Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023 - 2 Vacancies results

Helen McDermott
Elected

I am a parent of a current year 11 student, Oliver Rhodes. I operate my own law firm, McDermott Legal Limited. Due to my legal background I have a lot of experience and skills that I would bring to the board. These include negotiation skills, ability to understand legal documents and the implications of various situations. My main reason for going into law was my passion to help people who needed help. I have found my niche in the family and civil area of litigation. My favourite matters I work on are where I get to help families and especially those matters involving children.

I also have an accounting degree, which enables me to also be able to understand and analyse accounts and understand documents of a business nature. I also have a long history of volunteering including Lions, St Johns, scout leader, manning the phone lines at a LGBTI call in clinic and free legal clinics. I truly believe in giving back to the community and also sharing knowledge and skills to support and encourage others.

I am passionate about the education of our youth and love the inclusive culture that is held at ASHS, that embraces diversity in all aspects. I believe that all of our youth need to be allowed to be their unique self and to be encouraged and supported to be able to reach their full potential. I am a down to earth person who is pragmatic and can relate to a wide variety of people and situations.

Outside of my busy working life and being a single parent, my interests include crafts, especially scrapbooking and I am a mega fan of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and love the girls and everything they bring.

If you want someone on the board who is straight talking, unpretentious, passionate about youth, and legally qualified, and a drag race fan, then please vote for me.

Shyamini Szeko
Elected

I am thrilled to put forward my nomination for the Parent Representative 2023 School Board mid-term election at Albany Senior High School, combining my passion for education and my professional expertise as the Head of Learning & Capability. My unique perspective as both a dedicated parent and a seasoned professional in the field of learning and development equips me to contribute meaningfully to our school's continued success.

In my role as the Head of Learning & Capability, I have had the privilege of overseeing the development and implementation of strategic learning initiatives in my professional career. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and the importance of nurturing an environment where every student can thrive academically and personally.

I understand the vital role that parents play in supporting their children's education, and I am dedicated to bridging the gap between the school and parents. My experience has taught me the significance of collaboration among all stakeholders—parents, educators, and students—to create a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

As a Parent Representative, I will leverage my professional background to ensure that the decisions made by the Board of Trustees align with best practices in education and prioritise the holistic development of our students. I am committed to enhancing communication channels between parents and the school, allowing for open dialogue and feedback that promotes transparency and accountability.

I firmly believe that every student has unique potential waiting to be unlocked. My goal is to help create a school environment where all students are inspired, motivated, and empowered to excel. I will advocate for policies and initiatives that foster innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education, ensuring that Albany Senior High School continues to be a place where students thrive academically and personally.

In conclusion, my dual role as a parent and the Head of Learning & Capability positions me to bring a holistic perspective to the Board of Trustees. I am dedicated to promoting the best interests of our students, fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, and helping our school community grow and flourish.

Thank you for considering my nomination, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the future success of Albany Senior High School.