School Council

It's time to finally say farewell after nine years on school council and eight of those as President.

With my youngest daughter Aisling graduating this week, I'd be emotional even if I hadn't been so heavily involved at ACPS over those years, but it's been such a massive part of my life that finishing will leave a huge hole in my heart.

So many things have happened during the nine years I've been on school council but here are a few that took a lot of time, effort, and in some cases, money.

Building the Learning Shack and rock steps
Resurfacing the oval (during COVID lockdowns no less)
Upgrading the theatre lights and sound
Modernising the school poppet head logo
Updating the school uniform
Re-establishing major annual fund raising events like the trivia night and Warrandyte Festival food stall
Creating a new website
Moving to iNewsletter for our school newsletter
Creating a regularly updated ACPS Facebook page
Supporting and incorporating high-standard productions like Aladdin JR., Lion King JR. and Shrek JR. in to the school's performing arts curriculum

As School Council President, I've attended eight consecutive grade six graduation ceremonies and this year was the first time I saw "Harris" in the list of departing families. I think that was when it really hit me that "this is it".

ACPS has had its ups and downs and seen a lot of change over the years since 2016 when my eldest daughter Erin started, but one thing that has not changed is the wonderful school community.

Our students, teachers, staff, principal and parents and guardians are incredible and contribute to an amazing atmosphere at the school. It's a place for learning, both academically and socially, and a place for having fun and making new friends.

I can honestly say that I have never seen the school happier and more positive. It's a environment where the students are safe and supported in their learning and one where they genuinely enjoy spending their time. It's a huge tribute to Mr Webber and all the teachers and staff who work so hard to take care of each and every student.

On one hand that makes it harder for myself and my family to be finishing, but on the other I'm really proud and pleased to leave the school knowing that there are such exciting times ahead. It's almost enough to make me wish I had a younger child who would be continuing at ACPS next year.

Volunteering has been enormously satisfying for me and volunteers are a huge part of making ACPS the great school that it is. I would encourage everyone who can to consider getting involved in some way.

It doesn't have to be joining the council - it could be helping out in the classroom or at a sporting event, volunteering for a shift at the Warrandyte Festival stall, or helping to organise a fund-raising event like the trivia night. Every extra volunteer means an extra opportunity for our students.

As a prime example, many of you would have seen Shrek JR. last year and perhaps Lion King JR. in 2022 (or even further back, Aladdin JR. filmed during COVID in 2020). If not, make sure you go along next year to see Seussical JR. next year. I promise it will be worth your time!

There are very few primary schools who can offer students the opportunity to be involved in a production of such high standards, and it would be impossible for ACPS to do so without hundreds of hours of help from dedicated and skilled volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years - there have been a few tough times among the many positive ones and COVID lockdowns were very difficult for ACPS as they were for so many other schools.

I'd normally say I look forward to seeing you again next year...but this is it (though I'm sure I'll still be around at times - I've already committed to helping out with Seussical JR.)

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope you have a safe and happy new year.

Jimmy Harris

School Council President