Past, Present and Future
Our Story
Nella is the founder of Wood Street and where it all began, having established the centre almost 30 years ago. Nella’s love for children and family (single-handedly raising four of her own, and now experiencing the joy of grandchildren) enabled her to develop deep life-long connections within the local community. When she is not cooking her famous meatballs for our regular Wood Street events, Nella can be found at the Preston Market, bumping into past and present families having a yarn.
In 2009 Nella was joined by her eldest daughter Vanessa, whose experience in managing successful businesses whilst navigating a young family, allowed her to bring a true understanding of the needs of family and children. When she is not chatting away to parents in the front foyer, Vanessa can be heard cheering her children on the sidelines at their various weekend sporting events.
Together Nella and Vanessa shaped a culture where every person who walked through the door became a part of The Wood Street Family!
Early 2023 Marie joined forces with Vanessa & Nella to help lead our Service through its next incarnation. With 20 years’ experience working in different early childhood settings, Marie had spent the last 6 years as Wood Street’s lead Kindergarten Teacher, helping shape and prepare the hearts and minds of children for a successful transition into school. When not advocating for children’s rights and agency, Marie spends her time exploring nature and enjoying BBQs over a fire with her partner.
Together Nella, Vanessa & Marie value Wood Street’s heritage and the important role it has played within the local community. As an organisation we also look forwards and how we can help shape our future communities. Children are precious jewels and they need to be looked after with great care and wisdom. If today our children are looked after well, then our communities of tomorrow will have robust citizen leaders.
Together Nella and Vanessa shaped a culture where every person who walked through the door became a part of The Wood Street Family!
Nursery
Within this room we provide an environment that is stimulating, inviting, safe and challenging to each child’s stage of development.
We provide a flexible play-based learning environment, and believe this is the most effective way for children to learn and make sense of their world.
Toddler
In the Toddler room our aim is to be facilitators for the children so they can become competent and confident learners.
With collaboration of families and educators, we strive to build strong, reciprocal relationships with the children and their families, and strengthen their development by providing a meaningful play-based learning environment.
Kinder - Mixed Age
Wood Street is proud to be able to offer 15 hours of funded kinder each week for our 3 and 4-year-olds.
Our Mixed Age Kinder Program is spread across three separate learning environments, encompassing two indoor rooms and one outdoor space.
Book a Tour
To learn more about our amazing kindergarten programs at Wood Street, book a tour today. Tours cover our programs, enrolment and you’ll get to see our teachers and mixed-age Kinder program in action.
If possible, bring your child along, but keep the visit brief to avoid disruptions. Head to the below link to book a tour.
We're excited to meet you at Wood Street soon.
