About SMOOSH & The Team
About SMOOSH
St Mary’s Out of School Hours Care (SMOOSH) is an accredited not for profit Community-based service.
The service is managed by an incorporated association, St. Mary’s Incorporated and managed by a volunteer team of parents who together comprise the management committee.
The management committee includes a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and at least three other committee members. As the approved provider the committee accepts responsibility for the overall right of the service, ensuring the objects of the constitution and any instruction formed through a ‘general meeting’ of members are carried out efficiently.
Although the parent committee manage the centre they must adhere to the guidelines set out for out of school hours care by the:
- The National Quality Standards (NQS)
- Family and Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FACSIA)
- Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR)
- NSW Community Services (formerly DOCS)
- Department of Human Services
- Workcover – Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
The Nominated Supervisor make the committee’s job easier by making many of the day to day decisions
The Team
Jodie
Coordinator
I have been the Centre Director at SMOOSH for the past 11years. With 35 years working in Children’s Service’s my commitment to providing quality childcare has been unwavering. It certainly comes with plenty of dedication, laughter, and wonderful memories. I value the importance of open, warm and friendly communication between the children, parents, team and the community. This has provided me with the wonderful opportunity to build trusting relationships within our amazing service – SMOOSH.
My interest includes any type of travel here or overseas and of course my huge passion tennis,tennis,tennis – I love to watch the Australian Open preferably live and sharing time with family and good friends over a delicious meal.
Louise
Assistant Coordinator / Educational Leader
As educational leader I have an enjoyment to share and learn from those around me, through a holistic and hands on approach. After 30years in childcare I still have a true passion for working with children, where my enthusiasm for education and fun is strong. I deeply believe in individuality, inclusion, and the importance of belonging and community. I love sharing my culture through many avenues and have found a new interest in sustainability that I can’t wait to explore on a professional level. Through friendly and warm interactions, I enjoy building relationships with those around me and am always up for a chat. Away from SMOOSH my time is mostly spent with family, I love all things nature and snuggling up with a good book
Elyssa
Educator / First Aid Officer
I have been a casual member of the SMOOSH team for the past 4 years and I have moved into a full-time position at the service expanding my role. During my time here, I have developed a strong rapport with the children over the years and enjoy all our interactions as I get to know them and their families. I am excited about my new role within SMOOSH and I look forward to working in conjunction with our parents, children and the community as we build on our relationships!
Wanda
Educator / Certified Supervisor
I have been an early childhood educator for the past 16 years and have been a team member of SMOOSH for the past 6 years. This is where my passion lies developing meaningful relationships with the children in my care and watching them grow into caring young human beings. I am a volunteer at the Sydney Children’s Hospital and have just finished 27 years’ service. I am trained in nursing and have worked at Barnado homes and Karitane nursing in my earlier years. I am a proud mother of 3 and an even prouder nanny to my beautiful 14 year old grandson.
Olivia
Educator / Casual
I started working at SMOOSH in June 2021. Working at SMOOSH is always so enjoyable because I love talking to the children and listening to their stories about exciting weekends and holidays. I particularly love running sport with the children because of their enthusiasm and their willingness to give every sport a go. Outside of SMOOSH, I am currently studying an undergraduate business degree at UTS and I also enjoy playing sport especially netball and touch football.
Sabrina
Educator / Casual
My name is Sabrina and I am currently completing a Bachelor of Psychology with a Bachelor of Education (primary). I am a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated educator who wants all children to feel welcome and nurtured in their environments. I decided to become an educator because I will learn skills and knowledge relating to the care and education of children, which I can apply to my own classroom when I become a teacher myself. I am excited to be a part of the Smoosh team and look forward to meeting all your friendly faces.
Blake
Educator / Casual
I’m Blake and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at university. My passions include many sports such as surfing, basketball, touch footy, and of course my favourite – rugby league. When I’m not studying at uni, playing sports or camping, I love hanging out with friends and family and having a good time. I decided to become an educator as not only would it help me in preparation for becoming a teacher in the future, but I love being able to hang out with young kids, running around and playing different activities with them to make sure they are enjoying themselves as much as possible. I’m excited to meet all of the wonderful SMOOSH families and make positive connections with the kids.