School Board
The School Board contributes to good governance so that school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students.
The School Board meets each term, in Weeks 3 and 7. Members of the school community are warmly welcomed to attend as observers.
Families can speak to parent representatives about the Board processes. As the School Board supports governance, rather than operations, parent representatives will usually help you determine the best staff member to approach.
Board email address: MLPSBoard@outlook.com
BOARD NOMINATIONS 2023
BOARD NOMINATIONS February 2023.pdf
2023 BOARD MEMBERS
Parents |
Community |
Staff |
| Sian Zador (Chair) | Nathan Curnow | Sandra Martin Principal) |
| Tara Kelso (Secretary) | Lesa Mileto | |
| Amanda Greenman | Christine Ashkenazy | |
| Saul Karnovsky | Alison Hawkesford | |
| Catherine Pearce |
At Mt Lawley Primary School we take connection very seriously. We hope these introductions help you get to know your school board a little better.
Name: Alison Hawkesford, Staff Representative
Best movie ever? The Shawshank Redemption
What do you sing at Karaoke? Anything Disney!
Who was your favourite teacher? All of them of course
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? The students
What was your favourite subject at school and why? Art. I love creative things and art is so calming
Alison Hawkesford Biography
I have been teaching for ten years and I am the Digital Technologies specialist teacher at Mt Lawley PS. I am a mum to three daughters with whom i share a passion for all things Lego and Star Wars. I joined the MLPS board as i wanted to be more involved in the school at a community level.
Name: Christine Ashkenazy, Staff Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: All the intricacies involved in the running of the board and the very specific wording needed for documentation.
Best movie ever? 10 Things I Hate About You
What do you sing at Karoke? BonJovi - Living on the Prayer (gotta love a power song)
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? The friendliness of the students. I feel uplifted everyday by students saying hello, waving as they go past or coming to chat with me while I'm on duty or as I'm moving around the school. It really makes my day.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Translating Powers - I would love to be able to swap into any language to talk to all people from around the world.
(Senora) Christine Ashkenazy Biography
I started out my career as a classroom teacher working in a variety of schools around Perth. I taught mostly year 6 and 7 classes but have been the class teacher for all year levels except Pre-Primary. About 8 years ago I was offered a role in a school as their Italian teacher and have loved it ever since! I came to Mount Lawley in 2018 when the school changed languages to Italian and have enjoyed my time here immensely. On a more personal note, I have two children of my own and a 2-year-old pug named Chewie. He was originally named after Chewbacca from Star Wars but he has really lived up to his nickname!!
Name: Lesa Mileto, Staff Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: Not a lot surprised me about the board. I witness daily the committed and professional way our school is lead and I assumed these processes would flow over to the Board.
What do you sing at Karoke? I don’t : ) only in the car when I am alone!
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? The wonderful community spirit.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Time Travel
Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Halstrom, my Woodwork teacher. He was also my dad’s teacher when he was at school
Lesa Mileto Biography:
I have worked at MLPS for 10 Years, starting in 2012 one day a week in the front office and gradually increasing to full time. I am now the Manager Corporate Services and have been in this role for two years. This role has challenged me immensely but I always feel supported by the incredible team around me. I grew up in the country on a sheep and wheat farm and completed most of schooling in Boyup Brook.I have a beautiful daughter who is 24. I love to travel and spend time with my family. MLPS is a wonderful place to work!
Name: Amanda Greenman, Parent Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: How much I enjoy attending the meetings.
What do you sing at Karoke? Mahna Mahna (got to love the Muppets!)
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? I have lots of favourite things. The amazing staff who give so much of themselves to our children. The fun, engaged, caring community. And perhaps most of all - the kids!
What was your favourite subject at school and why? English Literature. I am such a bookworm and it was my first introduction to some of my favourite authors, and it was a nice change from my heavy load of STEM subjects.
Who was your favourite teacher? Mrs Parry, the English Lit teacher. She was so dedicated and was so effective in passing on her passion for literature.
Amanda Greenman Biography:
My family and I joined the MLPS community in 2018. My eldest son Xavier is now in Year 4 and my younger son Timmy is due to start Kindy in 2025. I am a GP and I enjoy my work, especially supporting people to improve their mental health and relationships.
Name: Sandra Martin, Staff Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: Nothing. I knew we had a strong and committed school community who would work together to ensure our Board is cohesive and have the skills to contribute to good school governance.
Best movie ever? Grease. Still love it too!
