School Board

The School Board plays an important role in contributing to good school governance so that school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students. The functions of councils and boards are covered by legislation and include both approval and advisory roles.

The School Board is made up of the Principal, elected community members, teachers, parents and students. The Board meets in our Board Room twice each term, at 5.15pm on Monday, Week 3 and 7. Meetings times may change so please check our school calendar to keep abreast of any changes.

Board 2026

Chairperson – Mathew Della Franca

Mathew is the current Chair of the Board and a member since 2021. His focus is working with school leadership on strong governance of the school, focussing on the planning and funding for the new STEM facility, as well as improving the facilities of the school. Mathew has lived in Lesmurdie and Pickering Brook all his life and has a business background of 25 years in Sales and Project Management in the Oil & Gas and Mining industries.

Renee De Prazer – Vice Chair

Renee has been a parent representative for the LSHS Board for 2 years and is now newly appointed to Vice Chair. With a background in nursing, and current role as a hospital executive, Renee is keen to offer her transferrable skills in governance, leadership and management. She is passionate about hearing the voice of the vulnerable and facilitating a platform to strengthen governance, improve culture and enhance performance.

Donna Gardiner – Principal

As Principal and English teacher for over 30 years, Donna has worked on Boards at Willetton SHS and Mt Lawley SHS. She has been a member of the Lesmurdie Board previously as staff representative in her substantive role as Deputy Principal. Donna’s focus is to ensure that the Board has authentic relationships with the school and community to improve the learning environment for students and staff, and to provide approvals and communications on board matters. This includes a focus on future building planning and works such as a much needed student support purpose built hub to support students wellbeing and a kiss n drive for student safety and efficiency, exploring new community and industry partnerships and participating in school events and celebrations that are vitally important to our culture and traditions at our school.

Bronwyn Thornton – Manager Corporate Services (ex-officio)

Bronwyn has worked for the Department of Education in a Manager, Corporate Services role for over 20 years and in Independent Public Schools since their inception. She has a background in banking and holds a Certificate IV in Business and a Graduate Certificate of Education Business Leadership. Her “Why” is to enhance possibilities to ensure our students have the best possible start to lifelong learning during and following school.

Staff Representatives

Jake Bayley

Jake has been a dedicated Science teacher at Lesmurdie Senior High School since 2020. With a passion for fostering student growth and engagement, he is committed to integrating innovative teaching methods and real-world applications into the classroom. Jake’s leadership extends beyond the classroom; he has been actively involved in initiatives promoting students social and emotional learning and has mentored students in various extracurricular activities. His appointment to the School Board underscores his commitment to enhancing educational outcomes and fostering strong community partnerships.

David Hodges

Dave qualified as a professional engineer before recently transitioning into education and has commenced teaching in the Technologies Department at Lesmurdie Senior High School. With nearly 30 years of industry experience, many of those as a business owner and company director, he brings real-world experience and applications into the classroom. Since joining Lesmurdie, he has been actively involved in STEM education, mentoring students in robotics competitions such as WARP and Robocup. Dave was previously elected to the School Board in 2024 as a Parent Representative, and is committed to developing strong industry connections and hands-on learning opportunities for students.

Alex Paolino

Alex joined Lesmurdie Senior High School in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience to our Technologies Learning Area with him. His innovative and practical use of technology in the classroom ensures students are actively engaged and inspired to create. He is a passionate supporter of public education and is committed to ensure that our students have access to a wide range of pathways to suit their individual needs and goals. Alex is dedicated to putting students first, providing them with a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment so that they can grow and achieve their personal best.

Parent Representatives

Brendon Boyes

Brendon has been community representative on the Board for 18 months prior to joining as a parent representative. He is passionate about promoting education and recreation opportunities and environments to assist all students towards a bright future. He is a professional engineer in the oil and gas industry and bring to the board skills in data analytics, finances, document review and communication.

Tanya Alestalo

Tanya is a newly appointed Parent Representative with 28 years of professional employment experience. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative approach to her role, confidently contributing to decision-making and service development. Tanya is committed to representing local and community perspectives, working in partnership with others to help shape and improve services for families and the wider community.

Wilmari Nel

Wilmari has joined the school Board as a parent representative in 2026. With previous experience on both P&C and School Board, she is passionate about creating positive community outcomes. She brings over 20 years’ experience as a Stakeholder Engagement, Community Development and Communications Specialist, having worked across a diverse range of sectors including energy, infrastructure, health, non-profit and local government.

Swathi Pandalaneni

Swathi recently joined the School Board and brings experience in Financial Planning and Analysis with Navitas.With a strong background in finance, governance, planning, and performance oversight, Swathi is well placed to contribute to the Board’s strategic decision-making and accountability responsibilities. She is also passionate about supporting students and families and is happy to share information and insights about tertiary education pathways where appropriate. Swathi looks forward to working collaboratively with the school community to support positive outcomes for students.

Kristi Wood

Kristi is a newly appointed parent representative in 2026 with experience in Aboriginal engagement, community development and governance across local government, not-for-profit and corporate sectors. Her focus is on strengthening school-community relationships, supporting inclusive engagement and embedding cultural perspectives in decision making. Kristi lives in the Perth Hills and is committed to supporting positive outcomes for all students.

Community Representatives

Adam Hort

Adam Hort, a sixth-generation Perth Hills resident and Chief Pharmacist for WA Country Health Service, brings extensive leadership experience in governance, health, and community development. A former Deputy Mayor and father of school-aged children, he is committed to fostering a thriving educational environment that supports students and families in the Lesmurdie community.