2026 Year 2

2A: Niamh Crowley (Team Leader)

Hello to all the SMPS children and their families. 

My name is Niamh Crowley. This will be my third year at SMPS and my eight year of teaching.

I’m from Ireland and I moved to Melbourne in late 2023. I come from a small rural town in Ireland. My mom is the principal of the local school, and my dad is a farmer. I have two younger sisters; one lives in Ireland, and one lives here in Melbourne too. 

My favourite thing to do in the evening is read a good book. I also love running and going to Pilates classes with my friends. 

I’m so excited for the new school year. I can’t wait to see you all in 2026. Have a lovely holiday and enjoy the well-deserved break!  

2B: Shir Chi Sun

Hello SMPS community,

My name is Miss Shir Chi and I will be teaching Grade 2B in 2026. This will be my fourth-year teaching at SMPS. I have truly enjoyed the last few years teaching and being surrounded by the wonderful community members within the school. Next year will be the fourth time I am teaching in Grade 2, and I am so excited to meet the future Grade 2 cohort and their families. There are many exciting moments to come in Grade 2!

I grew up in Malaysia with my parents and three sisters, until I moved to Melbourne in 2016, and this is where I stayed ever since. Before studying to become a teacher, I often volunteered at an after-school tutoring program – which is where I found my passion for teaching!

Outside of school, I enjoy curling up on my couch and reading or watching food-related TV series. I also love to eat, bake, play board games, and visit new dessert places with my friends.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday, and I look forward to starting another amazing year at SMPS!

2C: Emma Koundanis

My name is Miss Emma, and I am so excited to be joining South Melbourne Primary School in 2026. I have been a teacher for 4 years and am so looking forward to meeting the community at SMPS.

In 2025 I had an exciting year! I got married in November and ran my very first half marathon in October. I was so happy to achieve a goal of completing a half marathon and was so enthused to be successful in that. I am passionate about sports and played soccer for several years as a teenager and young adult. Over the last two years I started to get into running and hope to run another half marathon in 2026!

I also love to cook and try out new recipes that can challenge me but also taste delicious! I can’t wait to meet you all, enjoy your holidays.

2D: Jemma Fritzlaff

Hello to all the SMPS children and their families. 

My name is Miss Jemma, and I will be teaching Grade 2 in 2026. I absolutely loved teaching Grade 2 this year and feel so lucky to be continuing with this wonderful year level again. Before teaching Grade 2, I worked as a casual relief teacher (CRT) across all year levels from Prep to Grade 6 at South Melbourne.

I have lived in Melbourne my whole life with my mum, dad, and younger brother. I love playing and watching sport, and I’ve recently taken up pickleball — I look forward to playing every week! I also enjoy going to the beach, playing boardgames, walking in the sunshine, eating yummy food and spending time with my friends and family. I absolutely love Bluey and have even been to Bluey’s World!

I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday, and I look forward to seeing you all next year.