YRPS
Specialist Team
2025
Performing Arts
Hello, I’m Ashleigh Smith, and I am delighted to be part of the Yarra Road Primary School community!
I have been teaching since 2013 and joined Yarra Road Primary School in 2024.
I am passionate about Performing Arts, I love inspiring students through music, drama, and creative expression.
My goal is to create an engaging and inclusive environment where every child can shine.
What �is Performing Arts?
Performing Arts is an essential part of a child’s development, fostering creativity, confidence, and teamwork.
Your child will engage in:
Singing & Choir Performances – Encouraging vocal expression and teamwork.
Drama & Storytelling – Building confidence and communication skills.
Dance & Movement – Promoting coordination and self-expression.
Learning about different styles of music and theatre to broaden artistic appreciation.
Physical Education (P.E)
Tutoring
Hello, I am Narelle Hurley and I look forward to taking on the role of P.E. teacher for Grades 1,2 and 5/6. I have always had a passion for sport taking part as a competitor, coach, umpire, mum on the sidelines and as P.E teacher over many years.
I am also continuing the role of Literacy Tutor. I have the wonderful opportunity to work with some of our students in small group settings to build on their skills, grow in confidence and discover a love of literacy.
Hello, I am Grace Smith and I am excited to be back in the Yarra Rd community after being away on maternity leave. I have been at Yarra Road for just over 10 years. I am here on a Friday to take Preps and Grade 3/4s for PE.
Our goal is for every child to develop a love for movement, build confidence in their physical abilities, and enjoy being active. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all students can learn, improve, and have fun while developing lifelong skills.
Physical Education (P.E)
This year, students will have the opportunity to develop and refine a variety of fundamental movement and sports skills, including:
Locomotor Skills – Running, jumping, hopping, skipping, leaping, dodging�Ball Skills – Throwing, catching, dribbling, kicking and striking.�Teamwork & Sportsmanship – Learning to work together and respect others�Balance & Coordination – Gymnastics, agility exercises, and flexibility training�Hand-Eye Coordination – Striking, rolling, and aiming activities�Strength & Endurance – Fitness exercises to build stamina and resilience
We look forward to a fantastic year of movement, learning, and fun in P.E.!
STEAM
My name is Rachel Baum, and I’m excited to introduce myself as the coordinator of our new STEAM program!
I’ve been part of the Yarra Road community for 12 years, teaching across Foundation and Grade 1/2, as well as working as a tutor.
For the past two years, I’ve loved teaching Visual Arts, nurturing creativity and self-expression.
Mrs Baum
What �is
STEAM?
STEAM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics
STEAM encourages hands-on learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Through exciting projects like coding, building, and artistic design, students will explore how these disciplines connect in the real world.
I look forward to sharing this journey with our students and can’t wait to see their creativity and innovation shine!
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more.
LOTE (Indonesian)
Hi, I’m Rachel Grogan and I’m enthusiastic about all things Indonesian and Indonesia.
I have taught Indonesian at Yarra Road for 10 years now with my trusty sidekick Bongo the orangutan.
My goal is to inspire students to develop a love for language learning and an appreciation for Indonesia’s rich culture.
Bu Grogan
What �is
LOTE?
LOTE
Languages Other Than English (in this case, Indonesian)
In Indonesian classes, students engage with the language through various interactive activities, such as games, songs, actions, chants, role-plays, and conversations.
We explore a variety of topics that allow students to discuss their own experiences and compare them to life in different parts of Indonesia. Through this, they develop an understanding of both the language and the rich cultural diversity across the country's many regions.