Continuing from last newsletter, we introduce our School Councillors for 2025:

Tom Drummond - School Council Employee Member, Senior Assistant Principal

Tom is the Acting Senior Assistant Principal at NMPS, working across both campuses to lead school operations, curriculum and staff development. Over nearly twenty years, Tom has worked across all sectors of education, including primary, secondary and tertiary. Prior to commencing at NMPS, Tom was the Literacy Learning Specialist at Williamstown North Primary School, where he also served on School Council. He loves working in the vibrant, welcoming community of North Melbourne, supporting the work of our compassionate and highly-skilled teachers.

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

Achila Yiu - School Council Parent Member

Hi, my name is Achila Yiu. I am a mother of two. My oldest child started prep at North Melbourne Primary this year, and my youngest will join next week. I have been working in the Australian public sector for three years. Before that, I was a stay-at-home mother for three years. Jumping back into the workforce after having my children was challenging, but it has also been one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had.

I have a bachelor's degree in business with a major in marketing, which I earned many years ago. Although I grew up here, my background is Sri Lankan. My parents immigrated to Australia over thirty years ago.

I have slowly started to regain my enjoyment of exploring our great city for new and exciting food adventures. This interest took a hit during the lockdown, as well as due to my kids not being very interested in it.

Lelia Ursache - School Council Parent Member

My name is Lelia, first time council member and mother of a Year Three and a Preppie at NMPS. I have been working in Landscape Architecture and Design for the past ten 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 ten 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.

Vanessa Pickerd - School Council Parent Member

Hi all! My name is Vanessa Pickerd, and I work as an engineer in the maritime sector. I completed my MBA a few years ago and really hope I can help contribute something productive to the NMPS community.

Born and raised in Melbourne I have strong links to the area with my Nanna raising her seven kids in North Melbourne in the 1950s, and my dad attending North Melbourne Primary School. He likes to tell me how different it was back then. My family and I have lived in Parkville and now North Melbourne for the last ten years and just love the community atmosphere.

This year my daughter started Prep and already raves about it. I want to make sure she and everyone else get the most out of their time at NMPS, and to offer support to the teachers and families of our little community.

Also I am a squash addict... not the vegetable.

Kimberly Ryan - School Council Employee Member, Year Six Team Leader

Hi NMPS Community. My name is Kim Ryan and I have been with NMPS for six years. I am in my second year of teaching Year Six and my second year of School Council. Because I live in the local area, I am an active member of our wonderful community and enjoy what North Melbourne has to offer. My children attend North Melbourne Primary, which gives me a vested interest in ensuring that our school provides the best possible education and support to our students.

I am looking forward to another year of being on School Council to actively contribute in making decisions that enhance the educational experience and overall well-being of our students.

Shaun Andrews - School Council Employee Member, Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

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.

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