Governance & Policies

I am currently a mother of four children. When my girls were younger, they attended Montessori schools in the United States. When my husband and I learned of Perth Montessori, we knew it would be perfect for our son. He has had a wonderful experience at Perth Montessori and it is so pleasing to know that he is experiencing an adolescence that is filled with opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and genuine happiness. 

I work at Edith Cowan University's School of Education as an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Associate Dean (Research). My passion lies in advocating for socially just schooling for all children, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances. I believe schools should be safe places where every child feels valued, respected, and included. It's crucial to me that educational settings promote inclusivity and equity, offering each student equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. Please feel free to learn more about my work via my work profile here: https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/staff/profiles/executive-team/associate-professor-melanie-brooks

As an educator and researcher, I have dedicated my career to studying and improving educational structures, policies, and practices. I currently sit on the School of Education's Executive Committee and serve as the Chair for several other university and school committees. I have a good understanding of corporate governance, deliver on strategic objectives, and work with integrity, respect, and personal excellence.

I am eager to share my knowledge, expertise, and collaborative skills to contribute to informed decision-making that will enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for the Perth Montessori community. I am committed to advocating for policies and practices that prioritise student well-being, academic achievement, and the development of an inclusive school community where every child (and teacher and staff member) can flourish. My background in education can bring an informed perspective that I hope will be useful to the continuous improvement and growth of the school. 

I am passionate about Montessori, from the twin perspectives of a parent whose child attended a Montessori school from ages 3-18 and a staff member who has held a variety of teaching and leadership roles in two Montessori schools. I began my career as a founding teacher for a small community school in Fremantle and was also involved with starting an independent secondary school in Victoria, which means I have a good understanding of the need to balance vision and logistics. I have worked with Boards in my leadership roles at Treetops and RMS, and have also participated in the development of strategic plans for both schools. I am also familiar with Big Picture as a learning framework for an Adolescent Program. I am currently the Chairperson of the Montessori Teachers Association of Western Australia.

I can consider the development of Perth Montessori School from a range of perspectives. As I former Montessori parent, I understand the importance of Montessori and community to the flourishing of individual children and their families. As a teacher for 9-12 years olds and 12-18 year olds, and having held various leadership roles, I have a good understanding of the operational demands of small schools (while being able to embrace the joy of a small, school-based community). I do not have direct, personal ties to Perth Montessori School, so can consider situations from a fresh, unencumbered, independent point of view. I do have the experience of a 20 years in Montessori schools, and a commitment to the long term viability of Montessori in Western Australia. 

I'm Katie Clarke, a proud Wardandi Noongar woman from the South West of WA and currently my son goes to Perth Montessori. My daughter will hopefully be joining Montessori next year.

I work as a consultant with major government agencies, mine sites and Aboriginal corporations just to name a few, I have skills in communication, active listening and being able to abide by cultural protocols at all times. I'm also one of the lead facilitators for my company which sees me travelling around Australia frequently, I'm not afraid to have those difficult conversations but also very happy to help people along on a journey where everyone can be satisfied with the outcome. 

In 2024, I joined the School’s Reconciliation Action Team and have regularly attended meetings to work towards identifying goals for the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and planning actions to progress this work. Along with my mum, I volunteered at the First Nations Cultural Day, sharing our culture in the damper making activity. This was a fantastic day for me, knowing my son was attending a school that was so inclusive. Along with my sister, Danie, we will present cultural awareness training for the staff later this month during a professional learning session.

I think I can bring a unique insight into putting First Nations culture into the school. Also trying to navigate raising two young children to be proud of who they are and where they come from. My children are Aboriginal, Egyptian and Australian so I really try to make sure they understand what that means and how important their mixed culture is to them.

Born and raised in Perth, Sally moved to Melbourne in 1996 looking for adventure. While studying for her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, Sally worked in after-school care and unexpectedly discovered the joy of working with children. She subsequently went on to complete a Graduate Diploma of Education (Primary) at Monash University, commencing her career as a classroom teacher in 2004.

Sally has travelled extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, India and south-east Asia and speaks French and Spanish. In 2006, Sally spent two years living and teaching in Colombia. It was at that time that she came across Paula Polk Lillard’s book, Montessori Today. Reading this book ignited a spark in Sally’s imagination; she was determined to embrace this holistic approach and began working towards her International Montessori Teaching Diploma that year.

Sally’s passion for Montessori has sustained her throughout her career in education; from teaching in mainstream and Montessori classrooms, to investigating parents’ reasons for choosing a Montessori school in fulfilment of her Graduate Certificate of Educational Research, the child-centred philosophy of the Montessori approach has been her beacon. Sally holds a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Monash University and has worked as an Inclusive Education Leader, Deputy Principal and most recently Principal of Mount Dandenong Primary School. Sally is inspired by the privilege of working with communities to effect educational change at the school and system level. She strongly believes in the transformational power of Montessori education to change lives for the better.

A couple of Sally’s favourite nuggets of wisdom are; "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." (Maya Angelou), and "The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn." (Alvin Toffler)

At the start of 2022, Sally, along with her husband and kids, relocated to Perth for a lifestyle change and to be closer to her own family. Outside of school, Sally loves spending time with her family and dogs, especially exploring nature and discovering new places. She enjoys travel, walking, reading and cultural pursuits such as museums, galleries, restaurants and live music. Sally joined PM in 2022.

Nina originally comes from Kenya and moved to Australia in 2004. Being multi-lingual, she speaks Punjabi, Hindi, Kiswahili and is currently learning French. Nina is a CPA qualified accountant.

Before coming to Perth Montessori, she had several accounting roles in various companies including Shell Australia as a Systems Accountant and at a legal firm in Trust Accounting. Nina came to PM in November 2020 and looks after the finances and cash flow. In her role, she loves the excitement of everything falling into place. Nina values the Montessori way due to its many, different modes of learning, some of which even involve playing games.

When not working, she enjoys walks on the beach, hiking, and watching TV. Nina is grateful for so many things, including being given the opportunity to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018.

The best advice she has ever been given is; "Believe and have faith in yourself." Also; "Every day is a Gift. Remember to unwrap it with Joy and Gratitude."