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Our Governors

Meet the governors

JOHN STOREY - Chair of Governors, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury 

I have been a foundation governor at St Mary’s for over twenty years and Vice Chair since November 2016. I retired two years ago after some forty years working in and managing a textile manufacturing company. My connection with St Mary’s school and parish began in the 1980’s and my children and grandchildren attended the school since then until the present day.

Committees: Finance and Personnel Committee, COVID-19 Committee

Term of Office: From September 2016 To August 2024

Register of Interests: None 

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: My daughter is a teacher at St Mary’s

 

VALERIE CLARE - Vice-Chair of Governors, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury

Foundation Governor at St Mary’s Catholic School since 2022. I am a practising Catholic, and a parishioner of St Mary’s. My two grown-up children attended All Saints Catholic College. I am a retired Director of Midwifery and work part-time on a consultancy basis for the NHS. I look forward to supporting the school to achieve its goal of fulfilling the potential of every child.

Committees: Premises, Safeguarding, Health and Safety Committee and Catholic Ethos, Curriculum and Standards Committee

Term of Office: August 2022 To August 2026

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

LESLEY BIDDISCOMBE - Foundation Governor,  Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury

I have been a Foundation Governor at St. Mary’s since December 2020 and I’m enjoying learning about this important role and how I can support the school and its community.  My daughter attends a local Catholic High School, and I am a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church.  I have worked in Human Resources for the whole of my career and I’m currently a People Partner, working for a well known engineering company.  Outside of work  I like to spend as much time as I can with my family and friends so am looking forward to when we can all be together again.

 

Committees: Finance & Personnel Committee, COVID-19 Committee

Term of Office: From December 2020 To August 2024

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

SAM FOSTER - Foundation Governor,  Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury

I am a practising catholic and the  school and Parish have played a significant part of my life, for many years, as both my daughters and I all attended the school. I have been a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s since 2016; it was a privilege to be asked by Father Oliver to become one again, after my term of office finished as a Parent Governor when my youngest daughter left at the end of Year 6.  Currently I am a Teaching Assistant at a local junior school and I have a lot of experience, knowledge and understanding of how school works.  I am an active member of my local gym and support and take part in any charity events that they may hold.

 

Committees:  Catholic Ethos, Curriculum and Standards Committee, COVID-19 Committee

Term of Office: From February 2017 To August 2024

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

 

 

JAN ROBINSON - Foundation Governor,  Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury

 

I joined St. Mary’s in 2003 and have had several different roles since then.  I am currently Early Years/KS1 Lead and SENDCo.  I have been a staff governor since 2018.  I attend full governing body meetings and sit on the Catholic Ethos, Performance and Standards Committee.

 

Committees: Catholic Ethos, Curriculum and Standards Committee, COVID-19 Committee

Term of Office: March 2018 To March 2026

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

 

 

Suzanne Meadowcroft - Local Authority Governor,  Appointing Body: Local Authority

 

I am a Local Authority Governor at St. Mary’s and have been since November 2021.  This is the second time I have been a governor at St. Mary’s, having been a Parent Governor until 2016 when my youngest child finished at the school.  I am a teacher and Head of Year at All Saints Catholic College and have lived in the area all my life.  I am proud to be on the Board of Governors again, as I am passionate about children having access to the best possible education and nurturing environment to ensure they can achieve and aspire to be the best they can be. 

 

Committees: Premises, Safeguarding, Health and Safety Committee

Term of Office: November 2021 To November 2025

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

 Phil Young - Parent Governor, Appointing Body: Elected by Parents of St. Mary's Catholic Primary School

I have a child who is pupil at the school and all being well my other child will be attending when he is school age. This gives me a greater chance to understand what the school is about and how I could assist the school. I have been in the police for 14 years and have a very good understanding around safeguarding as this is the main focus when dealing with the most vulnerable people in our communities especially children.

 

Committees: Safeguarding, Health and Safety Committee, 

Term of Office: July 2023 - July 2027

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

Gareth McDonough - Parent Governor, Appointing Body: Elected by Parents of St. Mary's Catholic Primary School

Currently work at Stryker Medical as a product specialist, training and supporting surgeons and theatre staff in orthopaedic surgeries.

Worked within a pupil referral unit for 2 years providing alternative curriculum.

Over 20 years’ experience in further education as a lecturer within Sport and Public Services and as a curriculum manager across a wide curriculum. Head of faculty for Sport, Public Services and Health and Social Care.

Military background

Grown up within the parish of St Marys and attended St Marys Primary as a youngster.

Committees: Finance and Personnel

Term of Office: July 2023 -  July 2027

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None

 

Lisa Williams - Foundation, Appointing Body: Diocese of Shrewsbury

I have lived in Dukinfield for most of my life and been a part of St Mary’s Parish community. I attended St Mary’s Primary School from 1976 – 1983, before moving on to All Saints Catholic College. After leaving school, I trained to become an accountant and worked in the aircraft industry for a number of years, before retraining in 2004. After qualifying with a BA Hons in Primary Education with Mathematics specialism in 2008, I became a primary school teacher, teaching mainly in years 5 and 6 at Gorse Hall Primary School in Stalybridge.  I am currently Assistant Headteacher at St Stephen’s RC Primary School in Droylsden, where I am KS2 Lead, Senior Mental Health Lead and responsible for Assessment. I have a passion for history, art and cricket, which I like to indulge in my spare time. I was extremely honoured to be asked to become a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s and am looking forward to being a part of the school community once more.

 

Committees: Catholic Ethos, Performance and Standards Committee, Finance and Personnel Committee

Term of Office: July 2023 -  July 2027

Register of Interests: None

Relationship to governors or members of Staff: None