About Painted Wombat
The philosophy of Painted Wombat Fine Arts Preschool is based on the belief that a child's natural love of learning can be encouraged through interactive and engaging fine arts. Children’s curiosity and creativity can be the catalyst to developing fine and gross motor skills through exciting hands-on educational opportunities including art, music and physical fitness. Our program is designed to provide a stimulating environment where children can explore their creative ideas and experiment with a variety of mediums.
Painted Wombat Fine Arts Preschool's programs allow for both group and individual learning experiences designed to foster greater development of the whole child. The program will encourage a love of learning through arts and allow the little learners the freedom to creatively express themselves and nurture their curiosity. Each learning centre is kept both interesting and challenging with the use of seasonal and child-oriented artistic themes. Our activities, both structured and un-structured, are designed to allow children to express themselves through art on their own, or in groups. This creates a positive atmosphere where children learn how to take risks, develop motor skills as well as enhance necessary social and emotional skills needed for kindergarten. They will learn, be adventurous, play, grow and, above all else, have fun!
Meet the Teachers
Ms. Shauna
My name is Ms. Shauna and I love art, being creative and working with children. I opened Painted Wombat in 2016 to give children a space to socialize, play and explore all types of art materials and artists. I love being able to introduce kids to the world of art, and for them to have a place to use their imagination, be creative and have fun. My background is in art and education. I have a Fine Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and an Elementary Education degree from Thompson Rivers University.
Fun facts about me: I love road trips, movie nights with my family, book stores & artisan shops, traveling, taking art/craft classes to learn something new, and chocolate marshmallow ice cream.
Image by Adventure Club Photography
Ms. Shannon
Hello preschool families, my name is Shannon and I am thrilled to be teaching for my fifth year at Painted Wombat Fine Arts Preschool. My background includes a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan, and a diploma in Early Learning and Childcare from Keyano College. I have been working with children for the last 11 years through outreach programs, daycares, and preschools, as well as raising my own three children. One of my most treasured activities at preschool is story time. Reading a good story can bring us together, create discussion and sometimes just provide us with a good laugh! I look forward to learning, creating and reading with all of you!
Image by Adventure Club Photography
Ms. Jenna
My name is Ms. Jenna and I am a passionate educator, dedicated to providing foundational experiences to foster creativity in children. I have my Bachelor of Education, Level ||| childcare certificate and 17 years of teaching experience with the Calgary Board of Education. I believe in creating environments that allow children to experiment freely, honour their unique voices and celebrate the artistic process. Both of my daughters thrived within the ‘walls of Wombat’ and am so proud that I get to add my enthusiasm to the teaching team!
Image by Adventure Club Photography
Ms. Anita
Hello, my name is Miss Anita. It's my privilege to help introduce a love of the arts to children. I belong to a family of makers and it's typical to have projects on the go like collage, painting or digital drawing. Years ago I was a performing singer songwriter, then moved into mental health education in my 30's. My interest in wellbeing and emotional regulation led me to graduating from a child development program at Lethbridge College. The program clarified the undeniable connection between healthy child development and lifelong wellbeing.
I love helping children celebrate who they are and the amazing things they are capable of! It's such a joy to teach children and a gift to witness their creativity, curiousity and playfulness.
Sincerely, Anita Thomson
Image by Adventure Club Photography
Ms. Amy
Hello! I am thrilled to be teaching at Painted Wombat this year. I have always had a passion for teaching children and engaging with them in a learn through play approach, and also through music and fun early literacy experiences. I have been teaching preschool on and off for ten years, while also taking time to raise and care for my own two children. I graduated in General Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho with a minor in Elementary Education and I have a Level 2 Childcare Certification.
Fun facts about me: I love gardening, my favourite colour is green, and I love anything with a chocolate and peanut butter combo!
I am excited to create, learn, and explore at Preschool with you this year.
Image by Adventure Club Photography