SMAV School Advisory Council
A warm welcome to our new SMAV School Advisory Council. They serve as an advisory and representiative arm of our parent community.
Please email the council on SAC@smascotvale.catholic.edu.au should you wish to ask questions or raise items for our agenda. The SMAV SAC meet termly in week 7 of each term.
Sarah Connolly
Sarah is mum to James Warren (Yr5) and Hazel Warren (Yr3).
With a background in social work, Sarah currently works as Director of Allied Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital. She brings experience in leadership and governance, child health and development, child safety, and social justice to the School Advisory Council.
As past president of the SMAV Parents and Friends Group, Sarah feels fortunate to be part of such a strong school community.
Sarah is the SMAV School Advisory Council Chair
Ben Coombs
Ben works as an engineer in the civil infrastructure (mostly tunnelling), mining, and wastewater sectors. He contributed to the design and construction of the station caverns for the Metro Tunnel at State Library Station and Town Hall Station.
Outside work, Ben is the father of Harrison, in Grade 3, and Mara, in Grade 1. He supports local, junior sport and school communities through helping out with the Ascot Vale Panthers, the Flemington Gulls, and St Mary's School.
Emma Fiorentino
Mum to Frankie Lamaro - Foundation Blue. New member of the School Advisory Council, after being involved with the committee of our local kinder!
Lee Evans
Lee is the proud dad of Tom (3B) and Lucy (1B) and loves the Ascot Vale 'village' we call home. With a background in government and community relations, Lee is looking forward to joining the School Advisory Council to help keep building the wonderful St Mary's community.
Jo-zanne Owens
Jo-zanne Owen joined the St Mary’s community in 2024. Mum to Mia in year 5. She brings over 15 years experience in strategic leadership, working in the higher education sector where she focuses on improving the student experience. She is passionate about ensuring parent voices are heard in school decision making.
