Avalon Public School

APS Alumni Spotlight!

Simon Herfort | Class of 1992

Simon is a local pharmacist and owner of TerryWhite Chemmart Avalon, continuing his strong connection to the Avalon community. Since graduating from APS, Simon says his greatest achievement is his family, his lovely wife and two boys, who he is most proud of.

How did your time at APS influence or help you discover your passions and interests?
APS gave me a strong grounding both academically and through sport, which helped shape the rest of my education and later life.

What’s your strongest or most vivid memory from your time at the school?
One of my strongest memories from APS is the great friendships I formed there. I’m still close mates with a number of those people today, which really reflects the lasting impact the school had on us.

Who were the people (teachers, friends, mentors) that had the biggest impact on you?
I was fortunate to have many great teachers at APS, but my kindergarten teacher, Mrs Kasch, really stands out. Remarkably, nearly forty years later I still see her regularly as a customer in the pharmacy. That ongoing connection says a lot about the lasting sense of community the school creates.

What does the school mean to you now, looking back?
Looking back, APS means far more than just a school. It gave me lifelong friendships, strong foundations and a real sense of community that has stayed with me throughout my life.

What was the biggest trend when you were at APS?
Reebok Pumps!

What was the best canteen order?
Sausage roll.

What’s one school memory that still makes you laugh?
The mad scramble at the end of lunch sit-down time to secure a handball court — it felt like a major sporting event. I also vividly remember playing ‘tackle basketball’ on the concrete courts, which in hindsight may not have been the smartest idea!

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.

If you love our Alumni Spotlights, make sure you check out our Historical Museum, A Walk Down Memory Lane, at our 75th Open Day and Fete! Discover even more stories, photos and memories from 75 years of APS.

OPEN DAY 2026!

Our 75th Anniversary Open Day is getting closer!

Join us on Thursday 17 September for a very special day celebrating Avalon Public School - past, present and future.

There’s plenty happening throughout the day, including our Opening Ceremony, student performances, open classrooms, BYO picnic lunch, Historical Museum, Art Walk, Art Auction and Buy a Book 2 Donate.

Check out the full schedule and start planning your day.
We can’t wait to welcome our families, alumni and wider Avalon community back to APS.

Thursday 17 September 2026, see you there!

Join us as we bring stories to life at the Book Week Costume Parade through the streets of Avalon!

Date: Thursday 27th August
Time: Starting at 10.45am
Location: Streets of Avalon - starting from the school walking down Old Barrenjoey Rd to the crossing and back.

Our student will be dressing up as their favourite book character and marching proudly through Avalon.

Bring your family, friends and plenty of smiles to cheer on the parade from anywhere along Old Barrenjoey Road as we fill Avalon with creativity, colour and book-inspired fun.

We can’t wait for you to see our amazing costumes! 📖✨

🌟 Sharing the joy of music in our local community! 🎶

Our wonderful Avalon Strings students had the opportunity to perform for the children at Palm Beach Kindergarten.

We are so proud of our young musicians for sharing their talents and bringing the joy of music to our local community. 🎻

A special thank you to Emma Wake for supporting our students and making this wonderful opportunity possible!