Parents

Compass

The Compass parent portal provides parents with information relating to student progress, events, attendance and is a key communication tool between the school and parents. Regular news feeds are sent to parents via the Compass app and there is an events calendar for parents to view. The free Compass app is available for download on iPhone, iPad, android phones, android tablets and windows. Parents are requested to download the app to their device. Each family is provided with a login id on commencement at Seaholme Primary School.

Out of School Care (OHSC)

School Council

President: Luke Williams

I’m Luke, Dad of Elle who is now in Year 1. I’m super excited to be in my second year on the school council and to continue being part of the amazing Seaholme Primary School community for the years ahead.

I’m really passionate about leading and developing people and helping them navigate a successful career. I have spent the last 15 years managing teams across Finance, Client Services, Data Analytics, Hospitality, and most recently, Technology. At my current organisation, I’m leading the Technology Graduate Program, partnering with universities to create an foundation of talent.

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, playing tennis at Altona Tennis Club, taking our Cocker Spaniel for a run around Cherry Lake, or playing the odd video game.

I love being a Dad and am committed to being involved in improving the environment that our kids learn and grow in. This year, I am particularly passionate about driving our fundraising efforts and championing school safety, including our continued push for better local traffic conditions.

My ultimate goal is to help contribute to Seaholme Primary continuing to be an amazing, fun and caring school.

Being a part of the school council is such a great opportunity to make an impact and be a voice for parents, so please say hi and let me know your suggestions for us to improve. I’ll be more than happy to represent them.

Vice-President: Joel Plueckhahn

I’m Joel, Dad of three beautiful children, with all three connected to Seaholme Primary School.

When I’m not enjoying good coffee, good food and being a busy dad, I work in the aviation industry managing safety programs, with specialisations in auditing, assurance, investigations and crisis and incident management.

I’m also a Director of the Children’s Cancer Foundation and a Lived Experience Advisor to the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), supporting work in children’s mental health and oncology.

I have an Aircraft Engineering qualification and hold a Bachelor of Business and Commerce degree from Monash University.

My commitment to being on School Council remains to help ensure our school is best placed to provide the most rewarding experience for our kids, parents, carers and the wider local community.

I look forward to seeing you all around the school and, as always, feel free to say hello.

Treasurer: Andrea Kehoe

As a Grade 6 parent and long‑standing member of School Council, I value the opportunity to continue contributing to the school’s growth and success. I have served on Council for the past six years, including four years as President, working with families and staff to support positive outcomes for students.

During this time, I have been involved in fundraising and community events, long‑term school planning, policy development and school reviews. It has been rewarding to help improve facilities and resources that benefit both current and future students.

My family and I have lived in Seaholme for 13 years, giving me a strong understanding of our school community. Professionally, I am a qualified lawyer specialising in civil litigation, with strong experience in leadership, financial oversight and data‑led strategic management.

I am committed to open communication, inclusive decision‑making and working collaboratively for the benefit of all Seaholme students and families.

Parent Member: Rachel Barlow

Over my past four years on School Council, I’ve been proud to contribute to projects that strengthen our school community. This has included helping raise funds for the new basketball courts (2024), securing additional resources, co-organising child-focused events such as our Celebration Picnic, and supporting the introduction of TeamKids and our Vacation Care program.

I’ve lived in Altona with my husband Chris for eight years, with two of our three children currently attending Seaholme Primary.

 I hold a BA in Psychology with Advanced Studies in Early Years and bring 20 years’ experience in senior retail management; including Store Manager at Myer Bourke Street. I also co-direct our family business, ‘Claw & Tail’. In my current role as Compliance Administrator for Guardian Childcare (previously Centre Director), I work closely with families and understand their expectations.

 I’m passionate about giving back and I’m honoured to continue serving on School Council.

Parent Member: Kirsty Haracourt-Cooke

I’m a proud parent of two daughters at the school, one in Prep and one in Grade 1, and our family feels very lucky to be part of this community.

