Kindergarten Teacher – Mrs Meri Anastovski

Tell us a little about your job?

I am a Kindergarten teacher in the Junior School and am teaching a delightful class, KA this year. I work closely with Mrs Cook and Miss Marcinkowski planning and delivering exciting lessons for our three Kindergarten classes. We love using an inquiry approach and teaching our lessons in a fun and stimulating way so we develop little learners who are confident, creative and great communicators. Kindergarten is such a magical year as it’s the year where the most growth at school is made. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the joy on children’s faces when they learn to read, write and become able mathematicians.

How long have you worked at TIGS?

I have been at TIGS since 2016, prior to that I taught in Hong Kong, London and Sydney. I love being part of TIGS team and am grateful to work with such wonderful students, families and colleagues. While completing my teaching degree at Wollongong University many years ago, I always dreamt of one day working at TIGS and two decades later here I am.

What is the best part of your day?

I love greeting KA in the morning and singing our morning song together before beginning our ‘Letters and Sounds’ lessons. I love seeing the growth and confidence in my students as they learn to read and write independently. I also love hearing my students share all their exciting news with me. They are eager to tell me stories about their pets, what bugs they spotted in the playlawn and who has a wobbly tooth. There is never a dull moment in Kindergarten.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Teaching kindness, resilience and developing confidence in children is just as important as teaching them academic skills. I’m so grateful we focus on developing these skills well at TIGS.

What are you reading right now?

In Kindergarten this week we are reading ‘Puffling’ by Margaret Wild. It’s a beautiful picture book about a baby puffin growing up and gaining independence. Puffling needs to grow taller, stronger and braver before leaving the nest, a little like starting Kindergarten.

Personally, I am currently reading ‘The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness’ by Hugh Van Cuylenburg. It’s a great book recommended to me by a colleague and written by a former teacher. I’m really enjoying it.