Staff
Our minimum 1:11 staff to child ratio is strictly maintained at all times. All teaching staff hold current Senior First Aid Certificates including CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis, as well as current QLD Working with Children Check (blue cards/exemptions).

Belinda Boevink
Director, Teacher and Educational Leader
I have been a teacher for over 30 years and am always inspired by the uniqueness of the minds and personalities of Kindy Kids! I came to Lawnton Kindy initially as a relief teacher, and am now a part of this lovely community as both Director and Teacher. It is great to be involved in a community kindergarten where parents are equally excited to provide a quality educational facility for their precious little ones. My areas of interest are music (with my purple guitar and bling ukulele), extending on children’s questions through research and projects, brainstorming what children know and want to find out, nature and gardening, craft and supporting children’s ideas and individual creativity.

Rhonda Wilson
Teacher and Educational Leader
I have taught in Early Childhood settings since 1983, and have been inspired by teaching 4 to 6 year olds for nearly 40 years, and a big part of this time in our local community. I believe in the importance of play and hands on experiences in learning, with adult support and direction when required.
To me it is important for families and kindy staff to work together for the benefit of the children, following the old adage, “it takes a community to raise a child”. I am inspired to work as part of the Lawnton Kindy team in the children’s learning journey.

Rachel Roberts
Teacher
I am originally from New Zealand am lucky to call Australia home now, after moving here in 2023.
I have been teaching in Early Childhood Education for over 15 years and have a strong passion for supporting children in their individual learning journey’s. I believe children learn through active exploration in a play-based environment where their strengths, interests and learning dispositions are supported and nurtured.
I love to provide hands-on experiences where children feel valued and excited to learn. I have a strong interest in nature, loose parts, art, and messy play.
I have always loved the community feel that Kindergarten provides to children and their families, and I’m excited to be a part of the team at Lawnton Kindy.

Linda Nugent
Assistant
My involvement with Lawnton Kindergarten started as a kindy parent. My three girls attended the centre and after my youngest started prep in 2018 I began working as an inclusion support assistant. From this time on I have been enjoying doing a variety of roles and now love my role as an assistant educator.
I have been involved in early childhood education since 1992 when I completed a Bachelor of Teaching in Early Childhood. After finishing my studies I worked for many years teaching in a kindy/ preschool aged room in a child care centre.
I have always enjoyed working with kindy aged children. I love the curiosity they bring to kindy every day and enjoy helping develop their love of learning. I am proud that I can assist in developing confident and independent learners.

Nicole Hayburn
Assistant
My passion working with children started 20 years ago where I first worked in childcare centres followed by running my own family day care service for 12 years. During this time, I completed my Advanced Diploma in Children’s Services.
I joined the Lawnton Kindy first as an inclusion support educator in 2021 which then led to being welcomed as an assistant educator the following year. I know they say never work with children or animals, but that’s a lie! working with children has brought more joy to my life than you could ever imagine. The things they say, the cuddles, the laughs – it doesn’t get any better.
My aim is to inspire every child to become the best version of themselves through fun educational play-based learning.

Cindy Marshall
Assistant
My connection with Lawnton Kindergarten began back in 2013 when I first joined as an Inclusion Support Educator, and it truly feels like a privilege to return and continue my journey here.
I completed my Certificate III in 2008 and wanting to deepen my knowledge, went on to complete my Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
I am deeply passionate about being part of a community-focused kindergarten, where I can support children in their crucial year before they start school.
My goal is to ensure every child feels confident, valued and supported on their journey to becoming lifelong learners.

Sonia Clench
Inclusion Support
I have been inspired and intrigued to work with children since 1992, where I started as a Nanny/Governess. I then studied the Montessori Method so I could help more children in the childcare centres I worked at.
I started as a teacher aide and found a passion in helping Neurodivergent children and children with learning difficulties. Understanding children’s differences and seeing them as natural not deficits. They may require varied support to find their strengths. I became wholeheartedly committed in helping and supporting all children find success.
After 15yrs as a teacher aide I found myself here at Lawnton Community Kindy in the Inclusion Support role. I encourage everyone to have fun and learn through play while being brave and trying new challenges. I love being part of the community and can’t wait to say hi when you drop in.
In the Classroom
The experiences children have at kindy should be interesting, engaging and positive. This allows children to learn through their own experiences that learning is fun, creating a foundation for a love of learning they will take with them to primary school, high school and beyond. An interested, caring and engaging kindy teacher who can draw on her expertise and experience in the classroom is where a lifelong love of learning begins.

