School Board
The School Board is responsible for the school's strategic direction, ensuring that Phoenix Primary School meets the present and future needs of our school community. It is a formal mechanism for parents, carers, staff and students to participate in school decision-making.
The School Board meets four times a year. Parents and staff representatives are elected early in the year. Staff representatives elected represent all staff in the school.
Our School Board members for 2024 are:
- Gina Fisquet - Chairperson
- Margaret Pretty - Principal
- Francesca Coen - Staff Representative
- Wendy Conti - Staff Representative
- Ivona Jercic-McFadyen - Staff Representative
- Heather Lawson - Staff Representative
- Hilda Srhoy - Community Representative
- Lisa Appleby - Parent Representative
- Andrea Dos Santos Ndlovu - Parent Representative
- Jennifer Hills - Parent Representative
- Laura Masters - Parent Representative
- Kendal Penney - Parent Representative
If you would like to nominate for a position on our school board please refer to the below attachments.
School Board Nomination Form
We would like to introduce some of our School Board Committee Members.
I am excited to be the Chairperson of the Phoenix Primary School Board.
I have one child in year 3 this year and another in Year 5. I grew up in Canada and have lived in Perth for 14 years. I work as an environmental scientist and consultant three days a week.
I believe that Phoenix Primary provides a positive and supportive learning environment for our children and I look forward to being able to contribute to the growth of the school and the continued quality programs, experiences and education provided for our children. - Gina Fisquet
As Principal of Phoenix Primary School since 2013, I have brought to this school a wealth of experience as a School Principal for 31 years. My previous experience has been in such roles such as Consultant Principal Speech and Language , Principal of a Language Development Centre since 1989 and Principal of Cyril Jackson High School ESC, as well as a staffing officer for the W.A. Department of Education. My teaching experience has been in the area of Early Childhood and children with language and intellectual disabilities to Year 10.
My philosophy is about considering the needs of the child first. I always consider suggestions in light of what I would like for my own child. I believe that children have a right to a quality education as this will give them choices in life and a chance to follow their dreams. I want the children to have the option of many varied learning experiences and expand their horizons at school which then may extend to their home. It is important to me that children enjoy their time at school and get the most out of their education academically, socially and emotionally.
I believe that Phoenix Primary School has a great future. It is part of the Phoenix community and that we should support our local community wherever possible. We are providing quality education for our children in a State Primary School, who achieved Independent School status through the support of our school community in 2015. Our improvement continues as we focus on the needs of our students and our community. - Margaret Pretty
It is a privilege to serve the Phoenix community as Deputy Principal and to contribute to the continued growth and success of our school. I am deeply committed to fostering a learning environment where every child feels known, valued and supported to achieve their personal best.
My professional experience spans a range of school contexts across varying socio-economic communities. I won a position as a foundation staff member at a newly established school, contributing to the development of school culture, systems and shared vision from the ground up. Prior to joining Phoenix, I served as Deputy Principal at a Level 5 school in Armadale, where I further developed my leadership capacity in strategic planning, staff development and whole-school improvement.
These diverse experiences have strengthened my understanding of inclusion and the importance of responsive leadership. I am passionate about high-quality teaching, student wellbeing and building strong partnerships with families and the wider community. My leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, reflection and continuous improvement, ensuring that our decisions always place students at the centre.
Since joining Phoenix, I have been continually inspired by the warmth, pride and strong sense of belonging that defines this community. There is something special about the way staff, students and families work together with genuine care and shared purpose. I feel incredibly proud to be part of a school where relationships are valued, diversity is celebrated, and every child is encouraged to shine.
I look forward to continuing to work alongside our Board, staff and families to enhance learning opportunities and build on the proud history of Phoenix. - Francesca Coen
I have been the Deputy Principal at Phoenix Primary School since term 4 2019. In my 16 year teaching career, I have been lucky enough to have taught across all year levels from Year 1 to Year 6. My previous experience also includes being a curriculum leader, education network leader and Teacher Development School coordinator.
I believe that every child matters everyday. All students deserve the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential in an engaging, motivating and inclusive learning environment led by quality teaching. As educators we need to work with the whole child and supporting their social and emotional development is essential to improving overall student learning outcomes.
Phoenix Primary School is a wonderful school full of dedicated, passionate staff who aim to provide students with a wide range of quality learning experiences. We welcome the cultural diversity in our school and enjoy working collaboratively with parents, families and the wider community. - Wendy Conti
I am very pleased to join the Phoenix Primary School Board as a parent representative. I have one child in year one this year, and another in year 4. I am a microbiologist, and currently work in medical research at the University of Western Australia.
I believe strongly that access to quality education is the right of all children, and that education transforms lives. Phoenix PS has a wonderful school community and I will work to serve this community whilst a school board member. I look forward to being part of the continual growth and development of the school, for the benefit of all of the children and their families. - Laura Masters
I’m excited to join Phoenix Primary School Board. Born in Brazil, I migrated to Australia in 2005. My family moved to Coogee two years ago and I fell in love with the community! Joining the School Board is one of the ways I look forward to actively contributing to this community. I’m a social worker with experience in the private, public and non-for profit sector. I’m also a mom of two beautiful girls, who thoroughly enjoy the unique lifestyle and resources Coogee offers. - Andrea Ndlovu
I was raised in Spearwood, and the Srhoy family has proudly lived and worked in the Cockburn community for over 100 years.
From a young age, I have been committed to community service. As a teenager, I became involved with several local orgainsations including the Spearwood Dalmatinac Club, Spearwood Bowling Club, Villa Dalmacia Aged Care Association, and the Naval base Holiday Association. These experiences helped shape my strong connection to our community and the people who call Cockburn home.
In October 2025, I was elected as the West Ward Councillor for the City of Cockburn. I chose to step forward because I want to devote my time to ensuring that Cockburn continues to be a place where people want to live, work, and enjoy life.
My focus is on planning responsibly for the future while respecting and appreciating the rich history that has shaped our community. In addition to my role as Councillor, as a Board member for Phoenix Primary School, I am proud to contribute to decisions that help shape opportunities for the next gerneration. - Hilda Srhoy
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