School Board Member Profiles

Robert Marshall
Principal

It is my privilege to join Como Primary School this year. The 2023 school year marks my 19th year in education, and my 10th in school leadership.

I firmly believe that every child can be successful, and that the partnership between home and school plays a key role in building confidence and value in learning, and empowering students to be active and engaged citizens. The School Board plays an important role in strengthening this partnership.

I look forward to working with our Como Primary School Board this year to build on our school’s existing strengths, and to begin laying the foundations for our next strategic cycle.

Jenny Hess
Board Chairperson / Community Representative

Having had two children attend Como Primary School, I have been a part of this awesome school for many years. I work locally in local government with a background in Leisure Planning and Sport and Recreation Management. I have 20 years local government experience in strategic planning, project and facility management, community development, building relationships and clear communication.

Being on the Como Primary School Board I hope to build on the existing “family” within the school to empower, nuture and encourage our students to be the best they can be. It’s a great opportunity for me to give back to a school that provides so much to our families.

Sophie Millson
Board Deputy Chairperson / Staff Representative

I began my career at Como Primary School as a relief teacher, before winning a full-time position in 2020. I have had the honour of teaching at our school for the past three years, and this year I am teaching the Year 4/5 class. 

As an educator, I am committed to exceeding expectations and ensuring children are supported to reach their full potential in all facets of their schooling, including academic achievements, sporting endeavours and in their individual pursuits of creative and social growth. In addition to my classroom role, I am the STEAM Lead Teacher and serve on the ICT Management Committee. I recently lead the change and update of our BYOD Policy to ensure greater safety for students when using digital devices and to empower parents to gain greater control. I worked to develop our updated school websote to better promote our school and to allow greater accessibility for our growing multi-cultural community.

As a member of the School Board I intend to be an advocate and a representative for the staff I am fortunate to work along side, and for the students who attend our school.

Candice Glass
Board Secretary / Staff Representative

I have been the School Officer at Como Primary School for five years, getting to know all the students and families. I am also a former Como Primary School parent and P&C member, assisting our school community in the uniform shop and as school banking coordinator.

Having served as the ex-officio secretary for the Como Primary School Board for the past five years, I am looking forward to taking on the role of School Board staff representative and being able to actively participate and contribute to the direction of the school.

Louise McCague
Staff Representative

I am an experienced Early Childhood and Junior Primary educator with over 25 years of experience, and have been on staff at Como Primary School for 14 years. In 2023, I am teaching Year 2. In addition to leading teaching and learning for students, I have provided support and mentoring for both my colleagues and pre-service teachers.

During my time at our school, I have played a major role in the ongoing improvement of the school grounds and environment, including the Early Childhood playground, the vegetable garden, and the nature playground. I have also championed policy and operational changes to support gender diverse students, including a review and update of the our school’s Dress Code, and the establishment of an inclusive, universal access toilet. 

 

Safiyyah Aziz
Parent Representative

I am a mother of three, my eldest having been through Como PS, and the younger two in Year 3 and Pre-Primary. In addition to my role on the School Board, I assist with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Parents Events, in which we meet once each term to talk and share on a range of topics and experiences.

I work as a Clinical Psychologist, primarily working with children facing developmental challenges through the public service. I am passionate about children’s wellbeing and development. In my private work, I run various programmes including a multicultural playgroup, parenting and teen programmes for the CALD Australians in Perth.

I believe that a good school is one of the primary factors in a child’s wellbeing, and look forward to helping ensure Como Primary School is a place where all our children love coming to every morning.

Pascal Elahi
Parent Representative

I am a Supercomputing Researcher and Application Specialist with a PhD in Astrophysics. I am an enthusiastic promoter of science literacy and have given public talks to a wide variety of audience, from “Print of Science” talks to presentations in schools, including Como Primary School. I have also been a visiting lecturer at Curtin University.

This year, my daughter has moved into Pre-Primary. Through my role in the School Board, I am eager to become more involved within our school and the school community.

Criz Firmani
Parent Representative

I have been a member of the Como Primary School community since 2017. This year my two children have going into Year 2 and Year 5.

I have a background in Communications, and I am currently working as a journalist. I am also an active volunteer with a number of charities.

As a member of the Como Primary School Board, I aim to use my experiences and curious nature to assist the school continue to be successful.

Jaylene Flynn
Parent Representative

Our family has been part of the school community for a number of years, and I currently have one child remaining at Como Primary School. I have enjoyed being involved with the P&C, and have found our school to be a wonderfully inclusive school with generous community spirit.

After completing my studies in Accounting and Corporate Governance, I worked initially in Finance and Accounting functions, before shifting predominately to IT roles, bridging the gap between IT and Business.

I have served on committees in a variety of countries around the world, and I seek to bring these experiences to the Como Primary School Board as we strive to achieve our school’s motto – ONLY OUR BEST – and to assist the school to build on its strengths and succeses.

Maryann Tsai
Parent Representative

I was born in Taiwan and migrated to Perth when I was 10 years old. I have one child at Como Primary and I have enjoyed being part of the school community. I have been a class representative for the kindy group, volunteered in the school canteen, assisted with reading and have been a parent helper within the classroom. These duties have given me the opportunity to meet and engage with parents, staff and students.

I have a Bachelor degree in Engineering (major in Information Technology) with honors from the University of Western Australia. I have worked in the private sector for 8 years as a corporate account manager in various industries managing client accounts and dealing with clients on a daily basis. I have also had the opportunity to run projects and manage a small team. In addition, I have worked in the public sector for the Department of Workforce and Training for 6 years in various roles dealing with students and staff on a daily basis.

I’m currently the founder/CEO of Reach Her Inc – a non-profit organisation. I enjoy volunteering at the school and being part of the School Board. I hope to bring my various experiences to the School Board.

Josh Honsa
Community Representative

This is my sixth year at Como Primary School, with my daughter having started in Kindergarten.

My professional background is in auditing, creating and reviewing policies and procedures, and ensuring that required accreditation standards are being met. This work has had with a focus on the field of youth mental health.

As a member of the Como Primary School Board, I hope to utilise my personal and professional experiences to give back to the school that has already done so much for my family.

Jo Laufer
Community Representative

I am an experienced teacher and school leader who has recently returned to Perth after living abroad for many years. Most recently, I was based in Hong Kong where I was Head of School for one of the the primary campuses of Kellett School – The British International School in Hong Kong.

I am keen to remain connected to education and was delighted to join the School Board at Como Primary School and become part of the supportive community that surrounds it. I bring 25+ years of experience in the education sector, gained in Hong Kong, UK and USA. I have worked extensively with school boards during that time and hope that through my membership I can contribute positively to the journey of Como Primary School.