Our People

At Periwinkle Preschool we recognise and respect that children are unique individuals on a path of learning. We welcome each child and their family openly on their learning journey.

TEACHERS AND EDUCATORS

At Periwinkle Preschool we have an established, experienced and consistent team of teachers and educators who are passionate about early childhood education and are able to deliver a high quality Steiner-based program and 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.

OUR STAFF

Hayley (Lilly) Stafford - Director
Lilly holds a Bachelor of Early and Primary Education with distinction from Monash University, as well as training at Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School in nourishing the first 7 years of life. 
Before coming to Periwinkle and beginning her role as Director and Teacher, she worked at Little Sophia Steiner Kindergarten and Phillip Island Village school. She comes to us with over 9 years of being a Teacher in alternative education for 3-7 year olds. 
Lilly is passionate about nourishing the senses, connecting to the land and sea and bringing families, cultures and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and truths into our Steiner Philosophy.

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 15 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.

Eben Rauch - Assistant Educator
Eben completed his undergraduate studies in Exercise Sport Science and Nutritional Dietetics, then went on to complete his Masters of Teaching at UNE.
His interest in Steiner education and early childhood began in 2021 with the birth of his first child. The philosophy felt very natural and suited will with his family’s personal ideology and parenting style. The opportunity to work at Periwinkle came at the right time and he looks forward to continuing further education in Steiner teaching.

Georgia Greenwood - Assistant Educator
Georgia grew up in Melbourne where she attended Steiner preschool and primary school. She studied Community Services and a Diploma of Rudolf Steiner Education before working for three years in a Steiner preschool in Victoria.
She is passionate about education that is child-centred, creative, and grounded in nature.

Michaela Stonehouse - Assistant Educator
Michaela studied at the Warranwood Steiner seminar, finding her passion in early childhood. She completed her Certificate 3 in Children’s Services, and worked in Montesorri before beginning in 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, and graduated in 2015. She is an Early Childhood teacher, and has three years experience directing operations in Sydney. She is also a mum of two young girls.
She loves working with educators, children and families. Eloise works in the office, supporting Periwinkle with enrolments and compliance.

Miriam Myers - Administrator
Miriam joined the Periwinkle team in 2023. She has two daughters who attended Periwinkle, and attended herself in 1993 - 4. SHe is happy to be back at Periwinkle and contributing her Steiner experience to her role in the office. Miriam has worked in various administration roles, incuding establishing a successful retail business for the past seven years.
Miriam will be managing the accounts for Periwinkle.

PARENTS

Periwinkle is a community-run preschool that cannot exist without parent involvement. Parents are asked to consider that, 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

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

There are 4 executive positions elected annually: 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. 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.