Introducing our School Councillors

From Tom, Assistant Principal

Sarah Nightingale - School Principal, School Council Executive Officer

My name is Sarah Nightingale, and I am the Principal of North Melbourne Primary School. My role on School Council is the council’s executive officer. Part of my role is to work closely with the School Council President and other members, acting as a team, to enhance the educational opportunities for all our students.

I enjoy our school council meetings as it gives me a chance to hear the views from the community via the school council members as well as focus on efficient governance of the school and work towards our vision.

I believe the relationships between families and the school are vital to the success of our students across both campuses, so I encourage all members of our community to contribute through conversation and positive input. Speaking to our school council members is one avenue in which families can do this, so please feel free to reach out at any time.

Kate Lomas - School Council President, Parent Member

Kate Lomas is the co-founder and Chief Science Officer of a hearing device development company. Kate is the inventor of a novel Cochlear implant system, taking inspiration from her research into insect hearing systems. Translating her research into a commercial device has been the highlight of her career so far.

Kate holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Auckland University, and as a female scientist, Kate is passionate about getting young girls into science and is often asked to speak about her experiences in order to offer advice and mentorship to young budding scientists. Kate also works with a women's ranger group in a remote indigenous community in the NT to establish ecological projects.

In her spare time, Kate likes to knit dinosaurs and thankfully has a son in Year 2 who is crazy about them. Kate believes that being in the School Council gives her an opportunity to provide a voice for working parents and the opportunity to give back to the North Melbourne community.

Noriko Miltenburg - Vice President, Parent Member

Hello! My name is Noriko - a school council member of North Melbourne Primary School. It is my second term at the school council, which means I have been at the council for four years now! I am truly enjoying being a part of the exciting team of talented and enthusiastic people, and contributing my expertise to the engaging and inclusive school community.

Among the committees that make up the school council, I am in the role of being a convenor of the Building and Grounds (B&G) Committee, where we work together with the school to manage the physical property elements of the school grounds. 

There are several projects, big and small, that we currently work on Errol Street Campus, and I am excited to be given the opportunity to make the school a better place for children and the community. One of big milestone projects that we worked on recently was refurbishing run-down toilets at heritage buildings, which has received a big welcome by students and teachers. If you have a moment, please go have a look at this new space!

Another important role that this committee does is to coordinate materials to apply for public grants to fund school projects. This year we are aiming to improve the Southside Playground, with a grant, together with contribution from the school community, particularly Parents and Friends activities. We appreciate again for the community’s big efforts on this to make the school more inclusive for all students.

I have two boys in Year 4 & 5. Our family loves food and travelling, skiing, and heading out to parks, beaches, and cafes. I also run a design studio specialising in architectural design and have worked with schools, workplaces, and public spaces in Japan, Holland, Austria, and Melbourne. 

North Melbourne Primary School has a unique character with students of diverse cultural backgrounds. I find it very special and embrace it, being truly happy to have my kids studying in this environment. I will continue to work together with the school and the community, contributing my expertise and enthusiasm to provide a great learning environment for children. Please feel free to tap on my shoulder if you see me in or around the school. I look forward to having a chat with you!

Lorne Franks - Treasurer, Parent Member

Lorne is a long-time resident of North Melbourne, having called the area home for 13 years. He has two children attending North Melbourne Primary School - his eldest in Grade 1 and his youngest set to start Prep in 2026.

Professionally, Lorne is a class actions lawyer at a national plaintiff law firm. He joined the School Council in 2023 and currently serves as the Treasurer and convenor of the Finance Sub-Committee.

Lorne got involved with the council to help promote the wellbeing and safety of NMPS's incredible students and staff. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, reading, and doing Lego projects with his kids.

Kimberly Ryan - School Employee Member

Hi NMPS Community. My name is Kimberly Ryan and I have been with NMPS for six years. This year I am teaching Year 6 and it has been incredibly rewarding getting to know my students. Living in the local area, I am an active member of our wonderful community. My children also attend North Melbourne Primary, which gives me a vested interest in ensuring that our school provides the best possible education and support to our students. 

I am looking forward to being on the school council to actively contribute to making decisions that enhance the educational experience and overall well-being of our students.

Achila Yiu - Parent Member

Hi, my name is Achila Yiu. I am a mother of two. My oldest child started prep at North Melbourne Primary this year, and my youngest will join next week. I have been working in the Australian public sector for three years. Before that, I was a stay-at-home mother for three years. Jumping back into the workforce after having my children was challenging, but it has also been one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had.

I have a bachelor's degree in business with a major in marketing, which I earned many years ago. Although I grew up here, my background is Sri Lankan. My parents immigrated to Australia over 30 years ago.

I have slowly started to regain my enjoyment of exploring our great city for new and exciting food adventures. This interest took a hit during the lockdown, as well as due to my kids not being very interested in it.

Julian Rodrigo - Parent Member

With careers in corporate finance, management consulting, and most recently retail operations, I aim to leverage my commercial acumen and strategic experience to support the NMPS community. Having two children at NMPS (Prep & Grade 2) and living in North and West Melbourne since 2010, I deeply value our amazing community and am committed to supporting its fantastic teachers and families. 

Outside of family time with Mel, Kit, and Leo - I spend any spare moments watching NBA basketball, trying every new sandwich spot in Melbourne, listening to house, techno and basketball podcasts, and occasionally exercising.

Part 2 of our Councillors Introductions will be in the next newsletter.