The School Board plays a pivotal role in the governance and communication processes of our school, serving as a conduit between the school administration, parents, and the broader community. For more information about School Boards in WA Public Schools refer to the following link: School councils and boards - Department of Education.

The current school board members are listed below.  If you would like to learn more about the Responsibilities and Functions of a Board Member, refer to this link: 

Responsibilities of Council/Boards Members and School Council/Boards.

School Board Members

Melissa Walker
Principal
Joined School Board 2021

I am deeply honoured to be the Principal of Albany SHS. Having previously been a Head of Learning Area (HOLA) at ASHS back in 2003, this school and its community have always held a special place in my heart and mind. Returning to Albany feels like a homecoming, and I consider it a privilege to make this beautiful region my permanent residence.

My journey in public education spans several decades, and my unwavering passion lies in education, particularly innovative and effective teaching. I find immense pride and joy in witnessing students achieve their learning goals and reach their full potential. Over the past 17 years, since my previous role at Albany SHS, I have assumed leadership roles in various educational institutions across Western Australia.

My leadership experience includes positions such as Deputy and Principal at East Kimberley College and Halls Creek District High School, as well as stints at Newton Moore Senior High School, Wongan Hills District High School, Narrogin Senior High School, and the Western Australian College of Agriculture - Narrogin. These experiences have enriched my understanding of education at different levels and provided valuable insights into creating successful learning environments.

One of the fundamental lessons I have learned throughout my career is the importance of building strong working relationships and partnerships with parents and the community. Collaboration between school, home, and community is essential in providing the support necessary for our students to excel and achieve personal excellence. I firmly believe that the School Board plays a pivotal role in ensuring that we remain committed to our journey of success, continuously striving to meet the diverse needs of all our students and improve their educational outcomes.

I am immensely grateful for the dedication and hard work of volunteers on our School Board. Your commitment to our school's vision and strategic direction is invaluable, and together, we can work towards creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

I look forward to working closely with the entire Albany SHS community, students, parents, staff, and the School Board as we embark on this journey to provide our students the best possible education and support. With your collective effort and dedication, I am confident that Albany SHS will continue to be a beacon of excellence in education.

Candice Matthews
Staff Representative
Joined School Board 2024

I am a proud Wongi woman from Kalgoorlie and have felt welcomed and honoured to be working on Noongar boodja. Currently, I serve as the Follow the Dream Coordinator for the Great Southern region, based at ASHS. Before this role, I dedicated myself to teaching Humanities and Social Science in Albany and Karratha.

As an Aboriginal person, I understand the significance of community in shaping a student's sense of belonging and success. This understanding is what drives my commitment to serving on the school board. The school board provides a unique avenue for me to actively build relationships with the local community, ensuring their voices and perspectives are heard and respected in educational decision-making processes at our school.

In my role as the Follow the Dream Coordinator, I connect with many institutions to provide opportunities for Aboriginal students, such as job opportunities, cultural experiences, and the arts. For this to be successful I need parents to be involved, engaged and feel connected to the school, and I need students to feel like each of these stakeholders is there for them. Through my position on the school board, I hope to support the school in developing these connections to benefit our students and community.

I am looking forward to working with the school board to achieve the best outcomes for our students.

Luke Hantzis
Staff Representative
Joined School Board 2025

Deputy Chairperson since 2025

I joined Albany SHS in July 2024 as an English teacher following stints at Kalgoorlie-Boulder Community High School and Esperance Senior High. Prior to becoming an educator, I worked as a solicitor in New South Wales, specialising in care and protection and family law matters. It was during this time that I realised first-hand how important a child’s education was in determining their future.

Knowing I wanted to make a real difference, I transitioned from law to teaching through Teach For Australia’s Leadership Development Program. This decision has allowed me to have a tangible impact on the next generation, in a manner aligned with my core values of justice, fairness and equity. Since taking the leap, I have remained committed to supporting students from all backgrounds in achieving their full potential, not just in my role as a teacher, but as a Follow The Dream tutor, providing mentorship and academic support to our Indigenous community.

