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.
School Chair – Vacant Position
Parents – Vacant Positions
Maggie May – Community Member
My teaching career in Australia began in 1993 with a temporary position at Churchlands Primary School. The following year, I accepted a position at Meekatharra School of the Air, which introduced me to the Australian Outback and proved to be an extraordinary experience. I delivered lessons via radio and had the opportunity to visit students living on remote stations and in mining camps across the region.
While living in Meekatharra, I undertook a second degree to qualify as a teacher of children with special needs. In 1996, I was appointed to Rockingham Beach Education Support Centre, where I worked for several years. During this time, I was asked to take on several acting leadership roles as Principal at Rockingham Beach Education Support Centre, Koorana Education Support Centre, and Mount Hawthorn Education Support Centre.
While based at Mount Hawthorn, I found the shorter commute appealing and, rather than return to Rockingham, applied for a transfer. This led to an offer of a teaching position at Gladys Newton School. Before commencing that role, however, I was asked to undertake another acting position as Principal of Merriwa Education Support School.
I spent 18 months at Merriwa before finally beginning my role at Gladys Newton School toward the end of 2004. In January 2005, I was appointed substantive Deputy Principal, a position I held for 15 years. During this time, I took a break from the role in 2009–2010 to serve as Principal of Burbridge School, where I was tasked with improving staff morale and strengthening the school’s financial position.
While serving as Deputy Principal at Gladys Newton School, I was also a member of the School Board and continued to contribute to the Board following my retirement in 2019.
I am married with three adult children and seven grandchildren.