Specialists

Kirsten Brown (Learning Intervention Teacher)

Hello, South Melbourne Primary School community! My name is Kirsten and I am very excited to be joining you next year. I can't wait to begin working with the amazing SMPS students and staff.

I have been teaching since 2005 and I still absolutely love it. After being a classroom teacher for many years, this year I took on an intervention role and have had the best time helping students achieve their full potential. 

When I'm not teaching, you might find me studying, gardening, or catching up with friends. I also love to spend time travelling, dining out and watching movies with my husband, Tony. 

I look forward to meeting you all next year! 

Paul Creasey (Music)

Hi awesome SMPS families, 

I am Mr. Paul. I am the South Melbourne Primary School Music Teacher. This will be my sixth year at SMPS. I started teaching at our school when it first opened at the beginning of 2018. It has been amazing to see our school grow so quickly into the great place that it is. 

I have a lot of gratitude for the opportunity to work at SMPS. We have a very special team of staff and a magnificent group of students. I can’t wait to see what we will achieve in the sixth year of South Melbourne Primary School.

Phoebe Katos (Visual Arts)

Hello South Melbourne Primary School community! I could not be more excited to continue next year as the Visual Arts teacher. I grew up in Geelong and have been living in South Yarra more recently. 

I love to cook, travel and paint. Painting is my favourite style of visual art because even when it doesn’t turn out how you thought, it can end up even better! I am lucky to have always known I’ve wanted to be a teacher and always had a passion for art. 

I can’t wait to continue inspiring the students of SMPS to be creative, imaginative and innovative, and we will all learn and grow together.  

Hope Van Orsouw (nee Underwood) (Digital Technologies)

Hi everyone, my name is Miss Hope. I have had the privilege of teaching at SMPS for almost four years, both as a Grade 2 and STEAM teacher. Prior to this, I was an educator at Apple, where I developed a passion for ICT. In 2023, I'm thrilled to return to my role as a specialist in teaching Digital Technology.

I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula and love to spend time at the beach. Last year I married my partner of 10 years and added a new puppy to the family. You can find me walking my dogs or boxing at the gym when I am not in the classroom. 

I look forward to getting to know you and your families in 2023!

Rachel Steele (P.E.)

Hello SMPS families and community,  

My Name is Miss Rachel, and I will be teaching P.E. at South Melbourne in 2023. As a recent graduate, I am honoured to be able to teach, learn and grow within this community. 

I was born in England and in 2004 my mum, dad, older brother, and I searched for a sunnier life. We found ourselves in the beautiful countryside of South Australia, amongst gum trees, kangaroos, and vineyards. In 2018 I left everything I knew and drove to Melbourne, starting a new chapter of my education, I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Teaching from the University of Melbourne.  

Out of study and work, you will find me on a netball court, catching up with friends and trying to chase the sun. I love everything Melbourne offers, including countless coffee shops, markets, and restaurants. I am so excited to learn and grow with everyone this year. I wish everyone in the SMPS community happiness, growth and wonder throughout 2023. 

Niamh Rice (Class Cover)

A big hello to all the SMPS community, My name is Ms Niamh and this year I am lucky enough to get to teach all the different year levels. I will be working as a relief teacher and will get to cover the other teachers when they have planning and meetings. I am very fortunate to already know lots of the wonderful SMPS students and am looking forward to getting to know even more this year.

 I am Irish and moved to Melbourne in 2019. I love Australia and I consider it my home now! I like to spend my time walking on the beach or swimming in the sea. I am very passionate about wellbeing and always seem to be meditating and doing things that help me to relax. I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful break and is looking forward to the new school year.