I am passionate about fostering a culture where all students feel safe, valued and empowered to take ownership of their learning. A key focus of my teaching philosophy is the promotion of Student Voice, ensuring young people play an active role in shaping what they learn, and how they learn it. By encouraging students to engage critically with their studies, we create a relevant and more meaningful school experience.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the board, and look forward to working collaboratively with our parents, student leaders, fellow staff members and the wider community in providing an enriching and equitable environment for all at Albany SHS.

Mischa                                                      
School Captain 2026

Student Representative
School Board 2026

Arlen

School Captain 2026

Student Representative
School Board 2026

Tim Martin
Community Representative
Joined School Board 2026

I am the Director, UWA Albany, leading The University of Western Australia's operations, teaching and engagement in Kinjarling/Albany. UWA’s mission in the Great Southern extends to raising aspirations and pathways to universities, delivering complete degree programs, coordinating experience-rich fieldwork units, and conducting research on Country, at sea, and with the community across WA’s biodiverse south coast. 

Before commencing as Director, UWA Albany in November 2023, I was the Associate Director, Student Services & Engagement at UWA, leading the university's student services and central student administrative teams.

I have worked in higher education for over 20 years at UWA (6+ years) and Murdoch University (14+ years). I am experienced in leading large and diverse teams with responsibility for core functions within a compliance and governance-led framework, always with a student focus.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) and a Bachelor of Marketing and the Media, both from Murdoch University. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a graduate of the Signature Leadership program with Leadership WA.

In my work outside, I served for over 5 years as a board member and secretary for Multicultural Futures, a not-for-profit organisation supporting refugees and new migrant communities.

I am passionate about raising aspirations and creating opportunities through education and training to empower diverse communities.

Roslyn Holmes
Parent Representative
Joined School Board 2024

I was born an Albany resident and attended Albany SHS from 1990 – 1995. A keen sports person (I may still hold an Albany SHS record), I moved to Perth to attend University and graduated in Architecture with Hons in 2000.

After University, I travelled overseas and worked in various places from 2001 to 2007 before returning to Albany in 2007. After my return, I worked for various architectural practices until 2011, when I took over the firm Holmes Architects. I have two children; one commenced Year 7 in 2024, and the other commences high school in 2027.

I am interested in leadership and governance and have been involved in various organisations over the past 17 years in Albany, both in Business and Sports. I have been designing educational buildings in Albany and various small schools around the southwest. I interacted highly with the Grammar School Board when designing their middle school, gymnasium, music building and art & technology buildings in 2007 - 2010. Focusing more on family for the past ten years, I have been running my Architectural practice and undertaking smaller projects.

Hobbies outside of work mainly involve kid's sports. However, I enjoy photography, outdoor adventure, reading, and learning about new ideas, and I am a fan of TED talks.

Having a history of attending Albany SHS but a passion for new ideas, I want to see a balance of tradition and innovation. I have connections with the local business community and a passion for creating great spaces for students to learn. I want to see all students achieve to their best abilities and would love to be able to be involved at a governance level to help achieve this. I will focus on ensuring all students strive to achieve their personal best and are nurtured to do so.

Erin Aslett

Parent Representative

Joined School Board 2025

I am an Albany local, having settled here with my family at a young age and I am now raising my family amongst the natural beauty of the South Coast.

I thoroughly enjoy volunteering, having held various committee positions across both community groups and sports clubs in the past 12 years. I have found it very fulfilling to use my skills and knowledge to ensure these groups run smoothly and successfully. My current role as Secretary for the Mt Lockyer Junior Soccer Association has been a great opportunity to be able to assist keen little soccer players to enjoy a sport, encouraging leadership, communication, and a sense of belonging. My oldest child commenced Year 7 at ASHS in 2025, and it has been a very positive experience to join the school community.

I graduated from ECU in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business (Human Resources Management). I have worked within the public sector across various positions from district administration to human resource consulting and training coordination. I have a passion for developing leadership capabilities within business and community settings.

My current role at SRTAFE has given me a perspective into the interaction between education and training and how we can support young people to reach their full potential. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in the future direction of ASHS as it supports the next generation to make a positive impact on the community.