SMPS Family iNewsletter

The Wellbeing Page 

Supporting students to stay happy, safe and connected...

Start of Year Transition 

Our students have settled into 2023 magnificently. We are particularly impressed with our new students who have moved to SMPS from other schools and our Prep students, for whom school is a very different experience altogether! 

 

It can take a little while for some students to settle into a new school year, or an entirely new school. The following suggestions may help you to support your child to settle comfortably and confidently into school:

  • Say goodbye confidently – saying a quick, confident goodbye may help them to feel secure and reassured that you trust that they will be okay at school.
  • Walk away as soon as you have said your quick goodbye - we understand that this can be difficult to do for parents! Try to avoid hovering or going back for one last hug if your children find morning separation difficult - this can make it more challenging for them to walk away from you. 
  • Talk positively and confidently about starting and attending school. Focus on the good things about their day. 
  • Trust the staff - our school is full of kind, caring and experienced staff who will look after your child all day. Saying goodbye with a smile at the gates can show that you have trust in the teachers, and encourage your children to have trust in them too.
  • Label your child’s belongings - labelling everything, including clothing, can help reduce anxiety for children, school staff and yourself. At school, children are responsible for their belongings and labels can help them with this.
  • Communicate with your child – take time to tell your child what might be happening at school that day, and in the afternoon, ask your child about their day. This is a great way to build confidence, and to find out how they are feeling as they settle in. If you have any concerns talk with your child’s teacher, who will provide further insight to their day.
  • Avoid overloading your child – when children begin school, they tire easily. It may be worth considering fewer extracurricular activities such as swimming, music or dance lessons, until they adjust to their new routine.

For Prep parents, you can find more information about supporting the start of school here: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/other-resources/factsheets/transition-to-school

 

Meet Our Wonderful Inclusion Aides

At SMPS in 2023, we have 7 wonderful support staff assisting in classes across various grades. Our team of Inclusion Aides truly dedicate themselves to their craft of caring for and assisting many different students at SMPS. From supporting in class, to leading recess and lunch support groups and running social and emotional intervention classes, our support staff make such a positive impact on our school community. 

Azadeh (Azzy) Shamee

 

My name is Ms Azzy. I have been working as an Integration Aide at South Melbourne Primary School since March 2022. 

 

I have worked as a Teaching Assistant in different schools in Brisbane and Melbourne since 2018. 

 

I was a Persian Language and Literature teacher in my county, Iran, before immigrating to Australia in 2015.  I was born in Tehran in 1979, being the identical twin sister to my sister who is living in Iran. I grew up in a lovely, caring, and kind family who loved art and culture. I got familiar with art and music when I was a child. I also have another sister who is older than me and she is living in NSW, Australia with her lovely family. I’ve got two nieces and one nephew. I have no children, but I love every single kid around the world, and I care about them. 

 

I studied Humanity Studies in high school and then continued my studying for a bachelor’s degree in Persian Literature and Language at university. Right after my graduation in 2002, I started to work as a teacher of language, literature, and creative writing in middle school. I love my job and being with the students. 

 

Besides that, I started to learn to play Oud (an ancient Mesopotamian string instrument) and it is now more than 15 years since I started playing Oud, teaching Oud playing, and performing with bands (especially before the pandemic). My main passions are music, education, reading, and writing. I also do cooking, baking and biking. 

 

In 2015, a new chapter started in my life. I immigrated to Australia in May. After a while, I was thinking about how I can continue my job in Australia and stay working in a school, being with kids. So, I found there is a job position in Australia named Teacher Assistant. In 2017, I started my job as a Teacher Aide in a high school and then in a primary school in Brisbane. Since March 2020, just a bit before Covid, I moved to Melbourne and now here I am, being very lucky to be part of amazing South Melbourne Primary School team to support Year 4 students. 

Sam Whadcock

Hello, South Melbourne Primary School Community! My name is Mr Sam and I’m one of our Inclusion Aides. I have the pleasure of working with the Grade 5 and Prep teams in class, as well as working with children of all Grades as part of the Wellbeing Team out of the class. I run a recess and lunch group in the gym, helping some of our wonderful students form friendships, build social and communication skills, and play activities that help with emotional regulation. As Mr Noel says, our kids are the best in the universe and it’s a privilege to work with them.  

 

I moved to Melbourne from England in 2021 with my wife Laura and our little dog, Luna. I feel incredibly lucky to be working at this wonderful school and we feel that Melbourne is very much our home. I love all things music, and I like to play a few instruments in my spare time. The three of us love to explore and we are continuously amazed at how beautiful Victoria is!  

