

Nature has so many marvels with colour, texture, shape, shells, rocks, leaves, trees, beaches, flowers … it offers infinite scope for learning.

I hope to share with children my passion for nature and the environment, for recycling, reusing, repurposing and reducing our footprint.

The world of art can bring lots of wonder and enjoyment and open possibilities. I especially love watching our children create artwork and hearing the stories they tell about their work. There is always more to learn.

Kristie Field

Second in Charge and Responsible Person

  • B.Ed UNE, (2006)
  • Diploma in Chn’s Services, (2000)
  • Cert IV Assessment & Training (2012)

Experience:

  • KCPS since 2001
  • Attended KCPS in 1984 & 1985

About me

Hi, I’m Kristie. I have been playing at Keiraville Community Preschool since 2001. I was a past Preschooler back in the early 80’s. When I am not at preschool, I love spending time with my family at the beach, camping, fishing and going on adventures. I spend a lot of time in my garden at home. One of my favourite things to do at preschool is look after our veggie gardens and orchard. I really enjoy working along side the children, planting, weeding, watering and talking about plants and flowers.

I believe it’s important for children to understand how our natural world works and how vital it is to us. I would love for all our children feel that their voice is heard, they have a place here and they are an important part of our preschool community.

Renée Smede

Second in Charge, Responsible Person and Educational Leader

  • B. Teach ECE, UOW (1999)

Experience:

  • KCPS since 2003
  • Long Day Care, 4 years

About me

Hi, I’m Renee and I have been an educator here since 2004. I grew up in Fairy Meadow and still live locally today. I feel extremely grateful to be a mother to my daughter and two sons. They attended this Preschool not too long ago and they tell me frequently that they miss going to Preschool.

In my spare time, I like to take my children to the beach and be outdoors. Being surrounded by nature always creates joyful experiences and beautiful memories for us as a family. I also like to run and practice yoga which enriches my overall wellbeing.

When I am here at Preschool, I really like to spend relaxed time playing, having fun and talking with the children. While building relationships with them and their families, I love to find out what they are curious about, what they are good at and interested in. I feel privileged to be a part of each child’s development and learning while they are here at preschool. I am strongly committed to working with our team to create a safe, engaging and supportive environment from which children can then feel comfortable to learn and explore. It is both rewarding and joyful to witness the children at our Preschool, grow in confidence, independence and resilience. As an educator, I always enjoy learning more about this profession and I feel grateful to be working here as part of our dedicated team.

Matt Innes

  • B. Education ECE, UOW (2015)

Experience:

  • KCPS since 2014
  • Long Day Care, 4 years

About me

Hi, I’m Matt. I grew up in the beautiful Blue Mountains. I moved down to Wollongong in 2012 and have called here home since. I have a strong love with both the bushland and the ocean. I love to spend time with my family and friends, or be immersed in a good book or listening to music. I also enjoy playing soccer and futsal throughout the week.

I have been teaching in the Early Childhood sector since 2008. I started when I was 18 years old and began working as an untrained support worker. While working I completed my Diploma in Early Childhood Teaching at Tafe. I then moved to Wollongong and completed my Degree in Early Childhood Teaching at the University of Wollongong.

I have been involved with Keiraville Community Preschool since 2012. My first three years at KCPS I was placed as a student, one day per week, as part of my University Degree. Upon completing my Degree I was offered a teaching position alongside the incredible team of educators here; and naturally I gladly accepted the offer!

I believe that when a child has a safe, secure & supportive bond with the significant adults in their life then they will flourish in their learning & development. I love the challenge & privilege of getting to know each child individually. Gaining an understanding of each child’s developmental strengths & needs; and planning for each child’s individual learning.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS

Ruth Gilmore

  • Diploma in Chn’s Services (1997)

Experience:

  • KCPS since 2012
  • Long Day Care, 5 years

About me

Hi my name is Ruth. I am originally from Brisbane, where I obtained my Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I am a mum to 6 children with an amazing husband to share life’s ups and downs with. My favourite place to be is the beach and I absolutely love summer, so if you see me at preschool in Autum, Winter or Spring I’m usually wearing lots of layers to keep myself warm.

Keiraville Community Preschool to me is a little piece of heaven on earth. We have such a lovely environment and a great team of educators to work with. I love supporting children and their families to find a sense of belonging at preschool. I am passionate about enabling children to be confident and capable learners who see themselves as positive contributors to the world around them. I love cooking with the children, discovering new life in nature, creating a sense of wonder through storytelling and celebrating the uniqueness of each child in our care.

I look forward to the possibility of sharing this precious time of life with you and your child.

Barb Bartlett

  • Dip Teach. Primary (1977)
  • Cert III Chn’s Services (2011)

Experience:

  • KCPS since 2001 casual, then permanent
  • Primary K-2 in SA, 9 years
  • Preschool in SA (Teacher/ Director) 6 years
  • KCPS Inclusion Support

About me

Hi, my name is Barb. I have lived in Wollongong and worked at Keiraville since 2001. I grew up in rural South Australia and spent many happy hours exploring the bushland near my childhood home.

We are very privileged at Keiraville preschool to be so close to the escarpment and have nature on our doorstep. It has given our preschool children endless possibilities to explore all the wonders that nature brings to us.

