Our school board meet approximately once per term and consists of 4 or 5 parent representatives, staff representatives and the principal.
The school board with the school community work to achieve the best outcomes for students. It contributes to good school governance so that school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students.
The functions of the board are covered by legislation and include both approval and advisory roles. The board promotes the school in the community and take part in establishing and reviewing the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions and evaluating the school’s performance in achieving these. The board does not intervene in the control or management of the school. This is the role of the principal.
Relationship between the P&C and councils or boards
P&Cs, and the school board each play important yet different roles in supporting our school. They have separate functions which are legislated but work together to achieve common goals. Members of the school board and the P&C can work together on different projects.
P&C members on the school board
The school board cannot set aside a dedicated (ex officio) position for a P&C member on the board. However, P&C members can be members of the school board if they are nominated as a parent or community member.
The legislation provides categories of membership on the school board: parent, student, community and staff. Once appointed to the school board, members do not represent any particular group. These include, for example, teachers, P&C members or members with other affiliations. P&C members bring their experience as parents at the school, and the views and context of the wider school community.
Be involved in your child’s school
There are many other ways to be involved in your child’s school, including:
- join the P&C
- nominate to be a member of the council or board
- act as a classroom helper
- volunteer in the library
- help out at events, such as the sports carnival
- bring along your skills to a ‘busy bee’
- attend school assemblies and special occasions, P&C and or board meetings – everyone is welcome
- help to organise fundraising initiatives.
Board Members
Andrzej Gruszecki – Principal
I spent the first 25 years of my teaching career working in Poland and Australia. My career began in mainstream primary schools. After immigrating to Australia, I completed postgraduate studies in Children with Special Needs, which led me to focus on supporting students with diverse learning needs.
In 2001, I began working at Gladys Newton School. I was appointed Deputy Principal in 2010, where I worked closely with staff, students, and families to support inclusive and high-quality education.
Since July 2023, I have had the privilege of serving as Principal at Gladys Newton School, continuing my commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Frank Agostino – Board Chair
Brendan Goodwin – Parent Board Member
Samantha Holland – Parent Board Member
Chelsea Fisher – Board Member Parent Board Member
Simon Hume – Staff Board Member
Lisa Chen – Staff Board Member
Kristean Santos – Staff Board Member
Narelle Atkinson – Staff Board Member
My connection with the school spans nearly 20 years, beginning as a parent of a student before becoming a teacher. I have now been teaching at Gladys Newton School for 14 years.
My areas of experience and passion include early childhood education and special needs education. I believe every child is unique and deserves learning experiences that spark their curiosity and interest in the world around them. I value creating a fun, supportive, stimulating and appropriately challenging environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive, grow and achieve in their own way.
I value being a member of the School Board as it provides an opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to a school community that I have been proud and fortunate to be part of for so many years.
Olga White – Staff Board Member
I am experienced Manager Corporate Services (MCS), with more than 15 years’ experience in school administration, leadership, finance, human resources and operational management. As a mother of sons with disabilities, I have a personal understanding of the experiences and needs of families supporting children with additional needs.
I hold a Graduate degree in Business and Leadership and am passionate about contributing to the future direction of Gladys Newton School. I am committed to helping develop a progressive, inclusive and innovative school where students with disabilities are valued, supported and provided with opportunities to reach their full potential. As a Staff Board Member, I bring my professional experience, leadership skills and personal passion to the school community.
Community member – Maggie May
My teaching career in Australia began in 1993 at Churchlands Primary School. The following year, I joined Meekatharra School of the Air, where I taught students across remote stations and mining camps via radio. During this time, I completed a second degree specialising in education for children with special needs.
In 1996, I commenced at Rockingham Beach Education Support Centre and subsequently undertook several acting Principal positions at Rockingham Beach, Koorana and Mount Hawthorn Education Support Centres, as well as Merriwa Education Support School.
I joined Gladys Newton School in late 2004 and was appointed substantive Deputy Principal in 2005, a position I held for 15 years. I also served as Principal of Burbridge School in 2009–2010.
I have remained a committed member of the Gladys Newton School Board since my retirement in 2019.