Meet our board

As an Independent Public School, Harrisdale Primary’s School Board has a strategic role of setting the long-term direction for the school and maintains oversight (not management) of the School Business Plan.

The School Board:

  • contributes to the School Delivery and Performance Agreement and the Business Plan;
  • endorses and reviews the annual budget; reviews the performance of the school;
  • assists with Principal selection when a vacancy arises; approves arrangements for sponsorship or advertising;
  • liaises with other committees within the school;
  • and holds one open meeting each year to report to the school community.

The School Board does not:

  • run the day to day operations of the school;
  • discuss individual issues relating to teachers, staff or parents;
  • represent specific interest groups, or permit special interest to dominate meetings;
  • intervene in the educational instruction of students; nor
  • performance manage the principal or any other staff member.

It is not about running the school – that is the job of the Principal – but rather, providing additional expertise to help the school achieve the best outcomes for students. The role of the School Council (board) is outlined in the Education Act 1999.

The Harrisdale Primary School Board consists of 11 members that each bring experience as parents, educators and/or community members. Parents are welcomed to contact Ben Foster, Board Chair

The Harrisdale PS Board welcomes your input into our school. If you wish to contact the Board Chair and School Principal please use the below form.

Contact the HPS School Board

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Harrisdale PS School Board

Meet our board 1

Rochelle Williamson
School Principal

Meet our board 2

Anelle Young
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE

I appreciate the opportunity to express my interest in joining the Harrisdale Primary School Board.  With extensive experience working as an Occupational Therapist, I come equipped with skills and experiences I believe can contribute positively to our school.

 My career has exposed me to diverse clinical areas, where I’ve implemented quality improvement projects and enhanced care.  I am keen to bring abilities in project management, strategic planning, and outcome assessment to support Harrisdale Primary School’s growth.  These skills align with key board responsibilities:

  • Holistic Assessment and Problem-Solving: My Occupational Therapy background provides a distinct perspective, emphasising problem-solving skills that can enhance students’ well-being within the school environment.
  • Collaborative Teamwork: My work in diverse teams has taught me the power of collaboration.  I aim to foster teamwork within the board, leveraging our school community’s strengths.
  • Strategic Planning and Innovation: My experience leading quality improvement projects equips me with strategic planning to enhance learning opportunities at Harrisdale Primary School.
  • Empathy and Communication: Effective communication and understanding are central in my practice, promoting an inclusive school environment and valuing each student’s journey.
  • Lived Experience with Neurodiversity: Drawing from personal and professional experiences, I’m committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can flourish.

Currently working as a Teaching Academic at Curtin University’s School of Allied Health, I’m involved in preparing students for the workforce through innovative practices.  By bridging the gap between academia and practice, I strive to drive meaningful advancements in healthcare delivery, aligning with Harrisdale Primary School’s values.

I appreciate the opportunity to express my interest in joining the School Board and offering my multifaceted skills, passion for education, clinical expertise, commitment to innovation and understanding of disability challenges to shape the school’s future and positively impact the community.

Meet our board 3

Cam Busby
Elected Parent Representative

Our family have been involved with Harrisdale Primary School since 2019, when four of my five daughters began attending the school. And even though we only have one daughter remaining in the primary school as of this year, you will still be seeing our faces each day for at least the next three years.
 
Although I have not served on a school board before, I know I would be a valuable member. My family have lived in the Harrisdale area since 2011 and in that time, we have built and nurtured some strong ground roots within the local community.
 
After serving in the WA Police for seven years, I have an intrinsic instinct to protect the safety and welfare of the children, protect their innocence and protect their right to access a world class education.
 
Eight years as a supervisor managing a large team has allowed me to expand my skills in communication and strategic planning.
 
I am invested in seeing our school continue to grow from strength to strength. I believe having a school producing students of integrity and character is one of the cornerstones for a better community.
Meet our board 4

Rachel Van Beek
Staff Representative

My name is Rachel Batten and I joined the Harrisdale teaching staff this year 2024, and am currently teaching Pre-Primary. I have been teaching for 6 years, with the last 5 years being down south in the Wheatbelt. An integral part of my teaching philosophy is to nurture and grow the individual child so to guide them to their best self. I believe Harrisdale reiterates this by providing children with the best learning environment as we focus on forming personal relationships, having high expectations for success and continually learning as professionals to deliver the best teaching practice. I am happy to be a part of the journey that is Harrisdale Primary School.

Meet our board 5

Sophie Wildy
Staff Representative

Meet our board 6

Lily Pu
Chair person

My name is Lilian and I have two children attending Harrisdale Primary School, Alison in Y2 and Paul in Pre-primary. We have lived in the area for the last 11 years and have seen the community growing over the time. It’s a place we are happy to be in and are committed to. I am a full time carer for my kids with one of them having additional needs. Prior to having kids I was a Human Resource lead for an oil and gas service company and with experience in that field for over 14 years. I have also worked in different countries with multicultural teams. I have completed a Masters in Human Resource Management and other professional training in the past. And I am currently studying Cyber security to explore a new opportunity with a balance between my career and having a family. My work experience over the years has helped me to build skills including but not limited to problem solving, critical thinking, leadership, team work and adaptability.
 
As a Mum, I am interested in preparing my kids for the future through education. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with school and all stakeholders to make Harrisdale Primary School  the best place for our kids to grow and serve the community. 
Meet our board 7

Aaron Bowling
Community Representative

I want to be on the School Board because I want to help ensure our school is the best possible place for our children. My son graduated year 6 in 2020 and I have a daughter in year 6 and a daughter in year 2. I have a lot of Board experience and I have been on our Harrisdale Primary School Board for 5 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Management and an MBA as well as a lot of experience managing large projects. I am the President of another Non-profit and I have a good working knowledge of Board governance and financial management. I want to help our great school continue to thrive.

Meet our board 8

Grace Richmond
Staff Representative

My name is Grace Richmond and I am the Head of Year for Kindergarten at Harrisdale Primary School. I have 10 years of experience in early childhood education, including four years as a classroom teacher. Since joining Harrisdale at the end of 2023, I have greatly valued being part of a collaborative and supportive team dedicated to the success and wellbeing of every student.

 

 

 

I am passionate about early years education and believe these formative years are critical in building strong foundations for lifelong learning. I am committed to advocating for our youngest learners and ensuring their needs are recognised and supported across the school.

 

In my time at Harrisdale Primary School, I have led the implementation of our new social and emotional program in the early years, supported the Karen Duncan Reading Academy (KDRA) by running it once a week since its inception, co-ran the Glee Club over the past two years, and introduced Kindergarten’s annual Diwali parent event to strengthen community connection and celebrate cultural inclusivity.

 

I am excited by the opportunity to serve on the School Board and look forward to working collaboratively to support thoughtful decision making for the future of our school.

Meet our board 9

Jason Tate
Staff Representative