School Council

INTRODUCING YOUR 2023/24 SCHOOL COUNCIL MEMBERS

PETER LITTLEJOHN: PRESIDENT & PARENT MEMBER

Hello, my name is Peter Littlejohn and I am David’s dad. David is in Year 3 and has been at ARPS since starting school. I joined the School Council at the same time because I wanted to be a part of David’s school and to really understand what was happening within the school’s community.  I am an Education Manager in the Hospitality Department at Holmesglen TAFE, so have more than just a passing interest in education. School Council members elected me to be the School Council President from the beginning of this year and I am really hoping that we can all achieve great things that will benefit ARPS.  Please feel free to come and speak to me at any time, I usually pick up David 2 or 3 times a week in the afternoons.   

 

JULIE JOHNSON: VICE PRESIDENT & PARENT MEMBER

My name is Julie Johnson. My husband (Kevin) and I have four children, three are currently attending ARPS: Elijah (Foundation), Bethel (Year 2) and Emmanuel (Year 5) and my eldest, Samuel, finished Year 6 last year. I like birds, being outdoors, reading, op-shopping, and doing arts and crafts. I do not like public speaking, scary movies, pears and getting sea-sick. I have very much enjoyed being a part of our kinder and school community for the last 9 years, meeting and getting to know some wonderful parents and teachers, and look forward to more years ahead. Please feel free to say hello when you see me and if there's anything I can help with, I will do my best!

 

LINH DUONG: PARENT MEMBER

Hi, my name is Linh. I have 2 children - Izzy in Year 2 and Kai in Foundation. I believe primary school is the foundation for children’s growth in education and finding who they are as an individual. 

I enjoy spending my time cooking for my family and I love musical theatre. I can speak English, Vietnamese and Cantonese - if you want to have a chat, please don’t be shy. 

 

 

VANESSA HONG: PARENT MEMBER                    

Hi, I’m Vanessa and I’m a proud (and exhausted!) mum to three children. My oldest daughter is currently in Year 1 at ARPS.  

A couple of my passions are event styling and DIY projects at home. I am excited to look for ways to make a meaningful difference at our school. 

 

 

 

GIANG VO: PARENT MEMBER

Hi my name is Giang. I have 3 children, Tyson who has just started Foundation this year and twin girls Ruby and Jade who are 2.5 years old. 

I am a physiotherapist who specialises in musculoskeletal injuries. 

I grew up in Noble Park  and speak fluent Vietnamese. 

 

 

 

SREYNUT TIM: PARENT MEMBER

Not available at time of publication

 

CARMEL WEBSTER: COMMUNITY MEMBER

Hi Athol Road Primary. My name is Carmel Webster and I have been on School Council for several years as a parent member but now, I am a community member, because my daughter, Jemma, has moved to secondary school. My involvement with the Athol Road Primary School, has been from Kindergarten through to Year 6, so many of you may know me as ‘The Pink Lady’. Wishing you all a happy year ahead. 

 

LUCY WALTON: STAFF MEMBER

My name is Lucy Walton and I am a teacher at Athol Road Primary School. You will find me in the Foundation Learning space. 

This is my fifth year of teaching at ARPS but my first in the Foundation learning space. I have been a staff representative on School Council for 1 year as the secretary. Looking forward to working with our school councillors to lead school improvement. 

 

TAWNY HARKNESS: STAFF MEMBER

My name is Tawny Harkness. I have been a teacher at Athol Road Primary School for over 15 years - currently I am the Acting Assistant Principal.

I have a daughter who is in Year 11, a puppy called Peppa and four chickens.

My favourite colour is pink and I love going to see musical theatre shows.

 

 

School Council consists of 10 members: 3 staff members, including the principal who is the Executive Officer of School Council and an automatic member, 6 parent/carer members and 1 community member. 

 

All School Council, all members, except the principal, are elected for a 2 year period. 

 

3 parent/carer members and 1 staff member were elected in March this year and will continue until March 2025, unless they leave the school or resign before then. 

 

The other 3 parent/carer members will finish their term of office in March 2024 and may stand for re-election at that time.

 

The community member is not an elected member but a member who is interested in School Council and can bring experience to support the decision-making process.  They are approved by School Council for a 1 year term and may be reappointed for a further term. 

 

It is important that parents/carers participate on School Council to help drive the direction of the school, looking after the interests of every child attending the school.

 

Ruby Toombs: Principal