Marri Grove Primary School Board consists of parent representatives, a member of the P&C, staff representatives and the Principal. Members of the community may also be co-opted by the Board for specific duties as need arises. The Board meets regularly during the year. Both the P&C and School Board are vital components of our school and we strongly encourage you to become involved and play an active role in your school community.
The Board is responsible for:
- Determining priorities and objectives for the next planning cycle
- Endorsing the school’s Business Plan and the Delivery and Performance Agreement
- Endorsing the Budget associated with the Business Plan to see that it is consistent with the priorities set
- Reviewing the Business Plan based on the analysis of student outcomes
- Reviewing the Annual School Report
- Reviewing the Schedule of Fees and Charges
School Board Members
Kayla Summerscales – Board Chair and Parent Representative
Hello! My name is Kayla Summerscales, and I am proud to be your School Board Chair. My connection with Marri Grove began in 2016 when my first child started kindergarten. Since then, the school has supported our family in so many ways, and I’m very grateful for the care and kindness shown by staff over the years.
I joined the School Board in 2023 as a way to give back to the school community and to provide a parent perspective on board matters. It’s been a wonderfully positive experience, and I’ve enjoyed working with such a great group of people.
As Chair, I’m looking forward to continuing to support the school and to work together with families, staff, and the wider community. I am passionate about ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a positive and supportive learning environment.
I’m proud to be part of the Marri Grove community and look forward to continuing this journey with you all. If you see me around the school, please feel free to say hello—I always enjoy a chat.
Sharn Mery – Parent Representative
Hello my name is Sharn Mery. I am married with one child, an 8-year-old boy. I have lived in Byford for 10 years and worked in childcare in multiple roles for 23 years. I made a career change 3 years ago and started a small family business Enchanted Sleepovers and Picnics.
Joining the board, for me was a way to connect with my child’s school community and be a part of the decision-making process that promotes a positive inclusive culture. I’m passionate about early intervention and working together for the best outcomes for our children. Being a board member has assisted me to gain a deeper understanding of the legislation requirements that our school follows, and in return builds Marri Groves values and policies on.
My goal is to encourage other families to join the board who will come with a variety of different voices and experiences to share. Hopefully I will be able to bring something positive to my child’s school with my years of experience in the early years education sector. The happy medium of the parent hat and the educator hat.
Kat Jellema – Parent Representative
My name is Kat Jellema. I am a member of the local Byford Community.
I have 3 Children. One has finished their primary years at MGPS, one is in Year four and my youngest hasn’t started school yet. I work full-time at a university, and I’m also Secretary of the school P&C.
My background is in education, early childhood, vocational education and training and higher education. I have also studied Management, Business, Criminology and Justice and Auslan (Australian Sign Language). I joined the school board so that I could better understand the school’s strategic direction and have a voice in helping the school achieve the best educational outcomes and experience for all students.
Lorriane de Lafontaine – Parent Representative
I’ve been a proud parent at the school for 6 years with twins in Year 4.
My motivation in joining the Board is to be involved in supporting school improvements.
Hugh Jones – Community Representative
My name is Hugh Jones, and I am the community representative on the board. I have two adult children, one of whom has special needs, and I spent 30 years in the Navy with a significant time spent away from my family.
I am on the school board to offer a different perspective from a teacher and a parent, and to help contribute towards a wonderful school that we can all be proud of.
Isabella Bulich – Staff Representative
My name is Isabella, and I am a Year 3 Teacher at Marri Grove Primary. I have joined the school board because I am passionate about supporting the growth and success of our school community. In my role as a Year 3 Teacher, I witness the positive impact that effective leadership and teamwork have on student achievement. I want to play an active role in shaping decisions that benefit not only our students but also our staff and families. By being part of the board, I believe I can offer a valuable classroom perspective, helping to strengthen the connections between teachers, administration and the community while advocating for the needs of both students and educators.
David Conlon – Staff Representative
Hello, my name is David and I’ve been a teacher at Marri Grove Primary School for 14 years and feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and supportive school community. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching many local families and forming strong connections with students, staff, and parents alike. I joined the School Board because I care deeply about our school and wanted to help shape its future in a meaningful way. I’m passionate about education and committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
Hayley Edwards – Staff Representative
Hi, my name is Hayley and I have been working in the office at Marri Grove PS since 2017
I have 2 children – daughter who is currently in Year 12 and a son who is currently Year 8
In 2023 my family and I moved to Texas USA for my husband’s work. The experience was amazing, but we are happy to be back in Byford.
I have joined the school board as I am passionate about Marri Grove PS, staff, students, and families. I would like to assist in supporting the direction of the school and its values. To help with the impact of our schools growth and needs.