Year 5

Year 5A: Orlaith Kenny (Team Leader)

Hello South Melbourne Primary School Community, my name is Miss Orlaith. I am a Grade 4 teacher. 

I am originally from a small country in Europe called Ireland. I grew up across from my grandparent’s farm and therefore I spent most of my childhood on their land with the farm animals. As I have grown up, I still love the outdoors. 

In my family, I have my mum, my dad and my brother. My parents live in Ireland and my brother lives in Germany. I moved to Australia in 2019 with some of my friends. I love living in the vibrant city of Melbourne however, sometimes I do miss my family. I went back to Ireland for a holiday last year to spend time with them. 

I will be soon entering into my seventh year of teaching. I have spent the majority of my career so far in the Grade 3/4 department. 

During my free time, I like to go on hikes, walks along the beach, grab a coffee and hang out with my friends. I cannot wait to get to know you and your families. We are going to have lots of fun learning together. I am really looking forward to another amazing year at SMPS! 

Year 5B: Sam Kong

Hello SMPS students and families! 

My name is Miss Sam, and I will be teaching 5B in 2023. This will be my fourth year in teaching. 

I grew up in Malaysia and spent most of my childhood travelling with my family before moving to Melbourne in 2013. I fell in love with Melbourne because of its multiculturalism, excellent coffee and awesome arts and culture scene, so I decided to stay.

Before I became a teacher, I worked as a social media manager at a media outlet and that was when I realised my calling, which was to be a teacher. I have never looked back ever since.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my friends, eating delicious food, watching anime and reading books. I also enjoy playing with my mischievous Bengal cat, Whisker and my cheeky guinea pig, Pumbi.

I am looking forward to getting to know you and your family next year.

Year 5C: Emily West

Hello SMPS students and families! 

My name is Miss Emily, and I am so excited to be teaching Grade 5 in 2023 at South Melbourne Primary School. I have spent the last 3 terms casual relief teaching and working in OSHC so am so very excited to spend 2023 with an awesome group of Grade 5s. 

I have lived in Victoria for my entire life and absolutely love Melbourne. I enjoy going out and trying all different types of food with my friends and family - especially chocolate donuts!

I love traveling to new places and going for adventures outside in the sunshine, whether that’s going for a run, bike ride or a picnic outside. My favourite adventure to date was hiking up to Mt Everest base camp in Nepal!

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