Simone McKenzie
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
Perth, Western Australia
Early Childhood Philosophy
Learning
I am passionate about Early Childhood education and advocate that children have a right to quality education in a safe and nurturing environment, where they learn through play-based education that encourages them to reach their full learning potential. Early years learning is a time where children make sense of the world around them and it is vital they are provided with a wide range of opportunities to further their development in a supportive and caring setting. It is essential to work in partnership with the children's families in order to best support children in their cognitive, spiritual, emotional and social development. I believe in a child-centred and holistic approach to education where all students' needs and learning styles are catered to and where their gifts and talents can shine. Developing positive relationships with each student and knowing their interests and abilities is vital to springboard future learning and encourage risk-taking within the learning.
Faith
I believe in Catholic education and the faith formation that it provides. It sets us apart from other educational systems and makes us who we are, a community who is united in Christ. I believe that education is not just about teaching the curriculum; but about shaping students’ values and providing a safe and caring learning environment. I also believe that Catholic education achieves this goal through the Religious Education curriculum, social justice and catechesis opportunities.
Service
My teaching centres on serving my school, other teachers, my students, the leadership team and Jesus. I believe I am working in a place where my faith development is nurtured and celebrated. Working in the Catholic system, I have the opportunity to develop students’ values and faith.
EXPERIENCE
2016-Current
Early Childhood
St. Emilie's Catholic Primary School
Years taught: Pre-primary, Year One, Early Years Literacy Support, On-Entry Assessment Co-ordinator
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Work collaboratively and professionally with all staff
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Develop positive relationships with students and parents
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Work collaboratively to plan assemblies and school community functions
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Implemented InitiaLit program in Year One
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Contribute to the school website
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Incorporate ICT to support student learning and communicate with families
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Implemented and co-ordinate Mini Vinnie's program
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Meet with VINES group
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Worked as a team for NQS audit, including creating the master tool template
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Plan and assess using EYLF framework
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Good working relationships with Education Assistants
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Work closely with external service providers to assist students in reaching their potential
2014-2015
Early Childhood
St. Joseph's Waroona
Years taught: Pre-primary, Year Two
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Planned and organised athletics, swimming and cross-country carnivals
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Created social media account to communicate with families
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Completed all planning and assessing using EYLF framework
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Initiated and led Walker learning across the early years
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Work collaboratively and professionally with all staff
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Develop positive relationships with students and parents
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Work collaboratively to plan assemblies and school community functions
2014
Term Contracts
Assumption Catholic Primary School
Years taught: Pre-primary, Year One, Year Two
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Attended Walker learning professional development course in Melbourne
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Work collaboratively and professionally with all staff
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Develop positive relationships with students and parents
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Work collaboratively to plan assemblies and school community functions
EDUCATION
2009-2013
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
University of Notre Dame, Australia
Graduated with a major in Religious Education
2008
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)
Murdoch University
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Completed 5 units
2003-2007
Secondary Education
Kolbe Catholic College
HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAREER
Prepared for NQS Audit in 2019
Organised whole-school carnivals for athletics, swimming and cross-country
Attended a Walker Learning personal development workshop in Melbourne
Implemented Mini Vinnies program
Teaching students with diverse needs
Organised liturgies and whole-school masses
EXPERTISE
VIRTUAL OPEN NIGHT
Used ICT to showcase student work online, utilising Seesaw and ThingLink for parents to be able to view and comment on their children's work
COMMUNITY DAYS
We invite families to come in to celebrate Mother's and Father's Days with their children
MINI VINNIES
Community Outreach
LEARNING EXHIBITION
This showcases the learning that has taken place and welcomes parents to view their child's hard work
COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
Catering for different learning styles
OUTDOOR LEARNING
St Emilie's has wonderful outdoor grounds and it is essential for learning to occur both in indoor and outdoor settings