Louise Stallard – Kindy Director and Teacher for the Koala Group of Thurs/Fri
(currently on leave for 2026)
With over 32 years teaching experience, 25 of them at Forestview Kindergarten, Mrs Louise loves coming to work every day to see the children enjoy and experience a wide range of learning experiences and knowing that she has had a hand in shaping their love of learning and inspire the interest and curiosities for years to come. Among her highlights at Forestview have been helping celebrate Mrs Melanie’s 20 years of service with a special high tea in the kindy grounds and celebrating her own 21 years at Forestview in 2022 with another grand high tea event at the Rowers, feeling like her heart melts when children share they want to be a teacher just like Mrs Louise, and the end of year graduation concerts which make her cry tears of joy. Louise is a mum to two young men, Jace and Eden who are both in the Australian Defence Force and grandma to her Grandcat Ceasar and Granddog Obelix. In her time off (which is rare!) she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking (any craft really), restoring furniture as part of her business Take2Renew, gardening, reading, bushwalking and sailing on our boat and spending time with her boys when they come home for visits. Mrs Louise hopes that every Forestview child walks away with a passion to always be curious, to be confident to question, perhaps challenge the way things happen in our world, that sharing is caring, learn that we must continue to work together to take great care of our precious world and live in harmony and respect for one another.
Sharon Howe – Teacher and Kindy Director for 2026
I am excited to be joining your Forestview Kindergarten community for 2026. I have been learning alongside 3 to 5 year-olds for the last 25 years and am passionate about supporting children in becoming their best selves. I understand that Forestview is a magical place that holds treasured childhood memories for many Bundaberg families. I am committed to creating a kindergarten experience filled with laughter, creativity, curiosity, kindness, and encouragement for all.
On a personal note, I have a 19-year-old son who is currently studying medicine in Sydney; I love turtles, the beach, and coffee!
Melanie Irvine – Teacher for the Wombat group on Mon/Tues
Otherwise known as Mrs Melody, Mrs. Melamie, Mrs. Manamie, Mrs Anemone, Mrs Menete – Mrs Melanie has been at Forestview for 29 years and has taught over 700 children since she started in 1996. Encouraging children to be curious and watching them develop a passion and enthusiasm for learning are some of Mel’s highlights. You may see Mrs Melanie donning her favourite chicken hat during Easter celebrations and there is something about sharing and learning about animals in the deep blue sea that is one of her yearly highlights. Mrs Melanie is a mum to two boys Ethan and Dane and husband Jamie who is also a teacher. She loves watching her sons play basketball, going for holidays to Burrum Heads and throwing in a line, reading, movies, music (Pink, Adele and U2) and scrapbooking. Mrs Melanie is truly part of the Forestview furniture and she hopes that every Forestview child walks away with a fun year of learning that they will always hold dear in their hearts.
Juanita Green – Assistant Educator
I have two wonderful children who attended Forestview in 2018 and 2022. During their time at the Kindergarten, I spent many weeks volunteering and quickly fell in love with the welcoming community and supportive environment. When the opportunity arose to join the team, I jumped at the chance, as it felt like a natural progression.
Before joining Forestview, I worked as a Teacher’s Aide and, most recently, as a Tutor with HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters), a two-year educational program for three- and four-year-olds. In this role, I supported parents in becoming their children’s first teacher by guiding them through engaging, play-based learning activities to complete together at home.
Allira Erlangsen, Inclusion Support and Japanese Teacher
こんにちは！（Konnichiwa!）
My name is Allira Erlangsen, and I have been a Japanese teacher for almost 20 years. My love for the Japanese language and culture began in Year 5 at primary school and has continued ever since. Over the years, I have been very fortunate to live and study in Japan during high school, attend a Japanese University, and teach Japanese primary school children in Japan.
I am so excited to introduce the Forestview children to Japanese language and culture and watch their young minds soak up new words and ideas. We will be singing lots of songs, playing lots of games and making various craft. My hope is that each week they will share their Japanese learning with their families and enjoy teaching them something new at home.
I am also a proud mum to three beautiful children — Isabella, Fletcher and Abigail. Isabella previously attended Forestview, and Fletcher is super excited to be joining the Koala group in 2026. I will be working across both groups.
I love anything pink and sparkly and am well known for adding glitter, sequins and diamantes to just about everything I own! In my spare time, I enjoy shopping, dancing and roller-skating. My favourite music includes Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
I look forward to an amazing year teaching your children and helping them grow into confident and curious lifelong learners.
Leah Mason – Administration and Teaching Assistant
I’m Leah and I have nearly ten years experience working in prep classrooms and ECDU at Norville and BCC. More recently I’ve been running our family marine business with my husband, so I’m very excited to step back into the classroom a couple of days each week.
We’ve been in Bundaberg for 17 years, and are grateful to raise our 5 daughters in our beautiful town.
I’ve always had a heart for kids, I love to see them grow and learn in a nurturing, safe environment so they can develop a life long love of learning.
I’m looking forward to my next chapter at Forestview Kindergarten
Mia McGlinn, Kepnock High School Student, Early Childhood Education and Care Trainee – Koala Group
Hi Forestview! My name is Mia McGlinn, I’m currently in grade 12 at Kepnock State High School. I will be coming every Friday to visit while I work on my school-based traineeship. I am doing my Cert 111 in Early Childhood Education and Care. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved working with kids younger than me, so I am pursuing this hobby and turning it into a job opportunity. I am so excited to get to know the Koala group and to watch them learn and grow in preparation for primary school. My favourite thing to do on the weekend is to go to the beach with my friends. I look forward to getting to know all of those who come through in the mornings!