My name is Rajasree Penmetsa (Raj).  I am from India. I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood in New Zealand.  I have been teaching Kindergarten children for ten years, three years in NZ and seven years in Melbourne. Teaching is one of my passions. I love supporting children to develop their social and emotional intelligence. I am passionate about creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, respected, nurtured and encouraged as they learn, grow and discover. As a teacher, I think it is essential to allow children to explore their environment by trying out new things independently.

I believe the warm and trusting relationships between the teacher and children strengthens the learning aspirations of children. Children develop warm and trusting relationships with a person who will involve and who is committed to their care. Through connections, children become a part of their social and cultural context.   To promote social competence in children, I would like to develop relationships, provide a supportive environment, and implement social-emotional teaching strategies.

Apart from my work, I have a 19-year old daughter, who is in her second year of Optometry at Deakin University, Geelong. She lives in university residence and comes back home every Friday. I enjoy spending my weekends with my family, reading books, cooking and watching TV shows.