Weetangera Primary School | Special Newsletter | School Board Candidates 2023

Weetangera Primary School Board

The Education Act 2004  (the Act) requires that a school board be established for each public school.

The Act describes: the functions of school boards, the composition of school boards, proceedings of board meetings, responsibilities associated with financial and reporting requirements, and the board’s role in principal selection.

The board is responsible for overseeing the school's strategic direction. Operational matters are the responsibility of the principal.

School boards must observe Directorate directions and ACT Government priorities and all legislative obligations.

School Board Candidates

The members of our school board are elected by the school community.

Results from the school board nomination process for Weetangera Primary School - School Board: candidates exceeded the positions currently vacant.

Below is some information from the candidates to help with the voting process.  The election will open Monday 27 February 2023 and closes on Monday 6 March 2023.

If you are listed as a contact, you will receive on Monday 27/2/2023 about how to vote. 

MIKE BEHNKE

We chose Weetangera School based on the excellent reputation the school enjoys in the local community. My eldest daughter is currently in Year 2, and my youngest daughter, who arrived in September 2022, will be a future student at the school.

I joined the Board during 2021 with the intent to contribute in part to the school’s ongoing aspirations. Working in the Commonwealth fraud prevention and investigation space, coupled with previous experience in the areas of school funding and education compliance, has given me a good understanding that oversight of, and accountability for, school operations is critical to maintaining a positive, productive, stable and transparent school environment for students, parents/carers and staff.

Outside of work I enjoy time with family and friends, club level motorsport as a competitor and President of the Light Car Club of Canberra, my role as a foster carer for the RSPCA, and taking time out as a regular donor for the Red Cross Lifeblood initiative.

JEN DAWSON

My name is Jen Dawson and I have two kids at Weetangera, in year 3 and preschool.

I would love to be considered for a position on the school board.  I am passionate about contributing to this wonderful school community I’m so grateful to have been a part of.  But most importantly, I’d like the opportunity to represent parent voices when talking to school leadership about ways the school can support our kids and help them thrive in the school environment.

I’m hoping I can bring my experience in policy development, program management and leadership to the role – alongside a lot of heart and commitment.

YEHUWDIY DILLON

I am an Aboriginal man with bloodlines to the Wongaibon Nation, Stone Country people. In my fanciful youth I trained as a Journalist, but then spent many years as a private consultant working with local and national governments, and non-government organisations, in housing, drug and alcohol, disability, mental health and youth suicide fields.

Drawing on these experiences I retrained as a primary school teacher and taught for many years in Queensland and the ACT, eventually specialising in meeting the needs of children with complex educational and social-emotional needs. I also held positions in several primary schools and the Education Directorate central office as a school leader. Importantly, my work was focussed on school improvement planning processes, systems, and data.

Recently I have moved to ACT Health where I work closely with ACT and Region Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Communities to generate action resulting in improved health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

I have been an active member of the Weetangera Primary School community since my daughter started here in Kindergarten. This has included two terms as Board Chair. Your School Board plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to high-quality education for all students, promoting collaboration and communication among stakeholders, and advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit your children and this community. As Board Chair I see it as my role to support the school and parents, through deep listening and facilitation of frank and fearless conversation, to achieve these outcomes.

HELEN GUYES

I have two daughters at Weetangera Primary – one in Kindy and one in year 6. I am looking forward to taking a more active role in the oversight and decision making at what is a really lovely school. I am committed to lifelong learning and instilling a love of learning in our children. I am keen to cultivate a rich learning environment where our children are challenged and amazed. I enjoy volunteering to support the school and community organisations.

I am currently the On Track Coordinator for the Belconnen Little Athletics Centre, previously served as Fundraising Officer for the Koala Play School, and volunteered for our community toy library. I have been heavily involved in music groups including the Australian Youth Orchestra and Canberra Youth Orchestra. In my day job in the Australian Public Service, I have worked in analytical, strategic and governance roles within the climate change and transport portfolios. I would be grateful for the opportunity to bring my energy, problem solving and listening skills to serve as a parent representative on the school board. Thank you for your consideration.  

INGRID ZAPPIA

I am committed to supporting our wonderful school and excited about the possibility of making a contribution to the Board. Ensuring the school meets the present and future needs of our community is vital in a changing world where education is so important.

I would work hard to provide good representation of parents and carers. I would consult with you wherever possible to ensure your views and perspectives on issues relevant to the future of our school are considered.

I bring relevant skills and experience, with legal qualifications and a working knowledge of public sector governance objectives and process.

Our family has been part of the school since 2017. My husband Adam and I have two children - Vera (year 5) and Dominic (year 2). We are passionate about supporting the school and if elected, I commit to taking the responsibility of this role seriously and representing you with integrity and diligence.