Yonga Mia, meaning “Kangaroo House” in Nyungar, is a vibrant and energetic class at Kerry Street Community School. The kangaroo symbolises strength, energy and forward momentum. Just as kangaroos live in close-knit mobs, the students in Yonga Mia thrive in a supportive and community-minded environment, working together, looking out for one another, and always moving forward in their learning journey.
The Yonga Mia class is guided by Jacey Long, an experienced and passionate classroom teacher, with the dedicated support of Education Assistants Belinda Allen and Hayley Dayne. Together, the team creates a nurturing and dynamic environment where children are encouraged to explore, collaborate, and develop the confidence and skills they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Jacey Long is a dedicated early childhood teacher with a passion for creativity and inquiry-based learning. With a background in performing and visual arts, Jacey brings a unique perspective to the classroom, constantly striving to incorporate singing, drama, and media into every aspect of the curriculum.
Since joining Kerry Street in 2019 as the Music and Drama Specialist, Jacey has taken on the role of Year 1 and 2 Class Teacher. Her primary goal as a teacher is to capture the natural curiosity of children and facilitate meaningful learning experiences. Jacey firmly believes in the power of inquiry-based pedagogy, which allows students to become fully engaged participants within their community.
In 2020, Jacey played a shared role in implementing Kerry Street’s own model for inquiry-based pedagogy, which has since been adopted by the entire staff as a whole school approach to education. She has also had the privilege of working with and learning from renowned experts such as Kath Murdoch and Rebecca Duncan, applying their theories for meaningful learning in her own classroom. Jacey’s dedication and expertise were recognised in 2021 when she was chosen to share her class’s inquiry journey with educators from the Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA).
“One of the things that sets Kerry Street kids apart is their genuine concern for the world and the environment. I am proud to be a part of a school community that instils in its students a sense of responsibility and investment in making the world a better place for everyone.”
Jacey Long
This commitment to creating positive change extends beyond the classroom. Jacey was involved in publishing the school’s first Reconciliation Action Plan in 2020. She has co-coordinated whole school events, including the yearly celebration of National Reconciliation Week, and in 2023, she co-hosted a learning seminar on including Indigenous perspectives in the Early Years classroom.
As a teacher, Jacey places a strong emphasis on meeting her students’ individual needs and building meaningful relationships with each child in the school. She has a special interest in neurodiversity and has attended professional learning sessions with experts from Spectrum Space, ADHD WA, and the PDA Space Summit to further her understanding of working with and accommodating children with neurodiverse profiles. Jacey takes pride in fostering an inclusive classroom where she collaborates with therapists and families to advocate for neurodivergent children. She engages students in open dialogues about the connection between their brains and bodies, exploring concepts such as the Zones of Regulation and utilising sensory tools to create an optimal mental space for learning.
Jacey Long is not just a teacher; she is a passionate advocate for meaningful education and the holistic development of each child. Through her creative approach, dedication to inclusion, and commitment to making a positive impact, Jacey creates an enriching and supportive learning environment for all her students at Kerry Street.
Belinda Allen is an integral member of the Kerry Street team, having joined in 2021 as a relief staff member and subsequently taking on the role of Education Assistant. Before finding her passion in the educational realm, Belinda held roles in accounts within large organisations.
Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on children’s educational journeys, Belinda redirected her career after spending several years volunteering at her son’s school. Her commitment to relational education is evident in her approach, where building strong connections with students is at the forefront of her efforts.
Belinda’s role extends beyond conventional support, as she works directly with students presenting various additional needs, including ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, PDA, and Dyslexia. Her expertise also encompasses supporting students with complex medical needs, showcasing her versatility and dedication to inclusive education.
A collaborative spirit, Belinda actively partners with teachers to implement curriculum strategies that cater to the diverse needs of the students. Beyond that, she is instrumental in facilitating small intervention and extension groups, ensuring that every child receives personalised attention and guidance.
Belinda’s loving and caring demeanour sets her apart, creating a nurturing environment that fosters academic growth and emotional wellbeing. Her patience and genuine dedication to student welfare shines through, making her a cherished presence within Kerry Street’s classrooms.
Hayley is a dedicated and passionate Education Assistant in Yonga Mia, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to celebrating the diversity of students in her care. Her approach focuses on creating a respectful and inclusive space, where every child’s unique qualities and strengths are nurtured and celebrated.
With a strong foundation in cultural awareness and professional development, Hayley is particularly passionate about supporting culturally diverse learners. Her studies in Aboriginal cultures and histories have shaped her ability to provide tailored support while fostering an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered to share their stories and heritage.
Before joining Kerry Street, Hayley worked as a lead responsible person for Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) across various locations in Western Australia, including the North West. Through these roles, she developed extensive hands-on experience supporting children with diverse needs. Hayley’s strength in classroom and behaviour guidance ensures a positive and structured flow to each day’s learning experiences.
Hayley’s compassionate and inclusive mindset, coupled with her breadth of experience, makes her an invaluable member of the Yonga Mia team and a trusted support for the students at Kerry Street Community School.