End of Term 2 School Council Update

This school year is flying past in the blink of an eye. Despite this, the APS Council (APSC) and school community have achieved a great deal. Throughout the year to date, the APSC's focus has been on:

Reconnecting the school community after COVID, and increasing engagement in parent participation on committees and general community activities
Fundraising to replace the Grade 3-6 playground
Commencing working bees to improve the state of our grounds

I'm pleased to report that we have made great headway on all fronts due to the dedication of APSC members (both parents and DET staff) and many school community members who have gotten involved by jumping on committees, organising events and working on various fundraising stalls. It's important to note that you don't need to be on the school council to join a committee. If you'd like to get involved with Fundraising or Buildings and Grounds/working bee organising, please contact: aberfeldie.ps@education.vic.gov.au advising of your interest. They will be able to connect you with the relevant committee Chair. Conversely, you can reach out directly to Olivia Mouat - Fundraising, and Elizabeth Monaghan - Buildings and Grounds.

The Fundraising Committee has been able to achieve so much thanks to the enthusiasm of several parent members who have volunteered their time. Not only have they arranged many successful events this year such as the Mother's Day Stall, Democracy Sausage Sizzle, food theme days, Ladies' Lunch and cookie drive; but I also suspect they've had quite a good time doing it. So far, the Fundraising Committee has nearly achieved 30% of its target $60,000 from various activities this year and funds carried over from 2021. The Fundraising Committee is looking forward to hosting more food themed days, food drives, a Father’s Day stall and event, and the legendary Abers Trivia Night later in the year. A 'Save the Date' will be out soon!

The Buildings and Grounds Committee has been steadily working to get working bees off the ground this year. It remains the short-term priority with a playground replacement the long-term priority. The Buildings and Grounds Committee would greatly benefit from some additional parent members, particularly anyone with landscaping experience, so please let us know if you're willing to join. The plan is to have the first working bee in Term 3 so keep your eyes peeled for further info.

Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge and thank Tanuja Wenlock who has stepped down from the APSC and Buildings and Grounds Chair role after 1.5 years on the APSC. Tanuja's dedication and attention to detail will be greatly missed. Tanuja's vacancy has been filled by Elizabeth Monaghan, who has also assumed the Buildings and Ground Committee Chair role. I would also like to welcome Michael Saunders to the APSC, filling a vacant DET position.

I can't thank the school community enough for your willingness to reconnect, participate and make APS more than simply where our kids attend school. I hope that everyone has a restful break over the holidays. Don't forget to brush up on your knowledge of useless facts - the Trivia Night is going to be a lot of fun!

Trent Danaher

APS School Council President

Top Row: Trent Danaher, Angus Tester, Erin McNamara, Bec Sobell, Michael Saunders, Nathan Gage, Emily Lidgerwood, Olivia Mouat.

Bottom Row: Elizabeth Monaghan, Terry Kappadais, Danielle Ali, John Kapiris

Absent: Scott Burns

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