School Board Chair Reflection ~ 

Reflection and thanks to St Mel’s and Chris Summers.

I remember attending my very first Annual General Meeting at St Mel’s Primary School in 2010, my eldest daughter, Zoe had started in prep.

An invitation was extended to all to attend the school's AGM, I wanted to support the school, so went along.  I was the only person in the audience.  When it came to that part of the meeting where nominations were called for, one of the current board members (whom I knew) nominated me and another seconded the nomination.  I was a little surprised and asked for some time to think about it.

I declined the nomination as I just wanting to be a parent, a mum in the school for a few years. But if I was being honest part of me was worried if I had the capability.

I joined a few years later, partly because as parents we ask our children to try new things, take risks and embrace the opportunities presented to them. 

John Cortese the Principal of Notre Dame College gives a speech to the incoming year 7 students and their parents.  In John’s address he encourages student to take the opportunities presented to them through the course of their secondary education at Notre Dame College.

If we ask this of our children, we must ask this of ourselves.  Our parish prayer includes,

“Help parent be good examples to their children”.

So, I joined the Board, I was nervous, unsure, would I know what to do, what to say if asked a question, could I contribute?  As it turned out I had no need to worry, the other board members were incredibly supportive, answering any question and explaining the process when I was unsure.  Catholic Education Sandhurst provided support so that members had an understanded of their role and responsibilities on the School Board (now called the School Council).  Father Joven, then Father Peter Taylor were members, and this provided the connection between the school and our Catholic Church.  As it turns out my contribution to the Council has been as a parent.  

I would encourage other parents to think about opportunities to become involved in the St Mel’s Education Community; School Council, Parents Club and the various days that at celebrated at St Mel’s.  We are a proud multicultural, multi faith community, our children embrace diversity, are tolerant and care for one and other. 

I was told that the time your children spends at primary school goes by so quickly, it seems like only yesterday that Zoe, Tess and Ava started school.  It has been an absolute privilege and honour to serve the community of St Mel’s as a Board Member and Chair of the St Mel’s School Council.  I thank my husband Wayne for supporting me in doing this.  Thank you all for the OPPORTUNITY! 

The St Mel’s School Council would like to formally thank Chris Summers for his Principalship over the past six years. 

I recall Chris’s first day as Principal at St Mel’s.  It was the end of day one, there was Chris, microphone in hand at our beloved KISS N GO.  We all know the chaos that school pick up creates, the first ten minutes at the end of the day when approximately 300 students are all trying to exit via the gates at the same time, cars banked up all the way along Hamilton Street.  KISS N GO requires a calm, composed in control temperament.  Much like the qualities of our Principal.

I knew then that Chris was going to fit right in with the culture of St Mel’s, he, like all our teachers and support staff ‘roll up their sleeves, get in and get the job done’.  Chris was out there, supported by the teaching staff, learning all the students’ names and then trying to match the student to their parents, grandparents or carers.  This was no easy feat, but to tackle this on day one, was brave.

It was this bravery that was demonstrated through those very tough years of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, we all remember remote teaching.  Then the floods of October 2022.  The leadership shown by Chris and his leadership and wellbeing teams was nothing short of extraordinary.  

Chris is a gentleman.  He is kind, caring and thoughtful, able to engage with students and their parents.  He has the child at the centre of this thoughts and actions, greets everyone with a smile and instantly makes them feel welcome and at easy.  In positions of leadership, it is important to be approachable.  Chris is approachable and this has enabled him build amazing relationships over the six years that he has been leading our school community at St Mel’s. 

They say it takes a village to raise a child.  On behalf of the St Mel’s School Council, we would like to formally say thank you to Chris Summers for being part of our village.  We wish you every success and happiness for your future.   

To all our teaching and non-teaching staff the School Council takes this opportunity to thank you for the year that has been 2023.  We look forward to welcoming those returning in 2024 to St Mel’s and to those who are moving on from the village, we wish you every success and happiness. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

Melissa Hamilton Chair - St Mel’s Primary School Council 

December 2023