Staff member in focus - Diane Vithoulka

Diane Vithoulka is the Academic Leader of PreKinder at All Saints Grammar. 

When did you start working at ASG, and what did you most enjoy about being a PreKinder teacher here?

I have had the privilege of working at ASG for a decade. During this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed designing learning programs that support the growth and development of young children. It is truly

rewarding to be part of the early stages of their 14 and, in some cases, 15 year educational journey. Witnessing their transformation into well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role as a PreKinder teacher.

Have you always been a PreK teacher? If so, what made you want to enter the field. If not, tell us a bit about your previous career and why you made the change.

Initially, I worked in the corporate sector before deciding to pursue my passion for education. My interest in teaching grew as I learned more about child development and the profound impact early experiences have on a child’s growth. I chose to specialise in early childhood education after discovering the remarkable physical and cognitive development that takes place during these formative years.

Our PreK is a little different – why do you think our approach is important in early education?

All Saints PreKinder offers a distinctive learning environment that prioritises the holistic development of children. The Reggio Emilia approach aligns closely with my personal teaching philosophy, and when combined with our unique developmental focus and Early Stage One guidelines, it creates an ideal setting for young learners. This blend of hands-on experiences and learning through play is what makes our PreKinder program so impactful and effective in fostering children’s growth and development.

We all have that moment that we are exceedingly proud of whether it’s as big as winning an award, or as small as helping a student master a skill. Tell us about your proudest moment.

It’s difficult to pinpoint a single proudest moment, as every day brings a profound sense of pride and accomplishment, especially when working with the youngest members of our school community. Whether it’s witnessing a child transfer their learning from one context to another for the first time or seeing them gain the confidence to share a joyful experience from the weekend, each moment is a reflection of the trusting relationship we’ve built. These small but significant milestones highlight the growth and development of the children, and they fill me with pride.

Sometimes things go wrong and, in the moment, we are harsh on ourselves or others – often these situations teach us lessons and resilience. What’s your approach?

Challenges and difficulties personally and professionally are inevitable in life, and embracing them as teachable moments, especially in adulthood, fosters personal growth and self-reflection. Although these situations can feel overwhelming in the moment, I have learned that stepping back briefly can provide the clarity needed to navigate the best course of action. Equally important is taking time to reflect on what occurred, understanding the reasons behind it, and identifying the lessons learned. This process helps me grow both personally and professionally, enabling me to approach future challenges with greater resilience and insight.

ASG enjoys a tight-knit vibrant community. What is it that you enjoy most about working here?

What I most enjoy about working at ASG is the opportunity to foster reciprocal relationships with our parent community. This partnership is essential in helping children reach their full potential and become the best version of themselves. ASG’s community truly embraces this collaborative approach, and the shared values and goals we have with parents make the entire process very rewarding.

Sometimes we learn things about people that surprise us. Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise staff and students?

One thing that might surprise staff and students is my deep connection to music. As a child, I played both the piano and trumpet, and music has remained an important part of my life. I continue to enjoy listening to a wide range of genres. Recently, I had the privilege of attending a live concert by Andrea Bocelli, which was an unforgettable and surreal experience.