Children spend a major part of each day with the teacher who is responsible for developing the educational program for their group.
There are no bells at Kinma. Children come inside the buildings when "in-time" is called by the staff. Children work in small groups for the development of their basic skills and concepts.
Children dialogue freely with all in the community. Teachers provide feedback where appropriate. However, at Kinma we avoid evaluation that implies comparison of one child with another.
The teachers at Kinma are encouraged to continue their professional development through in-service training. They also review current literature and findings in education, psychology and related fields for possible contributions to the learning program in the school.
Group 4 Teacher
Sal first came to Kinma in 2018 as a teacher’s aide in Group 1 and later taught as a casual teacher. She is endlessly inspired by the creativity that flows through the Kinma community. Sal has a passion for the handmade and enjoys dabbling in the craft arts. She is mum to a 5 year old boy.
Qualifications: 2005 Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Edith Cowan University)
Group 4 Teacher
Tom completed his practicum at Kinma and co-teachers our youngest Primary students with Sal Wright
Tom is happy to have found a home at Kinma joining kindred spirits both big and small.
A lover of the ocean and father to two little humans, Tom is excited to play, learn and create with our new Group 4 friends
Education Leader
Michelle is Kinma's Education Leader. Michelle has been teaching Kinma primary students of all ages since 2006, most recently in Group 1. She brings a diverse range of skills to the School. Michelle has understanding, tolerance and non-judgment in her daily work.
Along with her obvious love and enthusiasm to the Kinma students is her great passion and delight in watching her two young daughters flourish.
Qualifications: 2005 Bachelor of Education (Primary) (Edith Cowan University)
Group 3 Teacher
Katie job shares with Deepika in Group 3. Katie came to Kinma after completing her internship in her last year of studying her Masters of Teaching at UNE in 2016. Katie is also the mother of three children, and has a passion for creativity and design.
Qualifications: Masters of Teaching (Primary) - University of New England (2016); Bachelor of Fine Arts - University of NSW (2000)
Group 3 Teacher
Katy is excited to join the Kinma team this year! She began her teaching career in England before travelling and teaching in Tanzania, Peru and Nepal. She’s now settled in Australia and, when not teaching, enjoys having fun with her young daughter. Katy is also a yoga teacher and is keen to share her love of yoga and learning with the children at Kinma.
Group 3 Teacher
Deepika joined the Kinma family in 2017. Deepika teaches with Katie in Group 3, and is so excited to be teaching and learning at Kinma where she feels she has found her other home.
Deepika loves making things, all things art and is constantly intrigued by the beauty of the world around her.
Group 2 Teacher
Kate completed her internship with us in 2013. After a couple years teaching rurally and exploring the globe, Kate now teaches Group 2 with enthusiasm and excitement.
If you were ever searching for Kate at Kinma, you’d find her running around on the bottom field playing a game of soccer or observing and admiring the native wildlife. Kate has a strong passion for the environment, creative arts, and science which she utilises to spark children’s creativity and interest. Kate loves to create learning experiences which allow children to naturally engage and explore.
Group 2 Teacher
Kimberley first joined the Kinma community as a playgroup parent and quickly realised she had found her home. She began teaching in 2016 after completing her practicum at Kinma, and is currently playing and learning in Group 2.
Kimberley loves the freedom to follow children's interests, play-based learning and getting to know her students.
Group 1 Teacher
Andy teaches our Group 1 (years 1 and 2) primary students in Group 1 with Lisa. Andy joined Kinma in 2011, after completing his 4th year practicum with the school in 2010. Andy is easy to find - guitar playing, a singing pied piper of Kinma - sitting somewhere in the sunshine. Andy is a master at woodwork and fixing stuff along with surfing and spending enormous amounts of time for his young students.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) - Macquarie University (2010)
Group 1 Teacher
Lisa has just joined the Kinma family this year and teachers Group 1 with Andy. She has a passion for Literacy, especially storytelling and Drama. Lisa loves to be outside and is excited to be out exploring and enjoying all of the spaces Kinma has to offer.
Basketball teacher
French teacher
Learning Support Teacher
Grace joined the team of Kinma in 2014 from across the ocean, all the way from the UK. We have decided we will not be giving her back! Gentle, with a big heart, she's able to see beyond the facade. Grace has a passion for all things literacy based and brings the learning alive with ease and joy.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Primary Education - Nottingham Trent University (2004)
Open Days
We are unable to offer visits at this time, pleast watch this space for further information.
When we are open again, we invite you to join us on our next Open event, hear how our dynamic, progressive, independent school works, and tour our beautiful Primary and Preschool, set in the bush on 5 acres of land. See how we offer a unique child-centred education for preschool and primary school aged children, which includes violin, French, basketball, bush walking, and much more. Morning Tea will be provided over Q&A after the tour. To book in call 9450 0738.
Preschool Open Day *Postponed*
We invite you to join us, hear about 'A day in the life of a Kinma Preschooler', meet staff, tour Preschool, hear about our play-based, child-centred curriculum and how it takes place in a challenging, nurturing and exciting learning environment. Learn more about how play and imagination are integral to our education approach, where children can choose to participate in a wide range of activities during the preschool day. To book call 9450 0738.
If you’re not able to join us for one of our open events, we invite you to join us for a tour of the school.
You will have the opportunity to look around the Preschool and have an informal chat to answer all your questions, as well as meet the teachers and staff.
Please check our calendar for upcoming tour dates. Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 02 9450 0738 to book in.
127 Coolowie Rd,
Terrey Hills NSW 2084
Find us on Google Maps
Primary: +61 2 9450 0738
Preschool: +61 2 9486 3018
Email Kinma