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, the direction of the Business Plan and any 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 school 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 meet 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 Chair, George Lohse, please email george_lohse@hotmail.com

To contact the Principal, Emma King, please email Emma.King@education.wa.edu.au

School Board Members

Emma King

I am Emma King, the proud Principal of Yokine Primary School in Perth, Western Australia. With over 21 years of experience in the education field, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles, including as an education officer, classroom teacher, and learning support coordinator. This diverse background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the educational landscape and a passion for empowering students to succeed.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. I am excited to bring my wealth of experience and dedication to Yokine Primary School, where I am committed to working collaboratively with our talented team of educators to provide a high-quality education for all our students. Thank you for the opportunity to serve our school community.

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.

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 and Year 1.

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.

George Lohse

I am a parent representative currently serving as Board Chair. I have three boys all at Yokine Primary School and work for the Department of Communities (WA) in the Housing and Homelessness Division. As well as chairing Board meetings, I represent the board on the school Finance Committee.

I volunteered for the Board because I wanted to contribute to the amazing work which the teaching staff do to create a wonderful learning environment for our children. I am constantly impressed by the dedication and passion of Yokine’s teachers and how they strive to get the very best for every child.

In my spare time I like to cook, play music, exercise, and watch football (soccer).

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.

Jessica Berry

I am a Yokine local and a parent representative on the School Board. Sitting on the Board is rewarding and interesting – I love learning more about how our school operates, and playing a part in making sure we have the best possible school for our kids.

I work as a lawyer and have been able to put my drafting skills to good use assisting the Board with policy reviews. I would absolutely encourage any parent considering joining the Board to do so – the time commitment is minimal and the potential for impact is real.

Samantha Gilmour

Samantha Gilmour has been a Yokine PS parent since 2021. She currently has two children enrolled at the school and has volunteered with lunch deliveries as well as in the Uniform Shop. Samantha works as an Occupational Therapy Manager at a hospital in Perth. Samantha joined the School Board in 2024, as she feels that it's important to be involved in her children's learning. By being a Board member, Samantha hopes to learn more about the school curriculum so that she can help her children thrive. She also hopes that her professional background can help support Yokine to remain an inclusive and accessible school for children of all abilities.