College Board
The Canning Vale College Board establishes a vision for the College that reflects the aspirations and needs of the community. The Board can have an important influence on the direction of the school, with members bringing ideas and lending their expertise to strategic planning and community partnerships. Professional skills in areas such as management, finance, procurement, marketing and cultural knowledge support the Principal and strengthen the school’s capacity to meet the needs of its students.
Elected members include parents, staff, students and members of the community.
David Goode
College Board Chairman
B.Bus (Acct & Man) Dip Fin Ser.
City of Gosnells Councillor
Elected Chair in 2016 after being invited to join the Board as the Councillor respresentative from City of Gosnells. I am proud to join the Board as I have a strong interest in education. In particular, two of my daughters spent time at Canning Vale College from its inception in 2004 and my wife is a former teacher. My goal is to assist in ensuring Canning Vale College has the best reputation possible and delivers outstanding education to all those who attend.
From a personal point of view, I am a self-employed business man who owns and operates his own finance broking business which helps people obtain loans for all types of purposes. This, along with being a Justice of the Peace, sitting on the Courts of Traffic and Violence Restraining Orders and a City of Gosnells Councillor, keeps me very busy. I have a strong interest in sports and was pleased to be part of the original committee that established Canning Vale Junior Football Club.
Dean Gurr
Canning Vale College Principal
I have been in education since 1988. My first posting was Wanneroo SHS where I taught for 3 terms before going to do my compulsory country service at Morawa Agricultural DHS for 3 years. In 1992 I returned to Perth, teaching at Lynwood SHS for 4 years where I first stepped into administration as HoLA of Physical Sciences and as the Stepping Out coordinator. In 1996 I took on the role of relieving secondary Deputy at Paraburdoo DHS for 12 months before moving my family again to Narrogin SHS in 1997, where I was HoLA of Biological Sciences and then a Deputy from 2007. In 2014 I once again returned to Perth and worked as relieving HoLA of Science at Pinjarra SHS until the end of term 1 2015, when I moved to Gilmore College as substantive Associate Principal responsible for Timetabling, VET, Student Services and Senior School. In 2021 I was placed in the position of relieving Principal as the substantive Principal moved into a Collegiate Principal role and in 2022 that role became permanent. At almost 10 years at Gilmore College, I saw Canning Vale College as my opportunity to further develop my leadership skills and stretch myself in a new direction. I am very grateful for the chance to work in a new context as far as my role in education is concerned.
Colleen Ernst
Canning Vale College Associate Principal
Colin Carter
Canning Vale College Manager of Corporate Services
Colin Carter joined Canning Vale College in 2024 as Manager of Corporate Services,
With a knowledge of DoE operations and background as a business consultant, brings a diverse range of skills that transcend the boundaries of corporate finance, project/facility management, HR, Service Process Redesign, and Transforming Customer Service.
Living in the suburbs around Canning Vale, provides a grass-roots knowledge of Canning Vale College’s past, present and future.
“I’m excited to be part of the Canning Vale College team. My aim is to enhance every aspect of our institution by fostering a holistic, inspirational, and visionary environment.”
Aaron Richards
Staff Representative
I am a senior teacher, having worked at Canning Vale College for almost 10 years, half of that time spent as Student Council Coordinator. I am passionate about student leadership and am committed to ensuring students receive support to achieve their goals.
I have a background in engineering and a strong interest in STEM subjects. I am advocate of inclusive education and keen to promote specialist STEM studies to all our students.
As a Canning Vale local and former student of the College I am very proud of the outstanding education opportunities it provides. It is my goal to see the College continue to deliver successful outcomes and maintain its excellent reputation amongst the community.
Lee-Anne Patterson
Staff Representative
Tona Robson
Staff Representative
Tony Govorko
Community Member
Keal Byrne
Community Member
Kylie Godfrey
Community Member
It is my pleasure and privilege to be welcomed onto the CVC School Board. I have been the Principal at Ranford for one year and Deputy Principal, at Ranford for 12 years!
One of the great things about Ranford is the student and parent community. There is a focus on the whole child, and we endeavour to provide a balance of academic, physical, creative, social and emotional opportunities for our community focused on values that will prepare them well for high school life. We have a close relationship with CVC and endorse the wonderful opportunities the leadership and teachers are committed to provide students who attend CVC. Many Ranford students go on to complete their education at CVC and there is a sense of pride when many are recognised through awards at their Year 12 Graduation.
