Lauren Purdie
Teacher - 4 year group
Hi, my name is Lauren. I am the 4-year-old teacher. I am a local mum with 3 young children who attend the local primary school. We moved up to the hills a few years ago looking for a tree change and small community feel. We sure found it! My experience in Early Childhood is quite broad. I began my career at a young age working in long daycare services, then working my way up to eventually directing many educational services. I have spent the past 5 years teaching adults studying Early Childhood in the Vocational Education setting. This experience has taught me that strong, warm, and reciprocal relationships are a key influence in shaping children’s learning, development, and identity. I believe in developing positive nurturing relationships with children, a strong connection and collaboration with families and a dedicated practice of critical reflection and ongoing learning.
A few years ago, I became further invested in my career and passion in the sector and decided to undertake further studies to increase my knowledge. So, I began the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and was lucky enough to complete my first placement at Cockatoo Kinder. I loved it so much I never left! I continued to work with the team casually before being fortunate to take on the position as permanent 4-Year-old teacher in 2024. This year I look forward to implementing my current research, knowledge, and passion in practice to support the wonderful community we live in.
Laura Clarke
Teacher - 3 year group
My name is Laura Clarke, and I am the newest member of the beautiful Cockatoo team. I have lived, worked, and grown up in hills and love the support the hills communities provide. My Experience in Early Childhood began in 2018 when I started my Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary school education, which sparked my love for early childhood. From there, while continuing my studies, I began working as an educator at two kindergartens in the Yarra Ranges and relief work for Kindergartens that have been impacted by storms and need additional support. This experience taught me the importance of partnership and community in building a child's sense of belonging and Moulding their identity and learning. I completed my degree in 2023 and am incredibly excited to become a member of Cockatoo Kindergarten, work alongside passionate staff, and develop partnerships with communities, families, and their children. I am a self-motivated and passionate person who is community-minded and committed to ensuring all children have equal access to educators, no matter their abilities, needs, or learning styles. As an educator, I believe in providing a safe and inviting environment for children to express themselves freely to further their development. I aim to develop engaging activities that stimulate creativity and growth through interactions and engagement, promoting curiosity, belonging, discovery, exploration, and problem-solving. I want my students to be excited to learn and expand their understanding of their world and interests during class and continue into their home setting and broader community.
Justine Wardale
Educator - 4 year group
Hi, my name is Justine and I live in Gembrook with my husband and 4 children. I have volunteered and worked at Cockatoo Kindergarten on and off since 2006. During my last 6 years as a co-educator I have also studied and achieved my Diploma in Children’s Services. I have worked in other early childhood settings including Yooralla, assisting with the integration of additional needs children.
I really love working in early childhood education because while it brings many challenges it also provides lots of fun and joy along the way. I take my role as an educator very seriously as it is a privilege to know that you have the opportunity to help children learn and develop new skills.
My two greatest passions that I like to share with the children are gardening and cooking. I want every child to experience everything that good food has to offer and how amazing it is that we can grow our own ingredients at kinder.
Kerry Saunders
Educator - 3 year and 4 year group
I am Kerry, I have 3 teenage children and live in Gembrook with my partner and his two children. I have lived there all my life and love the hills environment and sense of community.
While studying for my Certificate 111 in Children’s Services I completed my placement at Cockatoo Kindergarten, going on to work in various positions including primary school. My early childhood experience started as an additional assistant for Yooralla at Cockatoo Kindergarten in 2013/2014.
I ultimately chose early childhood as a permanent career in 2016, taking on a co-educator’s position, because it is the age group where children grow and develop so quickly, and it is an awesome thing to see. This was further enhanced when I began working as the co-educator for the 3 year old group as now, I get to be part of their learning journey for two years.
In 2018 I was thrilled to also receive my Diploma in Children’s Services.