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

Alessandra Mendes Adam - Director

Ali holds a Diploma of Early Childhood and has over thirty years of experience in early childhood education. Her experience spans from Educational Consultant to co-founding a preschool in Brazil. She has vast experience in Early Childhood Education with a variety of skills working in different settings: co-founding, international schooling, leading workshops and lectures, pedagogic school holiday camps, supporting community kindergarten, childcare centres, educators, and families.
Alessandra is a passionate advocate for holistic education, and her vision aligns closely with Periwinkle’s values of nurturing trust, growth, and resilience in children. She is dedicated to fostering an environment where children, families, and educators can thrive together.

Alana Evans - Lead Educator

Alana holds a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education with Honours from the University of Sydney as well as qualifications in Waldorf Steiner Early Childhood Education. She has been working in the early childhood profession for over fifteen years in a variety of contexts. She has worked as a nominated supervisor, educational leader, and has undertaken many volunteering experiences abroad alongside charities that provide services to disadvantaged children. She has worked in Indonesia, Nepal, and countries throughout Latin America.
Before beginning her teaching role at Periwinkle, she worked at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner Preschool in Willoughby, Sydney.
Alana is passionate about facilitating safe and joyful spaces for children to explore the natural world and develop their sense of identity, resiliency, and compassion. She takes pride in upholding the Steiner philosophy whilst guiding children on their journey through childhood.

Daniela Cooper - Assistant 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.

Michaela Stonehouse - Assistant Educator

Michaela studied at the Melbourne Rudolph Steiner Seminar, finding her passion in early childhood education. She completed her Certificate 3 in Children’s Services, and worked in Montessori before beginning at Periwinkle in 2020. She’s passionate about Anthroposophy, Waldorf craft, and creating a strong community environment.

Eloise Crawford - Administrator

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.

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.