SCHOOL BOARD

Yokine Primary School

School Board

The Yokine Primary School Board represents the school community; they are your voice.

The Board plays an important role within the school, taking part in establishing and reviewing school policies, and guiding the direction of our Business Plan and financial decisions. It is made up of parent representatives, community representatives and staff representatives, including the Principal.

The Board welcomes your input and feedback as they represent the interests of the community. Parents are encouraged to engage with the Board if you require information or wish to discuss any school operational issues. Not all matters are relevant to the Board’s purpose so, if you are unsure of whether a matter should be raised with the School Board, please contact the Chair or Principal.

The Board meets twice per term on Thursdays at 6pm. School community members are welcome to attend, unless otherwise advised, however only Board members have speaking and voting rights. All persons present at the meeting must adhere to the Yokine Primary School Board Code of Conduct.

For further information on the role of the School Board, in West Australian Schools, click here.

To contact the Board Vice Chair, Nerina Papanastasiou, please email nerina81@gmail.com.

To contact the Principal, Jennifer Hirsch, please email jennifer.hirsch@education.wa.edu.au.

School Board Members

Jennifer Hirsch

I am Jennifer Hirsch, the proud Principal of Yokine Primary School.

Louise Bowtell

I have been a Deputy Principal for 8 years, working the past 2 years at Yokine Primary School. I specialize in upper primary, English and Education Support teaching, having spent a significant portion of my career in the vibrant community of Broome in north-west Australia.

I am deeply passionate about providing opportunities for our students to leave primary school as confident, kind, adaptable and independent individuals. My focus is on tailoring engaging learning experiences to meet the unique needs of each student, ensuring that every child can reach their full potential.

Outside of school, I have a husband, two young sons and enjoy gardening, reading, yoga and music.

It is my pleasure to serve on the Yokine Primary School Board, as we work together to make our school a positive and welcoming place.

Elise Mathews

As Deputy Principal of Yokine Primary School, I bring over 20 years of experience in education, shaped by diverse teaching and leadership roles across Kununurra, London, and Perth. My approach to leadership is grounded in fostering inclusive, student-centred environments where every child is supported to succeed and flourish.

I am committed to building strong, respectful relationships with students, staff, and families, and to promoting evidence-based teaching practices that enhance learning outcomes and wellbeing. Working collaboratively with our dedicated team, I strive to support continuous improvement, staff development, and a safe, engaging school culture.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy spending time with my husband, stepson, daughter, and son. They keep me busy with their love of surfing, bike riding, and exploring Western Australia’s beautiful coastline.

It is a privilege to contribute to the ongoing success of Yokine Primary School and to serve a community that values excellence, connection, and lifelong learning.

Kaitlyn Mustica

I began teaching 12 years ago in the Goldfields (Kambalda and Kalgoorlie). I have been at Yokine Primary School for three years and have taught Pre Primary, Year 1 and Year 2.

My hope for the Yokine Primary School students is to ensure the Early Years have a balanced approach to teaching via explicit instruction and international play-based learning, where students' needs come first. The importance of nurturing every child's holistic development, encompassing their physical, social, emotional, behavioural and academic success, cannot be overstated.

Outside of the classroom, I am a parent to two lovely children; Georgia, who is nine, and Blair, who is twelve and in high school. In my spare time, you can find me gardening, reading or sewing.

Nerina Papanastasiou

I am a parent representative currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Yokine Primary School Board.

I’m a proud mum of two girls at Yokine Primary and love being part of such a welcoming, inclusive, and community-minded school.

With more than 20 years’ experience across stakeholder engagement, business development, and communications, I’m passionate about advocacy and social impact. My professional experience has given me a strong appreciation for collaboration, inclusion, and the power of communication to create positive change. I work in brand and communications at Communicare and White Ribbon Australia, helping to amplify the impact of initiatives that build safer communities and support families to thrive.

Serving on the School Board is a privilege and a chance to give back to a community that’s had such a positive influence on my family. I’m honoured to play my part in helping every child and family feel valued, supported, and connected.

Murray Dunstan

My name is Murray Dunstan and I am a parent representative on the School Board. I live in Yokine and my son attends Yokine Primary School. I am Head of Year 11 at Kennedy Baptist College in Murdoch and teach English. I have been working in education for 22 years and have witnessed the positive impact a good education has on children; socially, emotionally and academically.

A key role I have on the School Board is on the 'Grounds and Facilities' committee. I understand the importance of children working in safe and welcoming environments, where students feel encouraged to learn, to play and to explore.

In my spare time I enjoy watching sport. I am a Fremantle Dockers and Perth Wildcats member and also enjoy watching other sports as well. I also appreciate spending quality time with my family and am a community-minded person.

Natasha Davidson

I have been a parent at Yokine Primary School for 9 years and our family has made lifelong friends here. With 17 years’ experience as a travel agent, I have exceptional interpersonal and organisational skills. For the past 4 years, I have actively contributed to the community through the P&C and around the school. I have been the volunteer co-ordinator of the school lunch service for two years and assisted in delivery on a weekly basis for 4 years. For the last twelve months, I have volunteered daily in the assisted reading program, and I help at the community garden in my "spare time". I became the P&C President in May 2025 and have relished this role in addition to being the P&C Fundraising Co-ordinator. I recently attended the WACCSO conference in August and was inspired by the additional training and advice provided.

I am deeply committed to, and passionate about our school community, and in making a positive impact on our children's school experience.

Eva Radovic

I am delighted to be a parent representative on the Yokine Primary School Board.

You’ll often find me in the school community garden or occasionally helping with emergency bike repairs at the school gate.

I am a criminologist, currently working in the medicolegal industry. I am passionate about helping children thrive and have been volunteering as a mentor for at risk students for the past few years. I believe community is incredibly important and I hope to make a positive contribution to the YPS community for as long as you’ll have me!

Glen Williams

With 16 years in the Education Sector, I am currently the Acting Head of English at Servite College. As I live and work in the local area, joining the Board is a wonderful opportunity for me to use my experience and knowledge of high school to support the Board on broader initiatives and to revisit where all our students start their educational journey.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my young family, golfing and reading.

Yokine Primary School is a fantastic School and community, I look forward to serving and contributing on the Board.

Melissa Blake

My name is Melissa Blake, and I am a proud mum to two daughters who have been enrolled at Yokine Primary School since 2022. My family and I have lived in the Yokine community for the past 11 years, and we feel deeply connected to this wonderful school. I have been a teacher for over 16 years and was recently recognised by the Department of Education as a Level 3 Classroom Teacher. I have also gained experience in a Deputy Principal position, and I am excited to share my knowledge and teaching expertise with the YPS School Board.

I am passionate about health and fitness, and in my spare time I enjoy running and baking healthy treats for my family. We love spending summer days at the beach and enjoying cosy family movie nights together.