Name: Andrew Dwyer
Membership Category: Community Member and Chair
Experience: Strategy, Finance and Transformation
Board Tenure: 3rd year
Connection with School: Parent of former graduate
Summary
I have extensive experience in strategy and change developed from executive roles across multiple industries including Higher Education. I love to design and lead the implementation of strategies that deliver for the future. High performance requires continuous improvement. As society continues to change and evolve, I am particularly interested in the school’s long-term and sustainable growth, so it continues to be one of the very best schools in Western Australia.
Name: Angie Thomas
Membership Category: Executive Officer
Experience:
Board Tenure:
Connection with School: Vice Principal
Summary
Name: Melissa Clarke
Membership Category: Community Member
Experience: Business Systems and Process Improvement
Board Tenure: 4th year
Connection with School: Children in Year 8 and 10
Volunteering for the School Board is a way to “give back” to a school that will have been part of my family for potentially eight years once both my children graduate. I feel very privileged to gain an understanding of the hard work, systems, and processes that go on in the background, which I can then share with other parents from within our community.
I have previously served on other school boards, giving me a strong insight into the many aspects of governance and the Board’s role.
With my business systems and processes background, I hope to assist the school and its team of dedicated staff in facilitating positive change in an ever-changing world.
Name: Geoff Cooper
Membership Category: Community Member and Secretary
Experience: Industry Advocacy/Government/Management
Board Tenure: 4th year
Connection with School: My four boys are or have been students at Applecross
Summary
As a Community Representative, I’ll utilise 20+ years of experience in private businesses, government, consultancy and not-for-profits – having worked for the Master Builders Association, Property Council, and SGIO. In addition, I have an honours degree in Law and degrees in Economics and Communications.
This experience has included work in employee relations, OSH, budgeting, sponsorships, recycling, worker’s compensation, scenario planning, taxation, and building regulation.
Since 2018-2023, I was the Chair of the Ardross Primary School Board, and I previously contributed ten years as a volunteer on the Blue Gum Early Learning and Day Care Centre Management Committee.
I am strong advocate for public education and will strive to support Applecross SHS to achieve excellent academic outcomes and a broad education for all students.
Name: Katie Kumasaka
Membership Category: Community Member
Experience: Academic
Board Tenure: 2nd year
Connection with School: Students in Year 8
Summary
As a former secondary teacher and currently a lecturer in the School of Education at Curtin University, I have been involved in teaching and research for over 20 years, with a particular focus in Humanities. I am excited to be involved in the school community through the school board and contribute to a shared vision for school improvement and sustainable practices that always have the needs of students at its core.
Name: Lorraine Hammond AM
Membership Category: Community Member
Experience: Academic
Board Tenure: 3rd year
Connection with School: Student at Applecross SHS
Summary
As an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University, I have a long history of researching and working with schools and teachers on effective teaching, particularly in the area of literacy. I have been a Board Chair, Deputy Chair and member of Independent Public Schools Boards for over 15 years and am also a former Secondary Teacher.
Name: Ebony Morrison
Membership Category: Staff Representative
Experience: Education
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: Staff Member
Summary
I have been a staff member at Applecross Senior High for the last five years predominantly in the Student Services space. I am current Year 11 and 12 Program Coordinator overseeing the coordination of student wellbeing and achievement.
Name: David Chen
Membership Category: Parent Member
Experience: Mining and Energy
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: Two children at the school
Summary
Having extensive experience in engineering and project management within mining and energy industries, I bring skills in evaluating and delivering opportunities. I am excited to be involved as a parent member of the School Board and investing into the school’s long term growth. I am committed to contribute to the School Board that would support all students to achieve their personal best in their school journey.
Name: Dr Adeline Teh
Membership Category: Parent Member
Experience: Principal Dentist and Business Owner
Board Tenure: 3rd year
Connection with School: Two children in Years 10 and 12
I have worked as a principal dentist and a small business owner for over 20 years. With experience in the health industry and as a small business owner, I bring my fresh perspectives to running an efficient and productive team. I have had strong ties with the school as an ex-Applecross alumnus.
With my children in both the Special Visual arts and music program, I am able to see how the program has brought out the best in their special talents.
I like to support the school in promoting its core values of producing students that produce their personal best in all areas. I would like to help give new and fresh ideas to the school to create a better multicultural modern school.
Name: Rob Thompson
Membership Category: Parent Member
Experience: Financial Services; Education
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: Three children at the school
Summary
Having worked for many years in financial services executive roles for firms such as Perpetual Investments, Macquarie Group, PM Capital and Insight Investment, I decided to return to my initial career path of teaching at the start of 2020.
Having all three of our children in attendance at Applecross Senior High School, Tara and I have been delighted with their experience at school and, specifically, the pastoral care that has been available early in their high school experience.
As a firm believer in the importance of public education, I bring business discipline coupled with practical pedagogical knowledge and an understanding of the challenges of providing contemporary, evidence-based practice in an ever-changing environment. I’m delighted to have this opportunity to contribute and serve the school community over the next few years.
Name: Wayne Houden
Membership Category: Staff Representative
Experience: Education
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: Staff Member – Teacher
Summary
My career has included management roles in franchising and the community education sector, yet for the most part, has seen me employed as a secondary school teacher across a number of schools in Perth and regional WA.
Name: Denham P
Membership Category: Student Representative
Experience:
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: School Captain
Summary
Name: Ellie Mc
Membership Category: Student Representative
Experience: Student
Board Tenure: 1st year
Connection with School: School Captain
Summary
Member of the Student Executive, Student Council, Student Representative Council and current Year 12 student who has attended AXSHS since Year 7.
