From Christian's desk....

Drop Off Zones – Keeping The Flow

Our new curb side drop-off zone is working well, with northbound traffic on Campaspe Drive now having a designated curbside drop-off zone parallel to the drive-through in-school drop-off zone. By using this zone the southbound Campaspe Drive traffic no longer banks back when families are lining up to turn into the in-school drive-through.

Northbound families are still welcome to use the in-school drop-off zone if they feel it is safer for their family.

Fence signage and line marking is coming soon which will help with the promotion of this process.

Well done everyone on your collective efforts to keep our community safe and ‘keeping the flow’!

School Council Parent Nominee Statements and Ballot Information

As I shared with you earlier this week, in the Parent Category of the School Council, the number of nominees has exceeded the number of vacancies. This afternoon the school will be distributing ballot papers and inviting Parent Electorate members of the Croydon Hills Primary School community to vote for candidates standing for election to the parent member category. The parent electorate includes each parent of a student at the school, except those who are Department employees engaged in work at, and for, the school. A parent of a student at the school, who is a Department employee but does not work at or for the school is included in the parent electorate.

How to vote:

Each voter must complete a ballot paper by placing a mark next to the name of each candidate standing for election for whom the voter wishes to vote, up to the number of vacant positions (four). To cast a vote, the voter must:

Deliver, or arrange delivery of, the completed ballot paper to the school between the hours of 8.00am and 4.00pm on any school day up to and including the day fixed for the closure of the ballot (Thursday 9th March), and place the completed ballot paper in a blank envelope, and

place the blank envelope in another envelope with the voter’s name and address written on it and deliver the envelope to the person authorised to receive and register the votes, or
place the completed ballot paper in a blank envelope in the ballot box provided and print the voter’s name and address in the register of voters;

OR

Post the vote by:

placing the completed ballot paper in a blank envelope; and
placing the blank envelope in a second envelope with the voter’s name and address printed on the back of this envelope; and
posting the envelope to the principal so as to reach the principal by 4.00pm on the day of the closure of the ballot (Thursday 9th March).

Note: No campaign literature in support of candidates or groups of candidates may be distributed or posted in the school.

Read about each of the nominees via their personal statements below.

Ashley Gregory

Hi, I’m Ash Gregory. Having two kids at the school, and a third starting in 2025 it feels like a great time for me to become more actively involved in the school community, which is why I have nominated for school council.My previous volunteer roles have been sport based, volunteering for three seasons as a coach at South Croydon Auskick, and the past two seasons for U11/U12’s basketball at Maroondah Magic.Being a Chartered Accountant by qualification, I’ve worked in accounting and business management roles for 15+ years, so it would be great to be able to bring this experience to a volunteer role such as the school council.In my spare time I enjoy cooking, and spending time at extra-curricular activities with my family.Please consider me for the school council - I’d love the opportunity to represent Croydon Hills Primary School in this role.

Ahad Kheirabadi

I’m working as IT Manager in Parks Victoria for a couple of years and before this role I was working as a technical lead at DPC (Department of Premier and Cabinet) and DTF (Department of treasury and finance) for a couple of years. I also have more than 10 years’ of experience working in private companies. My role in Parks Victoria is dealing with contract management, procurement, recruitment, project management, budget, and financial management, resource management, and strategic planning for the organization. I have two masters, GIS (Geospatial Information system) and MBA (Master of Business Administration) from RMIT university.My hobby is photography, and I had a small business doing family photography for a couple of years but I had to stop it because I got very busy at work! I have two kids (Prep & Grade 2) at CHPS and I like to be part of the school council to help in achieving the school’s objective and planning for school’s functions.

Georgina StandfieldI have two children in grade 3 & 5 at Croydon Hills Primary and have enjoyed being on the school council for the last 3 years. I’ve gained an understanding of and assisted in the governance of our school. I have worked in the disability and welfare sectors for over 25years. I have vast experience and knowledge working in the disability field. I also have personal experience. I am passionate about inclusion and diversity and would appreciate the opportunity to be a voice for all students and families to promote inclusive communities and wellbeing.

Matt Cook

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in business advisory and financial management.I have two children at CHPS and I am one of the founding members and current Vice President of MOTHs (Men of the Hills).I have previously held committee positions at my children’s kindergarten as both the Fundraising Coordinator and Business Mentor. I am an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer with The Mental First Aid Australia NFP. I truly believe student and teacher wellbeing should be at the forefront of school communities. I have previously coordinated school fundraising with Bunnings BBQs with the assistance of MOTHs.I am standing for School Council to have the opportunity to bring my experience and knowledge to assist CHPS in achieving its objectives. Outside of work, I enjoy AFL, cycling, family connectivity, golf, gym and various podcasts.

Christian Hesse

Hi, I’m interested in nominating to be on your school council. My wife, Dana, and I have two daughters who attend CHPS in grades 3 and 1. While having two people on the school council called Christian might seem excessive, I feel my skills and experience could be helpful. I have 16 years’ experience working at Commonwealth regulators in the industrial relations, work health & safety and vocational education and training sectors. I’m currently leading a team in the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet establishing a gig worker support service – the first of its kind in Australia. I’ve learnt the importance of good governance and consultation in decision making. I know how to advocate for all members of our diverse community, and I bring the perspective of a busy family where both parents work. Thanks for your time in considering my nomination.

Angela Ricketson:

Hi, I'm Ange and I have been on the School Council for the past 3.5 years at CHPS. I have two children at the school and my eldest graduated last year. I have held the role as Vice President for the past two years and have chaired School Council meetings when the President is absent. I have also been an active member on two sub committees - Finance and Facilities; and have overseen the Budgets, Financial reports and key facilities upgrades around the school.I have a diverse background in the workplace, including coordinating school camps and sporting events and owning and running a business. I am an active volunteer in school events like Sports Days, Cross Country events and enjoy participating in life at CHPS. I really enjoy being on the School Council and contributing to the work we conduct and hence have renominated for another term.

Hayley Gamble Curran

Hi, I’m Hayley. I am currently working as a secondary school teacher in the areas of Wellbeing, Literacy and Performing Arts. I have a Masters of Education in Student Wellbeing, and I am passionate about helping young people to reach their full potential. I am experienced in organising and facilitating large school and community events and activities, including school productions and wellbeing programs.Outside of work, I enjoy going to the theatre, I’m learning about fitness and I love spending time with family and friends. I am standing for school council as I would like to contribute and share my skills with the Croydon Hills Primary School community. I am an approachable, organised and enthusiastic team member and I would love the opportunity to collaborate with others in such an important and meaningful capacity.

Roseda Campbell

I am an experienced senior leader, trainer and non-executive director with more than 20 years’ experience across various industries (Health, NDIS, Government, People and Culture, Education and Non Profits). I have an MBA, Grad Dip (Health Management), Grad Cert (Human Resource Management) and Bach. App Science (Speech Pathology).I have been part of school council for four years; during this time I have served on several sub committees including OSHC, Publicity and Facilities. Skills that I have utilised in school council include finance and project management, fundraising, data analysis and communication. In past years, I have helped in the classroom and helped the senior kids develop presentation skills.I am an avid reader and love basketball and tennis. My son Lachlan is in Grade 6; I am standing for re-election as I believe I still have much to offer school council and the school community for 2023.

Christian Holdsworth - Principal

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