School Board Members

Kristina Lemson

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.

Even Darcy

Vice Chairman

Emma Taylor

Secretary

 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.

Rachel Walker

Treasurer

Born in England and emigrated to Australia having already qualified as a Chartered Accountant I had my daughter in 1995 and enrolled her in Montessori from age 3. We moved to Western Australia in 2004 and she joined Beehive Montessori. In 2005 I started the first Montessori child care centre in WA called Southbank Montessori. This has now been going for over 15 years.

Joined the board of Rockingham Montessori as I am a passionate believer in creating strong schools especially with high schools.

Ron Gorman

Board Member

Ron Gorman has extensive experience in teaching and leading a diversity of schools in WA and Victoria. He has made outstanding contributions to the study and practice of educational leadership at state, national and international levels, has presented widely on innovation, learning and school reform and is a member of the Global Educators Leaders Partnership

Ron has also presented nationally, on reading, writing and children’s literature, and has edited and contributed to numerous publications.  Recently he was awarded the 2019 Pre-Eminent Leader of WA by the Australian Council of Educational Leadership and a National Fellowship. Ron has also recently been awarded a Doctor of Education by Edith Cowan University.  

Ron’s broad, deep interests in the arts has involved him in many organisations related to children, literature and the importance of reading. He is past-Chair and current Board member of the Australian Children’s Laureate Foundation, advocating for Australian authors and illustrators and working closely with the Australian Children’s Laureate. Ron is also the Creative Learning Associate for The Literature Centre in Fremantle WA.

Perette Minciullo

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.

Vanessa Aikins

BA, BEd, MEd

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 as Principal in 2011, and completed the AMI Montessori Teachers Association Orientation to Adolescent Studies Program in 2013.