Baler Primary School

Lisa Armstrong – Chairperson

I have lived in Port Hedland for 25 years and I have been involved with education for 23 years.  I have been at Baler Primary School for 9 years, originally working as an Educational Assistant. In 2017 I assumed the role of Attendance Officer for Baler PS, extending to become the Pilbara Attendance Coordinator for the Port Hedland education district. I feel very passionate about education, and being a member of the school board, I will be able to have an input in the school to ensure our children receive the best opportunity available to them in order to succeed with their education.  I look forward to working with other board members to ensure  Baler PS provides a nurturing and positive learning environment.

Katie Andrew – Principal

I’ve been in education for 28 years, and my journey has taken me across the Kimberley, Pilbara, Midwest, Hong Kong, and Perth. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about ensuring that every student, no matter their postcode, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

As Principal of Baler Primary School, I love the rich diversity of cultures and experiences that make our school community so special. My vision is to create an environment where every student can grow academically, socially, and emotionally from Kindergarten to Year 12.

I’m proud to lead Baler Primary and to be a part of a team that is dedicated to supporting our students in every aspect of their learning journey. It’s a privilege to work alongside the staff, students, and families who make Baler such a vibrant and inclusive place to learn.

Melanie Norman – Parent Member

I’m mum to 3 children, all born and raised here in Hedland. They’ve each attended Baler since Kindy and are now in year 6, year 4 and year 1. I’ve been an active member of the Baler community since my eldest child was in Kindy, starting with the Baler P&C and then moving on to become Parent Representative for the Baler PBS Committee which I am now in my fifth year of, and enjoy very much. I find helping out and being involved to be very rewarding and a great way to become familiar with the school community which is where our children spend so much of their time.
I love living in Hedland and supporting the local community whenever I can and I’m especially passionate about supporting my kids and their education which has led me to becoming a member of the school board in 2024.

Jennie Cromer – Parent Member

My name is Jennie and I have three children at Baler from Kindy to Year Six.  I am passionate about my role in Early Education and Care as Director at Treloar Child Care. I love the harsh yet stunning beauty the Pilbara has to offer. I am excited to be on the Baler School Council and endeavour to positively impact the future of our wonderful School.  

Sonya Orford – Staff Representative

Passionate about education and equality for all, I am eager to represent the staff and students of Baler Primary School by volunteering to be on the Baler PS Board.  As one of the school’s three Deputy Principals, I am able to share the perspectives of Early Childhood and Integrated Computer Technology (ICT) education at the school.  I have enjoyed working at Baler Primary School for the past seven years and was a resident in Port Hedland as a graduate teacher some 30 years ago.  I am excited about the future direction of Baler Primary School and am proud to be an active member of this dynamic group whom are all keen to implement change that will benefit the school’s and students’ future.

Hazel Herd – Staff Representative

Committed to driving curriculum to provide all our children with the best possible educational experiences, I am excited about representing on the school board and working closely with our school community. Originally from Scotland I have been in the Pilbara for one year and am loving living in this beautiful and colourful area. With a passion in English, particularly Reading, I enjoy the way Baler Primary celebrates Book Week, Book Fairs, the Premier Reading Challenge, Baler Bookworms and our home reading program. My role as Deputy Principal for Years Five and Six enables me to work closely with our young leaders. I look forward to meeting and working with our school community to ensure all our students leave Baler Primary ready for the next steps in their educational journey.