School Council News

The School Council meet twice a term which is a requirement under the Standing Orders and this is generally on the second Tuesday of each month. Our most recent meeting was held on Tuesday 22 October. A summary of the meeting follows:

The Finance report was tabled including that the positive news that the current forecast was that budget would be achieved from the payment of parent fees and how important this was in supporting the educational outcome plans made earlier in the year. It was also noted that the canteen and uniform shop were both expected to make a small profit in 2019 and that the 2020 Budget planning night would be on 12 November.

The School Improvements Projects Sub-Committee advised that the canteen flooring replacement was complete, the classroom furniture upgrade for Grade 4 and 5 would commence in the next days, quotes for the installation of the commemorative path were being sourced and that the work was continuing on the configuration of the hall heating/cooling and solar panels prior to obtaining formal quotes.

There was a discussion on the information requested from the Grade 5 students for funding and construction of a “Gaga” pit. It was noted that several members of the council were to work with Jane Endersby and the students to develop a further plan on location, cost and construction for final approval by council.

The Policy Development and Review Sub-Committee gave a short update and tabled for approval the Complaints and Resolution Policy.

The Principal’s Report gave an overview of the China Learning Exchange Program including that the trip was a resounding success for all members which created memories to last a lifetime. Aside from some bouts of travel sickness, all members of the touring party were healthy throughout the trip and parents reported their appreciation and delight with the impact that the experience had on their children. The partnership with our sister school, Fuxue Hutong Primary School was considered to have been strengthened further and that we were enormously appreciative of the efforts made to ensure that the visit was as engaging and memorable as possible. Special thanks were extended to Amy Shen and Darien Hunte for the outstanding professionalism and care shown towards the traveling students.

A detailed review of the recent NAPLAN results for Year 3 and 5 was tabled and discussed. Including school’s target in the Strategic Plan to have achieved 40% High Relative Growth by 2021. It was noted that it was important that this was a stretch target for the school and very few schools are maintaining 40% High Relative Growth (refer to Principal Team Report for details).

A letter from Hon James Merlino, Minister of Education to John Kennedy, MP acknowledging John’s support of our application for funding under the Inclusive Schools Fund was tabled. It was noted that, although funding levels were relatively modest, it was important for us to continue to make applications for funding opportunities when they become available.

The next meeting will be held 19 November.

John O’Callaghan

School Council Vice President

31 October 2019

2019 School Council Members (till the end of March, 2020)

Nell Carswell (President)

I am delighted to have been elected as President of the ASPS council for 2019 and very much looking forward to working with the extremely capable and engaged team. My daughter, Hatty McCleery, is in 5A and has been at ASPS since prep. Please feel free to reach out to me and I can always be contacted via email (nellandy@bigpond.net.au) or mobile (0419 532 730) on any point of interest, query, detail or any other issue.

John O'Callaghan

I feel privileged to have been re-elected as a member of the Auburn South School Council and look forward to working with Marcus and all of the council members in the year ahead. My daughter Genevieve is in 4B and is our third child to attend ASPS. Please feel free to contact me or any other school council members if you have any queries or feedback.

Simon McCarthy (Treasurer)

I’m looking forward to continuing to participate on School Council again this year. I have Lexi in Grade 4 and Mikayla in Grade 2. As Treasurer and on the Uniform, Canteen and School Improvements Sub-Committee I will continue to work with Marcus and the Finance Committee to enhance our reporting and financial frameworks as we focus on prudently managing our expenditure, maintaining our grounds and buildings and investing in facilities to improve the learning environment for our children. Should anyone wish to contact me they can do so at sfmccarthy1@yahoo.com.

Kate Collett

I am very pleased to have joined the ASPS School Council and am looking forward to the year ahead. Having three children at the school I am involved in many facets of school life. I believe this has given me a good sense of what is important to us and I am eager to draw on this in my work on the council. Please feel free to contact me on kate.collett@bigpond.com.

Shaun Cooley

With two kids, Stella (Year 5) & Saxon (Year 2), I am honoured to be part of the school council. As a parent, I look forward to working with other council members to ensure we make the best possible decisions with regards to the safety and well being of our children, the level of education they receive and building an environment that promotes confidence, trust and respect. At the same time I feel very lucky to be part of this great community as we create memories and friendships for life.

Jun Yang

My name is Jun and I have 3 boys at ASPS. I work as an Endocrinologist at Monash Health and conduct research on the hormonal causes of high blood pressure. I care a great deal about the quality of children’s education and their health and development. I will work with Council to achieve the best outcomes for our children.

Mark O'Brien

I am the dad of Thomas (2B) and Samuel who will be in Prep in 2019. I am delighted to join the Auburn South Primary School Council where I am looking forward to being able to leverage my skills and contribute to our school community.

Jemima Collins

I am Jemima and I am looking forward to another collaborative year on School Council.

I have John in Grade 2C and Elizabeth who will start at ASPS in 2021. I have enjoyed helping in the canteen, the Parent's Association and the 2019 Winter Ball Committee. I anticipate another wonderful year, assisting further improvements in our school community.

Kathy Arnold

I have been teaching at ASPS since 2008. My current roles include Year 4 teacher, learning specialist, and I am enjoying being a member of the school’s finance committee. I am a long term student of education and life with a passion for moving maths education into the 21st century and developing critical thinkers. Currently, this involves working on a PhD in primary mathematics teaching and learning through RMIT University.

Sharron (Shaz) Bailey

I’m really enjoying my new role as Assistant Principal/PYP Coordinator at ASPS and being on School Council. I have a wide of educational experience, in both primary and secondary contexts, in all Australian school systems, as well an international school in Indonesia. I am actively involved in the International Baccalaureate Educator Network (IBEN) and am current Chair of the dynamic Victorian PYP Network. I have held a variety of leadership roles in schools and am committed to inspiring teachers to create learning environments and experiences for children that are significant, relevant, challenging, engaging and most of all, fun!

Marcus Wicher (Council Executive)

Having been the school principal at Auburn South for the best part of 7 years, I am grateful for the role that council plays in terms of bringing into the school different perspectives that don't always exist within the education sector. I am also appreciative of the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people that are united with a similar goal of providing the best possible opportunities for our students.

Alicia Smith

This is my fourth year at ASPS. My current roles are Daily Organiser and Visual Arts teacher, as well as a Consultative Committee representative and the very important task of organising the staff footy tipping competition! The best part of my role is having interactions with every student and teacher throughout the school, and allowing each student time in the art room to find their own version of creativity. Outside of school, I have a 14yo son attending Auburn High School and volunteer as the U15 Team Manager at Riversdale Soccer Club.

Ben Zonca

2019 School Council Meeting Dates

Tuesday 29 October (6.30-8.30pm)

To be re-scheduled (Production Clash)

Tuesday 19 November (6.30-8.30pm)

Tuesday 17 December (6.30-8.30pm)

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden