We have been fortunate to receive more nominations than positions to be filled in each voting category. An election therefore will be held to determine an outcome.
Ballot papers and candidate statements for the parent category were sent home with students on Friday 8th March. Only use the official ballot paper to register your vote.
There are 4 parent vacancies to be filled but we have received 7 nominations. Only vote for 4.
Parent Candidates
- John He
- Jason Yap
- Koji Yoshimura
- Bipin Mehta
- Karen Kiang
- Madhur Gupta
- Chris Yong
Once you have received your ballot papers please refer to the following timeline to ensure your vote is registered.
4:00 pm Thursday March 14th Ballot closes.
Friday March 15th Votes Counted (candidates may nominate a scrutineer for vote counting)
Friday March 15th PM Successful candidates notified. Ballot Results announced via Compass
Tues March 19th Annual General Meeting and First Meeting of 2024 Melbourne High School Council
Candidate Statements
John He
I am John He, I qualified Master of Multimedia Design, Monash University; Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting), Victorian College of Fine Arts, and Graduate Diploma in Education, The University of Melbourne. I am very interested in your school council. The reason is that children in many families do not concentrate on studying during adolescence, which makes parents feel uneasy and affects their daily life and work. In your school council, I hope to help teenagers in adolescence treat their studies correctly, especially students studying for VCE. I hope you can give me the opportunity, thank you!
Jason Yap
My fellow parents of MHS students; my name is Dr Jason Yap. I am a Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Clinical Associate Professor of Paediatrics with the University of Melbourne. My background in education includes training physicians to become Paediatric Gastroenterologist. I was the program director for the Paediatric Hepatology Fellowship Program, University of Alberta, Canada. The graduates from the program have gone on to have successful careers in medicine and medical research. I have significant experience working in and leading collaborative committees/working groups, I am committed to getting the best out of my trainees and collaborators. Therefore I believe I can contribute to MHS (besides making small donations) at the school parent council. I thank you for your support.
Koji Yoshimura
I, Koji Yoshimura seek to be elected as a member of the School Council and would appreciate your nomination. My background includes 25+ years with Global Corporations in IT Strategy, Program Management and Consulting working in Japan and Thailand, alongside a diverse workforce across the Region. Locally, I’ve had responsibilities in Corporate Services covering HR, Finance, ICT, Facilities Management and Corporate Planning as well as led Business Transformation Programs with $100M+ budgets. Currently establishing a Youth Entrepreneurship and Global Leadership skills development programs connecting Youths to Industry and Regional Communities. I am active within the MHS Volleyball Club, supporting the boys achieve sport excellence, ensuring communities work collaboratively to develop annual plans, manage budgets and co-ordinate fundraising initiatives. If elected, I would actively work with the MHS Leadership to transform the school that continues to foster the Skills Development required by the Next Generation of Global Leaders and Change Makers.
Bipin Mehta
I am excited to file my parent nomination for the student council. I am an Information Technology professional and a Mechanical Engineer by academic qualification. I have a profound interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics related subjects.
As a seasoned Information Technology professional with over 25 years of experience, I bring with me a solid technology background, problem solving, communication and mentoring skills. I have been involved in volunteering for multiple events for Vic ICT for Women. I have been a member of Astronomical Society of Victoria, Science Teachers Association of Victoria and have been involved in mentoring startups in Startupbootcamp on technology and operations. By being a part of the student council, I aim to improve school facilities, contribute to various events, participate in fund raising activities and enhance learning spaces for a more dynamic and engaging educational experience for students.
Karen Kiang
I feel I have many skills that can benefit the MHS School Council with a strength in fundraising and community-building. Before COVID, I coordinated our primary school Fete for 3 years, instituted regular egg&bacon roll breakfasts for the school community, established a yearly Food Bank drive, and was heavily involved in our parent class representative system. I hope to represent the concerns and interests of MHS parents on School Council. As a newly-minted Year 9 parent, I want to better understand the competing priorities faced by the school, and influence policy and decision-making to promote ongoing inclusion and social responsibility. In my work as a paediatrician, I work closely with kids and their schools to maintain their wellbeing and ongoing academic achievement. I am also an outspoken advocate for environmental sustainability and addressing the impacts of climate change on the health and wellbeing of children. Thank you for your consideration.
Madhur Gupta
I would love to represent the parent’s community as a member of the School Council. I have been part of the School Council at Mount Waverley Secondary College, including being the Treasurer for 3 years. I have an MBA and an Engineering degree, currently working in a corporate role, and enrolled to complete the Company Director’s certification later this year. Originally from India and with Australia as home now, I am a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. I am a firm believer in paying it forward and see this as a unique opportunity to be able to serve the school and be able to contribute to the school’s progress and our sons’ education & overall development.
Chris Yong
Chris Yong brings 20+ years of expertise in business transformation and process improvement to MHS School Council. As a multilingual executive, Chris has navigated diverse sectors, including management consulting (Cognizant), legal (Slater & Gordon Lawyers), engineering (Worley), government (Victorian Auditor-General’s Office), and not-for-profit (Vision Australia). Chris holds a Bachelor of Information Systems from Melbourne University and an MBA from Melbourne Business School (MBS).
Drawing on his previous positions as Treasurer for Friends of Grammar at Melbourne Grammar School and Carlton Gardens Primary School (CGPS) School Council’s Building & Ground Committee, Chris offers valuable insights and skills in accounting, fundraising, risk management, and building maintenance. Chris currently volunteers as a Board Advisory Member to the Governance & Risk Committee of 89.9 TheLight – Australia’s most listened-to community radio station, showcasing a commitment to community initiatives. As a decade-long mentor to MBA students from MBS, Chris is dedicated to fostering education and growth.
