Introducing our School Councillors

From Tom D, Senior Assistant Principal

Adrienne Maisano - Secretary, School Employee Member

For those of you I have already had the pleasure of meeting, it's wonderful to reconnect. For those I haven't met yet, I'm Adrienne Maisano. I joined the North Melbourne Primary School team as an Assistant Principal two years ago when we had just one campus. Now, in 2024, I am proud to be the Assistant Principal at our Molesworth Street Junior School Campus.

Before stepping into this role, I worked with the Department of Education, where I provided coaching and mentoring support to schools around the state. My journey in education also includes my invaluable experiences at South Melbourne Primary School and Derrimut Primary School, which have built my passion for teaching and learning.

I am thrilled to join our School Council team this year, where I can collaborate with families to discuss and shape school-wide governance, always with the best interests of our students and community in mind.

Tom Drummond - School Employee Member

I’m Tom and I am the Acting Senior Assistant Principal at NMPS, working across both campuses to lead school operations, curriculum, and staff development. Over nearly twenty years, I have worked across all sectors of education, including primary, secondary, and tertiary. Prior to commencing at NMPS, I was the Literacy Learning Specialist at Williamstown North Primary School, where I also served on School Council.

At home, I have two school-aged children, and I can be found most weekends cheering from the sidelines of their various sports, or taking our Yorkshire terrier for a walk. I also enjoy seeing the great live theatre that Melbourne has to offer.

Shaun Andrews - School Employee Member

I’m Shaun Andrews. I have been a teacher for fifteen years and lucky enough to work at NMPS for the past five. This year, I have moved into a new role as the school’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader. I have enjoyed working with teachers across all year levels to implement elements of the Berry Street Education Model in their classrooms and develop an intensive Wellbeing Curriculum which explicitly targets the needs of our students.

I look forward to being a member of School Council to further enhance the educational opportunities of our students.

Penny Hewson - Parent Member

Hi, I'm Penny - this is my 2nd year on the School Council and 1st year as President of the Parents & Friends Association. I'm also the singer/guitarist in Rock'N'Roll Call, our NMPS Parents rock band, playing occasional gigs at school fetes, the Queensberry Cup, and recently at the Parents Battle of the Bands' (Northside) event.

My work background is in entertainment, digital marketing and e-commerce, and as founder of YouGotThis Global, a world-first encouragement app. I'm passionate about community engagement, and putting my energy into building positive community experiences via the myriad P&F events on the school calendar.  And campaigning for improving school crossings and pedestrian safety for our kids!

My son Mickey is currently in Year 2 and he would say that my favourite things are music, tennis, coffee, and "getting things done". 

My Mum was an avid fundraiser on the parents committee when I was at school and I like following in her footsteps. She showed me how to make a difference by participating in school life and the local community.

Rachel Pu - Parent Member

Hi everyone, I am Rachel Pu, a civil engineer and project manager in the water industry. 

My family and I have lived in North Melbourne since 2017. I completed my master's degree here, and my daughter was born and has grown up in this wonderful community. We are proud to be part of North Melbourne, known for its friendly environment and numerous learning and study activities.

This year, my daughter enrolled in North Melbourne Primary School as a Prep student, she is happy everyday in the school. I joined the NMPS community to support its fantastic teachers and families, and want to get familiar with the Australia education system. 

Outside of school, we enjoy visiting libraries and exploring different places. I look forward to contributing to our vibrant community!

Lelia Ursache - Community Member (Kindergarten)

My name is Lelia, fist time council member and mother of a Year 2 and soon-to-be Preppie at NMPS. 

I have been working in Landscape Architecture and Design for the past 10 years, including design, costing, implementation and project management for both domestic and commercial sectors. Currently managing a team of designers and 5 building teams, designing and building exclusively for the domestic sector. I love my area of work, it is always changing and definitely full of challenges and somewhat stressful at times! My position has also provided me with a broad area of expertise that I am looking forward to sharing with the school and by extension with the broader community. 

I was born in Romania, moved to France when I was young and lived in Canada just before coming to Australia fifteen years ago. We have been in North Melbourne for more than 10 years and love our neighbourhood and the amazing NMPS community.

I love travelling, spending time with friends and family, trying new things, creative arts and being in nature.