Being a volunteer of a parents and friends group can mean juggling busy schedules, organising events, and always being ready to lend a helping hand. Yet, the rewards are immeasurable — creating lasting connections, positively impacting students’ experiences, and building a sense of unity among families, staff and students alike.
Lenice Norris has done just that and has been an incredibly inspirational and long standing leader as President of Haileybury Parents & Friends Keysborough (HPFK). Lenice is a dedicated mother of two Haileybury alumni, Ethan (OH 2023) and Joshua (OH 2024).
With her sons’ time at Haileybury now complete, Lenice is stepping down and passing on the reins. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Lenice’s service and invite you to read some reflections from those who knew Lenice best.
“As the Head of Campus at Newlands for 11 years, I was privileged to meet Lenice, firstly as a parent and then as the president of the Parents and Friends group. Initially this role was for the Newlands campus (HPFN) before expanding to include Senior School at Keysborough (HPFK). Lenice worked tirelessly in this huge role whilst holding a full-time professional career of her own. Her organisation skills were second to none, and she drove many initiatives including year level coffee mornings for parents, class events for families and the support of all school activities throughout the year with sausage sizzles, pancake days, Christmas stalls, presentation of graduation gifts and operating the uniform shop to name a few.
“Lenice had two mantras: ‘Everything we do is about the students,’ and ‘We are friend raisers first; fund raisers second.’ This resonated with families at Haileybury Keysborough and many of the parent community embraced the opportunity to be involved as a committee member, to meet other parents and to assist at events. It is indeed a tribute to Lenice that we had the largest numbers of parent involvement in the Parents and Friends during her time as president.
“Perhaps Lenice’s biggest legacy as the President of the HPFK is the establishment of regular, significant, financial contribution to a Foundation scholarship which allows students, who might not otherwise have the opportunity, to experience a wonderful education at Haileybury.
“Personally, I am very grateful for all that Lenice achieved for the Keysborough campus and for Newlands in particular. Lenice was always positive about the School, and most importantly we had a lot of fun together creating an intentionally welcoming environment for the parents, staff and students at Newlands and Keysborough Senior School.” Jane Gibbs
“Lenice was a truly dedicated and long-standing leader who always went above and beyond in her role, working long hours and welcoming everyone in our community. The committee was constantly busy supporting the School with numerous events, but nothing was ever too much for Lenice. We shared a lot of fun moments, and serving on the committee under her leadership was an incredible experience. It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside her.” Linette Grossi
“Lenice stepped up to join the HPFK at a time when the entire committee was newly formed. She brought a much-needed renewed energy and fresh perspective to the role. Within months, she revitalized community engagement by introducing new events, enhancing social media presence and successfully launching new fundraising initiatives. She also took on the management of the Second-hand Uniform Shop, streamlining its operations and guaranteeing its continued success.
“Congratulations, Lenice, on your success with the HPFK and the Second-hand Uniform Shop. You will be greatly missed, and your efforts have set a high standard for the future. Thank you for your years of service and care. Wishing you all the best in your next adventures.” Kate Smith
