Coolum Beach (Jones Parade) Community Kindergarten

Our Educators

Since the gates first opened in 1982, there have been only a handful of staff at Coolum Beach Community Kindergarten – testament to the passion of the people who have built our kindy into the child-centred, community hub it is today. Our director Lyndal Fletcher and full-time educator Wendy Owen have many years of teaching experience between them, and are assisted by educator Kate Powell. All teaching staff regularly participate in professional development courses, ensuring their knowledge continues to meet the changing community needs.

Wendy Owen - Educator/Certified Supervisor

My love of Jones Parade and all things Kindy began in 2010 when my oldest child began her Kindy education. Our family was fortunate enough for all of our children to experience Jones Parade Kindy. I volunteered on the Committee for the 3 years I had children at the Centre which gave me an insight into the operation of the Kindy. In 2013 I began working for Jones Parade in an administrative role which I love doing - to lighten the load in any way for the Teacher and Assistant is a bonus. In 2014 I began my studies of Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, I was able to complete my preschool practical placement at Jones Parade.

Since this time I have filled the roles of Inclusion Aide, Relief Assistant, Administration Assistant and at one time a short spurt as the Cleaner. Our Community is so very lucky to have such a wonderful Kindy to send our children to, and while we have the dedicated Staff, Committee and families our Kindy will continue to provide the most wonderful 1st year to your child's education.

I really enjoy working in this community kindergarten where we work closely with parents and families and the broader community. I passionately believe that we never stop learning from each other and as a parent myself, understand that everyone has their own story to tell. I was appointed director of our beautiful kindy in January 2016.

I have a Bachelor of Education-Early Childhood and over 22 years’ experience in the Early Childhood field. 

I have a genuine love and respect for young children and enjoy the challenge of providing stimulating educational environments that foster their creativity and imaginations. I see my role as a facilitator and positive role model for children's learning and am passionate about allowing children to be children so that they can learn through play. I love to encourage children to become resilient and independent and help them to learn life-long skills to set them up for life.

I work with young children because I am inspired by their enthusiasm and their wonder about the world around them: their curiosity to explore and make discoveries and connections, make sense, gain understanding of our world, the environment and who they are as individuals, and part of their community.

I have a Diploma in Children's Services-Childcare and Education and am passionate about childrens learning, and feel privileged to have been part of children’s learning journeys here at Coolum Beach Community Kindergarten for over a decade. I enjoy working here as part of a teaching team and with families to foster the children's learning through fun, stimulating play-based activities inspired by children's own interest and set in our beautiful, natural environment.

I believe in nurturing and supporting each child as a unique individual, who is competent and capable of their own learning with our guidance and support. They inspire me with the games they play, their creativity, their wonderful imaginations and the joy of their discoveries.