The Shelley Primary School Board works with our school community to achieve the best outcomes for students.
The Shelley Primary School Board (“the Board”) was first formed in 2019 and is an unincorporated body. The Board consists of elected parent members, staff, and a community member. The primary function of the Board is working with the Principal to set and monitor the long-term direction of the school and the implementation of the school Business Plan. This includes reviewing and endorsing the annual budget, reviewing school performance and providing guidance to the Principal regarding implementation of new strategies or initiatives.
The Board in not involved in the daily functioning of the school, nor is it involved in decisions that are related to these functions. Below is a brief summary of Board tasks as provided by the Department of Education.
| Take Part In | Approve | Determine |
| · establishing and reviewing the school’s objectives, priorities and general policy directions | · charges or contributions determined by the Principal for the provision of materials, services and facilities | · a dress code for students when they are attending or representing the school, in consultation with students, parents and staff |
| · the planning of financial arrangements necessary to fund those objectives, priorities and directions | · costs determined by the Principal to be paid for participation in an extra cost optional component of the school’s educational program | |
| · evaluating the school’s performance in achieving those objectives, priorities and directions | · the items determined by the Principal to be supplied by a student for the student’s personal use in the school’s educational program | |
| · formulating codes of conduct for students at the school | · an agreement or arrangement for advertising or sponsorship in relation to the school | |
| · with the approval of the Director General, take part in the selection of, but not the appointment of, the Principal or any other member of teaching staff |
In addition, the Board may:
- note the school’s Funding Agreement (with Schedules); and
- provide advice to the Principal on a general policy concerning the use in school activities of prayers, songs and material based on religious, spiritual or moral values being used in a school activity as part of religious education.
The Board cannot:
- intervene in the control or management of a school;
- intervene in the educational instruction of students;
- exercise authority over teaching staff or other persons employed at the school;
- performance manage the Principal or any other Department of Education employee;
- intervene in the management or operation of a school fund; or
- purchase property.
The School Board meets twice a term, usually on a Monday afternoon of Weeks 4 & 8 at 4.30pm.
Board Members
Trevor Phoebe
Principal
Trevor Phoebe is the Principal at Shelley Primary School in Western Australia, where his forward-thinking leadership and genuine care for students make a real impact. With a solid background in education and a strong belief in inclusive learning, Trevor motivates both staff and students to aim high and support one another.
He’s a big advocate for fresh teaching approaches and building strong ties with the local community, helping the school stay a lively and welcoming place for everyone. Trevor’s approachable style and focus on student wellbeing have earned him a lot of respect in the education space.
Before joining Shelley Primary, Trevor was Principal at Woodlupine Primary School, where he led a wellbeing initiative that won a Health and Wellbeing award at the 2021 Institute of Public Administration awards—a testament to his long-standing commitment to student welfare.
Will Blackshaw
Board Chair
Will’s three daughters have all attended Shelley Primary School, and he was motivated to nominate for the board to be able to put something back into the school.
Will is an Emergency Services Manager, holding a postgraduate Certificate in Executive Leadership and Management. Will brings expertise in governance and accountability to the board.
It is his skills in these areas that he believes assist his role as School Board Chair.
Will is an advocate of a well-rounded education, which allows all students to make decisions with a good grounding in many skills.
He enjoys being part of a well-functioning board and enjoys contributing to the growth of the school
Shalini Vijeyaendra
Parent Representative
Shalini has two children who attend Shelley Primary School – in Year 1 and in pre-primary. Shalini is currently part of the Executive Committee of the P&C and the Deputy Chair of the Shelley Primary School Board.
Shalini began her career as a Solicitor, working in private practice for about 13 years as an advocate for her clients. Since then, Shalini has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and is currently completing her Honours in Psychology. In 2019, Shalini received a Vice Chancellor’s Commendation for Academic Excellence, and in 2021, she is a recipient of an Academic Excellence Award – Honours scholarship. Shalini has also been a member of the Perceptual Expertise Advanced Research Lab at Murdoch University since the beginning of 2020, and is currently involved in research focusing on cognition, expertise, and learning. Shalini’s experience, working in a professional capacity, and as a student in a tertiary institution for the last four years, has placed her in a unique position to be aware of what is expected of students as they progress through their education. Shalini is passionate and determined to keep Shelley Primary School a school where students of all abilities, backgrounds and interests feel welcomed, supported and inspired.
Amanda Spencer-Teo
Community Representative
Amanda Spencer-Teo was the City of Canning’s Deputy Mayor and Bannister Ward Councillor from 2020 to 2025. Amanda has served on the Shelley Primary School board since 2021 and has been involved in the local community for many years holding numerous board positions in local schools and not for profit organisations. Amanda is mother to four children attending Primary and High schools in the local area.
Amanda was a member of the Rossmoyne Primary School Board as a parent representative and has held several positions on the Rossmoyne Community Kindergarten Parent Committee including Grants Officer, Treasurer and President.
Amanda has a strong passion for Education and the Environment and looks forward to continuing working with the Shelley Primary school community and Board.
Sarah Gusenzow
Parent Representative
Sarah has been a parent at Shelley Primary School since 2013, with all three of her sons having attended the school. Currently, her youngest son is in Year 5.
Sarah is a valued member of the school community and is an active member of the P & C. Sarah generously donates her time to assist with the running of the school canteen, contributing to the smooth
operation of this valuable service for students and families.
Sarah recognises the significant role that volunteers play in the operation of the school and as a member of the School Board, she aims to strengthen these connections and further benefit the school
community.
Sue Schmidt
Parent Representative
Sue has three daughters at Shelley Primary in years 1, 4 and 6.
Sue began her career as a Solicitor, working in private practice for approximately 12 years. Sue worked in general practice and specialised in commercial disputes and litigation in the District Court, Supreme Court and Federal Court. Sue is an Accredited Mediator and
was a volunteer trainer of high school students in mediation competitions.
Sue is now a director of a family business with a retail front which has grown to two premises and an online store.
Sue’s experience working in her professional capacity as a lawyer, mediator, volunteer trainer and director of a family business has enabled her to engage with the school community and to advocate
those values and perspectives to the School. Sue values the core principles of Shelley Primary School while serving to progress the future of the school to encourage all children to feel seen,
appreciated, respected, supported, offered opportunities to grow and develop autonomy. Sue would like to see the school continue to advance its activities while maintaining the fundamental benefits of a
small school feel within the community.
Barry Steineck
Parent Representative
Christy Ercegovich
Staff Representative
Christy Ercegovich has worked in Education for the past 26 years, 15 of
those at Shelley Primary School across a variety of year levels. She currently teaches Year 4. Christy is part of the Student Services Team and the English Curriculum Leader. Both of her children attended Shelley Primary School.
Christy joined the School Board to maintain and develop strong connections within the school community and play a role in contributing to good school governance. She hopes to contribute by aiding in
informed decision-making.
Chris Leeuwangh
Staff Representative
Chris is a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Shelley Primary School. He became Deputy Principal in 2010 after being in the same role at a number of metropolitan schools. Aside from casual jobs whilst at University studying teaching, he has only worked for the Western
Australian Department of Education. One of Chris’ children also attended Shelley Primary School from 2014 to 2016.
Chris was a member of the School Council from 2010 to 2018 and was part of the team that began Shelley Primary School’s journey towards becoming an Independent Public School resulting in the formation of
the School Board.
He has worked alongside staff and members of the School Board to be
an active participant in the governance of Shelley Primary School during the School Review and new Business Plan.
