Meet our specialist teachers

Library

Nicole Wapling

I was raised in Melbourne and Geelong, and have always had a love of books and children, so becoming a teacher was probably my destiny (how very Darth Vader of me ha-ha...).

At the beginning of my career I taught English in Singapore, and after a few years, we headed home where I taught mainly years 1 and 2. Once my three children were in school, I then started working as an ES at PMPS, where I got to combine my two loves, and manage the school Library. I have the best job, working with our students and finding books that hopefully ignite a passion for reading, whilst also providing a comforting, peaceful space for all to enjoy.

Outside of PMPS, I love spending time with my family at our caravan at Anglesea, where I enjoy the surf, bush, and as you might have guessed, relaxing with a good book.

What I'm reading right now: The Secret Keeper of Jaipur by Alka Joshi (The Henna Artist trilogy)
Favourite sport: AFL and tennis
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Anything Arts....English, Creative Arts, Drama
How long I've taught at PMPS: 12 fabulous years.

Physical Education (PE)

Mr Steve

(Sport Coordinator)

My teaching journey began in the classroom with Year 2 students, and since then, I've had the privilege of teaching across multiple year levels including 2, 3, 4, and 5. When the opportunity arose to teach Physical Education & Sport close to home, I eagerly seized it. For the past 7 years, soon to be 8, I've had the pleasure of being a part of PMPS, where my passion for teaching PE & Sport has flourished.

My role extends beyond the classroom as I also oversee the Southport District sports network, comprising 13 schools. It's a rewarding responsibility that involves organizing all sporting events for our students in Years 3-6. I find great satisfaction in creating opportunities for our students to excel in sports and develop lifelong skills in teamwork, fair play, and physical fitness.

What I'm reading right now: Outlive by Dr Peter Attia
Favourite sport: AFL & Triathlon
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Unsurprisingly - Physical Education & Sport
How long I've taught at PMPS: 8th year.

Miss Janelle

I am a Health and Physical Education teacher trained from Prep to Year 12, with a life driven by a passion for sports. As a lifelong Arsenal supporter and professional soccer referee in the A-League, I incorporate my love for the game into my lessons, inspiring students to never give up on their dreams, and embrace physical fitness, and healthy lifestyles.

Outside of sports, I am a devoted dog mum to six, with Crumble, the cheeky one, always keeping me on my toes.

What I'm reading right now: So Paddy Got Up: An Arsenal Anthology by Andrew Mangan, Amy Lawrence & Tim Stillman; and Lioness - My Journey to Glory by Beth Mead
Favourite sport: Soccer
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Physical Education
How long I've taught at PMPS: 4 Years.

STEM

Mr Angus

I am one of the 2 STEM teachers at our school. I started teaching at South Melbourne Primary School and joined the Port Melbourne community last year. I am passionate about inspiring a love of Science in students and nurturing their curiosity for later in life.

What I'm reading right now: Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
Favourite sport: Spear Fishing
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Science
How long I've taught at PMPS: This is my second year.

Mr Darren (Mr C.)

It has been my pleasure and honour to say that I have been part of Port Melbourne Primary School for 14 years. Starting as the Assistant Principal was a dream come true and finally seeing the end of an ongoing building program after 12 of those years was a breath of fresh air. To say I've been teaching a long time is a bit of an understatement, let's just say last year I had the opportunity to meet the Education Minister at a Recognition of Service afternoon.

That's the thing about teaching - it's all the same, yet so different. The discipline has changed (no more of the strap, at my school it was called Charlie and sat on the Principal's desk and yes, I did get to meet Charlie on a few occasions); and the technologies, along with the pitfalls, continue to develop at such an enormous rate.

All through this is the one most important thing that has kept me going - the children. Whenever I have reached the limit and need to reset, it is the children that bring me back and remind me of what I am doing and why I am doing it.

Out of school, sees me playing golf and being a diehard supporter of the Swans (sorry, Sydney). I played AFL from the age of 7, having the opportunity to play on all of the VFL grounds at a time when all the clubs had a Little League (Under 11's team), and yes, I played for South Melbourne. Now days I love to travel, especially to see family in London and renovate homes.

What I'm reading right now: One Impossible Labyrinth by Matthew Reilly
Favourite sport: AFL / Golf
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Sport and Mathematics
How long I've taught at PMPS: 14 Years.