August Council Meeting Report

Council met on Tuesday 20 August with a key them of the meeting being around short and medium term plans for school improvements.

It was a very positive meeting in terms of updates on projects as well as on educational and wellbeing initiatives for our children.

Council were briefed on the recent visit of our local member of state parliament John Kennedy who toured the school with Mr Wicher and Council President, Nell Carswell. John was an interested to see the condition of the school and to hear of plans we have in the future. He was very supportive of the aspirations and will be a supporter of the school as we seek to make enhancements to our grounds and facilities. A key element of that support in the short term will be for an ‘Inclusive Schools Grant’ that we will apply for that would be directed at improving our Native Garden. In the longer term we are seeking to obtain funding for works in the main administration building.

Following the success of the ball, not only from a social perspective, but financially, we are in the process of finalising plans to install a heating and cooling system in the hall. Engineering sign off is being obtained and quotes finalised.

Council were also pleased to hear of the plans to lay the commemorative family path at the front of the school in the coming weeks. Many thanks to all those who supported the initiative.

Our next project will be to upgrade the furniture in the grades 4 and 5 classrooms made possible by the funds raised from the family path project.

From a learning and parent engagement perspective we reflected on the recent 3-way interviews with children, teachers and parents. Importantly it was reiterated that our teachers welcome any and all engagement with parents. Whether that be for a brief check in or more detailed discussions.

Council also discussed the recently implemented Visible Wellbeing Survey initiative across Years 3-6 and the approach being taken by our teachers to support our children.

We look forward to more positive news from future meetings and take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians that if you would like to contact School Council, you can do so via our Council President, Nell Carswell at nellandy@bigpond.net.au

Simon McCarthy

School Council Parent Member & Treasurer

August 2019

2019 School Council Members (till the end of March, 2020)

Nell Carswell (President)

I am delighted to have been elected as President of the ASPS council for 2019 and very much looking forward to working with the extremely capable and engaged team. My daughter, Hatty McCleery, is in 5A and has been at ASPS since prep. Please feel free to reach out to me and I can always be contacted via email (nellandy@bigpond.net.au) or mobile (0419 532 730) on any point of interest, query, detail or any other issue.

John O'Callaghan

I feel privileged to have been re-elected as a member of the Auburn South School Council and look forward to working with Marcus and all of the council members in the year ahead. My daughter Genevieve is in 4B and is our third child to attend ASPS. Please feel free to contact me or any other school council members if you have any queries or feedback.

Simon McCarthy (Treasurer)

I’m looking forward to continuing to participate on School Council again this year. I have Lexi in Grade 4 and Mikayla in Grade 2. As Treasurer and on the Uniform, Canteen and School Improvements Sub-Committee I will continue to work with Marcus and the Finance Committee to enhance our reporting and financial frameworks as we focus on prudently managing our expenditure, maintaining our grounds and buildings and investing in facilities to improve the learning environment for our children. Should anyone wish to contact me they can do so at sfmccarthy1@yahoo.com.

Kate Collett

I am very pleased to have joined the ASPS School Council and am looking forward to the year ahead. Having three children at the school I am involved in many facets of school life. I believe this has given me a good sense of what is important to us and I am eager to draw on this in my work on the council. Please feel free to contact me on kate.collett@bigpond.com.

Shaun Cooley

With two kids, Stella (Year 5) & Saxon (Year 2), I am honoured to be part of the school council. As a parent, I look forward to working with other council members to ensure we make the best possible decisions with regards to the safety and well being of our children, the level of education they receive and building an environment that promotes confidence, trust and respect. At the same time I feel very lucky to be part of this great community as we create memories and friendships for life.

Jun Yang

My name is Jun and I have 3 boys at ASPS. I work as an Endocrinologist at Monash Health and conduct research on the hormonal causes of high blood pressure. I care a great deal about the quality of children’s education and their health and development. I will work with Council to achieve the best outcomes for our children.

Mark O'Brien

I am the dad of Thomas (2B) and Samuel who will be in Prep in 2019. I am delighted to join the Auburn South Primary School Council where I am looking forward to being able to leverage my skills and contribute to our school community.

Jemima Collins

I am Jemima and I am looking forward to another collaborative year on School Council.

I have John in Grade 2C and Elizabeth who will start at ASPS in 2021. I have enjoyed helping in the canteen, the Parent's Association and the 2019 Winter Ball Committee. I anticipate another wonderful year, assisting further improvements in our school community.

Kathy Arnold

I have been teaching at ASPS since 2008. My current roles include Year 4 teacher, learning specialist, and I am enjoying being a member of the school’s finance committee. I am a long term student of education and life with a passion for moving maths education into the 21st century and developing critical thinkers. Currently, this involves working on a PhD in primary mathematics teaching and learning through RMIT University.

Sharron (Shaz)Bailey

I’m really enjoying my new role as Assistant Principal/PYP Coordinator at ASPS and being on School Council. I have a wide of educational experience, in both primary and secondary contexts, in all Australian school systems, as well an international school in Indonesia. I am actively involved in the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and am current Chair of the dynamic Victorian PYP Network. I have held a variety of leadership roles in schools and am committed to inspiring teachers to create learning environments and experiences for children that are significant, relevant, challenging, engaging and most of all, fun!

Marcus Wicher (Council Executive)

Having been the school principal at Auburn South for the best part of 7 years, I am grateful for the role that council plays in terms of bringing into the school different perspectives that don't always exist within the education sector. I am also appreciative of the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people that are united with a similar goal of providing the best possible opportunities for our students.

Alicia Smith

This is my fourth year at ASPS. My current roles are Daily Organiser and Visual Arts teacher, as well as a Consultative Committee representative and the very important task of organising the staff footy tipping competition! The best part of my role is having interactions with every student and teacher throughout the school, and allowing each student time in the art room to find their own version of creativity. Outside of school, I have a 14yo son attending Auburn High School and volunteer as the U15 Team Manager at Riversdale Soccer Club.

Ben Zonca

2019 School Council Meeting Dates

Tuesday 17 September (6.30-8.30pm)

Tuesday 29 October (6.30-8.30pm)

To be re-scheduled (Production Clash)

Tuesday 19 November (6.30-8.30pm)

Tuesday 17 December (6.30-8.30pm)

Parents Association