School Governance & Management Structure

CHAIR

I have a Bachelor of Science in Botany and Soil Science, and a PhD in Plant Systematics and Evolution. I have worked in both public, private and not-for-profit sectors in agriculture, conservation and higher education. Currently, I work in the Science and Maths discipline within the School of Science at Edith Cowan University as a teaching Focused Scholar. I teach a diversity of undergraduate and postgraduate science subjects, and supervise research projects in evolutionary biology, plant science and computing. My personal research aims to enhance knowledge of the Australian flora, through discovering and describing new species and understanding their evolution.

I am passionate about opening up science to all and ensuring that all Australian students have access to quality, inspiring science learning experiences. In professional settings, I adopt innovative teaching and assessment practices that encourage students to explore their role as ‘translators’ of science. As a member of ECU’s multi-award-winning ‘Old Ways, New Ways’ science program, I have worked with Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander communities to contextualise contemporary science within their own knowledges and cultures, and to inspire Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to study science. I am a long-time advocate for women in science, and strive to ensure that a diversity of voices is heard in all contexts.

I currently sit on the boards of two public schools, and am keen to contribute to and learn from the Independent school sector. I have adopted elements of Montessori’s philosophy in my own teaching at Tertiary level, and believe it offers much, not only to school-age children and young adults but also to the broader community. In joining your Board, I would seek to learn from the School as well as to contribute my knowledge, experience and perspectives gained from the breadth of my involvement in both professional and community capacities.

TREASURER

My name is Wayne Wrigley, and I am a proud parent of two adult boys who attended Rockingham Montessori School (now West Coast Montessori). Both are studying at university, one in the USA and the other here in Perth. I am also a former Treasurer and RMS board member. Watching my boys grow into young men, I can attest to the foundation that both RMS and the Montessori environment have provided them. They are both inquisitive, disciplined, and independent learners who have the confidence to be thinking risk-takers with a social conscience. I am of the opinion that RMS helped to establish these traits in my children and has set them up for success as they enter into their adult life. I am university educated with a Master's in Risk Management and bring business knowledge, acumen, and institutional knowledge of RMS. I wish to use my skills and knowledge to help continue with the growth and success of West Coast Montessori. As my children have benefited, this school can help set your children up for success by providing them with real-world skills and knowledge.

SECRETARY

I am a dedicated educator with over 40 years of experience in the Western Australian Government school system, Independent schools, and Federal Government educational program initiatives.

For the past 16 years I have been the Principal of Moerlina School in Mt Claremont, a small, dynamic and progressive Independent community school providing innovative, creative, and meaningful teaching and learning experiences that value childhood and make sense to children.

While my own school experiences were relatively straightforward, and I was successful, other members of my family and friendship groups did not have such an easy time of it. It is this that has driven me to advocate for schools to support children of all abilities to become the best they can be, to create inclusive spaces and recognise, value and celebrate all strengths – academic, creative, physical, and personal – equally.

I love teaching. I love learning. I am a leader who promotes an authentic culture of shared and shifting leadership and enjoys being part of a positive, collaborative and successful school culture where educators feel safe and supported to learn and grow through ongoing research and a willingness to try new things.

As an educational leader, integrity is the attribute that defines what I do – walking the talk. I appreciate the value of community and understand the importance of making good judgements and having the courage to advocate for positive change.

BOARD MEMBER

Emma is both a past student and now the parent of two Montessori children. Emma’s formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Accounting and Finance from Murdoch University, and an Advanced Diploma of Accounting and a Diploma of Business Studies from the South Metropolitan College of Tafe.

With over 12 years experience in the not-for-profit, local government and state government sectors in accounting, financial reporting and auditing, Emma has a breadth of experience including project management, staff management, legislative compliance, policy setting and information technology.

BOARD MEMBER

With more than 30 years of teaching experience across year levels and 10 years as a school principal, I have dedicated my career to creating environments where children thrive. During my time as a principal, I led the transformation of a school that was on the brink of closure into a vibrant, multi‑age learning community of more than 300 students. This included securing significant capital funding to purchase buildings, renovations and expand the school’s infrastructure, as well as establishing an on‑site long day care service to strengthen continuity of learning for families.

I now own and lead a Montessori early childhood centre, which became Montessori under my leadership. While I am not fully an expert in Montessori yet, my commitment to Montessori principles comes from a deep belief that this approach offers children the most respectful, developmentally aligned, and empowering way to learn. I bring extensive experience in educational leadership, capital development, community building, and high‑quality early childhood practice, and I would like to contribute this expertise as a member of your Board.

PRINCIPAL (ex officio)

Vanessa Aikins has over 25 years experience in education and teaching. Vanessa commenced her teaching career as a Home Economics, Physical Education and Health Education teacher, then moved into school administration in Department of Education Senior High Schools and District High Schools as Head of Department, Deputy Principal and Principal. Vanessa worked in the Canning District Education Office as a Curriculum Officer and was Principal of Warnbro Community High School’s Education Support Centre. Vanessa joined Rockingham Montessori School (now West Coast Montessori) as Principal in 2011, and completed the AMI Montessori Teachers Association Orientation to Adolescent Studies Program in 2013.

VICE CHAIRMAN