School Board
Joondalup Education Support Centre is an Independent Public school and has its very own School Board. An independent school is a school that has the autonomy to make a decision at a school level. We are able to plan and allocate funds to projects, staff and resources that best meet the needs of our students, staff, families and community. The Board is responsible for setting the long term future of our school and maintaining oversight of the implementation of the school Business Plan.
The Board members are representatives of our parents, staff and community who ensure that the school is delivering its Business Plan. The Board ensures that the school is managing its resources and finances correctly, and that the school is moving in the right direction. It also provides advice and the views of the group for whom it represents.
Board members are trained to have a good understanding of our school and how it operates. Board members are involved and consulted on matters relating to school, and have a responsibility to scrutinize the policies, finances and documents presented to them. You meet with a group of interested people who are all here for Joondalup Education Support Centre. You get to understand the mechanics of the school and hear firsthand about what is happening.
Our School Board is made up of three parents, three staff, three community representatives and the school Principal; and we meet twice a term. Herewith an introduction of our School Board Members.
Board Members
Amber Anthony - Parent Representative
Email - amber-anthony@outlook.com
I am a proudly neurodivergent single Mama of two beautiful little dudes who both attend Joondalup ESC, Xander (6) and Jude (4.)
When I'm not chasing after my little dudes at the beach, or being Chief Snack Provider, or wrestling referee (boy motherhood, right?!) I am a certified Change Management Practitioner. Kind of a long and unusual title - but I essentially love working with people, and specialise in supporting culture and behaviour change, particularly within diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
With a professional and personal background in disability and community services, my career has been beautifully intertwined, and I could not be more excited to become a Board member for Joondalup Education Support Centre.
This school has literally changed the lives of my boys (and myself!) and I could not be more grateful for the incredible work of the amazing team, and the wonderful support of the wider school community.
If I can utilise any of my professional skills, qualifications, networks or my never ending passion for our school community and our little ones, I'll grab that chance with both hands!
Anita Cheetham - Community Representative
Email - anita.cheetham@joondalup.wa.gov.au
I have worked as a Librarian for over 20 years. For the last 10 years my role has been Youth and Children’s Services Officer at the City of Joondalup.
In this position I am responsible for providing programs and events that have a strong literacy focus and available for everyone in the community. Our aim is to provide equality of access.
For the last 5 years I have taken on the role of School Liaison Officer. This position enables me to create connections between the City of Joondalup and all schools in the City. I am responsible for sharing information about what programs are available for schools in the City of Joondalup, this includes programs provided by the City as well as from external providers.
I am the mother of two teenagers, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
I look forward to learning more about how the school operates and the goals for the future. I look forward to being able to participate in the decision making which will allow the school to continue to meet the needs of the students and to grow. I am delighted to be able to be a community representative on Joondalup Education Support Centre’s Board.
Cate Brodie - Community Representative
Email - cate.brodie@me.net
I am one of the owners of Candlewood IGA and Helena Valley IGA. Along with my family, we have owned and operated these stores for 17 years, since coming to Australia the year before purchasing them.
I am also a wife, a mum, and a grandmother to two gorgeous boys. My three adult children work with us in the businesses and have done, in some capacity since they were teenagers, with forays into other careers!
We love the supermarket industry and had three stores in Zimbabwe, before immigrating, mainly because, we are truly part of our communities and I get to work with, interact with and impact so many people and what is important to them, like taking on being on this board.
I have previously served for seven years on the Board of West Coast Tafe, now called North Metropolitan Tafe. I have begun and continue to run many community based projects, in partnership with our staff and the wider community, through the stores.
In a past life, I was a teacher and although I qualified to teach Pre-Primary, Year 1 & 2, I also taught at what was called a Special Needs school, in Zimbabwe, like Joondalup Ed support, for about four years! I really loved this job and would have gone back this role, if not for getting into our businesses and having my kids.
Gwilym Conran - Parent Representative
Email - gwilymconran@icloud.com
I’m Gwil, proud parent of Marcus and Zoey and a passionate advocate for inclusive education! My connection to the school is deeply personal, as my family and I have experienced firsthand the transformative impact of tailored education and support for children with additional needs.
Professionally, I’m the Commercial Manager of a large group of companies, and I bring over 15 years of experience in business and, more recently, not for profits to the board.
This background helps me combine strategic thinking with a genuine understanding of the challenges and triumphs families like ours face every day.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family, keeping up with my two kids, and finding ways to give back to the community. I’m committed to supporting the school in providing a nurturing, inclusive environment where all students can thrive and always keen to find ways to do things better and help the school advocate for everything it needs to thrive!
