Cherry Cheung

4-year-old Group Kindergarten Teacher & Educational Leader

Hi everyone, my name is Cherry and I am the teacher of the 4-year-old group. I come from a music teaching background, holding a Bachelor of Music (Instrumental Teaching) degree and a Master of Teaching (Early Childhood) degree. I was born and raised in Hong Kong and I can speak Mandarin and Cantonese Chinese. I enjoy playing the piano, playing board games, baking, and learning new things (whether it is a new language, a short course on calligraphy, or a new recipe!).

I am passionate about early childhood education because I value children as capable learners, explorers and creators. As a teacher I am constantly amazed and inspired by children’s perspectives of the world, their creative imagination and unique ideas. I believe the best learning environment is facilitated upon strong and positive relationships between educators, children and families; and I thrive to work in partnership with families to deliver a program that reflects on the interests and individual needs of children. My goal of teaching is to empower children to be innovators and explorers by equipping them with inquiry skills and motivating children to acquire a love of learning. I believe that children learn best when they take ownership of their learning and make contributions and choices in their learning environment. I implement a Reggio-inspired approach in my teaching practice, and I value children’s voice, their thoughts and their progression of thinking.

Prior to joining Cara Armstrong I have worked as a music teacher in a music school, a kindergarten teacher and educational leader in both long day care and sessional kinder settings. I have also had some experience as a primary school teacher and a kindergarten teacher in early learning centres.

Nyssa Lock

3-year-old Group Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Nyssa and I am the 3-year-old teacher at Cara Armstrong. I started working at Cara Armstrong in 2016, however I am not new to the kindergarten as I came here as a child too! My mum was the President at one stage, as well as taking on many other committee roles during her time, so the kindergarten holds a dear place in my heart and it is just amazing to be here as a teacher!

Prior to working at Cara Armstrong I worked in the field locally for well over 10 years. I have worked with babies right through to 4-year-old kindergarten, so have had extensive experience with 3-year-olds throughout this time! I believe that children learn through play and life experience and I endeavour to tailor my programs to suit the individual needs and interests of the children, bringing curiosity, fun, excitement and wonder to their days, as they explore their world and form relationships with one another. I also believe in Howard Gardener’s theory of Multiple Intelligences and believe children have a number of ways of learning which I endeavour to cater for in my program.

Aside from holding a Post Graduate in Teaching (Early Childhood), I am a mother to my daughter Kayla (born in 2018). I also hold a Bachelor in Contemporary Arts (majoring in Drama) and I am Speech and Drama trained which I have taught to primary and secondary students. I have also been known as a kids entertainer and actor and do this when the opportunity arises. I love playing my African Drum (Djembe) in class and including my Relax Kids Coach training in my programs which promotes self esteem, resilience and social and emotional wellbeing.

I am looking forward to getting to know the children, as well as their families, and collaborating with you all here at Cara Armstrong. However, I am of course looking forward to the year ahead with the new 3-year-olds and the exciting learning and creativity it will bring us, as it’s not just the children who do the learning, sometimes they can teach us a thing or two which is always fun.

Sulochana Ladduwahetty

3 year-old-group co-educator

Hi, my name is Sulochana and I am a co-educator at Cara Armstrong Kindergarten.

I have many years experience working with children in kindergartens, childcare centres and running my own family daycare business.

I completed a Diploma of Children’s Services. I have a Certificate of Education (Integration Aide) from Deakin University. I also completed a Diploma in Pre-School Teacher Training in Sri Lanka.

I have a kind and gentle personality and I am passionate about nurturing children and bringing out the best in them. I like to explore new strategies to help children to achieve their goals. I understand the best start in a child’s education is good quality programs and an engaging learning environment.

I am married with two teenage children and have two pet dogs. My hobbies include cooking, swimming, and travelling.