Our Educators
Samantha Wolfgram
I am currently the Blue Dolphin Group (3 year olds) and Red Rosella Group (4 year olds) Educator. I am a passionate advocate for the rights of children. My personal philosophy is that all children have a right to be happy, healthy and safe from harm. They can’t speak up for themselves, so I try to be their voice.
I left school and went to university to gain my Diploma in Nursing, falling into ‘childcare’ to cover a maternity leave position. I loved my new job so much; here I am nearly 30 years later, still enjoying my time watching children become active participants in society.
I hold a Bachelor of Teaching and have worked in all aspects of the early childhood industry. My first Kindergarten was in a community Kindergarten in Queensland and after nearly 10 years I left to pursue a management role.
Over the next 8 years I learned about leadership, team development and gained a full understanding of the Quality assessment system.
In 2006 I became the Kindergarten teacher and Educational leader at an Early Learning Centre in Brighton and during my time there, I developed amazing relationships with my families, the children and my co-workers.
I look forward to the next chapter in my teaching career and while I am at Black Rock Pre-School I hope to develop a co-educational program: where families feel valued; where each child can develop to their fullest potential; that ensures all children are ready for school; that encourages full parent participation on the day to day basis; so that all children are happy.
Gladys Armanath
My name is Gladys and I am the Yellow Gecko Group (4 year olds) teacher at Black Rock Pre-School. I joined BRPS in January 2015 and have been teaching in the early childhood sector for 10 years.
I have studied at Swinburne and Monash university and deferred my second year in Masters at Melbourne University due family and work commitments.
As a teacher, I am compassionate, strong and dedicated to working with pre-school children. I wanted to be a teacher because, I had an urge to make a difference in children’s early years’ educational journey, ensuring they got all the opportunities and nurturing they need and deserve before they start school.
I strive to extend and build on pre-schooler’s prior knowledge, by providing tools to play and explore, gently teaching them to think, adapt, make links, process information, question and critically analyse information to arrive at better outcomes, so they become life-long learners.
I am very aware of this crucial period in children’s development, and I aim to lay solid foundations for further learning, not only for the present but for the future of our society.
Black Rock Pre-School is an amazing place to work because, we have combined philosophy of respecting all, responsibility towards the world we live in and rejoicing in our achievements.
Perina Mifsud
I am currently the co-educator for Blue Dolphin Group (3 year olds) and Red Rosella and Yellow Geckos Groups (4 year olds). Having joined the team in early 2017, I am excited to continue in 2018 with the Red Rosellas and Blue Dolphins.
In 2005 I graduated from Swinburne University with a Diploma of Early Childhood Education. I later moved on to work at Kids on Collins, Melbourne where I was responsible for managing and educating the baby/toddler room over a number of years.
In 2008, I was presented with an exciting opportunity to be a Nanny for a young family who at the time had a 1year old son.
After this rewarding journey, I welcomed the arrival of my own son Kingston. During this period, I enjoyed time at home with my son, whilst also enrolling in further studies within the fitness and health industry.
My personal beliefs and philosophy as a co-educational teacher/mother are that we develop respectful nurturing bonds with children and their families in order to create a wonderful foundation for a positive kindergarten experience.
All children have unique strengths, and learn best when they feel respected and valued. Children have a desire to learn through self-discovery and self-awareness. My personal goal is to ensure they feel safe, in a system that fully supports and creates a welcoming environment within the community.
Black Rock Pre-School has an amazing team and community to work with and I look forward to seeing the children develop and flourish to their full potential.
Rachael Peterson
My name is Rachael Peterson and I am the Education Manager at Black Rock Pre-School. I have been a member of the BRPS Committee as the Vice President in 2016 & 2015, and the Fundraising Coordinator in 2014.
In 2015 I qualified with honors in my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. I have taught at Grange Road Kindergarten in Sandringham and Bambini Childcare Center in Brighton. Prior to this I was teaching as a Primary Teacher at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar.
I am a mother of three young children, Fraser, Harvey and Kiara. My sons have both been fortunate to attend Black Rock Pre-School.
My husband Daniel and I enjoy running together, socialising with friends and having family time. My personal love and comforting rapport I create with children formed my desire to become a teacher.
I am inspired to nurture, while providing continuous learning opportunities that supports children to become confident, life-long learners. As a teacher I gain great satisfaction and immediate rewards that I cherish. I am extremely excited to join Black Rock Pre-School.
I am a passionate teacher who values Early Childhood Education and I am looking forward to influencing the children’s educational opportunities.
