School Council


 

 

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL 2025

           

School councils play a key role in Victorian government schools. Participating as a school council member at Avondale Primary School is a rewarding experience. Our 2024 council consists of 8 parents, 1 community member and 3 school staff members.

 

The school council supports the principal to provide the best possible educational outcomes for all of our students.

 

Current Membership

 

President - Isabelle Sawtell
Vice President – Lana vanRaay
Treasurer – Kathy Smith
Secretary – Jenna Heywood (DE)

 

Amy Hempel

Phoebe Lynch

Trevor Harrison

Sharon MacDonagh
Sarah Carroll (DE)

Jill Benham (DE)

 

School Council News 2025

 
Introducing our school council parent members for 2025/2026:
 
I have been a member of the Avondale Heights community for 17 years and have three boys at the school: grade 2, 5 and 6. I have been a secondary teacher for 18 years and have a passion for high quality teaching and learning. In my spare time I enjoy running and this year I completed my 10th marathon. A couple of years ago the community sponsored me in a marathon and we were able to purchase a range of new decodable readers for the Foundation class. This is my second tenure on the APS School Council and I really enjoy being a representative of the parent community.               Trevor Harrison
Hi everyone, my name is Kathy Smith and I am one of the newest members of the Avondale Primary School Council in 2025. I have also taken the role of treasurer (as I love a good spreadsheet!). I have three little ones at Avondale Primary, so I am really passionate about getting involved with the school community and supporting the future direction of APS. I currently work looking after health and safety in a youth mental health organisation, so ensuring that our kids are safe, supported and well is of the highest priority to me, and I enjoy contributing these skills in my role as student council member. I look forward to continuing to work with the team at APS, parents and members of the community to support our wonderful community and kids, and please know I am always up for a chat!
I am an experienced educator who brings a strong commitment to student wellbeing, community connection, and inclusive education. I am a proud parent of three children at our school and am passionate about helping all families feel heard and supported. A fun fact about me? I once represented Australia playing Ultimate frisbee in Japan — and still think school camp is harder work!   Amy Hempel
Hello everyone! For those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Sharon McDonagh and I'm delighted to be serving my second year as a parent representative on our school council. This is also our family's second year at Avondale Primary School, and we've quickly come to appreciate our wonderful community. As a proud parent of three children attending the school, I'm deeply invested in our community and truly enjoy being involved and working collaboratively to enhance our school environment.
Hi! I’m a mum of two (grade1, grade 7) and been involved with APS for the past 5 years. I’m passionate about consultation w parents, children having a voice and technology supported in schools. I work closely with our local business communities to raise prizes for the end of year raffle. When I’m not being a mum, I’m a radiology nurse who is always challenging status quo and often giving presentations to support research-based practice. Lana vanRaay
 
Hi, I'm Isabelle and this is my final year as School Council President here at Avondale Primary. It’s been an honour to serve this incredible school community, and I’m especially proud to finish the journey with my youngest daughter now in Grade 6 (my eldest is now at high school). I’m passionate about all things Avondale – from supporting the school (in events, canteen, reviews, to name a few!) to championing parent involvement – and I always strive to go above and beyond to help our school thrive. I love working alongside our dedicated council members, staff, and families & I'm looking forward to making the most of this final year at Avondale.

 

My name is Phoebe Lynch and our children, Owen and Rory has just joined the APS community this year. I was excited to be voted onto the school council this year as an important way to learn about APS while collatorabating with the leadership team, teachers and council members, to foster a positive school community. I hope to contribute to the council through my passion for inclusion education and applying for grants to improve student learning and resources.

 

 


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