Marnie was employed for 13 years by the Department of Education, as an English teacher, Head of Learning (English), and as a Education Officer (English) in the Curriculum and Advisory Branch.

At UWA she lectured in English studies, coordinated the preservice teacher education programs for secondary school teachers, with specific responsibility for English.

Subsequently she coordinated and taught in the professional doctorate program, both onshore and offshore in Hong Kong and Singapore, and served as Dean and Head of School.

Her PhD was a cross-cultural study of senior school students’ comprehension of short stories in Canadian and Western Australian schools. She is a Life Member of the English Teachers Association of Western Australia. Marnie joined the Board of Sevenoaks Senior College in 2005.

Marnie O’Neill is a Senior Honorary Research Fellow in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Western Australia. She served as an English teacher in government secondary schools and as an Education Officer in the Curriculum Branch of the Western Australian Education Department before joining UWA’s teacher education program.

Her research interests were broadened by her role in the Doctor of Education program in which she still supervises international students. Her commitment to schools is currently expressed in her role as Chair of the Board of Sevenoaks Senior College.

Grant has more than 19 years’ experience as a Human Resources Professional, spending over 10 years at Coates Hire as the Regional HR Manager and 9 years with Komatsu as their Regional HR Manager. Grant is responsible for the wellbeing of all employees in the Western Region which is currently more than 1100 employees.

Grant is involved in everything people wise from recruitment to onboarding, career management, remuneration, enterprise agreements and the Healthy Head program for apprentices.

He is also responsible for Komatsu’s Industry Partnerships with schools such as Sevenoaks Senior College. Grant is instrumental in the Company’s partnership with the Clontarf Foundation on a national basis for Komatsu.

Grant is responsible for Komatsu’s strong work experience program for school students which can provide a pathway to apprenticeships within Komatsu or within other companies. His involvement in the apprentice program from recruitment right through their 4-year apprenticeship is the highlight of his career.

We are fortunate to have Grant as our Deputy Board Chair, and as a key member of our TEC Consortium here at Sevenoaks.  

Dr Jan Gray is an Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Education at Edith Cowan University (ECU). Jan has teaching, leadership and research experience in the education sector at State, National and International levels.

She is particularly interested in advancing teaching, research and scholarship of the highest calibre for postgraduate students in an intellectually challenging, supported, socially just and ethical manner. As an experienced Higher Degrees supervisor, she has supervised more than 20 successful completions for doctoral students. Her research areas and interests include School Leadership; School Improvement; School Culture; and Educational Policy.

Leadership roles taken by Jan span School, Faculty and University level service, and included Program Director, Research and Higher Degrees and Associate Dean Research and Higher Degrees in the former Faculty of Education. She is currently an Executive Editor of the international Q1 journal Teaching and Teacher Education.

Tracey has more than 25 years’ experience working within the Vocational Education & Training (VET) sector, in a variety of positions in the TAFE environment and is currently the Director of Client Services at South Metropolitan TAFE.

As Education Pathways Manager for many years, Tracey was responsible for providing pathways and training opportunities for secondary school students through Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS).  Tracey worked with an average of 145 secondary schools, engaged with more than 2,000 school students each year in delivering training which contributes to a students’ successful completion of the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) and graduating Year 12.

In addition, Tracey is involved in various Steering Committees and working groups in support of young people including the Armadale Industry Training Hub, a federal government initiative to improve opportunities for Year 11 and 12 students; the P-TECH Steering Committee at Cecil Andrews College, a partnership program between education, industry and community to develop pathways with an engineering focus; and, the South Metro TAFE Child-Safe Committee.

“I believe that education and training is the critical element for young people to achieve their potential, to enhance their lives and the lives of those around them.”

Dr. Umneea Ahmad Khan is a Strategic Advisor in the Community Engagement Division of the WA Police Force. Before this role, Umneea managed Fairway UWA at the University of Western Australia (UWA) and volunteered for CALD community initiatives and programs.

Dr. Umneea is a strong advocate for social inclusion and education. Her interests include at-risk youth behaviour, youth crime, and cross-cultural research.  

Mary Anne Morgan is a highly accomplished educator with a wealth of experience spanning various educational settings. With a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biochemistry and Microbiology) from the University of Western Australia (UWA) and three additional higher degrees in education from UWA, Mary Anne has continually demonstrated her dedication to academic excellence and professional development.

Throughout her career, Mary Anne has taught a diverse range of subjects including Senior School Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, and Mathematics in District High Schools, Senior High Schools, and now working in a Senior College. Her passion for fostering student learning and engagement has been evident in her dynamic teaching methods and commitment to student success.

Since 2001, Mary Anne has held leadership positions as a Deputy Principal or Principal in both regional and metropolitan schools. In these roles, she has effectively managed administrative responsibilities while also providing visionary leadership and guidance to teachers, parents and students. Mary Anne’s collaborative approach and strong interpersonal skills have facilitated positive relationships with students, colleagues, and the broader school community.

Mary Anne’s extensive experience in education, coupled with her academic achievements and leadership abilities, position her as a valuable asset in any educational environment. She is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, and her contributions continue to positively impact the lives of students and educators alike.

David started teaching in 1978 and taught lower school science and upper school Physics and Chemistry until 2006. During that time he worked at Rockingham SHS, Kewdale SHS, Willetton SHS, Katanning SHS, Armadale SHS, Cannington SHS and was a foundation staff member of Sevenoaks SC. He has had 11 years experience as a Head of Science, 3 years as a Program Coordinator and finally 12 years as Vice Principal at Sevenoaks SC.

David also co-authored Year 10, 11 and 12 Chemistry study guides for the past 25 years.

Having lived in the Cannington area all his life and having work at Sevenoaks SC from 2001 to 2021, he has a broad knowledge of the factors that impact on the engagement and learning of students at Sevenoaks SC.

Oliver Gniel is a Commerce student at the University of Western Australia (UWA), majoring in Finance.

Oliver brings experience from both education governance and community engagement. He is currently employed as a Research Officer at the State Member for Cannington’s office, where he works closely with schools, community organisations and local government on education, youth and community-focused initiatives.

Through his academic studies and professional work, Oliver has developed a strong interest in education pathways, student engagement, and ensuring young people have access to meaningful opportunities beyond secondary school. He is particularly passionate about supporting students from diverse backgrounds to achieve positive outcomes through education, training and community connection.

Oliver is committed to contributing a student-centred and community-focused perspective to the College Board and supporting the continued growth and success of Sevenoaks Senior College.