The School Board contributes to good governance so that school resources are used efficiently, and community expectations and the school’s priorities reflect the needs of students.
The School Board meets each term, in Weeks 4 and 8. Members of the school community are warmly welcomed to attend as observers.
Families can speak to parent representatives about the Board processes. As the School Board supports governance, rather than operations, parent representatives will usually help you determine the best staff member to approach.
Board email address: MLPSBoard@outlook.com
Get to know our 2026 Board Members
At Mount Lawley Primary School, we take connection very seriously. We hope these introductions help you get to know your School Board members a little better.
Board Chair: Catherine Pearce
Board Secretary: Greg Rice
Parent Representative: Saul Karnovsky
Parent Representative: Jayde Smith
Parent Representative: Blake Delcanho
Community Representative: Nathan Curnow
Staff Representative: Principal, Robyn Crump
Staff Representative: Learning Support Coordinator, Ali Dodd (nee Roberts)
Staff Representative: Teacher, Luke Fogliani
Staff Representative: Teacher, Alison Hawkesford
Catherine Pearce: Board Chair & Parent Representative
I joined the Board in 2023 when our eldest son started Kindy as I was keen to get involved and bring the perspective of a new parent joining the school. This year our younger son started Kindy and we still love the great spirit of our school’s community. I am passionate about fostering our inclusive school environment and supporting that through strong leadership, clear strategy and communication.
My professional expertise is as a director, small business owner, and management and engineering consultant. I enjoy getting involved in strategic planning to help people and organisations reach their full potential and achieve the best, balanced outcomes.
I’m pleased to take on the role of Board Chair for a second year, continuing to support our school’s leadership as we embark on the next strategic plan. This year, I’m aiming to increase the Board’s visibility and engagement with MLPS parents and staff.
Greg Rice: Secretary & Parent Representative
I joined the Mount Lawley Primary School Board in 2025 as I was keen to contribute in a meaningful way to the school community and its future direction. My two children attend MLPS in Year 3 and Pre-Primary.
I am a small business owner and operator of an IGA supermarket and Liquor Barons store, with extensive experience across leadership, operations, finance, and strategic planning. Through my involvement with industry boards and committees, I have developed a strong understanding of governance, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making that supports sustainable outcomes.
I am currently into my second year as Secretary of the MLPS Board. I bring a practical, solutions-focused approach to the Board, with a particular interest in ensuring strong communication between the school and its community. I am committed to supporting the school’s leadership and helping create the best possible environment for all students to learn and thrive.
Dr Saul Karnovsky: Parent Representative
I joined the MLPS community and Board in 2023 as my two children at that time were in years two and five. I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to the school community, which it certainly continues to serve that purpose.
I am a former public-school teacher and now work at Curtin University as a senior teacher educator, course leader and research academic in the field of teacher wellbeing and emotions. I bring a wealth of professional experience and a passion for education to the school board. I am committed to representing parents to provide a strong voice for their cares and concerns. As a person living with physical disability, I am a committed advocate for diversity and equity. As a skilled communicator, and mediator I work diligently with the school leadership and parent community to ensure the best outcomes for our students.
Jayde Smith: Parent Representative
My wife and I have had the privilege of living in Mount Lawley now for over a decade. I have recently joined the MLPS Board in 2026 as my two children attend MLPS. I am employed as a psychologist in both government and private capacities. My goal is to apply my skills in service to the MLPS community and school board.
Blake Delcanho: Parent Representative
I joined the Board because I believe I can make a positive contribution to the school’s direction by helping balance and serve the interests of parents, students, staff and the wider Mount Lawley community. I am the proud father of two boys in Pre-Primary and Year 3.
Professionally, I have worked across medium to large financial and insurance services organisations in Australia and the UK, and I currently work for a large Western Australian not-for-profit. I see many similarities between not-for-profit organisations and schools such as MLPS, where decisions should be guided by the collective good rather than individual interests. I believe student wellbeing should remain at the centre of everything we do, and I am committed to keeping that perspective at the forefront of the Board’s work.
Nathan Curnow: Parent Representative
I have been a member of the MLPS Board as the Community Representative for a number of years now, joining the Board to support the fantastic work being done. I have been an educator for 20 years in the Department of Education and I am passionate about supporting student inspiration and aspiration and was drawn to MLPS for its many initiatives to engage, inspire and grow its students.
I am the Head of Learning Area - Science at Willetton Senior High School (since 2025), and formerly the Director - Science at John Curtin of the Arts where I had been for 12 years, working to engage students, including our high proportion of gifted and talented students in the arts, in Science and STEM Pathways. In 2025 I was also recognised with the Premier's Science Awards STEM Educator of the Year (Schools). In addition to my full-time work, I am passionate about high quality professional learning for teachers, have volunteered with professional associations including the Science Teachers Association of Western Australia (STAWA) and have been the President of the Australian Science Teacher's Association (ASTA). I also bring a range of experience on boards and committees, including school boards, and completed a Masters of Education focusing on cognitive acceleration in Science Education. I continue enjoying being involved in the MLPS school community as a member of the Board and supporting the school's continued successes.
Robyn Crump: Staff Representative
Ali Dodd: Staff Representative
Luke Fogliani: Staff Representative
I have been a full time classroom teacher at MLPS since the start of 2022, though I'd worked previously as a relief teacher since mid 2018. I am an accredited snowboard instructor, love playing a bit of sport and enjoy playing computer games in my down time. I feel very privileged to be a part of this community and joined the School Board because I wanted to give back to the place that has given me so much. I intend to use my voice to represent students, staff and broader community of MLPS in an effort to enact positive ongoing growth and change. If you ever see me out and about, I'm always happy to help in any way I can.
Alison Hawkesford: Staff Representative
With 14 years of teaching experience across junior primary and Digital Technologies, I have been proud to be part of this school community since 2019. With a background in multimedia, I bring a creative and practical approach to teaching and learning.
As a mum of three, I value the strong connection between school and community and the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
I am proud to represent our school on the Board and feel privileged to contribute to decisions that support student success and strengthen our community.
BOARD GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK
Mount Lawley Primary School Board Terms of Reference (including Code of Conduct)
Department of Education - School Councils/Boards
Board Meeting Minutes
2025 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes - 27 March 2025
Meeting Minutes - 6 March 2025
2024 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes - 28 November 2024
Meeting Minutes - 24 October 2024
Meeting Minutes - 12 September 2024
Meeting Minutes - 8 August 2024
Meeting Minutes - 13 June 2024
Meeting Minutes - 21 March 2024
Meeting Minutes - 22 February 2024
2023 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes - 30 November 2023
Meeting Minutes - 2 November 2023
Meeting Minutes - 7 September 2023
Meeting Minutes - 10 August 2023
Meeting Minutes - 15 June 2023
Meeting Minutes - 23 March 2023
Meeting Minutes - 1 March 2023
2022 Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes - 27 October 2022
Meeting Minutes - 1 September 2022
Meeting Minutes - 17 March 2022
Meeting Minutes - 17 February 2022
Should you have an interest in any information not already published on this page, please do not hesitate to contact the School Board on MLPSBoard@outlook.com or the Principal on Principal.Mountlawley.PS@education.wa.edu.au.
