Every September at Preschool is like a new birth; the classrooms that stood empty and cold throughout the summer months are suddenly brought back to life with the warmth of the children who arrive each day ready to play, create and learn. As you walk through the hallways their laughter and chatter can be heard and bright art begins to decorate the walls. St. Catherine's is ready for another happy year!
Recently I got to thinking about what it means to be a preschool teacher; what is it that we really do every day? I realised that like many of the most important things in this world, it is all the little things which really add up to something wonderful. I also began to think about the wonderful women here at St. Catherine's who are so committed, kind, creative and work so hard. Each of them adds something unique and very special to our preschool community and they truly do inspire me every day. So much so that over the summer I wrote a poem which I'd like to share with you now!
A Preschool Poem
By Jen McEneany
We're here to teach, we're here to learn,
We're here to help you take your turn.
We're here to paint, we're here to play,
We're here to help you find your way.
We're here to comfort, we're here to dance,
We're here to help you pull up your pants!
We're here to smile, and say it's okay,
We're here to help you have your say.
We're here when you miss your mom, or your dad,
We're here to help calm you when you feel mad.
We're here to zip, we're here to tie,
We're here to wipe your tears when you cry.
We're here to sing, we're here to climb,
We're here to help you stand in a line.
We're here to help you stand in a line.
Are these things important?
We think they are,
We believe these lessons will take you far.
So here are our teachers,
And the rest of the team,
Truly they are as wonderful as they seem!
There's Stephanie, she's just as sweet as can be,
And Cheryl, she can sing like a bird in a tree.
There's Joanna who always works so hard,
And Barb, whose favourite place is the yard.
There's Libby, whose imagination is as high as the sky,
And Karen she's new but we know she will fly.
There's Estelle who likes to keep everything clean,
And Marion, who does so much for the whole team.
There's Vibha who is always so full of light,
And Danielle, who helps our little twos take flight.
There's Rachel who is always incredibly kind,
And Sali, a wonderful teacher to find.
There's Permjit who will make you smile every day,
And our families who are always welcome to play.
Pop by the office and you'll find Jen and Tina,
We'll greet you with a smile as soon as we see ya!
And last but not least, Brenda, Gillian, Phyllis and parents on the Board,
They do so much for us with very little reward.
So we make you this promise,
To each child in our care.
We will teach you and love you,
In short, we'll be there!
Jen McEneany Coordinator
I've been lucky to have been part of St. Catherine's Preschool for over 4 years now. I first arrived as a practicum student and since then have gone on to teach in both the 2's and 3's programs before taking on the role of Coordinator in September of this year. I have loved every minute of being here and I can't picture working anywhere else.
I have two beautiful daughters, Ayla who is 9 and Kaitlyn who is almost 6 and they really keep me busy running them to all their activities and social engagements! I spend my free time with family and friends, reading and I love going out for dinner, walks, and travelling.
Please stop by the office and say hi anytime you're passing, ask me anything about the program, or to share any comments, questions or concerns you might have, I'd love to get to know each and every family.
Tina Spencer Adminstrator
This is my fourth year at St. Catherine's Preschool, and I really enjoy being here. My job consists of all the registration, licensing issues and grants as well as serving on the board for several ECE related committees in the community. In addition to this I run a small business called Little Giant in which I make and sell felt board stories as well as teaching felt board story workshops.
I have lived and worked on the North Shore for 45 years, I have two sons Spencer and Jack and I love to spend my spare time playing baseball, camping and taking photographs.
Marion Porter Developmental Resource Teacher
I was raised in Montreal, moved to Newfoundland in the early 70's and then drove across Canada in 1978. Met and married my husband Jim and had our three wonderful boys Richard, Stephen, and Derek. We are now empty nesters and enjoy taking off camping whenever we can. For over 30 years I have worked with children, especially those requiring extra support.
I became part of the St. Catherine's family in 1997 and since that time have taken on a variety of roles from Support Teacher and Team Teacher to Coordinator before settling into my current role as Developmental Resource Teacher in 2003. My position is very unique to a preschool setting. I am the .5 teacher in all the classrooms and a liaison between community services, parents and children. For the past 15 years I have been part of the teaching team during the Summer Program in July.
I look forward to coming into work each day and seeing all the little faces and how excited they are to learn through play.
I completed my ECE, special needs and Infant toddler training in England. I worked and supervised for a variety of childcare organisations mostly in inner city London. I have worked in childcare for the last 26 years and at St. Catherine’s for the last 8 years. I have worked with the 3's and 4's. This year I will be working with the 4's and looking forward to working with Libby again.
I feel very privileged to witness your children's enthusiasm to new things and experiences, and I look forward to teaching your children and having lots of fun this year.
My name is Danielle and I was born in Perth, Western Australia. Twenty years ago I travelled to Vancouver and fell in love with Vancouver and my husband Rick. We now have three lovely children Alyssa who is 16, Rhys who is 14 and Haylee who is 10. We love to go for walks in the North Shore mountains with our dog Shadow. My spare time is consumed with my children's activities especially soccer, as it is a big part of our weekend. We also love to watch movies and go swimming.
I have been working at St Catherine's for over 7 years now and first worked with the 4 yr olds. I have been working with the Discovery Two's for a few years now and enjoy watching them develop over the 10 months they are here.
Libby Beaton 402, 404
I have been part of the teaching team at St Catherine's for the past twenty years. Before I found my niche here I worked as a E.C.E. at Capilano Nursery School, as a special needs aide at Gateway Preschool, and an E.C.E. at Sunflower Preschool.
When I am not teaching your children I enjoy spending time with my 3year old granddaughter, walking my dog, gardening, embroidery and having tea with my friends.