 

I’m so excited for another incredible year at SMPS!  

Ben Rodwell 

Hi everyone! My name is Mr Ben. I’m 22 years old and I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) at La Trobe University. 

My previous employment includes working at different OSHC services and working at a primary school as a casual teacher’s aide.

I live in Templestowe with my parents, younger brother Patrick and my 11 year old spoodle named Buddy. My favourite areas of learning are English and Physical Education but relatively enjoy all subjects. 

I’m a lover of all sports but in particular Aussie rules and the Hawthorn Football Club. I also play Aussie rules for the Marcellin College Old Boys Football Club, though unfortunately, we have only won one game so far. 

 

Thank you for welcoming me into your school in 2022. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the magnificent staff and students at South Melbourne Primary School further in 2023.  

Bhavana Sharma 

My name is Ms Bhavana. I have been working as an Inclusion aide at South Melbourne Primary School since March 2021 where student safety, happiness and success is our top priority. Every day I interact with children, staff and parents from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds. It gives me immense pleasure not only to share my experience but also to learn from all around me.   

 

Prior to this I have served as an education professional for 11 years as a Mathematics and Science Teacher back in India. Teaching is not only my profession, but also my passion. I love and enjoy working with children and helping them in shaping their life. Over the weekend to serve my passion, I am working at Edu Kingdom College. There, I work as a Mathematics teacher, helping students from Grade 3 to Grade 7 in their learning journey.  

 

My hobbies include reading and writing. I have written a couple of books on children’s rhymes in my native language (Hindi) and am working on some short stories. Also, I love painting and enjoy putting my emotions and thoughts on canvas. I love cooking and experimenting with new dishes on weekends.  

 

I am looking forward to another great learning year where we will share our experiences and grow together. Happy Learning! 

Daniella Hastas

Hello South Melbourne community! 

 

This is my second year working as an Inclusion Aide and both of those glorious years have been at SMPS. 

 

I’m a qualified Secondary Teacher majoring in drama and dance. I love seeing the beauty in the little things, always trying to be positive and striving to live life to the fullest. Being a travel bug is something I was fortunate enough to experience from a young age and I’ve been to over 7 countries.  

 

I’m Italian and Greek, so it’s never a dull or quiet moment in my house. I really enjoy trying new cuisines and cooking. I’ve had the opportunity to teach in America for 6 months, where I was able to work with people all over the world and help children from various backgrounds. This was a pivotal moment in my life as I knew that I wanted to help children 1:1 and make an impact in their lives for the better. I gained so much knowledge not just on an educational level, but life experiences that I’ll take with me everywhere I go. 

 

I’m very passionate about bringing joy into a child’s life and making a difference in the world. Working at South Melbourne Primary School has been a highlight in my career as I’m working alongside such supportive staff and I’m very privileged to work with such incredibly bright and beautiful students. I’m excited to see what the new year has in store, and I can’t wait to continue to grow each student's learning!

Kriti Ohri

Hello SMPS Community,  

 

I  was born and brought up  in India and come from a family of teachers. My grandfather was a Principal in a school and my elder sister is an Economics lecturer . I am presently based in Melbourne & living along with my small family of 3. My Husband is a techie & works on providing system solution to leading banks in Australia and my 6 year old notorious daughter is a student in Grade 1. 

 

In my education I completed my Master's of Science in IT and Masters of Business Administration in HR. In Australia I completed my Certificate 4 in School-based Education Support and am pursuing Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment. 

 

In terms of hobbies, I love listening to Indian music and I love to cycle around the town. 

SMPS has always been an aspiring institute for me. I am very happy to be a part of this institute and look ahead to learn from the vast experience of my colleagues and seniors. 

I look forward to meeting you all. 

 

Regards 

Kriti 

Taniya Senanayake

Hi everyone,  

 

My name is Taniya Senanayake, and I am extremely excited to be a part of the SMPS community for 2023. A little bit about me is that I was born in Melbourne however my cultural background originates from Sri Lanka. I have two very adorable Labradors, Charlie and Bella whom I adore, and I spend a lot of my time with. I also have a massive heart and passion for music – whether that is listening to a variety of genres or playing along on my guitar. 

 

Other major aspects of my life that I am passionate about are literature and sport. I love getting into a good classic novel and a healthy literary debate or getting out and about doing anything active such as shooting some hoops or kicking around a footy. Supporting students in education has also been an area that has interested me ever since I was in school, and I am hoping to be a teacher myself after I finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Education.  

   

I am really looking forward to getting to know each of you more this year and becoming part of what has already been such a welcoming and friendly community.  

  

See you around, 

Taniya