As a member-driven organisation, Chapters play an essential role in the Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association (WAPPA). They serve as a conduit for two-way communication, fostering support, connection, leadership, and advocacy. Established to facilitate meaningful discussions among members, Chapters enable the identification and resolution of issues relevant to the organisation. Through their Chapter Chairs, members provide direct feedback to the WAPPA Board of Management, ensuring their voices contribute to the organisation’s advocacy efforts.
The role of Chapters aligns directly with WAPPA’s 2022 to 2024 Strategic Plan, which is built upon four key pillars: Support, Connection, Advocacy, and Leadership.
Chapters are structured geographically and aligned with the Department of Education Networks. Each Chapter functions independently, with processes developed by its members to best suit their specific needs. The leadership of each Chapter is vested in an elected Chapter Chair, who is responsible for facilitating communication and representing members at the State Assembly. These Assemblies provide a platform for Chapter Chairs to share issues, contribute to policy discussions, and disseminate important information. To ensure members’ concerns are continually addressed, Chapter-related matters are a standing agenda item at every State Assembly.
A Chapter Chair serves as the primary liaison between members and WAPPA leadership. Their main responsibilities include facilitating communication between members, welcoming new members, and representing their Chapter at State Assemblies, typically held twice per year. At these meetings, they advocate on behalf of their members, bring forward concerns, and contribute to discussions that shape WAPPA’s policies. Additionally, Chapter Chairs promote WAPPA to prospective members and relay field-relevant information, such as critical incidents affecting schools.
When time permits, Chapter Chairs may also organise Chapter meetings, either in person or virtually, and maintain contact with individual members to offer support and guidance. They also play a role in encouraging participation in WAPPA events.
WAPPA provides clear expectations and ongoing support to ensure Chapter Chairs can effectively fulfill their roles. The organisation offers timely updates and relevant information for dissemination to Chapter members. After each State Assembly, Chapter Chairs receive notes to share with their members, along with contact details for relevant services presented at the meetings. WAPPA Board Members maintain frequent contact with Chapter Chairs, assisting with communication and facilitating the election process. Additionally, WAPPA organises Board Member attendance at Chapter meetings and provides logistical support, including hospitality arrangements for events.
By ensuring that Chapter Chairs are well-supported, WAPPA strengthens its mission to provide leadership, advocacy, and a connected network for its members.
| CHAPTER AREA | CHAPTER CHAIR | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| Kimberley | ||
| Kimberley | Jane Salt | Looma Remote Community School |
| Pilbara | ||
| East Pilbara | Andrew Whiting | Yandeyarra Remote Community School |
| Karratha | Brett Mullen | Tambrey Primary School |
| Midwest | ||
| Geraldton | Karin Van Dongen | Rangeway Primary School |
| Lower Mid West | Emma Cooper | Eneabba Primary School |
| Perth Metropolitan | ||
| Alexander | Miriam Thomas | Westminster Primary School |
| Armadale | Samantha Higgins | Kelmscott Primary School |
| Bayswater | Kristy Harrison | Noranda Primary School |
| Carine | Lisa Wade | Poynter Primary School |
| Cockburn | Dane Franklin | Hammond Primary School |
| Darling Range | Steve Matthews | Forrestfield Primary School |
| Fremantle | Naomi Greaves | Southwell Primary School |
| Mandurah | Joanne Harman | Ocean Road Primary School |
| Melville | TBC | TBC |
| Mindarie | Sue Waterhouse | Merriwa Primary School |
| Mundaring | Amanda McCormack | Chidlow Primary School |
| Perth | Robert Marshall | Como Primary School |
| Rockingham | Rebecca Quaid | Singleton Primary School |
| Swanbourne | Barbara Iffla | Jolimont Primary School |
| Thornlie | Chris Burgess | Yarralinka Primary School |
| Wanneroo | Steve Routledge | Spring Hill Primary School |
| Willetton | Trevor Phoebe | Shelly Primary School |
| South West | ||
| Albany | Julie Blogg | Mt Manypeaks Primary School |
| Bunbury | Jason Romeo | Dalyellup Primary School |
| Busselton | Olivia Mathews | Rapids Landing Primary School |
| Wheatbelt | ||
| Avon-Merriden | Emma Cook | Bruce Rock District High School |
| Katanning | Teresa Wigg | Nyabing Primary School |
| Moora | Melissa Harms | Dalwallinu District High School |
| Narrogin | Eloisa Goss | Narrogin Primary School |
| Goldfields | ||
| Esperance | Todd McElroy | Esperance Primary School |
| Kalgoorlie | Sally Fowler | East Kalgoorlie Primary School |
© WAPPA 2025
