Our People

At Periwinkle Preschool we have an established, experienced, and consistent team of educators who are passionate about early childhood education and are able to deliver a high quality Steiner-based curriculum. Our teaching team is led by two university degree qualified Early Childhood Teachers. All support staff hold either a Diploma or Certificate Three in Early Childhood Education.

There is a certified Rudolf Steiner Early Childhood Education Teacher in attendance five days per week. All our staff are committed to ongoing professional development through a fortnightly Teacher’s College, Rudolf Steiner Early Childhood Education conferences, and regional meetings.

As a community preschool, Periwinkle relies on contributions from families, as well as the educators and staff.

OUR STAFF

Eloise Crawford - Acting Director

Eloise joined Periwinkle Preschool in July 2023. She is an Early Childhood teacher, and has three years experience directing operations in Sydney. She is also a mum of three young girls.
She loves working with educators, children, and families. Eloise works in the office, supporting Periwinkle with enrolments and compliance.

Daniela Cooper - Lead Educator

Daniela has been interested and involved in Steiner Education for many years, and completed her year 12 schooling at Mount Barker Waldorf School. She gained a great deal from her schooling and has since had a love for Steiner Pedagogy, leading her to further studies in Steiner Education, including a Certificate of Early Childhood and Advanced Diploma in Steiner Education via Rudolf Steiner College. Daniela values the Steiner school environment, and has gratitude for the Steiner philosophy that offers children a deep reverence for the world, nature, and play. She believes there is great beauty in Steiner education.

Samira Maciel da Silva - Assistant Educator

Samira is a dedicated Early Childhood Educator with over 20 years of experience working with children and families across different educational settings. Originally from Brazil and now based in Australia.

She holds a degree in Brazil as a Portuguese Teacher and a Licentiate Degree in Education, Certificate III and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care in Australia. Samira also studied at Melbourne Rudolph Steiner Seminar.

Samira has also worked in schools across the Shire, gaining valuable experience within different educational communities. This includes her time at Shearwater Steiner School, where she further developed her practice within a Steiner-informed learning environment. 

Passionate about holistic education, creativity,  and emotional wellbeing, Samira believes that each child is unique and deserves to be supported with empathy and care.

Sheree Hunstone - Assistant Educator

Sheree holds a Master of Teaching in Early Childhood Education from The University of Sydney and is passionate about creating warm, nurturing learning environments where children feel safe, supported, and valued.

She is currently undertaking Foundation Studies in Steiner Education and feels deeply inspired by the philosophy’s emphasis on play, rhythm, creativity, and connection to nature. Sheree brings a thoughtful and caring approach to her work with children and families and is committed to supporting each child’s unique development with empathy and respect.

Rachael - Assistant Educator

Rachael is currently completing a Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education and has completed an Advanced Diploma in Rudolf Steiner Education in Melbourne, Victoria, along with a year-intensive Eurythmy training in Samford Valley, Queensland. During these trainings she discovered a deep appreciation for the Steiner approach to education and the intention for nurturing the whole child, as a unique spiritual being.

During recent years, Rachael worked casually as an assistant in the primary school and kindergarten at Samford Valley Steiner School. She was also fortunate to complete a placement in a kindergarten at Yarra Valley's Steiner School in Victoria.

Last year, Rachael was also involved in a local not-for-profit program on a community farm, where she facilitated a nature-based playgroup called Little Green Thumbs. She enjoys creating warm, nurturing environments where children can explore, imagine and develop a sense of wonder through play, creativity and meaningful experiences in nature.

Lucy-Bo Lamotte - Assistant Educator

Lucy-Bo began her journey with Steiner Education through Rudolf Steiner College, completing an Advanced Diploma in Rudolf Steiner Education in 2014. Through this study she found her passion for the early years and went on to complete a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.  

She has gained experience by working as an assistant teacher at The Alice Springs Steiner School, Rainbow Ridge Steiner School, and at a local community preschool.

She loves the wonder and magic of early childhood, and seeks to bring a sense of safety, reverence, and connection to her interactions with children.

Lucy-Bo moved to the area several years ago with her three sisters. She spends her spare time doing leatherwork, bush crafts, knitting or in the garden. 

Dhyana Mincarone  - Assistant Educator

Dhyana is an enthusiastic Steiner educator. Her journey began as a passionate parent before completing the Steiner Foundation Course in 2008. She holds a Bachelor of Naturopathy, specialising in Women’s Health, and currently studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education in Australia. Dhyana has 12 years experience in anthroposophical educational and therapeutic approaches in a variety of schools and community in Florianopolis. She is also a proud mother of two boys—a university student and a toddler.
She settled in Australia in 2020, has a deep appreciation for the country’s beautiful natural environment and vibrant culture.

PARENTS

Periwinkle is a community-run preschool that cannot exist without parent involvement. When enrolling your child in Periwinkle, you are also committing your time and energy to running and caring for our preschool.

It is vital that parents fulfil their obligations throughout the year so staff can focus on providing a safe and stimulating environment for the enjoyment and education of the children. Parent involvement and community care with shared energy is what keeps Periwinkle sailing! The following information explains what we require of our parents.

Parent Management Committee (PMC)

We are a non-profit community organisation run by a management committee consisting of parents nominated at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). We are an incorporated body and are audited annually.

There are 4 executive positions elected annually at the AGM: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

There are other roles to be filled each year including Maintenance Coordinator, Fundraising Co-ordinator, and Newsletter/Communications Co-ordinator. PMC meetings are held monthly.

The Parent Management Committee is a rewarding and fun way to get to know the other parents and to also contribute to the ongoing future of Periwinkle as a wonderful place for the children of Byron Bay.

Parent Information Nights

Each term the Director and the team prepare an informative and fun session for the parents. These are important events for parents to attend (without children) as they help to deepen your understanding of the Steiner Early Childhood Education program and how to support your child in their development. It is expected that at least one parent from each family will attend each of these evenings.

Working Bees & Community Care of Periwinkle

Periwinkle requires each family to provide two hours of community care/maintenance time per term, typically by attending Working Bees. Working Bees are a fun way we can all share and contribute to the maintenance of Periwinkle. Working Bees are generally held on the first Saturday of each term, from 9 am to noon. Families bring a plate to share for morning tea after the work has been completed.