4 YEAR OLD EDUCATORS
4 Year Old Educators. In Order: Angela, Maureen, Paula, Jenny and Sharon (Valentina and Liz, not pictured)
Angela Zhang (4-Year-Old Wombats Group Educator and Educational Leader for RCK)
I am an Early Childhood teacher, mentor and leader with over ten years of experience across multiple educational settings within teaching and leadership roles.
As a teacher, I have high expectations for every child. Each child is a competent, capable and natural researcher who has the desire for knowledge and is always ready for challenges.
I believe families are the primary influence on children’s learning and development. I always make an effort to engage in partnerships with families, share my knowledge and skills and at the same time respect the uniqueness of each family, their choices, knowledge and values.
As an Educational leader, I collaboratively work with my team in ethical ways that influence movement towards a shared vision. I believe that leadership is diffused and distributed power that is shared with others. Teaching is not a job that can be done alone, and leadership is everybody’s responsibility, as it is inherent in being, belonging and becoming a professional.
Maureen Wyatt (4-Year-Old Wombats Group Co-Educator) with RCK since 2003
I have been a Co-Educator at Robert Cochrane since 2003. My two children attended RCK so I feel I have a long association with the Kindergarten. In 2009 I gained my Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and have learnt so much about and from the children over the years. I like working here because of the terrific staff and the supportive parent body.
Valentina Muj (4-Year-Old Wombats Group Co-Educator)
I am an Early Childhood Educator with 14 years of experience in a variety of settings and a mother to my two young men. I strongly believe in a holistic approach to children's education, at the centre of which is the family, streaming into the closer and wider community. I believe that my role as an Early Childhood Educator is to support the implementation of an approved learning frameworks and support children's wellbeing, learning and development.
I am honoured and, at the same time, excited to work at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten and to share my knowledge, passion and love towards children with the community.
Paula Monkhouse (4-Year-Old Emus Group Educator)
I feel privileged to be working with the wonderful team at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten as the Emus Group Educator.
I have a Diploma in Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care) from Swinburne University and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Deakin University.
My teaching practices are influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach (emergent curriculum) where I focused on developing curriculum based on children’s interests, passions, strengths, needs and exploring what is relevant, interesting and meaningful to children.
I am originally from Indonesia. Besides working and study, my life is busy looking after two sons.
I look forward to working with passionate children, families and educators.
Sharon Wan (4-Year-Old Emus Group Co-Educator)
I am very excited to work at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten. I graduated from Monash University (Early childhood Education), and I have been working as a casual educator/ECT for the past few years while looking after my family.
I love being involved in such a crucial part of children’s growth and development and I am excited to be able to make my own contribution.
Currently, I am looking after my 8 year old niece, Dorothy. In my free time, I often go out for nature day trips with my partner Chris, or immerse myself in the kitchen baking and cooking. I’m looking forward to having an amazing journey with the RCK team, children and families.
Liz Cameron (4-Year-Old Emus Group Co-Educator)
Early childhood education is a recent career change for me - I was previously a graphic designer for 18 years.
I have a Masters Degree in Design from the University of Edinburgh, UK, and last year I graduated with the Certificate III in Early Childhood Education from Swinburne University.
Both of my children attended Robert Cochrane Kindergarten, and my family has always loved the welcoming and caring environment of the kindergarten and its staff. My two boys are neurodivergent, and the journey of care I have taken with them over the years inspired me to change my career direction and become an Early Childhood Educator.
Being at at Robert Cochrane is such a fun and fulfilling experience, and I especially love working with the children on creative and artistic projects.
Jenny Shapiro (Relief Teacher) with RCK since 2002
I have been employed at Robert Cochrane Kindergarten since 2002, previously with the 4 year old group (with time as RCK’s Educational Leader), and now as a relief teacher.
Every year the children bring with them new experiences and challenges. I feel privileged to be in a position to nurture and guide them at this formative time of their lives.
We value the support and involvement of our committee and families who are such a vital part of our kinder community. I look forward to a fantastic year working with enthusiastic children, educators, staff and families.