Learn & Laugh at Hornsby is our very first centre which has been open since 2007. It is a beautifully designed 39 place centre with a warm and welcoming feel. Our centre was purpose built for the intention of education and care. With a large upstairs area for the team to collaborate, study and take some well-deserved time out. The outdoor environment is away from the street providing a peaceful escape. We are located in the middle of the Hornsby Heights community at 335 Somerville Road.
We acknowledge the Dharug people who are the traditional custodians of this land and pay respect to their elders past, present and future, for they hold the Indigenous memories of culture and country for all Australian people.
I have been part of the Learn & Laugh family since 2012, beginning my career at Learn & Laugh Hornsby. There I worked as the room leader in their 3-5 year old room, while progressing in my career, gaining responsibilities of Educational Leader and Second in Charge. In 2016 I moved to the Drummoyne Centre, becoming the Director, allowing me the opportunity to consolidate my learning and experience even more. Once returning from maternity leave in 2020 I had the opportunity of returning back to our Hornsby Centre.
Being inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning has helped me to view children as strong and capable learners with enormous potential and curiosity. I aim to offer children an environment where they are inspired to learn and explore, while feeling safe and secure.
In my role, I strive to work in collaboration with children, engaging in a hands-on and co-constructionist relationships. This enables me to work alongside children, helping them to extend their own interests through exploration, discovery and project-based learning.
I have worked at Learn & Laugh Hornsby Heights as an educator since 2008 and am now the company’s longest serving staff member. In that time I have worked with all age groups. Having previously held the role of 2IC, I was thrilled to be offered the Director’s role in October 2017.
I am a passionate believer in the Reggio Emilia philosophy of “the environment as the third teacher”, working with our team to create an inclusive environment where children are encouraged to learn through collaboration and investigation.
We have created a natural, homely feeling in our centre through our collection of upcycled/recycled furniture, loose parts and other pre-loved treasures, in keeping with our views on sustainability.
My mission for our centre is for our team to continue learning and working together in creating innovative early childhood programs for the children in our care.