Possums' Den
Community Preschool
About Us
Possums’ Den is a community-based, not-for-profit early childhood education and care service nurturing up to 23 children per day.
Children of mixed ages between three and six years attend together and play in a variety of permanent and adaptable learning areas. We are unique in providing families with a choice of Federal funded Long Day Preschool and State funded Preschool. We offer flexibility in days of attendance to meet individual family needs and work commitments.
We employ highly qualified educators who share a passion for quality early childhood education and care. Our staff are dedicated to best practice which is evident as soon as you walk through the door, and many have been working at the centre for a long time.
We are proud of our educators’ high qualification levels, their commitment to continual professional development and our educator to child ratio. This allows us to offer an exemplary indoor/outdoor educational program, provide choice and support for children’s individual interests and facilitate learning through play in a stimulating environment.
We acknowledge the importance of building collaborative partnerships with families and recognise the benefit for children when educators work closely with families. Parents and the child’s extended family are always welcome at the centre and we place great value in families gaining a sense of belonging to the Possums’ Den community. Families can be involved in the service in many ways including sharing ideas, participation on the management committee and joining family functions.
Meet Our Staff
Trish Thorncroft
Director / Teacher / Educational Leader
Trish holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. She has worked at Possums' Den since 2003 and became the director in 2012. Trish is passionate about providing quality early childhood education and care through pursuing and implementing current practice. Trish has the overall responsibility for the children, staff and the program.
Sabine Benz
Administrator
Sabine has been associated with Possums’ Den since 1990, as a parent, committee member and then in 1993 as the administrator of the service. She holds a Certificate IV in Business and works in the office from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Sabine is dedicated to managing the office efficiently and is happy to answer any inquiries about the service.
Margaret Negus
Teacher
Marg holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education). She has been employed at Possums’ Den since 2005.
Jacqui Lowe
Early Childhood Educator
Jacqui joined Possums’ Den in May 2011. She holds a Diploma of Children’s Services (Early Childhood Education and Care).
Rachel McIntosh
Early Childhood Educator
Rachel joined Possums’ Den in January 2022. She holds a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Lisa Tran
Early Childhood Teacher
Lisa joined Possums’ Den in January 2023. She holds a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood Education and Care).
Mikayla Dawe
Early Childhood Educator
Mikayla joined Possums’ Den in July 2023. She holds a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and is studying towards a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.