Educational Support Staff 

Sasha Howell

Dear South Melbourne Primary community. My name is Sasha and I work as an integration aide at South Melbourne Primary. I am passionate about inclusion in education and strongly believe every child has the right and ability to learn. I love working at SMPS and being a part of such a new, but strong, community. I am hoping 2021 will be full of new friendships, connections and learning opportunities. I am looking forward to meeting many more of you this year. 

Shannon Coventry 

Hi family and friends of South Melbourne Primary School. My name is Miss Shannon and I’ll be working alongside the Grade 2s as an integration aide. I’m currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Education course and I look forward to starting my teaching journey by supporting the students at South Melbourne Primary. In my spare time I enjoy exercising, reading and spending time with family and friends. 

Padmashree Sharma 

Hello South Melbourne families and friends, my name is Miss Padmashree (you could also call me Miss Paddy). I am a MEA at SMPS. I come from India and have lived in Melbourne for 3 years. I can’t wait to get to know you and start the 2021 year together!

SMPS and Me:

2021 will be my first year teaching at SMPS! I cannot wait to start our learning journey together.

Respect, Love and Gratitude is what I truly believe in.

About Me: 

I love….

Painting - I did get to sell a few of them online!

Jewellery making 

Singing and dancing

Having fun with family and friends

Long walks

Reading Books

Mandy Cater

I have been at South Melbourne PS since April 2019. My role as a Multicultural Education Aide has been a busy but most enjoyable one. I have worked mostly with students in Grades 2 to 6 over the last 2 years.

I have been working in primary schools for well over 20 years now and worked in many schools. My passion and focus are in the areas of Literacy and Numeracy support.

I am married with 2 grown up daughters, one is living and teaching English in Japan and the other has returned to Australia after working in the UK and America and is now studying.  I love reading, catching up with friends and travelling. Hopefully we will be able to do more of this in the future. 

Sam Crigan 

My name is Mr. Sam. I am working as an outposted EAL teacher from Noble Park English Language School. This means I’ll be working with our students who need some extra English language support. I was born in Melbourne and have lived in many different suburbs during my life. I am passionate about educating and nurturing students to help them become the best they can be. I believe that learning and understanding takes place between everyone in a school community. I have learned so much myself from working with students from different language and cultural backgrounds. I also have a passion for sport and I enjoy playing cricket during the summer and umpiring footy during the winter months. I look forward to working with and getting to know many people in the SMPS community.

Mona Salem

My name is Mona and I am so lucky that I joined SMSPS in 2019. I have worked in the education support field for more than 12 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! 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 this year and be part of the school community 😊

Kate Holden 

Hi SMPS families!

My name is Miss Kate, and I am so proud to be a member of the SMPS community for a fourth year. 

Outside of school, I enjoy exploring Victoria with friends, doing crossword puzzles, Pilates, and hanging out with my cats. I have also taken up skateboarding which is something that I never pictured myself doing but I am loving practising and noticing tiny improvements each time. I am looking forward to being part of the Grade 1 team working as an integration aide, along with getting the dance club back up and running. Each day, I value celebrating the students' effort and achievements, along with taking time to ask them mindfulness questions such as what they are proud of or what was challenging about their day. It is not only a great way of getting to know them and receiving feedback but also hearing some answers just brightens my day. Bring on 2021 and another successful year at SMPS working alongside a great community! 

Hugo Dias

Hello South Melbourne families and friends, my name is Mr Hugo. I am a Grade 1 integration aide at SMPS. I come from Perú and have lived in Melbourne for three years now. I have a passion for helping kids do their best and making sure they have lovely school experiences. I like getting to know all the children in the grade and the things they like and enjoy doing. I enjoy spending time in nature, playing sports and exploring the city in my free time.

I look forward to welcoming the new Grade 1A this year. 

Lucinda Short 

Hello families and friends of South Melbourne my name is Miss Lucinda. I am an Integration Aide at SMPS and have worked at this school for just over one year. I love working alongside all the great teachers here to help students across the school with their learning and success in and out of the classroom. I love to hear how the students spend their weekends and about all their different interests. I love to sing, dance and act and also travel around the world but I always love to come back to my home in Melbourne. I’m excited for 2021 and all the fun and learning it will bring. 

Jennarita Calvi

Hi there! My name is Jennarita and I am the Speech Pathologist at SMPS and work on Fridays. I am passionate about supporting students with their education, as well as making sure students feel happy and safe at school. Outside of school time, I enjoy going to new places to eat around the city and hanging out at the beach when the weather is warm. I also love playing the piano and violin and attending ballets and orchestral performances. I look forward to the 2021 school year!