I value being on the CVC School Board, strengthening the connection between the schools and the importance of working together, in education.
Soumya Narayanan
Community Member
Cameron Mclean
Parent Representative
I have a daughter at the College and a son who will attend in the coming years. I believe that the education and growth of our kids is one of the most important challenges that we are faced with as parents. I am passionate about ensuring that the College continues to maintain and develop its excellent reputation as a school that delivers for its staff and its students.
I am currently working as a consultant for a local software development company that sells its products globally. I have over 22 years industry experience. I have worked across multiple industries for private, commercial and government organisations. I am passionate about building and delivering outcomes for my clients, that are engaging and a delight to use. This passion, experience and leadership ability has resulted in high customer satisfaction and industry recognition.
In essence I am an IT guy that loves what he does and does it well.
Simone Collins
Parent Representative
I am the mother of two students at the school currently in Year 8 and Year 7, who are both involved with the various specialist programs the College offers.
I bring a wide background of experience:
• I was an active member of the Canning Vale Primary School P&C executive when my children were in Primary School, holding the role of Canteen Treasurer.
• I have been an active member of Rotary for over 20 years, and have held all manner of positions on boards and committees at local, district, and international levels, chairing many of those committees. I have been on the board of a Rotary or Rotaract Club pretty much the entire time I have been involved, and I am currently the PR Director on the board of the Rotary Club of Freshwater Bay.
• I am the Secretary and PR Director of the WA Music Teachers Association (and am also filling the Treasurer role with the resignation of the incumbent Treasurer)
• I have previously been the WA Branch Secretary and was on the National Assembly for Professionals Australia (when it was called the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists, and Managers, Australia); I am no longer involved as I changed industries [I have 2 degrees in science and worked in the IT industry for 15 years].
• I also have a Diploma of Business and have run my own local small businesses in Canning Vale since 2004.
I thoroughly enjoy being an engaged, active member of the communities I belong to, and would love to be more involved with the CVC community. My experiences with Rotary have particularly seen me interact regularly with people from a wide range of nationalities and languages, and with the diversity of nationalities in Canning Vale I believe that is important to represent.
Amanda Paton
Parent Representative
Amanda is a local Canning Vale community member and mother of two young girls, one at the College. She is a Clinical Psychologist and the Deputy Director, Practice for the Australian Centre for Child Protection and holds various board/ advisory appointments. She has worked for many years in therapeutic, research, and academic roles related to child abuse and trauma.
Kelly Ibbitson
Parent Representative
Kelly Ibbitson joins the Canning Vale College school board as a dedicated mother of three and an experienced educator in the fields of music and drama. With her oldest son embarking on his journey at Canning Vale College, Kelly’s commitment to the school community is both professional and deeply personal.
As a primary school music and drama teacher, Kelly has nurtured a passion for the arts and education, believing strongly in their power to enrich students’ lives. Her experience in the classroom gives her a unique perspective on the educational needs and opportunities for students at all levels.
Kelly’s involvement in education governance is long-standing. Since 2016, she has been an active member of the Forest Crescent Primary School Board and has contributed to the Perth Metronet Project through the Thornlie Community Reference Group. Her roles in these capacities have honed her skills in representing and advocating for community needs.
A strong proponent of inclusive education, Kelly is particularly attuned to the needs of neurodivergent students and those requiring special education services. Her personal experience as a parent of neurodivergent children has fueled her commitment to ensuring that all students receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
As a new member of the Canning Vale College board, Kelly aims to be a positive voice for parents and a dedicated representative of the school community. She is eager to leverage her experiences and insights to champion diverse educational needs and to foster a nurturing and vibrant learning environment for every student.
Neil Herbert
Parent Representative
I am a creative thinker and am skilled in undertaking reviews and asking inciteful questions, including those others are afraid to ask. I understand group dynamics and how to obtain input from all team members (i.e. bring everyone into the conversation and enhance collaboration). I am tactful and collaborative. I am keen to assist CVC in further developing its governance, policies and reputation.
I am a chemical engineer who has worked in industry and the water treatment industry (Water Corporation) for over 30 years, undertaking technical and managerial roles. My recent work has included specialist design reviews and working on Standards Australia technical committees (including as technical lead).
I served on the Campbell Primary School Board for three years, including two years as Vice-Chair and was a strong advocate of Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics (STEM). I was also on the school P&C committee for 5 five years.