School Council News

The ASPS School Council had a very productive meeting on Tuesday 19 November. We were delighted to unanimously approve the installation of heating and cooling equipment in the school hall to provide all year-round comfort and use of the facility. This has been made possible thanks to fund raising this year and parent donations. We are still waiting on final approvals from the Department but all going to plan we hope to have the contract complete in Term 1 2020. We would like to extend a very big thank you to ASPS parents Cowan Ashton-Taylor (Lucid Consulting) for providing his professional expertise in developing this proposal, and to Dan Murdoch and Nina Wissenden for their tireless efforts in finding the most appropriate solution. Thanks are also extended to Michael Wainwright and Simon McCarthy, who convenes the School Improvements Sub-Committee.

The Finance Sub-Committee Report and Draft Budget for 2020 were both were tabled and reviewed. The school is in a positive financial position and the council was very pleased to approve the following teacher’s requests for funding. It was noted how well considered these applications from the staff were.

Prep: $4,600 to support the Prep Transition Program
Year 1: $2,800 to support the Maker Space initiative and the purchase of new books
Year 2: Up to $10,000 to solve bi-fold door issue between the 2 sets of adjoining classrooms
Year 3: $16,000 for furniture and book resources and upgrade the Year 3 Deck
Year 4: $4,000 for new book resources
Year 5: $5,000 for blinds and books
Year 6: $8,700 for furniture, castor wheels for desks and book resources
PE: $1,500 for new futsal goals and uniforms
Library: $15,000 for complete audio-visual upgrade
Canteen: $4,536 for a new fridge and freezer

Council agreed to include for the first time the addition of an optional extra contribution in next years’ Parent Payment schedule with the intention of setting up a fund to support families in need of assistance. This fund will support families with student participation, food vouchers and the purchase of school uniform or other essential items.

There was also a very positive discussion around the development of the Language Assistance Program and the opportunities this presents for next year. This is currently in review with the Leadership Team who will update us with more detail at a future meeting.

Significant work has recently been put into updating and developing several key policies. As these are finalised and ratified, they will be published on the ASPS website. Feedback on any school policy is always welcome so feel free to pass your comments on to any Council member.

In addition to improving the usability of the school hall the School Improvements Sub-Committee also outlined progress on a number of other fronts including the laying of the Commemorative Path which is now complete. The council would like to acknowledge the wok of Andrea Clements (SAKG Garden Specialist) and her team of helpers in delivering on this project.

The Parents’ Association submitted a visual representation of the different sub-committees and their interactions and this was endorsed by council and is included below for reference:

The results of the Students Attitudes to School and the Parent Opinion Survey were detailed by Marcus in his Principal’s Report. The response rates from parents were very high this year and thanks are extended to all those who contributed. Marcus has proposed that the results be discussed in Parent Focus Groups which will be scheduled in the coming months. This will enable more detailed communication of the results and areas to incorporate into implementation plans for next year to improve student learning outcomes and wellbeing.

The School Council will meet for the final meeting of the year on Tuesday 17 December.

Kate Collett

School Council Parent Member

21 November 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)

Important School Dates

December