Friends of St George's

Friends of St George's update

As we celebrate 10 years in the City of Perth in 2025, there is no better time to launch our inaugural Friends of St George’s, a friend-raising group of parents, guardians and carers who are keen to support our students, staff and school community beyond the classroom. 

Friends of St George’s is a warm and welcoming contact point for all families which heightens the connectedness and positive sense of community on which our school is based.  In 2025, FOSG will be reaching out to our school community for their support and involvement in a number of new events. Further events will be added as the year unfolds, including year group social events and representation at important St George’s moments like the Year 7 Orientation. 

Meet the committee

Tash Coombs - Coordinator

I am mother to Alyssa, Year 9, and Nathan, Year 7, who are in Mandela. I have been appointed as the Coordinator of the Friends of St George’s for the next three years.! I have previously run our local primary school P&C, been on the primary school board and a NFP board as a non-financial member; a gymnastics trampolining nationally accredited judge and I am actively training to becoming the Assistant Group Leader of Bayswater Sea Scouts. I am a payroll supervisor for ASX listed-company MGX.

David Cavanagh – Assistant Coordinator

I am the father of Mia in Year 9. I have my own consultancy business in architecture, engineering and health.  I play in a band with some old uni mates, still play hockey with high school friends (hopefully a WA state team this year), and am happy spending time on the water (sailing or powerboating).  I enjoy character architecture, having restored Art Deco "Blue Waters".  I am pleased to be a part of the Friends of St George’s as I’m a big believer in St George’s and the formative role it has in the lives of our children, making a supportive foundation of knowledge and relationships.

Janelle Barnes - Assistant Coordinator

I have two daughters at St George's - Lorelei in Year 10 and Phryne in Year 7. I am currently the national president of the volunteer-run, not-for-profit, registered charity Home Education Association. I was previously president of the parents and friends group at my children's Montessori school. I am a trained teacher and understand issues from both a parent and school perspective. I have already been actively involved in supporting activities at St George's, particularly in the arts.

Sarah Yates – Year 7 Representative

My daughter is in Lincoln and we’re loving St George’s so far. I have worked in hospitality and psychology my whole life and these days I own a cafe, whilst also working in a private psychology practice. I am an avid camper and gardener who doesn’t mind a spot of craft. I can mostly be found outdoors when the weather is fine, or on the couch with a good book during rainy weeks. I’m really looking forward to meeting the rest of the Year 7 parents!

Marije Potter - Year 8 Representative

Hi, I am Marije, which is not a common name, but think about Mariah and you will come pretty close to pronouncing it! I am here to help out with the Year 8s in any way possible. We have two daughters at St George's - Fieke (Year 8) and Anouk (Year 11), both in Gandhi House. As a family we have been around for a few years now, since Anouk started in Year 7, and still really enjoy the city vibe St George's brings and the opportunity it creates being located in the heart of the CBD. My work is also located in the city as I am working as a business developer for an Asset Management company with close relationships to our suppliers in the UK and the Netherlands, so I sometimes can speak my native language (Dutch).

Melanie Kiely – Year 9 Representative

I am Boston’s mum (Year 9 and new to St George’s this year). I work in the disability, aged and health and health insurance sectors and have a passion for community support /care and supportive and preventative health care. As a new parent to St George’s, I am still finding my way around and look forward to becoming a more integral part of the community and meeting you all.

Rachel Scrimger – Year 10 Representative

I come from Jersey in the Channel Islands; my husband is Scottish. I have been a stay-at-home parent since 2006. I did have a career in banking and finance but gave it up when No.1 daughter arrived. We lived in Singapore for a few years and moved to Perth in 2021, peak pandemic and quarantined at Howard Springs. I have three children – an 18 year old daughter in her first year at Curtin; Kirsten in Year 10 at St George's and a son in Year 8 at Wesley. I have volunteered with the various types of P&C at all my children's schools in Jersey, Singapore and here in Perth.

Mrs Shannon Allen

Dean of School Operations