2026 Prep

Prep A:  Olivia Martin (Team Leader)

Hello SMPS students and families! 

My name is Miss Olivia and I will be teaching Prep A in 2026. This will be my ninth year in teaching and my third year at SMPS. 

I have spent most of my life in Melbourne but spent the first six years of my schooling in America. In 2023 I was living and teaching in London, which was an amazing experience! Living in the UK meant my love of travel has grown even more. I was lucky to be able to travel around Europe in school holidays.

Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family and friends. When it’s sunny, I’m out going for walks to get a coffee and curling up on the couch with a good book when it’s cold.

I am incredibly excited to continue my journey at SMPS and look forward to meeting you all!

Prep B: Baraa Hamandi

Hello SMPS students and families!

My name is Miss Baraa, and I’m thrilled to be a teacher once more at South Melbourne Primary School. It’s my second year at this wonderful school and my third in Melbourne after moving from New Zealand, where I grew up. 

In New Zealand, I spent my time worrying my mum by kiteboarding, going on solo overnight hikes, and surfing. But I left these crazy hobbies for baking and going to the gym. I also love reading and spending time with my big, grey, lazy cat. 

Life in Melbourne has been a big adjustment. I’ve traded waves for city trams and big spiders! I’ve been loving the incredible cafés, restaurants, and summer concerts. 

I can’t wait to dive into the year ahead, meet all the students and families, and share in the exciting adventures of SMPS.  

See you all in 2026!

Prep C: Sarah Kelly

Hello wonderful SMPS community,

My name is Miss Sarah, and I will be the Prep C teacher in 2026. This will be my 9th year in teaching. I have worked in a variety of schools in England and have been in Year 6 and Year One for the last four years here at SMPS. I couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing Prep team (I spent my first four years of teaching in prep). I can’t wait to get to know all my students and their families as we embark on a fun and exciting year of learning together.

I grew up in England with my Irish parents, one brother, and two sisters. Family is a big part of my life, and my heart is absolutely stolen by my sister’s little baby boys – I adore being an aunty! As a child, I loved singing, dressing up, and baking cookies with my family, and those passions have stayed with me to this day.

Outside of school, you’ll often find me singing my favourite tunes, anything musical theatre or Disney, indulged in a spa or spending my money in Mecca! I believe that learning should be filled with joy and creativity, and I can’t wait to bring that energy to your wonderful children this year.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026 at SMPS!

Prep D: Amy Davison

Hello SMPS families,

My name is Miss Amy, and I am so excited to join the wonderful community of SMPS in 2026!

I grew up in Darwin and have always loved exploring new places, from travelling through Japan and Ireland in 2025 to road trips and camping adventures around Australia.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring Melbourne, there’s always something new to try! I particularly love going to concerts and seeing live music.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all next year!