School Board and Governance
Ownership, Governance & Administration
Blue Gum Montessori School Inc. is a private, independent school operated by Blue Gum Montessori School Inc. (the “Association”) and registered with Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety.
The Association is not for profit, incorporated in Western Australia, of which one parent per family or legal guardian who have signed their child’s enrolment form are Members. It is governed in accordance with the Rules of Association by the Governing Board, who are elected from among the Members at the Annual General Meeting and external professionals.
Under the Education Act (1999), the Board employs the Principal to manage the day-to-day operations of the school. By law there has to be a clear delineation between governance and operations.
The Association holds its Annual General Meeting in May/June each year, to elect the Board of Directors. Directors must agree to abide by the Code of Conduct.
We are currently looking for a new Independent Director to join the Board, for a term of 2 years.
If you are interested in joining our team and contributing to our School’s governance, please contact nominations@bgms.wa.edu.au to ask for your nomination pack.
If you would like to talk to someone about what is involved, please contact Sonia Abbott (parent volunteer) via boardadmin@bgms.wa.edu.au..
Meet our School Board
Sara Zahedi
Board Chair
Sara Zahedi is a senior projects lawyer and Principal of Zahedi Legal, where she advises on major construction, infrastructure, and energy projects across Australia and internationally. She works with government and private sector clients, offering strategic legal and commercial guidance on both transactions and disputes.
Sara holds a Master of Construction Law from the University of Melbourne and regularly advises Boards on large-scale capital projects. Alongside her legal practice, she is committed to community service through pro bono work supporting at-risk youth, refugee communities, and international justice initiatives.
Recently appointed as Chair of the School Board, Sara is honoured to support the School community and contribute to its continued success.
Ben Elphick
Board Vice Chair
Ben is an Enterprise Architect for Rio Tinto and has extensive experience in strategic planning, and creating and mapping out business and technology capabilities. Ben has more than 10 years of experience in major commercial projects as an IT governance professional.
Ben has skills in stakeholder engagement and management, as well as policy and process design and governance.
Adela Ciupryk
Board Secretary
Adela is a Chartered Accountant and the Financial Controller of ASX-listed Volt Group Limited and has 20 years of experience in financial accounting, management, reporting and tax. She has held senior finance roles in a range of private and ASX-listed companies and also has experience in tax and business advisory services.
Brendon Read
Board Treasurer
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Ryan Lee
Board Director
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Eva Dobozy
Independent Board Director
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Please click here if you are interested in learning more about the Role of the Board.
