Our Team
Our Educational Team are made up of 2 VIT registered, Early Childhood Teachers, Diploma qualified (Children's Services) and Certificate III qualified staff, all of which have over a decade of Montessori early childhood education experience each.
The Montessori teachers are referred to as Directors, and as the name suggests they direct the child through careful observation, planning, and providing learning materials to meet the needs and interests of that child. Our focus is on children learning, not on teachers teaching. A Montessori lesson is given on a one-on-one basis and occasionally in small group lessons. Our lessons are brief and precise, meant to broaden the interests and understanding of your child.
Our teachers create an Individual Learning Plan that is unique and specific to every child, to ensure a tailored and comprehensive preschool education. We are able to provide an authentic, Montessori education because we only employ Montessori qualified and trained educational staff. We don't just see Montessori as a marketing buzz word, the Montessori Method is deeply embedded in our philosophy and vision at the Preschool.
Nilmini Wijesooriya
Montessori Directress / Educational Leader
Taia Ly
Kindergarten Teacher / Nominated Supervisor
Dhanushka Molligoda
Activity Group Leader
I have been working in early childhood education for over 20 years, and during that time, have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of young children and the skills required to meet those needs. I believe in providing children with opportunities to explore and discover the world around them.
I moved to Australia from Sri Lanka with my family in 2013 and have loved the new experiences we found in Australia. I love sewing, gardening and spending time in nature.
I am passionate about the Montessori method and admire its focus on giving children foundational skills needed for life.
I have had the joy of working with young children for the last 10 years. I was drawn to the Montessori Method because of the environment it provides for children to discover themselves during the most formative years of their development. I believe that by focusing on children in the early years, we have a great shot at creating a wonderful world citizen. As Dr. Montessori herself said, "The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind."
My forte is to engage children with music and movement, and to create bonds with them for meaningful learning and emotional regulation. This is an extension of my own interests in music, dance and acrobatics, human curiosity and emotional intelligence.
I feel so privileged to become a part of this wonderful community amongst the beauty of the Macedon Ranges.
I have worked in the early childhood sector for over 12 years and mainly practiced the Montessori method of learning. I studied my Montessori diploma in Sri Lanka and continued working in the same field after moving to Australia. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.
I moved to Melbourne in 2014 and over the last 9 years I have come to love camping and off-roading. I also enjoy reading a book or listening to podcasts. I live with my husband, our daughter and our fur baby. We love spending time outdoors exploring.
The Committee of Management
Macedon Ranges Montessori Pre-School is a parent led not-for-profit Kindergarten managed by a Committee made up of parents, extended family, and community members.
There are various roles within our parent led not-for-profit Kindergarten Committee, without which, the Kindergarten cannot function or flourish. Our Committee consists of previous years members who continue to share their knowledge, to new members who are welcomed to offer what they can.
The children benefit from what the Committee contributes, and it allows the parents to have their say in how the Kindergarten operates.
The committee is a crucial part of our Kindergarten, and it relies on the enlisting of new members throughout the year.