About Us
Tucked away by one of Glen Iris’ bluestone laneways, Gardiner Preschool has been providing early childhood education to the community for more than 80 years.
Gardiner Preschool is a place where three and four year old children come to explore, inquire, create and most importantly play. Led by a team of dedicated and conscientious teachers and educators, children at Gardiner Preschool are encouraged to learn about the world, and their place in it, through carefully crafted programs and provocations.
Gardiner Preschool thrives as part of a wider community, with amazing family and teacher connections as well as relationships with our wider community to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.
Our Philosophy
At Gardiner Preschool, we foster a warm and inclusive environment where every family is welcomed, respected, and valued equally. Our programs are child-led and play-based, designed to elevate children's voices and promote their sense of agency. We believe that play is essential to maximising learning and development. Diversity is at the heart of our community; we are a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for all families, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, culturally and linguistically diverse families, children with disabilities, refugee families, Rainbow families, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through social events and community engagement, we nurture a strong sense of belonging, helping children and families form lasting connections within the Gardiner Preschool family.
Meet the Team
Meet the people who make it all happen. We see big potential in every moment, and care deeply about what your children do every day. Our unique development ensures that we have the very best staff, and at every level of operation. Our team reflects a group of diverse individuals with breadth and depth of experience across Gardiner Preschool.
HOLLY
Holly is the Teacher in our 3YO Buttercup Group and holds a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood). Holly joined our teaching team in 2012.
DANNI
Danni is the Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader of Gardiner Preschool, having previously taught in the 3YO program. She holds Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching). Danni joined our teaching team in 2014.
PRISCILLA
Priscilla is the Teacher of our 4YO Wattle Group and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Priscilla joined our teaching team in 2020.
CARLIE
Carlie is the Teacher in our 4YO Banksia Group and holds a Bachelor of Early Learning. Carlie joined our teaching team in 2022.
AISHA
Aisha is our Wattle Group Educator and holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Aisha joined our team in 2024.
KATHERINE
Katherine is the teacher of our Bluebell Group and holds a Masters of Teaching (Early Childhood). Katherine joined our team in 2024.
BECKY
Becky is the Educator in our Banksia Group and holds a Diploma of Children Services and is also currently studying her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary Education). Becky joined our team in 2024.
Our Committee
Gardiner Preschool is a not-for-profit, community-driven kindergarten, built by the community for the community. Our success depends on the active involvement of Gardiner Preschool families.
A volunteer Committee of Management, made up of parents, plays a vital role in managing the kindergarten alongside our professional staff. From serving as class representatives or working bee coordinators to helping with newsletters, mail, or fruit duty, there are countless ways families contribute to the running of our kinder.
The preschool thrives on this shared commitment—without community, we simply wouldn’t exist. Reach out to learn more about how you can get involved!
Get Involved
Have a question on how you can get involved? Gardiner Preschool is here to help. Send us a message and we’ll be in touch.