Norma Panagakos

Founder & Creative Director

Norma is the Founding Principal of New Horizons Preschool.

Norma has over 25 years’ experience working in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector in Tasmania, and collaborating with children and families. She has a Master of Teaching from the University of Tasmania.

Norma established New Horizons Preschool in 2004 as a small home-based service operating 3 mornings per week. In 2006 she opened the Lenah Valley campus to create a preschool setting centred on a strong ‘image of child’, relationships, collaborative approaches, active participation, and The Hundred Languages of children.

Norma was part of the Australian contingent on the Reggio Emilia International Study Tour in 2016, where she drew further inspiration to open the Battery Point Campus in 2017, ultimately achieving her vision to create an innovative and progressive preschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia Educational Project. Establishment of the Battery Point campus, with its unique and intentionally designed Atelier studios, introduced a new and unprecedented concept to Tasmanian early years education.

Norma is a passionate advocate for early childhood education and for children’s participatory rights in both schools and the wider community. She has a keen interest in engaging and collaborating with others to continue influencing and inspiring children’s learning and wellbeing within Tasmania. Norma’s mission is to re-imagine the rich possibilities for early years education to create dynamic, inspirational and inclusive learning spaces which support a rich culture of participation, where all children are supported and empowered along their individual journeys of life long learning.

Pedagogical Coordinating Team

Jo Gutierrez

Educational Leader & Early Childhood Teacher

Jo has been part of the dedicated team of educators at New Horizons Preschool for over 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Art Education and a Bachelor of Design from the UNSW College of Fine Arts. Jo has also completed a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care with Griffith University.

Jo has worked in multiple roles as an Early Childhood Educator, Secondary School Visual Art Teacher, Graphic and Object Designer and Atelierista. She is committed to supporting children and providing opportunities for them to express their ideas and explore a variety of art media.

Jo is passionate about the language of creative arts, creating pathways for educators and children to connect, whilst fostering artistic and imaginative thinking. She is committed to honouring The Hundred Languages and she feels privileged to be able to collaborate with and learn from her fellow researchers, designers and artists; the children.

Ange joined the New Horizons team towards the end of 2022 and has worked between both campuses since starting.  She has nearly six years experience working in an Early Childhood setting and has completed her Certificate III and Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Ange has worked with different age groups ranging from three months to five years.

Ange is eager to continue learning about the Reggio Emilia educational approach and building meaningful and respectful relationships with children and families. Ange believes that every child is unique and special. She is passionate about supporting children to be able to express themselves and explore their world around them.

Anna Moshovakos

Educator

Anna has had over 20 years’ experience as an Early Childhood educator in Melbourne and Hobart. She completed her Diploma in Centre based Care and Outside of School Hours Care in 1998, through TAFE Tasmania.

She joined New Horizons Preschool (Lenah Valley) as an educator in 2009, leaving in 2014 to run her family business. In 2017 Anna re-joined the New Horizons family.

Anna believes that every child is unique, and everyone’s educational journey is different. Through developing a strong sense of belonging, enhancing self-esteem and building self-confidence, each child begins to realise their potential. Anna considers that every child’s sense of curiosity and creativity is essential for them to thrive as individual learners. As educators, our role is to respect, support and embrace each child’s journey.

Anna is passionate about working alongside other educators to further enhance and build strong positive relationships and interactions between children, staff and families.

Katerina Gavalas

Educator

Katerina has 30 years of experience in early childhood education and completed her Associate Diploma in 1998. She previously worked at New Horizons Preschool for 14 and a half years, where she helped create a welcoming, home-like environment for children and families. She is thrilled to be returning and looks forward to reconnecting with colleagues and meeting new team members.

Katerina is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. She is dedicated to building strong, trusting relationships with children and families, and celebrates the diversity and culture each child brings. She enjoys fostering creativity through art and encouraging children to explore, imagine, and develop their thinking skills.

She believes children are capable and competent learners and supports their growth across all areas of development, supporting them to build a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, form positive relationships, become confident and involved learners, and grow as effective communicators. Katerina values strong partnerships with families and is excited to bring her experience, enthusiasm, and passion for early childhood education back to the team.

Rachel Payne

Educator

Rachel has been an Early Childhood educator at New Horizons Preschool for 10 years, joining the team in 2011. She has a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, with rich and varied experiences working with young children. 

Rachel enjoys working alongside the creative staff and children at New Horizons. She is inspired by children’s honest and authentic perspectives on the world, their ability to marvel and wonder, and their joy of learning. 

Rachel is passionate about creating positive, caring relationships with families and children and has a strong image of a competent child.

Sabina Thapa

Educator

Sabina has a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and came to New Horizons to complete her placement in 2021. She is now a part of the New Horizons team and is looking forward to commencing her journey with inquiry work and the Reggio Emilia Educational Approach. 

Sabina worked in an Early Childhood Education setting in Nepal for 5 years before moving to Australia. She values working at New Horizons as it provides a sense of community and provides respectful environments for educators, children and families.

Nick Panagakos

Building Management and Maintenance

Description provided by the children:

Nick is a person who fixes stuff. He is always friendly and kind to other people. Nick is special because he is a very nice person and he is a builder for New Horizons. Nick builds stuff and he takes out the rubbish bin. When he is fixing things, he fixes them up again and again. If something is broken then he will go and fix it. When he has fixed it he can say ‘it should be okay for the children now.’

Nick is also the boss and he makes people happy by fixing things. He is always a nice person.