During my time at St Catherine's I have spent 10 years teaching 3 year olds. For the remaining time I spent 2 years as Registrar whilst teaching 4 year olds.
I also co-ordinate Scholastic Books, a great pleasure for me as I love books and I believe they are so important for children particularly in the formative years.
Sali Chippett 301, 303, 403
My name is Sali Chippett. I was born in England and have lived in Canada for 21 years.
I started working at St. Catherine's in the Spring of 2012 and am very happy to be back for the new school year. St. Catherine's is a great place to work, the teachers are a great support to one another and there is always a lot of fun and laughter. I enjoy helping children develop skills such as independence, co-operation and self confidence. I love watching the children's faces as they create a piece of art, when they hear a song, or read a story that they are really excited about! I am looking forward to a great new school year and getting to know the children and families.
Estelle Stojcic 202, 204
I completed my basic certificate in Early Childhood Education in 1993 before going on to do my Infant/Toddler and Special Needs in 2004. I've been here at St. Catherine's since 2005 and really enjoy my job!
I have two children; Angelique who is six and Liliana who is three. In my spare time I like to knit, go to the park with my daughters, and shop!
I look forward to a fun filled year with your children and can't wait to see the little two's blossom and grow as the year goes on.
Karen Hamfeldt 204, 301
This is my first year as part of the staff here at St. Catherine's, however I have been part of the St. Catherine's family for 7 years as my three children Connor, Alexis and Amanda have all attended the Preschool with my youngest just starting kindergarten this fall.
I thought my time at St. Catherine's was finished but it seems I just can't leave! The Preschool has been a big part of my life and my children's, and I feel very fortunate to be working in a place that I feel so comfortable.
I have wanted to work with children since I was in elementary school, but my path took a different route when I was sixteen and I fell in love with cooking. I attended VCC to take the Culinary Arts program and enjoyed every minute. I went on to work in restaurants and then to catering on movie sets.
When I got pregnant I had to put the catering on hold as I was working 16 hours days. To make a long story short I never really got back into it seriously as the hours are not good for family life! So after being a stay at home mom (eating Bon Bon's all day for 9 years!) I decided to go back to school (with a push from a former St. Catherine's employee) and pursue a career in ECE.
I should have done this sooner as I have enjoyed everyday with your children and will continue to do so as the months go by. I think as I am a bit of a kid still myself that this is the right place for me!
I am looking forward to a wonderful year working with your children and meeting all the families too!
Barb Phillipson 401, 204
Having completed my ECE certificate at Capilano College, I was the Supervisor at Queen Mary Preschool for 25 years. For several years I did summer school here at St. Catherine's with Marion and Cheryl before joining the staff 6 years ago as a Support Teacher.
I live in North Vancouver with my wonderful husband of 32 years, Mike. My interests include sewing, knitting and spending as much time as possible at my cabin in Squamish.
Rachel Deakin 401, 302
I graduated from the ECCE program at Capilano University in 2008 and I have enjoyed working with children in various capacities in both preschool and daycare for the past seven years. I currently work with both the 3's and the 4's here at St Catherine's and I enjoy every minute!
I am married to my wonderful husband Ryan and we have two beautiful daughters Havana who is in the 3's program here at St. Catherine's and Aaliyah who is 18 months.
During our spare time we like going to local parks, beaches, the aquarium and travelling.
Vibha Sisodraker 201, 202, 303, 403
I was born and raised in the Fiji Islands and moved with my family to Toronto when I was 15. I completed my Early Childhood Education there before moving to Vancouver in 1995.
I am married and we have a beautiful daughter Ria, who was born in 2002.
Yoga, reading and Bollywood dancing are my favourite hobbies!
I joined St. Catherine's Preschool in 2006 and am thrilled to be working with the 2's the 3's and the 4's this year!
Cheryl Hebb Music Director, 201
I am so excited to begin another year at St. Catherine's! This year as well as my role as Music Director, I am also teaching one day a week in the Discovery 2's program and it's so much fun to be working in the classroom again.
This year is my 20th year at St. Catherine's and I wouldn't change a moment. I love this preschool, the wonderful staff and board. I look forward to sharing your children's hard work and fun in the Christmas and Easter services!
Joanna Scheffler 301, 302, 404, Drop-in
I grew up in Lynn Valley and went to school at Upper Lynn and Argyle. After graduating from Capilano University with my ECE I came to work at St. Catherine's, and have been here for six years now.
I live with my husband Nathan and am working part-time on a business degree with a goal to attain a Masters Degree in Child Development.
This year I am working as both a support teacher as well as a team teacher and I am looking forward to a year of fun and great experiences with your children!
Stephanie Mah 302, 401, 303, 403
Hi my name is Stephanie Mah. I live in Vancouver with my mom, dad, and brother. During my free time I like to bake, roller blade, and spend time with my family and friends. I also have two dogs that I enjoy taking out for walks; a Pomeranian named Chi Chi and a Labrador named Shadow.
I completed my Early Childhood Education, Special Needs and Infant Toddler Programs at Capilano College.
This is going to be my seventh year working at St. Catherine's Preschool and over the years I have had the pleasure of working with the amazing staff and wonderful children in the 2's, 3's, 4's, drop-in, and summer programs. I have learnt and experienced so much in the years that I've been here and I am looking forward to many more to come!
I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about our wonderful team here at St. Catherine's and we look forward to an exciting year ahead with your children.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please don't hesitate to speak with your children's teachers or Jen, Tina and Marion in the office.
If your child is going to be away for any reason please call the office at 604-980-1326.
To look at our website please visit www.stcatherinespreschool.com
Email us at stcpre@telus.net
and if you have a facebook account please "LIKE" our page; St. Catherine's Childcare Society.
Thanks so much!
