2025 Year 6

6A: Megan Hartwick (Team Leader)

Hello SMPS students and families!

My name is Miss Megan and I will be teaching 6A in 2025. This will be my ninth year in teaching and my seventh year at SMPS. I have taught our future Year 6 students when they were in  Year 1 and again in Year 3, so I am really looking forward to spending more time getting to know all the students and their families.

I grew up in Canada and did not move to Melbourne until 2017. I spent most of my childhood outside with my family, including camping or playing in the snow nearly every weekend and going on long hikes and canoe trips. Before I became a teacher, I worked at a Summer Camp for five years, which explains why I love organising and going on School Camp so much now as a teacher!

Outside of school, I love to spend time outside, read and cook. I also love to sing and am part of a choir.

I am really looking forward to another amazing year in Year 6 at SMPS!

6B: Scott Vance

Hello amazing SMPS community,

My name is Mr Scott, and I will be teaching 6B in 2025. This will be my 11th year in teaching but my first as a Grade 6 teacher. I am super excited to get to know all the students and their families and share this special year ahead!

I grew up by the beach about one hour south of Melbourne with my mum, dad and younger sister. As a child I spent my time running, surfing and playing basketball. When I finished high-school school I moved to Texas in the United States and competed for a university in Athletics and Cross-Country running for four years. After teaching for a short time back in Melbourne, I was off again to live and teach in Paris for two years. I loved teaching overseas so much that last year, my partner Bethany (also a teacher) and I moved to teach in London together.      

Outside of school you can often find me playing in a rock band where I sing and play guitar. I also enjoy running, camping, going out for brunch and exploring the world. 

I am really looking forward to a fantastic year at SMPS.

6C: Emily West

Hello SMPS Students and Families, 

My name is Miss Emily, and I am thrilled to be your child's teacher at South Melbourne Primary School in 2025. I can’t wait to get to know your child and share an exciting year of learning together.

I’ve lived in Victoria my entire life and love Melbourne. In my free time, I enjoy running, eating pastries, and spending time with friends and family. One of my favorite adventures was hiking to the Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season, and I’m looking forward to a fantastic year ahead in 2025!

Warmest regards, 

Miss Emily

Learning Support Teacher: Niamh Shaughnessy

Hello SMPS Families,

My name is Niamh Shaughnessy, and I am thrilled to be joining SMPS as a Learning Support teacher for 2025! In this role, I look forward to working with students in Year 6 to support their learning and help them grow. 

With ten years of teaching experience, I am excited to continue my journey here at SMPS. Last year, I had the pleasure of working as a PE and casual relief teacher, which allowed me to get to know many of the wonderful children and families in our school community.

I grew up in the west of Ireland with my mum, dad, brother, and sister. My childhood was filled with outdoor adventures – from playing sports to swimming in our local lake and walking my beloved pet dog, Rusty! I moved to Abu Dhabi for my first teaching role, and since then, I have taught in London and now Melbourne. Travel is one of my greatest passions, and I particularly enjoy learning about different cultures around the world.

Outside of school, I enjoy staying active and healthy. You’ll often find me running around the Tan or Albert Park Lake, attending yoga classes, or hiking through nature. I am also excited to explore more of Victoria’s beautiful camping spots!

I hope you all have a wonderful summer, and I look forward to working with you in the new year!