ACE Foundation

Our Story

The ACE Foundation is a newly established NOT FOR PROFIT Foundation which exists solely on donations. Leon Shapero established the ACE Foundation in 2014. He has worked in Cranbourne since 1987 and has close ties with local schools.

The ACE Foundation vision is to assist students of any age (although predominantly Year 6-10) in the City of Casey who are experiencing significant challenges in their educational pursuits. These challenges may be either cultural, language, socioeconomic, physical or family fracture related etc.

During 2014 – 2019 the ACE Foundation’s involvement in Casey’s education efforts include:

• Monetary encouragement awards to students at 58 schools - Year 6-10
• Financial support to Young Mothers Return to School Programme at Cranbourne Secondary College and Narre Warren P-12
• Free supervised study facilities available at Thompson Road Clinic with tutoring during 2015 – 2020
• Provide 2,500 replacement meals per 4 weeks to 12 Secondary Schools in the City of Casey for students who arrive at school without breakfast or a prepared lunch.
• Vision Testing of all primary school students in the City of Casey and providing them with FREE glasses if they require them.

Providing a reading book to every prep student when they begin school

We financially support Operation Newstart Casey. The 8 week program aims to re-engage disengaged young students into the education system and their local community

The ACE Foundation consists of eight members:

Leon Shapero ACE Chair and General Practitioner Obstetrician
Silvio Marinelli ACE Treasurer and Owner of Highview Accounting
Loretta Hamilton Former Principal, Courtenay Gardens Primary School
Ken Robinson Former Principal, Cranbourne Secondary College
Tim Jackson Senior Associate Zaparas Lawyers Jess Colquhoun Senior Legal Assistant Polaris Lawyers Lisa Monaghan Acting Principal, Cranbourne East Secondary Adam Sadiqzai Director Khans Hospitality Services Therese Schreurs Member of Inner Wheel Cranbourne
Teresa Muratore Secretary / Administration Carla Pencil Administration