About us:

Sonja Bates is the director of the Possum Gully Preschool.

Sonja holds certificates in Rudolf Steiner education for the young child. She also is a fully qualified Infants and Primary School teacher. Sonja is bilingual in English and German and she has taught in both Australia and Germany.

Sonja believes that children are happiest when playing outside in the fresh air, free to explore who they are, their friendships and their environment.

Her two wildly wonderful children, Martin and Ella, share Sonja's creative journey with her.

Home
Program
About Us
Fees
Links
Contact Us

 

 

 

 

 

TESTIMONIES

"Oh, I wish there was a play group like this when I was growing up!"
This was my first impression I had when I took my daughter to the Possum Gully Play Group.
The little play room full of cute things to play with really encourages imaginary play. The outdoor area with its own cubby house, water fountain and the little boat makes any child want to stay at this pre-school forever.
Being an only child with no relatives living close by, my daughter was pretty much attached to me.  Possum Gully made the initial separation we all have to go through so much easier and a happier occasion.
Along with the everyday routine of drawing, the unique way of “Story Time” and the occasional bread baking and bush walking, all makes a positive impression on my little one.  I also must mention their very special teacher Miss Sonja, who does excellent work with our children. My daughter does not stop talking about her, and “being her” when she comes home.
My daughter now tells me when I drop her off at the pre-school. “You have to go home now, Mummy! This is not your pre-school.” We are very glad we found this pre-school for our beloved daughter.

Mari
 

 

"When my son Taylor turned three we assumed that it was time for him to go to preschool and we enrolled him in a large preschool with two classes each
having 17 children. Taylor was frightened and distressed by his new
environment, having never been in childcare before. The teacher advised that
he was not ready for preschool. It was coincidence that our friend told us
that Possum Gully had just opened, so we went to investigate. We were
immediately impressed by Sonja and the loving environment she has created
for the children. Taylor slipped easily and comfortably into the routine of
Possum Gully. We can see that he is happy and nurtured. We have never looked
back."

Angela


 



"Jade enjoys every moment of her time at PGP. From singing songs with hand
actions, building blocks, her friends, having a nap, painting, drawing,
playing outside in all weather, Miss Sonja, Miss Sonjas' dog and lunch! She
is learning about nature and the seasons, which is one of the main reasons
I chose to send her to a Steiner playgroup. I feel the small class size,
open to nature environment that the kids spend their day in, the teaching
style of 'experience' and the joy of the journey make for a wonderful,
nurturing place for kids to grow and develop their imaginations and
connection with each other and the earth. Sonja honours each childs' spirit
as she guides them, by example, to respect and honour each other, their
environment and the journey of life."

Sam