Staff Departing

Departing Staff/Farewells - Personal Messages

Anthony Douglas - Leading Teacher

I would like to thank everyone at SMPS who has made me feel welcome this year. I am heading back to London to take up the role of Deputy Headmaster at a new senior school called Thomas’s Battersea Square. It will be very different from SMPS, but I have learnt so much working here. I’m not sure I am ready to head back to the UK in winter and I will miss you all!

Beth Denton-Jones

It is with mixed emotions that I write this departing message with my pending maternity leave due to begin in February 2021. My intention is to return early in 2021 before the twins arrive to support the school in setting up for a successful start to the year but as I am not sure what may occur in January, I will say my farewells to students and families in the final week of term. I am very excited to become a mum in 2021 and have learnt so much from the wonderful parents at South Melbourne Primary School. 

I am extremely appreciative of all the advice and support I have received not only recently since announcing my pregnancy but the ongoing support I have felt from the families throughout the past 3 years. Working at South Melbourne Primary School has been an absolute privilege and I will miss working with your children and yourselves each and every day. I look forward to seeing you all around South Melbourne next year and will pop in to school to introduce the twins once I have got to grips with what I am doing!

It has been a pleasure working with all the families and students over the past 3 years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a school and a community - certainly after this year which threw so many unknowns at us. 

I wish your families all the best for next year and look forward to returning to my position in late 2021/early 2022. 

Shevani Moodley

Hi South Melbourne Community. I am both saddened and excited to move on at the end of this year. However, I will be just across the Bolte Bridge at Docklands Primary School as a classroom teacher. Thank you for your support over the last 2 years. It has been wonderful and a privilege to know and help your children through a tough year and to get to know you as a community. 

Jaylee Waters

Hello students and families of SMPS! I am thrilled to announce that I will be beginning at Docklands Primary School next year as the Arts Teacher (Music, Performing Arts and Visual Arts). It is a dream role of mine, so I am very excited for the new adventure. Although my time at SMPS has been short, I have absolutely loved being part of this amazing community and it will be hard to say goodbye. I am grateful for the time I have had with you all and am very proud of my students, and their families, for everything they have achieved this year! 

Cass Mesta

It is with a very heavy heart that I leave SMPS at the end of the 2020 school year. I have made the decision to move back to my hometown of Bairnsdale to be closer to my family. I will be teaching at Bairnsdale West - the primary school I attended when I was a child. I consider myself very lucky to have taught at SMPS over the past 2 years and will miss the staff, students, and families very much.

John Haythornthwaite

Mr John is leaving SMPS to become Director of Music at Thomas's Battersea Square, London. Mr John would like to thank all the pupils, staff and parents for making him feel so welcome during his time at SMPS.

Mez Coombs

At the end of this term, I will be moving back to the United Kingdom for my partner’s work and to be close to his family. I have had such an incredible time working at SMPS and will miss the beautiful community immensely. Thank you all for making me feel so welcome from the moment I arrived. 

Kelly Hatfield

After a fantastic year at SMPS, I am off to Prahran High School where I will be teaching English and Literacy Intervention. I have loved my time at SMPS, especially working with our wonderful Grade 6 students and exceptionally talented and committed staff. I am really going to miss the positive culture at SMPS and am grateful for the learning opportunities I’ve had this year. I wish you all a safe and happy break with your loved ones. 

Madison Glidden

Thank you for welcoming me over the last few years, I have absolutely loved my time at SMPS. It is with a heavy heart that I leave SMPS to return to New Zealand to further my studies and plan my next adventure. I hope to be back in Melbourne ASAP! I’ve had a wonderful time getting to know the children and families and support them to grow and develop. Lots of love! 

Sam Kong

It's been an amazing year and a half at SMPS. I'm grateful for our lovely students, parents and staff members. It's been a tough decision to make, but I've decided to relocate and teach in early learning centre next year. To all my students, I will remember all the fun we had and all the things we did. To all the families, thank you for your continual support.