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Our People

Friendly, motivated and enthusiastic are just some of the ways we describe our educators. We take the time to get to know each child and their family. We want you to feel part of a community invested in your child’s education and well-being. Our centre provides a safe environment and a quality learning experience. Many children, families and educators are bilingual and we take pride in embedding culture in our centre.

Meet our Centre Manager

Lucy Gates

Years in childcare: 4 years

Qualifications: Bachelor Education (Early Childhood and Primary), IV in Frontline Management

What makes you passionate about working in childcare? Being able to be a part of the children’s and their family’s life. It is wonderful to see them grow and develop over the years and the relationships you build with their families stay with you well after they leave the centre.

What is the funniest or most memorable moment you can share from working in childcare? Being welcomed each day by hearing your name yelled across the playground, followed by children running in all directions to give you a cuddle and say hello.

Why do you believe your centre is an excellent choice for parents seeking the best childcare? We are a centre full of passionate educators who are always striving for the best. We focus on sharing fun and meaningful experiences with the children. When walking into the centre you are immediately greeted with a warm home-like feeling and you can see the love shared around the centre. Sustainability is one of our centre passions. Our educators are constantly creating wonderful resources and play spaces using recycled and natural objects.

Educational Leader

Annika Newton

When did you join the Kids Academy Hornsby family?

I started as trainee in 2010. I worked as a casual educator here at Kids Academy Hornsby while I finished my bachelor in teaching and early childhood studies. In 2015 I became a room leader and early childhood educator. I am excited to celebrate 10 years of childcare in Jan 2020.

What makes you passionate about working in childcare?

I believe children are creative and ingenious thinkers. I believe they deserve respect with space and time to explore their ideas and understanding of the world. I love getting collaborating with children to help them explore their ideas and build respectful and fulfilling relationships with children and adults around them.

Why do you believe your centre is an excellent choice for parents seeking the best childcare?

I love our sense of community. I feel a great sense of belonging to the educators, children and families. I hope this is something I pass on to our families and they feel as connected to our community as I do. I also really love our chickens. It has been really exciting getting to see the children looking after them and watching the chickens grow.

Assistant Centre Manager

Carmen Try

When did you join the Kids Academy Hornsby family?

I have 3.5 years industry experience. I returned to the workforce in 2016 after starting my family and completing my Certificate 3. I have been with Kids Academy Hornsby for 3 years in November.

What makes you passionate about working in childcare?

I love being able to watch them grow from little babies into confident preschoolers going off to Kindergarten. Being able to see their little personalities grow and develop is so fulfilling and makes every day different and amazing! love seeing their natural curiosity and passion for learning and being able to support that when they are in our centre community.

Why do you believe your centre is an excellent choice for parents seeking the best childcare?

I love being a part of our community here at Kids Academy Hornsby. From the "home away from home" feeling that you get when you walk into the centre to the amazing educators that l am privileged enough to work alongside every day.

Lead Educator

Helen Xu

When did you join the Kids Academy Hornsby family?

I have been working in children services for around ten years.

Qualifications

I have been with my Diploma qualification for almost seven years and studying toward a Bachelor of Education.

What is the best part about being a lead educator?

I love working alongside children and getting to see children develop and learn right in front of my eyes, that makes me jubilant and realize how important I am playing such a critical role in the first few years of a child's life.

Why do you love working at Kids Academy Hornsby?

I love being a lead position in Kids Academy Hornsby, where we together build and promote a welcomed and qualified learning environment for our children.

Educational Leader, Early Childhood Teacher & 3IC

Maggae Doney

When did you start your journey in childcare?

I have been working in childcare for almost a year now.

Qualifications

I studied my Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and Primary and look forward where I can get as I stay in this industry.

What is the best part of your job?

I love getting to know each of the children and building beautiful relationships with them as we help them to develop, and grow into confident young people.

Why do you love working at Kids Academy Hornsby?

I love being part of a strong leadership team that builds and promotes a positive culture and environment in our centre. We are always working on new ways to provide our families and children with the best environment possible.