Meet our Year 1 teachers

Miss Alysha

(Year 1A Teacher and Team Leader)

Hello everyone! I have worked at Port Melbourne since 2018, spending all my time in the junior school, meaning I am lucky enough to have taught almost every cohort. I am loving being back in Grade 1 this year, in particular having a class full of little brothers and sisters who I first met as toddlers or kinder kids!

When I am not at school I like to spend time with my friends, walk along the beach, check out new restaurants and bars 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, music or comedy event on the horizon, more often than not to the MCG to watch my beloved but ever frustrating navy Blues.

What I'm reading right now: The Women by Kristin Hannah
Favourite sport: AFL and Tennis
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Health
How long I've taught at PMPS: 8 years

Miss Caroline

(Year 1B Teacher and Inclusion Coach)

2025 is the year of firsts and finishing. I successfully completed my first triathlon last summer, and I will finish a Masters in Learning Intervention, after a 4-year slog.

My 18-month-old golden retriever, Coco, will be returning to school this term on Thursdays as one of our wellbeing dogs. My cats, Miss Maggie and Thunder are still in love, sunbaking on their cat beds everyday. Thunder still dreams of how he can get rid of Coco, but Miss Maggie lets Thunder know she is part of our family.

Of course there is also my 14-year-old daughter, Lily who is navigating Year 9, exploring new tastes in music and fashion. I'm lucky that she still likes hanging out with her mum (mostly), and when we can, we go to the You Yangs, 1000 steps or any other mountain within reach.

What I'm reading right now: Anything about effective strategies to teach reading to students with learning difficulties.
Favourite sport: I love to swim, hike and ride.
My favourite subject (when I was at school): I loved PE because I was good at it!
How long I've taught at PMPS: After 20 years in London, I came to work at PMPS and have been here for 10 years now.

Miss Emily

(Year 1C Teacher, Wednesday-Friday)

I’ve been at Port Melbourne Primary School for the past ten years—and time has truly flown! During my time here, I’ve mainly taught in Prep and Year 1, and I especially enjoy helping children learn to read and write. It’s been a joy to become a familiar face to students, families, and siblings as they’ve moved through the school.

Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, I first came to Melbourne to travel and ended up making it my home. I now have a little boy, Lewis, who is four. Family life keeps me busy with playground visits, snack preparation, and answering an endless stream of questions!

What I'm reading right now: A true story about a woman who grew up living with monkeys! A true jungle book tale!
Favourite sport: Hockey, Badminton and Squash and Snowboarding
My favourite subject (when I was at school): History and Science
How long I've taught at PMPS: 10 years

Miss Jo

(Year 1C Teacher, Monday-Tuesday)

I was a late bloomer in teaching terms. I've dabbled in a number of different careers before launching into teaching. I tried secondary first, but once I started working in primary I couldn't go back to it. I love the primary years and don't mind which year level I find myself as they all have something different to offer.

What I'm reading right now: I tend to always be reading about education. I'm doing a Language and Literacy course, so I don't have time to read much else at the moment.
Favourite sport: My favourite sport to play is netball but to watch is AFL.
My favourite subject (when I was at school): I would have to say Maths and then Biology in high school.
How long I've taught at PMPS: 5 years

Miss Tania

(Year 1D Teacher)

I have really enjoyed getting to know my Year 1 classroom of amazing children. They really are a bundle of laughs and personalities and I look forward to learning more about them as the year goes on.

When I'm not at school I spend my time catching up with my family and friends as well as being very partial to travelling and seeing new places. Going to a destination that includes a flight sees me living my best life. I secretly dream of being a pilot (haha). I love the beach and going for walks and being outdoors especially when the sun is shining. I do love trying new restaurants and food, glorious food, never gets boring. So, any recommendations for good places to eat are always welcome!

What I'm reading right now: Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Favourite sport: Tennis
My favourite subject (when I was at school): Art
How long I've taught at PMPS: 4 years