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. At our most recent meeting on 17th September we were provided with an overview of the schools recent NAPLAN results for Year 3 and 5. While only a summary the results showed progress in areas across reading, writing and numeracy. The council will be provided with a more detailed assessment of the results at the October meeting.

The Council discussed the correspondence received from the Auburn South Dads and Kids (ASDAK) fathering group and we have sent a letter formally recognising ASDAK giving them approval to conduct activities involving parents and children from Auburn South Primary School, good luck on a great initiative. John Kennedy, local MP, has provided support to our Inclusive Schools Grant application which is for Stage 2 works of the Sensory Garden at the front of the school. Successful applicants will be informed in December so we hope to hear some good news before the end of the year. Finally, we continue to liaise with Year 5 students after receiving letters on their proposal to buy a Gaga pit, very exciting! The finance committee will consider the proposal and will provide an update to the School Council at the next meeting. The Year 5 students should be commended on the letters they have written to Council, the detail provided in terms of the benefits, rules, equipment needed, location and fundraising activities where detailed and well laid out, well done!

The School Improvements Projects Sub-Committee continue their good work with the classroom furniture upgrade for Grade 4 and 5 and commemorative path (Stage 1) being approved. Recently completed projects in 2019 include the toilets & new carpets in main building.

The Policy Development and Review Sub-Committee are in the process of finalising the Welfare and Engagement policies and Health policies which we hope to ratify at the October meeting. Once approved we will communicate these policies to community and interest groups.

The highlight of the meeting was an inspiring & great presentation from Shaz Bailey and Ben Zonca on the enhanced IB PYP framework & curriculum model as the school continues its transitions to the enhanced framework. We encourage parents to familiarise themselves with the IB Mission statement which provides a good summary of the principles that support the IB learning framework.

The next meeting will be held in October.

Shaun Cooley

School Council Parent Member

September 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)

Canteen and Uniform Shop

Canteen Volunteer of the Month: