School Advisory Council

School Council Update

The School Advisory Council welcomed three new members in March, and said farewell to long-standing councillors Damien, Rachel and Pilar.

Joining the Council are Kate Meehan, parent of Jemima (Year 6) and Billie (Year 4); Brad Pingle, parent of Olive (Prep); and Eshan, parent of Jai and Jia (Prep). Their role is to represent the parent community, advise the principal on non-curricular matters and support the school leadership team in its decision making processes. 

Get in touch with Kate, Brad, Eshan, or any other member of the Council, with feedback or thoughts at hrsac@kensington.catholic.edu.au.

2025 School Advisory Council (L-R). Eshan Sachin Arya, Father Thang Vu (Custodian of Mission), Kate Meehan, Maria Sedunary (Deputy Principal), Christine Shaw (Principal), Chris Church, Shelagh Doyle, Brad Pingle, Laura Cochrane.

Farewells and thank you to Damien, Rachel and Pilar

Damien Murray first joined what was then the School’s Parish Education Board (PEB) in 2018, two years after his eldest son started in Prep. He was Chair for two years and oversaw the transition from the PEB to the School Advisory Council. During his eight years on the Council, Damien has provided steady guidance to the Principal, drawing on his own experience as a primary teacher in the Catholic education system. The Council will miss his insight, pragmatism and humour. With the youngest of his three sons now in Year 4, Damien will continue as part of the school parent community for another two years. A deep thank you for your long service Damien.

Rachel Luong departs the Council after three years of service. Rachel’s skills as a project manager were well put to use in organising working bees and introducing the Class Reps system (along with former member Leona Jackson). With her natural vivacity and can-do attitude, Rachel has been a valuable representative voice for students and parents. She was also a member of the former Social & Fundraising Group and got to know many of the students well when she ran Fun Lunch Fridays. Rachel will be a parent at the school for another couple of years and we look forward to her continued presence in the community. Thank you Rachel.

Pilar Abou Haila was also a Council member for three years and has been a valued contributor to planning and sport at the school, including organising Holy Rosary’s first netball team to compete in the School Netball Championships. Pilar’s calm approach to Council discussions, and her vast network in the community have been highly valued. Many of you will know Pilar in her role on the Kensington Junior Netball Club Committee, and is she stepping down to devote more of the time to the growing club. Pilar’s youngest daughter is in Year 2, so she will be part of the parent community for many years to come. Thank you Pilar.

Laura Cochrane

Chair, School Advisory Council