Education Support Team

Sam Whadcock 

Hey, my name is Sam and I’m delighted to be part of the SMPS team! I grew up near Oxford in the UK, loving all things to do with sports. I have two sisters, one older and one younger with a big gap between us all.  I found a love for music at a very early age, my stepdad used to play his records after getting home from the pub and it was something I always looked forward to on a Friday night. From a very early age I knew the words to The Small Faces, The Kinks, David Bowie, The Beatles and many more. My younger sister was to be the same. I loved listening to music; and wanted it to be on at all times. I collect records myself now and play a few instruments to a pretty poor level.  

My first experience of working with children was for a placement on my college course. I spent a week each at the local Special Needs schools, one primary and the other secondary. I loved every moment; and the feedback I received from my tutor was that I was ‘born to do this’. I have never looked back since. 

Last year, my fiancé finished her PhD in Manchester, and she was offered a wonderful opportunity working as a mental health researcher in Melbourne. I’m so excited to start our new journey here, and I cannot wait to continue what I experience last year here at SMPS! 

Sravani Yandamuri

Hello there!! 

This is Sravani. I know it is difficult for some of you to pronounce and remember my name, but that’s perfectly OK since I also take a bit of time to remember the names and faces.  

I adore children, their pure hearts and most importantly their innocent smiles. It gives me immense happiness to work with/for them. I am working as an “Integration Aide” in South Melbourne Primary school from Term 4, 2021. I am learning/teaching/enjoying many things in this school from everyone (Staff/Students). I am proud to be a part of this wonderful school and people. I like cooking, reading, and watching dramas. I enjoy having a chat with students and adults alike and hence feel free to wave your hand and say “Hello”. I am excited to meet new people and students, hope we all enjoy school on-site every day of 2022. 

With best regards 

Sravani 

Lucinda Short

Greetings to all South Melbourne Primary School families and friends. My name is Miss Lucinda!        

 I am an Integration Aide at SMPS. Heading into 2022, I will be beginning my third year working at this wonderful school. I love supporting all students to be their very best in their learning and play and ensuring all feel happy, safe and connected to their peers. Outside of SMPS I have been supporting children with Autism for 5 years through behavioral and play based therapy. 

I love to be outdoors such as at the beach or going on big walks and really enjoy going to art galleries and new cafes around Melbourne, on my weekends.  I can’t wait for all the fun to be had in 2022.  

Daniella Hastas

Hi All, 

It is with great excitement to be working at South Melbourne Primary School as an Integration Aide.

I’m a qualified Secondary Teacher majoring in drama and dance, so don’t be surprised if you hear me singing every now and then. When I was younger my grandfather told me that ‘I must’ve swallowed a radio when I was born’ because I sure love to have a conversation! 

I’m Italian and Greek, which means if you’ve seen the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding that pretty much sums up my life - always eating a lot of food and being surrounded by the best company, family!

I love seeing the beauty in the little things, always trying to be positive and striving to live life to the fullest. Being a travel bug is something I was fortunate enough to experience from a young age. 

I was able to go to America with my family and I was instantly hooked on the fast paced lifestyle. 

A few years later I had the opportunity to work at a Christian camp in Pennsylvania and this is where everything changed for me. I was incredibly blessed, as I was able to work with people all over the world and help children from various backgrounds. This was a pivotal moment in my life as I knew that I wanted to help children 1:1 and make an impact on their lives for the better. I gained so much knowledge not just on an educational level, but life experiences that I’ll take with me everywhere I go. I’m very passionate about bringing joy into a child’s life and making a difference in the world. 

I’m looking forward to working alongside the team and learning from you all.

Sasha Howell

Hello! My name is Sasha, and I am an Integration Aide. I have been at SMPS for about a year and a half and love this school and the community. My favourite sport is Netball and I coach a few teams on the weekends and after school. I am studying to be a teacher and love observing and learning from all the wonderful teachers at SMPS. I love staying active and getting  arts and crafty, (you may catch me knitting, painting, or mosaicking every so often). I enjoy a good chat so always feel free to come and say ‘hi’. Working with children and getting to know each little being is a passion of mine and I can’t wait for a fantastic 2022.  

Bhavana Sharma

My name is Bhavana Sharma, and I have been working as an Integration aide at South Melbourne Primary School since March 2021 where student safety, happiness and success is top priority. Every day I interact with children, staff, parents from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and it gives me immense pleasure not only to share my experience but also to learn from all around me.   

Prior to this I have served as an education professional for 11 years as Mathematics and Science Teacher back in India. Teaching is not only my profession, but also my Passion. I love and enjoy working with children and helping them in shaping up their life. Over weekend to serve my passion, I am working as CRT at Edu Kingdom College where I work as Mathematics teacher and help students from Grade 3 to Grade 7 in their learning journey.  

My hobbies include reading and writing. I have written couple of books on children rhymes in my native language (Hindi) and am working on short stories. Also, I love painting and enjoy putting my emotions and thoughts on canvas.  I love cooking and experimenting new dishes on weekends.  

Looking forward to another great learning year where we will share our experiences and grow together. 

Happy Learning! 

Bhavana Sharma 

Shannon Coventry

Hello South Melbourne FamilIes and Friends! My name is Miss Shannon and I have been fortunate enough to have worked at South Melbourne for the past year as an integration aide! I am looking forward to continuing to support our wonderful SMPS students in 2022 while also completing my final year of my studies in primary education. 

I grew up on a farm on Kangaroo Island overlooking the beautiful blue ocean and currently live in the wonderful Richmond. On the weekends, you’ll find me walking along the Yarra River and exploring our beautiful city! 

Mona Salem

Hello everyone!  

I am Miss Mona and I am so lucky that I joined SMPS since 2019. I have worked in the education support field for more than 14 years both in Melbourne and in the UK.  I love to help our students and use my creativity to make learning fun, unique and interactive! I am Swedish Egyptian so during my childhood I used to speak two different languages. Then I was lucky to learn English at school as well. 

In my free time, I like to hang around at Australia’s lovely beaches, play soccer, listen to music and cook different dishes. 

I am so excited to meet all the students in year 2022 and be part of the school community 😊  

Ryan Casas

Hello!

I am so happy to have this chance to introduce myself and share a little of myself to you all!

My name is Ryan (He/They), or also Mr. Ryan as I may well become known, I was previously a kinder teacher for around six years, working as a casual, support, and in a co-lead kinder role.

My later school years, and early University years were focused on a wide variety of art studies, from studying art, visual communication and design, media and photography in years 11 & 12. That is four art folio subjects which was not recommended to me...yet I did it all and passed with flying colours!

Outside of work I am big movie/TV/book/comic fan (favourites of each include Ghostbusters, The Good Place, The Letters Of Vincent Van Gogh), I am also very very very slowly working on some children's book ideas, and working hard to improve my drawing skills.

It is lovely to have met everyone I've already had the chance to meet, and I am very excited to meet everyone else and get started!!

Ellen Maurer

Hi I’m Ellen and I’m very excited to be apart of south Melbourne primary school! I recently moved to Melbourne with my two cats from a little country town in NSW. I enjoy exploring this beautiful city and trying all the yummy food on offer. In my spare time I like to garden, cook and play with my cats. I can’t wait to meet you all :)