OUR STAFF

The Nominated Supervisor/Director: Your Child’s Educational Leader is:

Fiona Harris-Whelan – Monday to Thursday, alternate Friday Michelle Call – Monday to Friday

Educators:

Michelle Call - Monday to Thursday, alternate Friday Cleaners:

Alarah Castles – Monday to Friday Liz Shield

Connie Ellis - Monday to Friday Sue Arden

Rebecca Baker - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Rachel Gillies - Wednesday, also casual days

Administration - Skye Poore

Fiona Harris-Whelan - Nominated Supervisor/Teacher

Hello my name is Fiona (Fee). I am the Director/teacher at Iluka Preschool. In education and wellbeing for children, their families and their community I am passionate in embedding the best opportunities to embrace learning for all. Through the sense of curiosity and sharing each other’s expertise I value a safe and stimulating environment where all are accepted and welcomed to learn from each other.

My experience includes over thirty years in various roles across the education and community services sector for preschool and school age children. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Diploma in Early Childhood, Certificate IV in Community Services, Certificate IV TAE and Bush Kindy leadership.

I acknowledge and respect the Yaegl people of this land and promise to care for country.

I look forward to getting to know you and enjoying our learning together.

Michelle Call - Educational Leader

My name is Michelle and I am the Educational Leader and Early Childhood Teacher at Iluka Preschool. I have a Bachelor of Education (Birth to Five Years) and have 20 years’ experience working in the early childhood sector with children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years of age. My background includes working in a long day care setting where I worked in multiple roles including as an Educator, Teacher, Assistant and Centre Director and Educational Leader. I was born and have grown up in Grafton my entire life and it is where I still reside; however my family has a long connection with Iluka. I have spent a lot of my time in Iluka and I hope to move here in the near future.

I am passionate about early learning and believe that the first five years in a child’s life are the most important and set them up for ongoing success with learning and development. My teaching philosophy is based on a belief that relationships are fundamental and that children learn best in an environment where they feel safe, secure and supported. These relationships are just as important with our families and wider community as well. I also believe that the early years should be a time of fun for children, filled with happiness and play, and that children learn best when involved in play that interests them. I love my role as an early childhood teacher and the opportunities it gives me to support families and children during this important stage of their lives.

Alarah Castles - Educator

Hi my name is Alarah, I moved to the Clarence Valley from Newcastle in 2020. I finished my certificate 3 in 2020 and have been working in an early childhood setting for 5 years.

I am very passionate about working with children and their families to support the best opportunities in education and care for children. I enjoy providing fun and exciting learning experiences in stimulating environments. I look forward to getting to know you and your children.

Rebecca Baker-Educator

Hi, my name is Rebecca (Bec for short).

I'm a local to the area having lived in Woombah most my life, & here's a fun little fact about me; I actually attended here at Iluka Preschool when I was little! And I've always enjoyed being part of this wonderful little community we have here in the Clarence Valley.

I have my Certificate III in Childcare, & have always maintained a passion for educating & encouraging young children to develop socially, emotionally, & intellectually. It's an extremely rewarding job to be part of children's development & to be part of the process of getting them ready for the next stage - school!

I always strive to be a positive influence & set a good example for children, as I have two children of my own, & being a mum has really highlighted & reinforced the importance of leading by example.

Connie Ellis-Educator

Hi, my name is Shih-yu Yeh but in Australia I am also known as Connie.

I am a Taiwanese Australian so i can speak in both English, Mandarin and Taiwanese languages.

I have a certificate 3 in early childhood education.

My three young children Kayla, Meesha and Byron attend primary school in Maclean.

I love working with children and enjoy helping them learn through play.

I really value the new learning experiences we have each day with our little friends at preschool

Rachel Gillies - Educator

Hi my name is Rachel, also known as Rach.

I have just relocated to the beautiful Clarence Valley and am fortunate enough to work and live in Iluka. I have over many years experience in early childhood education.

My passions for educations revolve around growing, being creative and helping children achieve their developmental milestones. I value playful and sustainable environments for the children to thrive in.

I’ve enjoyed getting to know all your beautiful children and will enjoy the journey together to work in partnership with you.

Skye Poore - Administration

Hello, my name is Skye or Ava and Mya’s mum.

I am the administrator and work Wednesday’s 9am to 3pm.

If you have any questions please pop in or stop and say hi!

I’ve been in Iluka for 13 years and my older children also attended this preschool.

It’s always a pleasure to come in and see all the children and listening to them enjoying their day here!

Iluka Preschool

“A fun place to learn and grow”

46 Micalo Street