Bindi-bindi Mia, meaning “Butterfly House” in Nyungar, represents the transformative journey of our youngest learners as they spread their wings and transition into schooling. Like butterflies—delicate, vibrant, and full of potential—our students grow and evolve throughout their early years, developing confidence, independence, and a love for learning.
As the first year of schooling at Kerry Street Community School, Bindi Bindi Mia is a nurturing space where children are supported in their journey of discovery. Our two dedicated full-time teachers, Bella Mona and Grace Atwell, work alongside Education Assistants Tom Francas and Sally Mason on Kindy days to provide a warm, engaging, and child-centred learning environment.
Kindy students attend on Mondays from 8:45 am to 12:30 pm, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 am to 3:15 pm. Through play-based learning, creative exploration, and outdoor activities, our Kindy/Pre-Primary program fosters curiosity, builds foundational skills, and encourages children to develop their unique identities.
Bella Mona joined Bindi-Bindi Mia in 2024, excited to return to Kerry Street and contribute to the vibrant learning community. Previously a parent at the school, Bella and her family relocated from Scarborough to Hamilton Hill in 2018 so her son could benefit from the unique educational environment offered by Kerry Street.
As a qualified Primary Teacher, Bella furthered her education by obtaining a postgraduate degree in Early Childhood from Edith Cowan University. Her deep passion for working with children is evident, and she consistently finds herself captivated by their curiosity, capabilities, and intelligence as they navigate the world around them.
Bella’s introduction to Community Schooling occurred through her experiences at Bold Park Community School, where she taught Italian and later co-teaching in Kindy, Pre-Primary/Year 1, and Year 3/4. These experiences deepened her appreciation for collaborative learning, socially constructed knowledge, project-based inquiry, and viewing the learning environment as a “third teacher.” Reflection and community engagement remain integral to her educational approach.
In 2006, Bella continued her teaching journey at Como Children, a privately run preschool following the Reggio Emilia approach. As a Cooking Specialist, she integrated learning areas such as numeracy, literacy, technology, and science through daily cooking activities with the children. This hands-on approach fostered social and emotional intelligence, connecting with nature and the seasons through producing and inspiring art and storytelling experiences.
Bella’s commitment to progressive education led her to Reggio Emilia, Italy, where she participated in a study tour of preschools as part of an International Conference. The magical atmosphere of the landscape after snowfall inner gardens and the impactful work with the children left an indelible impression on her.
Bella’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment makes her a valuable member of the Bindi-bindi Mia team, supporting the holistic growth and development of every child at Kerry Street.
“In early childhood education, we plant the seeds of curiosity, water them with wonder, and watch as the blossoms of knowledge and resilience bloom. It’s a profound journey of co-discovery, where every child’s story becomes a vibrant chapter in the book of lifelong learning.”
Bella Mona
Grace is a passionate and experienced educator with a double degree in Primary and Early Childhood Education. Her extensive teaching background in early childhood classes across independent schools has shaped her holistic and child-centred approach to education.
Growing up in Fremantle and attending Lance Holt School, Grace developed a deep appreciation for small, community-based schools that value individuality, student agency, and strong family connections. This formative experience inspired her lifelong dedication to teaching in environments that support the whole child and foster a sense of belonging.
Grace’s teaching philosophy focuses on creating authentic, hands-on experiences that are both meaningful and relevant to children’s future lives. She is passionate about outdoor learning and inquiry-based approaches that spark curiosity and a love for discovery. Grace has a particular interest in working with children with additional needs and is committed to embedding Aboriginal perspectives into her teaching.
In 2018, Grace pursued her passion for Indigenous education, moving to Punmu, a small Aboriginal community in the Great Sandy Desert. At Rawa Community School, she taught students from pre-kindy to high school for three and a half years, engaging in Learning on Country and integrating local language and traditional knowledge into her lessons. This experience deepened her commitment to cultural inclusivity and the power of place-based education.
Grace’s dedication to innovative teaching methods led her on an AISWA study tour to Finland, where she explored the Finnish education system, the value of home language, and democratic classrooms. This experience reinforced her belief in empowering students and amplifying their voices in the learning process.
Outside of the classroom, Grace is a proud “dog mum” to her two Dachshunds, Albie and Olive, who join her on weekly beach trips no matter the weather.
Tom Francas has worked at Kerry Street since 1998 in a variety of roles and classes, mainly in the Early Childhood years. For six years, beginning in 2014, Tom ran our Kindy class in our Hall, prior to the Pre-Primary and Kindy class joining together. The hall has since been named the “Francas Ruckus Hall” in his honour. Tom is currently the Education Assistant in the Kindy/Pre-Primary class.
Our past and present students know Tom as the funny jokester, and our parents know him for his nurturing, caring and loving personality. Many parents say that Tom makes them feel welcome, and offers security during those daunting first few weeks of school.
Tom is an advocate for play-based learning, and also utilises the outdoor environment for engaging children in student-led learning. Tom always joins in on games as much as possible, which enables him to guide, influence and be a good role model, as well as have some fun.
“I am – and have always been – a big believer in play-based, hands-on, FUN education… especially in the early years. I use humour, silliness, wordplay, games and imagination to encourage creativity and self-expression.”
Tom Francas
Tom craves an Inquiry-based environment in which children strongly influence games and activities. It encourages independence and self-regulation and provides opportunities for the children to play, play and play some more. (Just don’t tell them they’re learning!)