Update - School Council President

Last night we had the last APS Council meeting for 2024 where we looked back at what the school has done in 2024 and looked forward to what lies ahead in 2025.  

We discussed the budget, enrolments and classes for next year, the annual implementation plan for the school, specialist programs, student leadership programs, community fundraising, resurfacing of the basketball court, school traffic safety, upcoming camps, step up days and the end of year picnic.  It was an incredibly fulfilling meeting to see how the School Council helps the school run and represents the community back to the school.  It was also my last meeting on School Council. 

After serving for 5 years on Council and the last 2 years as President, our family is about to take the next step with our twin girls leaving Year 6 at APS and moving to high school.  I’ll miss APS and being an integral part of the school, but the time has come for a change and new horizons.

Being part of School Council has been one of the most fulfilling experiences in recent years and has been incredible for my own professional development, gaining experience of strategy, governance and community engagement. I originally got involved because I’m a strong believer in community spirit and if you wish to be part of a school community then you need to actively contribute to it.  It was the sense of community that the school had that swung the decision for our family to join the APS family and send our children here. In my time on Council, I’ve helped the school navigate COVID lockdowns and home learning, the big build and increase of capacity of the school, a 4 yearly audit (passed with flying colours!) and a return to normality and running the school fair again.

If you are interested in learning how the school works, growing professionally and being an active member of our community, I can thoroughly recommend standing for School Council in 2025 and help lead our school as it grows.

I’d like to thank my fellow School Council members Mike Chen, David Douglas (Treasurer), Lisa Godinho, Maitreyi Modak, Jason Pavy, Craig Pentecost, Joe Song, Erin Ward and the staff members Micheal Connelly, Deborah Luciani, Kristen Widdop, and, of course Melissa and Shane. I’m very grateful for your time and work on Council and I hope you carry on the good work in 2025.  Not forgetting Lauren & Lilliana  in the office for being an infinite source of help. 

I’d also like to thank the unsung heroes of APS and my fellow members of the Community Engagement & Fundraising Committee.  Without this mighty band of people none of our fund raising or community events would happen.  Thank you to Kylie Troy-West, Linda Besenyei, Mike Chen, Sarah Eager, Thilini Nanayakkara, Marie-Ann Taylor, Zoe Warne, Meghan Jarrett and last but by no means least, my wife Melissa Matheson without whom I couldn’t have done any of this. I’m forever impressed by your dedication, calm and ability to run all these events.  Thank you for your support and I look forward to coming back and seeing the fair next year.

A special thanks to Sam McMillan for supporting the comedy night and always being there to help out. We are looking for new volunteers next year and it's an incredible opportunity to make a difference to the school.  We are a friendly, open group and we prioritise volunteer time and being sustainable in our efforts.  It's a few hours a month with a few days of dedicated time around events. I've made so many good friends through my work with the group. 

Don’t forget we have the End of Year Picnic on Friday December 13th, 5-7pm at Alphington Park. Let’s come together one final time to celebrate all our students’ achievements this year. See you there!

Matt Cobby

School Council, 

President