Copy of staff content

“Children will listen to you after they feel listened to.”

— Jane Nelsen

Moira Ford - Principal

Moira Ford has lead Happy Days Pre-Primary school for over 20 years. Moira’s passion for what she does is palpable. Her connection with her pupils is evident in how she is still enthusiastically greeted by them once they’ve grown into young adults. The pre-primary phase of a child’s education is the cornerstone of their development, setting a vital foundation for their life-long learning. Moira takes pride in empowering young learners to the next level of their education and ensuring that they become well-rounded individuals.

Vania Meltzer – Vice-Principal

Vania has always had a love for children and knew that she wanted to work with them. That’s why she went back to studying to fulfil her dream of teaching after her children were born. Vania has been working at Happy Days Pre-Primary School since 2000 and describes her experience at the school as being a part of a family who constantly share ideas and knowledge, and always support one another.

Pip Shaw

Pip has been working at Happy Days Pre-Primary since 2009. She describes Happy Days as being a very happy school which stems from its founders, Moira Ford and Pat McKay. Pip has a real love for children and feels proud that she can say she is a part of the Happy Days family.

Nandy Cameron

Nandy joined the Happy Days Pre-Primary family in 2010, but has been teaching for over 18 years. Nandy initially became a teacher to assist her own children and quickly discovered the benefits of the Montessori method. Nandy’s favourite aspects about working at Happy Days are the connections made among the staff, sharing teaching ideas with her co-workers and witnessing how Montessori is both easily implemented and beneficial for each child, offering them a happy, stimulating learning environment.

Chelsea Greaves

From a young age, Chelsea knew that she wanted to work with children. Now, nurturing, teaching and preparing the next generations for what is to come is her greatest passion. Chelsea joined the Happy Days Pre-Primary family in 2016, stating “I believe we all have a calling and purpose for our lives and I have the incredible privilege to live mine out at Happy Days”. Chelsea describes Happy Days as a school that provides a healthy and happy environment for both the staff and children to reach their full potential.

Belinda Carter

Belinda has trained in the Montessori method and is passionate about her field as she is able to observe children grow whilst building them up. Belinda has been working at Happy Days Pre-Primary school since 2016 and loves her job. Every day is different, every child is unique and the staff both have fun and work well together as colleagues and friends.

Les Hastings

Les joined the Happy Days family as a secretary for a ‘term’ in 2005 and is still here 13 years on! Les has worked in admin and secretarial work since she left school. Les says that she has the best job ever as she gains such enjoyment from each child every day and is referred to as the “Boss of the School”.