School Council

School Policy Update

Child Safety Responding and Reporting Policy

One of School Council's key functions is to ensure that school policies are regularly reviewed and updated. Approved policies are then published via the school's website.

Please note that the Child Safety Responding and Reporting Policy has been updated:

Please email feedback or questions relating to policies to: auburn.south.ps@education.vic.gov.au 

Mobile Phone (including Smart Watches) Policy Reminder

As per previous editions of the newsletter, in accordance with the Department’s Mobile Phones Policy issued by the Minister for Education, personal mobile phones must not be used at ASPS during school hours (8:00am – 4:00pm), including lunchtime and recess, or on school premises, unless an exception has been granted.

If a student uses a mobile device during the hours noted above (and does not have an approved exemption), the device will be removed from the student and it will be stored in a locked draw or cupboard until the end of the school day.

If parents wish to communicate important messages with students during the school day, they are reminded to contact the school office (9882 2140).

Attendance Policy Reminder

Parents are reminded to report all student absences via XUNO. 

Extended family holidays: Please note that in accordance with the Department of Education's Attendance Policy all extended family holidays (greater than 1 week) require approval from the school principal. Please email requests in advance to: marcus.wicher@education.vic.gov.au 

Introducing our 2024/25 School Council

President: Phoebe Demiris

Vice President: Anthony Hunter

Treasurer: Christian Lawless

Policy Development and Review Committee Chair: Danielle Chubb (community member)

School Improvement Committee Chair: Lisa Oaten

Parent Member: Eloise Bishop (new)

Parent Member: Jason Wong

Parent Member: Vu Huynh

Parent Member: Amanda Schwilk

School Council Executive Officer: Marcus Wicher

Staff Member: Michael Wainwright

Staff Member: Rhian ap Rees

Staff Member: Sarah Jang

Staff Member: Darien Hunte (new)

School Council AGM: President's Report

Annual General Meeting – 25 March 2024

School Council President’s Report

As one School Council term concludes and another commences, we can all be proud of all that has been achieved in the 2023 reporting period. Signfiicant capital works, the continuing and important work of policy review and development and the an approach characterised by continuous improvement and innovation.

Together, much has been achieved in 2023. The bathroom block refurbishment project has been hugely successful and demonstrated the power of harnessing the views of our school community through a survey and shaping a project based on that feedback. My thanks to Jane Koo for leading the project; her contribution is most appreciated.

The Main Wing refurbishment, the largest capital works project in recent years, was competed with an official opening in September 2023 at which Anthony Hunter and I represented Council. Well done to Principal Marcus Wicher and Assistant Principal Michael Wainwright for their stewardship of these major works.

The redevelopment and landscaping works that follow the Main Wing project, focused on the entrance and front garden area, are well underway and I thank Lisa Oaten and the entire School Improvement Committee of council for their work in driving this magnificent rejuvenation. Indeed, Lisa and her committee must be commended for overseeing the working bees that help refresh and maintain our school grounds. That work and our combined efforts make our school the envy of the region.

Successful schools are the result of outstanding educators, good governance drive by good school councils and vibrant school communities. To that end, my thanks to Annie Strauch and her team for her leadership of our Parents’ Association; thank you for the terrific work you do in keeping our parents engaged and connected through your events and for keeping our parents informed and active through the class reps.

Coinciding with the school’s new website being development Danielle Chubb and council’s Policy Committee have done great work in reviewing a raft of school policies and ensuring these are both accessible and fit-for-purpose.

Pleasingly, the school’s academic outcomes continue to be impressive and for that our teaching staff deserve high praise.

When reflecting on the contribution of council within the school community, one need only turn their mind to key outcomes like the Stephanie Alexander Garden, the school nurse, capital improvements and a host of extracurricular outcomes. Our work is important and has a direct impact on our school community. 

My thanks to all the members of School Council. Each of you has played an important part in providing the strategic direction and sound governance that our school enjoys. My thanks to Christian Lawless our treasurer for his work, which has seen continued sound financial performance. My thanks also to Vice President Anthony Hunter for his contribution, counsel and support.

Finally, my thanks to Principal Marcus Wicher. Marcus is a diligent, dedicated and innovative educator and school leader. His measured and collegiate approach is critical to the seamless cohesion that is a hallmark of the way in which our school is governed and the important partnership between parents and our teachers.

In closing, we are the custodians of a great school and it is a sincere privilege to serve as School Council President.

Phoebe Demiris

School Council President