I am delighted that my four grandchildren have shared all the wonderful experiences that Keiraville has to offer with me. The two older grandchildren, who now attend school still love to drop in.

When I am not at preschool, I am often found spending time outdoors with my family. I also enjoy reading, cooking and having coffee outings with friends.
I am excited to meet and get to know the new children and families who are joining our preschool community.

Keumja Han

  • Diploma in Chn’s Services (2010)

Experience:

  • KCPS since May 2019

About me

Hi (Aneyonghaseyo) my name is Han. I am originally from South Korea. I’m married to my Australian husband and have lived in Wollongong for 13 years. I love nature and enjoy camping, hiking and travelling in the great outdoors. At home my husband and I enjoy gardening and growing orchids. I like being creative.

I worked as a childcare educator in Korea for over 6years. After I moved to Australia, I obtained my Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Wollongong in 2010. I attended KCPS for work experience and love its natural environment and wonderful staff.

Last year I joined Keiraville Community Preschool as a language support teacher. I’m very grateful to be working here with the beautiful nature and friendly atmosphere.

I love working with the children and giving them love and support. The children are always curious about nature and I enjoy helping them explore and learn about our world together. I believe play is a natural way children can learn and grow.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and your children.

Cindy Churchin

  • Cert 111 in Chn’s Services (2010)

Experience:

  • KCPS since May 2019
  • Long Day Care

About me

Hi I’m Cindy, I’ve been a childcare educator since 1993 and have been working at KCPS on a part time basis since 2011. I’m extremely passionate about watching children develop and grow in safe and happy learning spaces. I have enjoyed seeing the children explore the natural environment by taking part in bush preschool. It is through this experience I believe children connect with their environment, and develop a love for the world around them. I especially enjoy helping the children with their arts and crafts activities, I love seeing the originality and sense of achievement when the children complete an activity.

I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my two daughters who make me proud to be a mum. I enjoy staying at my caravan on the south coast and taking my dog Teddy for walks at the beach. My passion for children shows through my personality as I always try to bring a positive and happy atmosphere every time, I walk through the doors here at KCPS.

amazing natural outdoor space kcps

Tom Peden

Trainee

  • Cert 111 in Chn’s Services (2019)

Experience:

  • KCPS since March 2022
  • Attended KCPS in 2007 and 2009

About me

Hi my name is Tom, I have recently joined Keiraville Community Preschool and I am studying for a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.

I was a preschooler at Keiraville Community Preschool from 2007 to 2009.

Some of my favourite things to do are getting outside and playing a variety of sports, spending time with my amazing friends and family.

I enjoy listening to, creating, and performing all different types of music.

I love being part of children’s early development, watching them grow, watching them form positive relationships with peers and educators and watching how they grow into beautiful people.

I cannot wait to get to know all of you.

Keiraville preschool, painting and creative activities

Sharon Colwell

  • Diploma in Children’s Service (1983)

Experience:

  • KCPS since March 2024
  • Long Day Care, 13 years

About me

Hi my name is Sharon.

I was recently employed as a part time Educator at KCPS & have really enjoyed the welcoming environment. Seeing the children so involved in their play & learning, reinforces the reasons why I embarked on a career as an educator in children’s services.

I believe the best way to help children be their best version of themselves is to be encouraging in a positive, safe environment. Offering challenges to learn & also reinforcing their capabilities. Seeing children accomplish new skills & the sense of pride they feel when they do this, is very rewarding.

Outside of work I jog (or plod) regularly. I won’t win any marathons but exercise to be healthy. I also love going to the theatre, watching live music & spending time with family & friends. I look forward to my ongoing contribution as a member of the KCPS community.

All educators have current Senior First Aid Certificates, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Training.

Sharyn Phillips

Office Manager

  • Diploma in Chn’s Services (1984)

Experience:

  • KCPS since March 2016
  • Long Day Care 18 years

About me

Hi, I’m Shaz. I love what I do!! I bring to my role a wealth of experience combined with a little fun & frivolity.

My younger years saw me employed as an early childhood educator followed by my proudest role to date, “Mum” to 3 beautiful daughters and “better half” to my soul mate. I have a deep understanding & history with KCPS as I was an active Management member at KCPS whilst my children attended from 2001 – 2007. I have recently travelled full circle & secured the role of Office Manager. My happy place involves anything to do with “water”, travelling and I’m always up for a great social event.

Can’t wait to meet you!

Relief Staff

Strong relationships and consistency are two key components of the Early Years Learning Framework and National Quality Standard.

Keiraville Community Preschool has established a pool of casual relief staff that can join the team when someone is away.

Our preschool has a strong commitment to the professional development of our educators and aims to create a culture of innovation amongst staff and management teams.

Professional Learning Plans are developed to guide each staff team member’s individual learning journey.

Over the years KCPS has assisted the professional learning of educators by supporting attendance at conferences workshops and learning opportunities locally, Interstate, and also Internationally.

preparing for preschool at keiraville

A day at KCPS

keiraville-preschool-tips-for-settling-in

What to expect at KCPS and tips for settling in

why-choose-kcps

What makes KCPS special

Best transition to preschool program, KCPS Wollongong

What KCPS is famous for

frequently asked questions

Questions and Answers

keiraville preschool gallery - 26

Information and common questions