I’ve worked across State and Federal government roles, predominantly in education, for over 10 years, in senior policy and program delivery roles. I bring strong organisational skills, clear thinking and a practical approach to getting things done.

Last year, I was part of the school’s fundraising team and loved working alongside other families to support initiatives that benefit our children. I’m passionate about inclusive, high-quality public education and creating a school environment where every child can thrive.

I care deeply about our school’s future and value the opportunity to contribute thoughtfully and constructively to School Council.

Parent Member: Laura-Jane Hargreaves

I’m LJ, a proud mum of twins in Foundation at Seaholme Primary and a local business owner in the Altona community.

I’m an Osteopath and owner of The Osteopathic Clinic in Altona for over 13 years, where I’m involved in both clinical practice and the leadership and day-to-day running of the business. My role has given me extensive experience in leadership, organisation, education, event planning and, most importantly, working collaboratively with people.

Community has always been incredibly important to me. I regularly run community education events through my work, have co-founded a mental health charity, and was previously part of the Seaholme Kinder fundraising committee, where we helped raise almost $7,000 through our community trivia night.

Since joining School Council, I’ve loved having the opportunity to become even more involved in the Seaholme Primary community. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for families to connect, encouraging parent and carer involvement, and helping make school a fun, welcoming and supportive place for our kids.

I believe strong communities help raise confident, connected and supported children, and I’m excited to bring energy, fresh ideas and a parent perspective to Council while contributing to the continued growth of our already wonderful school.

I look forward to getting to know more of our Seaholme families, so please feel free to come and say hello if you see me around the school! 

Principal: James Barger

I’m a passionate educator and dedicated leader who values building strong relationships with all members of the Seaholme community. I’m deeply committed to fostering excellence and innovation in education, and I believe in the power of schools to transform lives.

 Creating a positive and inclusive school culture is at the heart of my work. I strive to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. I’m driven by a belief in continuous improvement and the importance of nurturing environments where both students and staff can thrive.

 Before working in education, I was an accountant and completed my CPA. With a background in both education and finance, I bring a strategic and holistic perspective to school leadership, balancing evidence-based practice, strong community partnerships, and a deep commitment to equity in every decision I make.

DET Employee Member: Assistant Principal, Leah McClelland

I have worked in education for about sixteen years, working across a diverse range of school communities.

I’m passionate about building students’ social and emotional literacy, preparing them with skills and strategies for life. Students learn best when calm, connected and safe. A foundational focus on wellbeing, paired with exemplary teaching practice, is our key commitment. This is evidenced well in the strong academic results Seaholme achieves so consistently.

As a school, some of the areas we have been invited to share our work on (at conferences and in forums) have been: Professional Learning Communities, Student Voice, Supporting Neurodivergent Learners, Collaborative Partnership Programs, Working with ICAN Network, Whole School Wellbeing Supports, and Facilitating Social Connections. 

On a personal note, I have children who attend Seaholme Primary School. It has been valuable to experience the school through both lenses, understanding parent and staff perspectives.

I consider it a privilege to be a part of Seaholme’s School Council. The staff and parent members’ dedication to the school and students is unmatched, and their professional and personal skills considerably enhance Seaholme Primary School.

DET Employee Member: Sue Day

I have worked in education for around ten years and have always enjoyed the opportunity to work with students and be part of their learning and development. Seaholme Primary School is particularly special to me, as my own children attended the school, so I have a strong personal connection to the Seaholme community.

I genuinely love working with students and helping them feel supported, confident and connected at school. I enjoy being able to help students through both the big and small challenges of school life and seeing them grow in confidence and independence.

 I believe that children learn and thrive best when they feel safe, valued and supported, and that a strong partnership between staff, families and the wider school community is an important part of creating this environment.

It is a privilege to be part of Seaholme’s School Council and to contribute to the school that has been such an important part of my own family’s journey. I am proud to be able to give back to the school community and play a part in supporting positive outcomes and opportunities for all of our students.