What do you sing at Karoke? Nothing! I believe I am tone deaf, although I have been known to sing along to Grease, alone at home.
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? If I had to pick one thing it would be the students. They are the reason we all work as hard as we do, to make MLPS the best place for students to reach their potential.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? A Life, Well Lived.
Sandra Martin Biography
I started my educational career at Laverton DHS as a Year 5/6 teacher, many years ago. I went on to teach at Gingin DHS before taking on acting leadership roles in the country and city. I was excited to be appointed Deputy at MLPS in 2002. Over the years I have taught most primary school year levels (P-7 not K) and secondary English and Maths (8-10). My educational philosophy is based on my belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment. I enjoy the pastoral care aspect of my role and my passion for student services is well known.
Personally, I love to travel, read, watch my beloved Eagles and spend time with my family. My husband and I recently purchased a caravan and I am looking forward to a different style of travelling in the post COVID world.
Name: Nathan Curnow, Community Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: I was surprised by how diligent, detail-oriented and effective the Board was in working on the various tasks set for it and by it with respect to the school.
Best movie ever? 1979's The Muppet Movie.
What do you sing at Karaoke? Probably a classic from a 90's band. The Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nirvana maybe.
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? I love how embedded pedagogy is in the practice of the school and the willingness of staff to grow and improve for the students.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I try to look at life and events from a number of different angles to better understand them. I'd love to shapeshift as a result.
Nathan Curnow Biography
Nathan Curnow is the Head of Science at John Curtin College of the Arts and a teacher with more than fifteen years experience in the classroom, being recognised as a Level 3 Classroom Teacher since 2009 and shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Science Prize in Secondary Teaching. He is currently the President of the Australian Science Teachers Association and has developed and led state level professional development as a coordinator of Teacher Development School Science Team, is an inaugural alumnus of the STEM X Academy with CSIRO and Questacon and has completed a Masters in Education focusing his thesis on cognitive acceleration in science education. Nathan has considerable experience as a Board member and a Board chair and first joined the Mt. Lawley Board in 2020.
Name: Tara Kelso, Parent representative
Best movie ever? Little Miss Sunshine, which reminds me how great it is to have people around you (even if they drive you a bit bonkers)
Who was your favourite teacher? Mr Haskett my Year 10 and 11 English teacher. He was quirky, intelligent and loved teaching English.
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? That it is a green oasis hidden in suburbia and has delightful little, and big, people.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? Maybe freezing time, so I could have a little nap every now and then
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? Hey you, keep doing great things
Tara Kelso Biography
I am a mum with two boys who have attended Mt Lawley Primary School since Kindergarten. I have worked in primary and secondary education for 21 years as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist. My interests include the positive impact of nature on mental health, maintaining strong connections and governance that balances fiscal needs with inclusive practices. A motto that guides my work is "we're better together.”
Name: Sian Zador, Parent Representative
Name one thing about being on the board that surprised you: The amount of work our teachers put in behind the scenes to make our school run smoothly and provide the extras to our students.
Best movie ever? The Kingsman, easy watching!
Who was your favourite teacher? My Mum️
Your favourite thing about Mt Lawley Primary? The beautifully kept grounds and sense of community.
If you were a superhero, what powers would you have? I would love to be able to teleport- what a time saver!
Sian Zador Biography
I am a Mum to two wonderful girls who are in Year 2 and PP. I spend my time juggling parenthood and my career in Finance. I enjoy giving back to our community through my volunteer work which has included childhood allergy research, helping disadvantaged women gain financial independence, as well as serving for last 4 years as Treasurer for Marjorie Mann Daycare in Mt Lawley.
BOARD GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
| Mount Lawley Primary School Board Terms of Reference (including Code of Conduct) | |
| Department of Education - School Councils/Boards |
Other Documents
| 2022 Meeting Minutes | 2021 Meeting Minutes | 2020 Meeting Minutes | ||
|
Meeting Minutes - 1 September 2022
|
Meeting Minutes - 25 November 2021 |
Meeting Minutes - 27 February 2020 | ||
| Meeting Minutes - 25 March 2021 | Meeting Minutes - 21 May 2020 | |||
| Meeting Minutes - 10 June 2021 | ||||
Should you have an interest in any information not already published on this page, please do not hesitate to contact the School Board on MLPSBoard@outlook.com or the Principal on Principal.Mountlawley.PS@education.wa.edu.au.