Avalon Public School

APS Alumni Spotlight!

Mathias Macallister | Class of 2018

has gone on to achieve incredible success in football, including signing a professional contract with , representing Australia at the U23 Asian Cup and scoring two goals, making his A-League debut in the Big Blue against Melbourne Victory and playing against FC Wrexham.

How did your time at APS influence or help you discover your passions and interests?
Playing football in PSSA on Friday afternoons with my mates made me fall in love with the game even more. I used to look forward to Fridays all week just so I could play.

What’s your strongest or most vivid memory from your time at the school?
Playing tip every lunchtime and spending as much time as possible outside with friends.

Who were the people (teachers, friends, mentors) that had the biggest impact on you?
Mr Grice and Miss Verity Davis-Raiss had a big impact on me. We played as much sport as possible and they helped make school a fun and supportive place to learn.

What does the school mean to you now, looking back?
APS was a fun place where everyone looked out for each other and made great memories together.

What was the biggest trend when you were at APS?
Fidget spinners! They were everywhere.

What was the best canteen order?
Waffle Wednesday and quesadillas were hard to beat.

Check out on Instagram.

As we celebrate 75 years of Avalon Public School, we’re proud to share the stories of former students whose journeys began right here at APS.

What’s your favourite memory from your time at Avalon Public School? Share it in the comments below!

A huge thank you to Kurt and Will from the for spending time with our Year 4 students.

They shared the importance of respect, teamwork and being positive members of the community, both on and off the field. Our students loved hearing their stories and learning what it means to represent your club with pride.

We are so grateful for local role models who help inspire the next generation. ❤️💚

ABLE Art Showcase!

Select Years 3 and 4 students recently celebrated their achievements at the Barrenjoey High School ABLE Art Showcase.

The ABLE (Able Barrenjoey Links Enrichment) Program provides High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students with weekly extension opportunities at Barrenjoey High School, where they work alongside Year 10 mentors to develop their creativity, confidence and artistic skills under the guidance of Ms Chockman.

It was wonderful to see our students proudly present their artwork and portfolios to families, friends and staff. Their creativity, perseverance and enthusiasm were clearly evident throughout the showcase.

A sincere thank you to the staff and student mentors at Barrenjoey High School, including Maya, Luca and Mia, for their support and partnership, and to our Avalon staff for their ongoing guidance.

Congratulations to all students involved on a fantastic collection of creative work and a very special learning experience.

Learning democracy where it happens!

Our School Captains, Arlo, Nate, Jackson and Ruby, joined Mrs Bateson at NSW Parliament House as guests of Pittwater MP .

The students enjoyed a guided tour of Parliament House, learning about democracy, the three levels of government and how laws are made in New South Wales. They also had the opportunity to meet with Jacqui Scruby and learn more about the important role elected representatives play in serving their communities.

It was a fantastic opportunity for our student leaders to gain first hand insight into leadership, citizenship and our democratic system.

We are so proud of the way Arlo, Nate, Jackson and Ruby represented Avalon Public School with confidence, curiosity and respect.

This year, we are proud to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as Ashlea Simonetti is recognised for 30 years of service in public education.

For 28 of those years, Ashlea has been a valued member of the Avalon Public School community, making a lasting impact on students, families and colleagues through her dedication, expertise and care. She embodies lifelong learning, continually striving to grow and improve while inspiring others to do the same.

A significant achievement in Ashlea’s career was attaining Lead Teacher Accreditation, one of the highest recognitions available to teachers in Australia. This reflects her outstanding classroom practice, leadership and commitment to excellence in education.

In her current role as Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction, Ashlea has had a profound influence on teaching and learning across our school. Through mentoring, coaching and working alongside teachers, she has strengthened classroom practice and supported improved outcomes for students. Her impact can be seen in both student growth and the confidence and capability of the teachers she supports.

As one colleague shared, “Ashlea leads with both heart and dedication, and her commitment to our school community is evident in everything she does.” Another reflected, “The advice and encouragement you have shared with me has genuinely helped me in my classroom practice.”

Whether mentoring teachers, supporting students, leading teams or helping behind the scenes, Ashlea consistently puts others first. Her knowledge, integrity and generosity have helped shape Avalon Public School and the many educators fortunate enough to work alongside her.

Congratulations, Ashlea, on 30 years of outstanding service. Thank you for the difference you have made to generations of students, staff and families. We are incredibly grateful for your contribution to public education and our school community.

APS Alumni Spotlight!

Katja Davis-Raiss | Class of 2003

Founder of , Katja has built one of the Northern Beaches’ most loved dance schools.

How did your time at APS influence or help you discover your passions and interests?
The opportunities afforded to us at Avalon helped foster my passion for dance and leadership, setting the foundation for the work I do today.

What’s your strongest or most vivid memory from your time at the school?
The Year 6 musical. It was such a special experience and one that has stayed with me ever since.

Who were the people (teachers, friends, mentors) that had the biggest impact on you?
Anne Henderson, Rob Richmond and Graham Daley all had a significant impact on me. I’m also lucky enough to still call many of the people I went to school with my closest friends today, including Alice Lovett (Kirby).

What does the school mean to you now, looking back?
APS is a place filled with happy memories, lifelong friendships and experiences that helped shape who I am today. It will always hold a special place in my heart.

Check out

As we celebrate 75 years of Avalon Public School, we’re proud to share the stories of former students whose journeys began right here at APS.

What’s your favourite memory from your time at Avalon Public School? Share it in the comments below!