Hwee Tan - Parent Representative (Chairperson)
Email - hweepeng.tan@gmail.com
I am originally from Singapore and moved to Perth in 2011. I am a devoted mum to Mason who started Pre-Primary at Joondalup ESC in 2019. We love the school environment and the passionate staff.
I enjoy my morning coffee and spending time with family and friends.
Joining the school board is a new experience for me where I hope to contribute meaningfully and learn more about the Joondalup ESC community.
Seeing children with all abilities thrive makes me happy and I advocate for what they can do, not what they can’t.
Katherine Seaby - Parent Representative
Email - katherineseaby@yahoo.com.au
I moved to Australia when I was 17 from the UK to Perth.
My son Logan has attended Joondalup ESC since Kindy in 2018. He loves going to school and we are very blessed to live just down the road from such a wonderful learning environment.
When I’m not being Mum my passion is working with animals. I have a special interest in emergency medicine and critical care. I work as a vet nurse in a 24/7 emergency centre between the ED and ICU department. Sometimes my work follows me home and we currently have two dogs and two cats.
I am grateful to be asked to join the School Board and look forward to learning more about the JESC community.
Leanne Bell - Community Representative
Email - Leanne.bell@nmtafe.wa.edu.au
I am a senior lecturer at the Joondalup campus of North Metropolitan TAFE. I have worked at NMTAFE since 2008. I deliver units in the Certificate IV in Education Support course. My main area of interest is working with children with additional needs.
Prior to lecturing I was a primary school classroom teacher. I have worked in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
I have taught year levels from Kindergarten to Year 7.
Currently I organise the work placements for over 400 students who are studying for either the Certificate III or Certificate IV in Education Support from across three campuses.
I have a long-standing relationship with Joondalup ESC as either a visiting TAFE assessor and as the work placement coordinator. NMTAFE and Joondalup ESC have an important partnership in the training of education assistants for the future and I very much look forward to becoming a member of the Board.
Linda Moore - Staff Representative
Email - linda.moore3@education.wa.edu.au
I completed my City in Guilds in Learning Support in 2001 and worked in a high school Learning Support Centre for five years. In 2006 I moved to Australia from the UK with my husband and three sons.
I began working at Joondalup Education Support Centre in 2007 and over the years have worked in every year group.
While my boys were younger, I joined committees that were relevant to them at the time, preschool boards, school boards, the Scout movement and for their soccer clubs.
I felt it was important to take part in committees and help with fund raising etc. After all, without committees and parental support children will not have the out-of-school activities and sports available to them.
My boys are now young adults, and I am able to join a committee that is just as close to my heart; supporting the school I love working at for the students I love working with.
Natalie Hatton - Joondalup ESC Principal and Board Member
Email - natalie.hatton@education.wa.edu.au
I have been the Principal of Joondalup Education Support Centre since May 2013. I have been working within the Department since 2000.
I have the fortune of working with fantastic students, families and staff.
I am a strong advocate for education and students with disability. I have been president of the West Australian Education Support Principals and Administrators Association since mid-2018. I advocate directly for students in education support centres and schools, and work with colleagues to influence a positive future for our students.
I enjoy being part of the Board – as it is such an important component of the school. It is a great opportunity to meet with those who represent our school and discuss and ensure that our school is running efficiently and effectively.
Natalie Retuga - Staff Representative
Email - Natalie.perrott@education.wa.edu.au
I have been at Joondalup Education Support Centre since January 2015 and have been working within the Department since 2011. I moved to Kalgoorlie in 2012 and taught mainstream Kindy for 3 years.
This was a wonderful experience, and what led me on the path to Education Support. I have taught many year levels, and currently teach Kindy and Early Intervention.
I have two sons, who both attend Joondalup Primary School. We chose to send our children to Joondalup Primary School because I saw the importance of learning respect and understanding for all individuals. They are surrounded by many communication styles and a rich and diverse way of learning.
I am thrilled to join the Board, and further support the students that I work with.
Sue Masterton - Staff Representative
Email - susan.masterton@education.wa.edu.au
Originally from Scotland I have called Perth home now for 18 years.
For 12 of these I have been at Joondalup ESC and I feel incredibly blessed to work within such a passionate & committed team.
As my children are older now, I am very excited to become a more active member within our school community and look forward to being part of the Board.
Joondalup Education Support Centre Board Timeline 2025
Board Meeting Dates for 2025
Term 1(1 meeting)
17 March
Term 2 (1 meeting)
19 May
Term 3 (2 meetings)
18 August; and
15 September
Term 4 (1 meeting)
17 November