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

My name is Rochelle Williamson, and I was honoured to be appointed Principal of Harrisdale Primary School in 2026.

I began my educational career in 1996 after graduating from Murdoch University in 1995. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to work across a range of educational settings, including schools in the Perth metropolitan area and the Midwest, Pilbara, and Southwest regions. Prior to my appointment at Harrisdale Primary School, I held the position of Principal at North Tom Price, Baler, Tuart Rise, and Rossmoyne Primary Schools.

I strongly value Harrisdale Primary School’s vision and mission, which recognise that all students can—and should—achieve success, and that success can take many forms. I am particularly aligned with the school’s commitment to placing students and learning at the centre of all decision-making, underpinned by the guiding principle of ‘High quality, high care’.

As a Principal, I value positive and respectful relationships built on consultation, collaboration, trust, and transparency. I am a supportive and reflective leader who leads by example and with integrity. I hold high expectations of myself and others and am deeply committed to the development of the whole child, with a strong focus on pastoral care and wellbeing.

Harrisdale Primary School has a well‑established reputation as a successful, innovative, and thriving learning community. I look forward to leading the school as we continue to build on this success in the years ahead.

 

 

 

Meet our board 2

Sandeep Adhikari
Parent Representative

A proud Harrisdale resident for the past six years and parent of a Pre-primary student at Harrisdale Primary School. My strong connection to the school community gives me a long-term perspective and genuine commitment to supporting the school’s future.

Professionally, I have experience in education, healthcare, strategy, and governance. I began my career as a teacher in Nepal before moving to Australia, where I worked in clinical research and now serve at one of the largest health services providers in WA within the Strategy Directorate. My work has involved strategic planning, community consultation, executive governance, and stakeholder engagement, providing skills highly relevant to the School Board role.

I am also passionate about community service and recently served as Secretary of the Nepali Association of Western Australia (NAWA Inc.), supporting initiatives that promote inclusiveness, cultural identity, and education. I was actively involved in the development and operations of a Community Language School serving more than 300 students across Perth.

I am passionate about supporting Harrisdale Primary School’s values of teamwork, inclusion, and learning, and am honoured to contribute positively as a member of the School Board.

Meet our board 3

Johanan Ling
Parent Representative

I am a Dad of three children with two currently attending Harrisdale Primary School. 

Since becoming a Dad, I feel the importance of protecting the innocence of children and allowing them to grow and thrive in safe environments. I believe every child has different giftings and can see how Harrisdale Primary supports this and provides different opportunities for young students to thrive. I’m keen to offer support to the school, as it has a crucial role for families in our community.

I am a registered Architect with over 15 years experience in commercial, health, community and education environments, in particular primary and secondary schools within the Department of Education system. I was part of the team that designed and constructed Stage 2 of Harrisdale Secondary. I am fully conversant with the Department of Education primary school brief, disability and accessibility issues. I can provide insight and comment around building, compliance, design and maintenance decisions.

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

My name is Sophie Wildy and I am a teacher and leader at Harrisdale Primary School, as well as a proud foundation staff member. I have experience teaching across K–6 and value being part of a supportive and connected school community.
 
I am passionate about creating inclusive and engaging learning environments where every child feels confident, supported and able to succeed. I believe in supporting the whole child and recognising that each student is on their own unique learning journey.
 
I value strong partnerships between school and home and believe that when families and educators work together, we achieve the best outcomes for our children. Building a positive and inclusive community is something I care deeply about.
 
I am committed to supporting decisions that positively impact our students, families and the wider school community.
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
Parent 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

I’m passionate about helping every student grow into a capable, confident and future-ready learner. Being part of the Harrisdale Primary School Board is a great opportunity to support that vision beyond the classroom.

As a Deputy Principal, my work involves supporting teachers, developing curriculum and helping shape the way we use technology to enhance learning. I enjoy finding practical ways to make learning engaging and meaningful for students, while also building the confidence and skills of staff.

What matters most to me is that our decisions always come back to students, what will make the biggest difference for them, both now and in the future. I also value strong connections between school and home, and believe that when we work together as a community, we create the best outcomes for our children.

I’m proud to be part of a school that is always looking to improve and try new things, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth.