Year 1

Year 1A: Laura Kelly (Team Leader)

Hello wonderful South Melbourne Primary School Students and Families!

My name is Miss Laura and I am so excited to be a part of the SMPS community again in 2024!

I have been a teacher for almost 10 years now and I am really looking forward to getting to know all the students and families at this amazing school. 

When I am not in classroom, I am spending time with my family and friends. I have a big family and am very close to my brothers and sister. I love to bake, cook, go to the beach and do yoga. I enjoy going out for coffee and walking my two cute dogs Toby and Chloe. I love them so much!

I really look forward to meeting everyone this year. I hope you have all had a relaxing holiday break! 

Year 1B: Nadeeka Pussalle

Hi SMPS families,

My name is Miss Nadeeka and I will be teaching 1B in 2024. This will be my 10th year in teaching and my 6th year at SMPS. I love coming to work each day and being surrounded by the lovely SMPS community. 

I was born in a small rural town in Sri Lanka and moved to Australia when I was three years old. I love hiking, reading and gardening. Whenever I get the chance, I grab my tent and head out exploring. Warming my hands near a campfire and watching the stars come out in the evening are two of my favourite things. 

I am looking forward to another wonderful year at SMPS and getting to know you and your family. See you soon!

Year 1C: Alysse Pirovano

Hello everyone, my name is Miss Alysse. This year will be my fourth year teaching at SMPS. I am so excited to be teaching 1C in 2024. 

Although I have been lucky enough to call Melbourne home all my life, I love travelling and exploring new places. When I lived in London, I was able to visit many different cities and countries. I got to meet lots of interesting people and taste many different cuisines. 

When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me reading, cooking, going to Pilates and catching up with friends. I also love spending time relaxing with family up in Yarrawonga during the holidays. 

I am looking forward to a spectacular year getting to know you and your families! 

Year 1D: Jake Mortimer

Hello SMPS! 

My name is Mr Jake, and I am so excited to start teaching in 2024.  

It will be my first year at South Melbourne Primary school and so it is my aim to get to know my students, my year level and the entire cohort of South Melbourne as soon as possible.  

My favourite small moment in a day is being able to greet every student and hopefully brighten their day with a smile or kind word. 

Growing up, I loved all things Science and hope to share that passion with the rest of SMPS – I love helping students who are questioning how the world works. 

I’m an avid animal lover - my partner and I currently look after our amazing dog Jesse, our sleepy cat and some curious fish. Over our lifetimes, we have previously raised birds, mice, turtles, chickens, ducks, rabbits, bearded dragons and hopefully in the future, we’ll get to raise a snake, and bees.  

2024 is going to be a year to remember and I can’t wait to share it with such an amazing community, see you soon South Melbourne Primary!