School Board – East Victoria Park Primary School

The EVPPS School Board is a forum to contribute to the improvement of the school and its community. Discussions are focused on improving whole school strategies to enable all students to reach their potential. Meetings are scheduled at least once per term. At least one meeting per year is open to the whole school community – to be advertised in the school newsletter and online calendar.

The Board operates according to the Terms of Reference and members are comprised of parents and staff.
From time to time the Board may identify and invite Community members to support whole school initiatives. For further information please contact Shannan Laya (Chair) or Kim Knowles (Principal) by email.

Our board members

Board Chair – Shannon Laya

I originate from Chicago and have lived in Perth since 2011. As a speech pathologist with over a decade of experience in the United States educational system, I was interested to continue participating in education after migrating here and becoming a parent. I have found it enlightening to learn about similarities and differences between American and Australian public education systems.

My family entered the East Victoria Park Primary School community when my son started kindy in 2018. I joined the school board as a parent representative in Term 2 of 2019. I am currently chair of the board. The board contributes to good school governance, by advising the school on policy matters and steering the school in decision-making. As chair, I consider it my duty to support the board and the school’s governing structure to ensure their priorities are aligned with the needs of the students.

Throughout the years that I have been in the EVPPS family, I have been pleased and proud to see the school continually grow as a robust and diverse community. The school strives to nurture and develop the potential of its students emotionally, socially and academically, and this has been heartwarming to not only observe but play a part in.

Principal – Kim Knowles

I began my teaching career in the Goldfields, gaining valuable experience in a variety of schools across different year levels. This early experience allowed me to develop a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within diverse educational settings. My first leadership role was at North Kalgoorlie Primary School, where I began to hone my leadership skills and further shape my educational philosophy. Since moving to Perth, I have held a variety of school and system leadership roles, including at Cloverdale Primary School and Kapinara Primary School. Additionally, I had the privilege of working as a Principal Consultant for Statewide Services in the Literacy and Numeracy team, a role that broadened my perspective on systemic educational practices.

With a broad range of teaching and leadership experiences, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to educational improvement. My leadership journey has been defined by a passion for creating inclusive, supportive environments that empower both students and educators to thrive. I am deeply committed to community engagement and believe in the power of strong partnerships between schools, families, and local communities. Ensuring that every student has access to the resources and support needed to succeed is at the core of my educational philosophy. As Principal of East Victoria Park Primary School since 2021, I continue to advocate for policies that promote equity and excellence in education for all.

Staff member – Louise Gray

As the Deputy Principal for K-2, I oversee the teaching and learning programs for our youngest learners, ensuring they have the foundation they need to thrive. I am a highly motivated and passionate educator, dedicated to the nurturing and education of today’s children. My commitment to the teaching profession goes beyond my own role—I am driven by the belief that every effort I make contributes to the success of all those involved in the education process.

I bring a strong focus on effective literacy practices, as I firmly believe that teaching children to read is one of the greatest gifts we can provide. Reading is not just a skill; it is the gateway to success, empowering students with the essential tools for academic achievement and personal growth. I am particularly passionate about early intervention, as I know that all children are capable of learning when given the right support and strategies.

In my leadership, I lead with integrity, building trusting relationships with both staff and families. Guided by the principle, “Let’s make this happen together,” I strive to create an environment where collaboration and innovation drive continuous school development and improved student outcomes. My dedication to fostering success in every child remains at the heart of all that I do.

Staff member – Hannah Cox

Ally Perry (School Officer – non voting member)

Parent members

Shannon Laya

Kyle Hammond

My name is Kyle Hammond, and I joined the EVPPS School Board in 2024 as the P&C representative. I work as Senior Asset Manager in a property investment company managing a portfolio of commercial assets ranging from shopping centres to office buildings. I have two young sons aged 3 and 5 with one currently at EVPPS in Pre-Primary and the other to join Kindy in 2025. My role on the board is diverse with the focus on being the link between the School Board and the P&C.

Lauren Garvey

I have been a part of the EVPPS community since 2014, when my first son entered kindergarten. After becoming a class parent representative and having my second son start kindergarten in 2018 I felt inspired to become more involved and nominated for the School Board. Over the past seven years I have worked with three school principals, and as Board Chair during 2021 – 2023 I was part of the panel that selected our current principal, Kim Knowles. It was a challenging time, as the school navigated the difficulties and ongoing changes of COVID, but we made our way through it together as a community. As a Chartered Accountant, and as a mother, I feel privileged to be able to be able to work with Kim Knowles, Shannon Laya (the current Board Chair), and the rest of the Board to provide oversight of the School’s governance and contribute to achieving the goal of the best possible learning outcomes for all students.

Katie Keady

I have been an EVPPS parent since my son started kindy in 2016. He has now graduated, and it’s his middle sister’s turn to be a big Year 6, with his little sister following along in junior school.

Over the years, I have taken on the role of Class Parent Representative several times and have volunteered at P&C and other school events as much as possible around my career in the Arts.

As an artist, I love how strongly the Music curriculum features at EVPPS. It has been wonderful to see my children participate in the Junior and Senior Choirs and the Senior Concert Band, and both my older children have had the opportunity to start learning an instrument through the IMSS program.

I also really appreciate that my children are being educated in a culturally diverse environment, which is reflected in the student body and shines through in the class performances at school assemblies. I encourage all parents to come along to these regular events, as they are a fantastic opportunity to connect with the whole school community.

Tim Keeley

I have two kids, Zenta and Nichika, who have attended EVPPS since pre-kindy.

I’ve been working in outreach, community engagement, marketing, and education for more than 20 years, with the past 15 or so at Curtin Uni. You’ll often see me on my bike picking up the kids after school—feel free to grab me for a chat about music, old-man basketball, or anything related to schools or Uni education!

Shabnam Nasheri

As an EVPPS parent since 2016 when my son Zane, who is now in year 7 joined the pre-kindy program, later joined by my daughter Sara who is currently in year 4, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible school wide community spirit and the school’s commitment to its educational values.

I have experience in governance, strategic planning and policy in the public sector by trade and have a strong passion for the development of children and junior youth. I have had gained much experience including a qualification in teaching, over the last couple of decades volunteering in several capacities in programs aimed at empowering children and junior youth.

I aim to complement my professional insights and passion for the development of children with a balanced parent perspective to support and promote the strategic direction of the school.

Andrew Wilkinson

I have two children at EVPPS, in Years 6 and 4.

I work as a public sector economist, and in my spare time, I enjoy riding my bike around town and coaching junior cricket and soccer teams.