Our Board

Elonera Limited is the company which governs Elonera Montessori School. The company's Board of Directors works on the strategic vision and direction of the school, which is implemented through the Principal and all staff. Student success with a focus on self-motivated life-long learning and kindness, help to center every Director as we plan for the future.

The strategic vision and direction is outlined in the Strategic Plan, a 5 year plan ranging from 2020 to 2025

School Structure

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Every year Elonera Limited reports to its members and the wider community via its AGM. This year's AGM will be face-to-face in the High School, with a ZOOM option available for those who can't attend in person.

Elonera Montessori School now operates under an opt-out membership system, where every parent, guardian, and staff member is automatically enrolled as a member of Elonera Limited. Membership grants you the right to vote at the AGM and nominate for the Board of Directors.

If you have any questions or would like more information about your membership status, please feel free to contact us. Please note that all parents, guardians, and staff members are automatically considered members, unless they have choosen to opt-out and have notified the school of this decision.

View our Constitution

Board and Director Nomination

Directors also welcome nominations for a Board of Director role from current Members and our community. While anyone is welcome to nominate, the Board is particularly interested to hear from those with professional skills in finance, building/development/construction, legal and culture and community building.

Joining our Board will provide opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that will help our organisation enhance relationships with stakeholders, further cementing Montessori service delivery across Australia.

If you would like more information, please visit the links below. There is also a form for anyone who would like to nominate themselves for the position.

EMS School Board - Expression of interest

Meet Our School Board

Elizabeth McIntosh-Muldoon

Elizabeth is Elonera Limited Chairperson and has been a Director since 2019. She has undertaken the AICD Directors course, AIS governance training and has a professional background in law and journalism. Elizabeth and her family have been involved with Elonera Montessori School since 2015 and she has children in Stage 2 and Stage 3 who will go on to complete the International Baccalaureate.

Gerard Duck

Gerard joined the Board at the 2020 AGM and brings experience from a previous board role in a not-for-profit allied health association as well as substantial experience working with boards in public health services. Gerard has had a long association with EMS since oldest daughter Lily joined the Parent Toddler program in 2006.

Daniel Potter

Since 2015, Daniel has held the position of Executive Director/CEO of Shopfront Arts Co-op., a youth arts organisation based in Sydney. Daniel believes creative expression is crucial to building strong community ties and is passionate about utilising the arts as a tool of empowerment for adults and Young People alike.

Dan Bleakman

Dan joined the EMS board in 2023 having relocated with his family from Sydney, and following six years as a board member of Inner Sydney Montessori School (ISMS). Dan has three children at EMS across stages two and three, and looks forward to seeing them continue their journey to the EMS high school. Dan runs a global marketing consultancy and hopes to bring that experience and understanding to help further the growth of EMS in line with the strategic plan.

Tony Sothmann

Tony joined the EMS Board in 2023 and is also a member of the EMS Finance Committee. Tony and his family have been members of the school community since 2020, with his three children spread across Stages 2 and 3.
Tony brings expertise in risk management, finance, and governance from working in global organisations in the property, funds management and consulting sectors. As a Director, Tony aims to assist the School to achieve its ambitions and expand its impact in the community.

Chye Toole-Anstey

Chye joined the Board in August 2023, and brings a wealth of community and human services sector experience. Chye has previous experience on boards in the not-for-profit sector. Community engagement and co-production at the fore of all activities for Chye and they are currently a Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Wollongong. Chye has a child in Stage 2 at EMS.