Meet our year 2 teachers

Miss Alysha

2A and Team Leader

Hello everyone! I have worked at Port Melbourne for 7 years now, spending all of my years in the junior school, meaning I am lucky enough to have taught almost every cohort. I am loving being back, where the journey began all those years ago in Year 2 for 2024.

When I am not at school I love to spend time with my friends, walk along the beach, check out my local cafes and restaurants and dream of ways to save money for more overseas holidays. As well as getting home to the Mornington Peninsula to visit the friends who have migrated back there, my family and most importantly our sausage dog, Rupert.

I am a ticket enthusiast and always have a sporting or music event on the horizon, more often than not for the AFL to watch my beloved navy Blues.

What I'm reading right now: Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Favourite sport: AFL
My favourite subject (when I was at school): PE
How long I've taught at PMPS: 7 years.

Miss Kristen

2B (Mon, Thurs, Fri) and Acting Assistant Principal (Tues-Wed)

I’ve been teaching for 29 years and moved to Melbourne from South Australia about 18 years ago with my husband Mike and daughter Mackenzie. I am Early Childhood trained and love teaching in the Early Years.

I teach 3 days in 2B and on the other days I work as Acting Assistant Principal.

As a Port Melbourne local, I love my short commute to work and I am very lucky to live and work in this wonderful community. You might also know me as our wellbeing dog, Alfie's mum and see us walking around together in the yard or in the parks or on the beach. I am a great Carlton fan and also love travelling and hanging out with friends and family.

What I'm reading right now: Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton
Favourite sport: Basketball
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Sport and Art
How long I've taught at PMPS: 11 years!

Miss Kate

2B (Tues-Wed)

Hello PMPS community! When I am not working in 2BC, I love to take trips to the beach, catch up with my friends and family and read lots of books. I enjoy visiting art galleries and watching musicals at the theatre. My daughter Daisy keeps me very busy, and we love to spend time going for walks in nature and enjoying a picnic.

What I'm reading right now: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Favourite sport: Tennis
My favourite subject (when I was at school): History
How long I've taught at PMPS: 11 years.

Miss Annie

Hi everyone! My name is Annie and I am very fortunate to be teaching Year 2 for a second year in a row. I absolutely love getting to work with Miss Kristen and Miss Kate in 2BC, and you will often find us sharing a laugh or enjoying a dance break with our class.

Prior to teaching Year 2 full-time, I was lucky enough to do some Casual Relief Teaching at PMPS, and I got to work with some of my current Year 2s when they were in Prep.

I am a massive foodie, so when I am not at school, you will probably find me at a café or restaurant with friends. My notes app is full of restaurants and cafés that I am keen to try, but I am always open to new suggestions, if anyone has any.

I also love to travel, read and do the occasional gym class (when I can get myself off the couch). Feel free to come and say hello if you see me around :)

What I'm reading right now: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Favourite sport: AFL! I am a massive Carlton supporter and am hoping that 2024 could finally be our year...
My favourite subject (when I was at school): History and Italian
How long I've taught at PMPS: Roughly 2 years.

Miss Tania

Hi everyone, I am very fortunate to be teaching at Port Melbourne Primary School. I feel so lucky to be a part of such a fabulous school community. I have been teaching for 11 years, 4 of them in London, which I absolutely treasure.

In my spare time, I love getting out for walks, particularly along a sunny beach... somewhere in paradise. I also love catching up with friends for coffee and hanging out with my 3 kids, especially on the odd occasion the 3 are all together, as they are all off living their dreams and yes one is actually a rocket scientist! I also adore my time with my two grandkids Cooper 3 and Adeline 1.

Oh, and an absolute must is to get on a plane every few months, even if it's just an hour flight...travelling soothes the soul!

What I'm reading right now: 2DE Children's Narratives :) and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite sport: Tennis, netball
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Art and Sport
How long I've taught at PMPS: 3 years.

Miss Candy

2E (Mon-Thurs)

I've been teaching for many moons, with experience in all year levels.... and still enjoy it as much as I did when I began back in 2004. Outside of school I enjoy getting out into the sunshine and spending time with Brooklyn (my four-legged child).

I'm a restaurant critic and have my own Michelin ratings, haunting the special places that touch my soul. I have recently returned from Japan, a superb experience and now on the hunt for any authentic Japanese! I like to do the whole body approach to life and treat myself regularly to Endota and other like places.

What I'm reading right now: 2DE narratives :)
Favourite sport: Basketball
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Art
How long I've taught at PMPS: After a decade I stopped counting.

Miss Maria

2E (Fri) and Performing Arts Teacher

Born in England, my family arrived in Melbourne just before my fifth birthday. We were ten- pound tourists back in the day! My childhood was spent in Glen Waverley, and I moved to take my first teaching position in Central Gippsland. I taught there for twelve years, during which I also performed with and directed the local theatre company. That's where I learned how to do theatre!

I'm proud to be the longest serving teacher at PMPS! For more than 20 years, I've been driving around the bay to work here, and then home to Cheltenham again. I love Beach Road, and always drive home from the airport that way, even though it would be more efficient to use other roads. I never tire of the Bay and its many moods!

And I thoroughly enjoy visiting family in the USA and UK when time and funds allow. My 'spare' time is spent walking my two dogs (small, white and fluffy), catching up with family and friends, reading, watching live theatre and ballroom dancing. I no longer compete, but still thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to let loose! And since returning from the USA recently, I have joined a gym. I love the feeling at the end of the workout, if not the workout itself!

What I'm reading right now: Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton
Favourite sport: Ballroom Dancing
My favourite subject (when I was at school): History and Performing Arts
How long I've taught at PMPS: 21 years in August this year!