Baler Primary School

Adrian Hatwell – Community Member and Chairperson

Karen Burgess – Principal

As Principal of Baler PS I am very proud of the inclusive nature of our school.  Our supportive, enthusiastic and dedicated staff are committed to providing the best educational outcomes for our students.  In my 34 years as an educator I would have to say that Baler PS has one of the most positive cultures, and welcoming nature, of any school that I have experienced.  I began my teaching career in the wheat-belt as a classroom teacher and have worked across many regional areas including Wongan Hills, Yerecoin, Cadoux, Exmouth, Laverton and currently South Hedland (since the start of 2017).  Having been raised in Jurien Bay, (with family ties still there) my heart has always been in regional areas.  During my long teaching career I have only had one metropolitan appointment and after 12 years in the city I was eager to return to regional areas where I love the ‘family’ feel about country schools.  I have a strong belief that education empowers students with choices in life; primary school education provides the critical foundations for those choices and subsequently a student’s later achievements in life. I am excited about Baler’s future and keen to continue to work in partnership with the school and community to build stronger ties as I truly believe a strong and supportive community is paramount to a school’s success.

Jeanette Hasleby: Community Member

I started started my career as a languages teacher and moved into training, curriculum development and project management in the Department of Education.  I’ve had extensive experience in curriculum, policy and strategy development and have been responsible for state-wide strategies for WA public schools for students at risk, attendance and behaviour management. I’ve held a wide number of roles in the education sector including Director in the WA Department of Education overseeing services for students in school attendance, behaviour management, child protection, disabilities and several national projects.

In November 2011 I took up an opportunity at Roy Hill to develop the community agenda including Native Title, Aboriginal employment and business development. I also manage the Roy Hill Community Foundation, a partnership between 12 companies, which supports education, health and arts and cultural projects in the Pilbara.

I’m proud to be a member of the Baler Board and will support the school community in any way I can.

Suellen Paine – Parent Member

I have been a parent of children at Baler Primary School since 2009, having two children go through all their primary school years and are well into high school with one child currently in Year Four. I have watched the school grow and develop with each year that my children have been here. But also seen the change throughout my life since I grew up here in Port Hedland, all my life.

I joined the staff as a causal Educational Assistant (EA) in 2015 before moving to a new position at another school last year. I’ve been on the council/board since 2016. I joined as I’m extremely passionate about the education of the Baler students and building our school into an amazing educational provider.

Jason Keller – Parent Member

I am a parent to my daughter attending Baler Primary School and one son attending HSHS, both for the past two years. I have just this year (2021), joined the Baler School Board. I am looking forward to having the opportunity in being involved in the decisions being made that can impact on mine and other families children’s educations.

I was FIFO for many years before we moved up here to the Pilbara, so I have seen this town change quite a bit over the years. We are very passionate about our new home town and want to see this town and community grow and develop as it deserves.

Ashley Reeve

Lisa Armstrong – Staff Representative and Attendance Officer

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.