Governors

Welcome to this section of our website where you can find out more about our instrument of government and the work of the governing body at St Joseph’s.

The role of the school governor is a position of considerable responsibility. Governors are part of the strategic leadership of the school and have a role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education. One of the ways in which we do this is by challenging and supporting Mr Saunders in his leadership of the school. Our decision-making affects the life and work of the children, staff and parents that make up the community that is St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School.

We work in close partnership with the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Education and the Local Education Authority to provide the highest quality of care and education for all our children. At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to our mission statement:

learning, growing, belonging… happy together in God’s family.

We are firm believers that ‘every child matters’ and therefore believe that all individuals should be cherished and nurtured. Pivotal to this belief, we want every child to enjoy and thrive during their time at St Joseph’s, while making progress and achieving to the best of his/her ability.

Meet the Team

Mr A Saunders - Headteacher

I have been Headteacher here since September 2008 having previously been Deputy Headteacher for three years.  I believe strongly that in immitation of Christ, ‘we wash each other’s feet’ in our service to the community.  At St Joseph’s, all of us strive with the same vision to give the best we can for each child. We want to provide the best setting, conducive to learning and marked by a generosity of each person to achieveing the best together.  Staff, governors, families and children all work to achieve their potential for its own reward and for the common good.

Mr D Banks - LA Governor

 

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Miss J Rowlands - Foundation Governor

I became a foundation governor at St Joseph’s in April 2019. I joined the governing body because I wanted to support the work of our local Catholic Primary school, ensuring that children are able to flourish both spiritually and academically. Before moving to Penketh I lived in Luton, where I served as a borough councillor for three years, and as a school governor for six years. I currently work as a Head of RE in a secondary school in St Helens.

Mr Nathan McQuaide - Staff governor

Mrs K Price - Chair Governors - Foundation Governor

Chair spring term 2015 Foundation Governor since 2013 Working background I have worked as a primary school teacher for 23 years. Until 4 years ago I worked full time, now I work as a supply teacher which I love as it gives me chance to see how things are run in a variety of other schools. I was a governor in the primary school I taught in for 12 years. Links with school I have 3 sons, all of whom attended St. Joseph’s.  Which of the committees are you currently on?  a member of the Standards committee. A few sentences to describe why you became a governor As a teacher I was always grateful for the support given to my school by our governing body. Often they were critical and demanding but it helped us as a school move forwards and improve the standards and as a result improve the education of the children in our care. I chose to send my children to the school and I therefore want to see St. Joseph’s thrive and succeed and become an Outstanding school. If, by giving a few hours of my time each half term, I can help the head and staff at the school to raise standards and ensure that every child there

Dr S Hale - Parent Governor

I joined the school as a parent governor in December 2021 and have two children in the school. I work as Assistant Headteacher in a local secondary school am very passionate about the role education can play in nurturing and developing potential in all children. I aim to support the Headteacher, all staff and the governing body in striving to ensure that all the children at St Joseph’s receive an excellent standard of education, and a fulfilling school experience.

Mrs C Hillier - Foundation Governor

I became part of the Governing Body at St. Joseph’s in October 2022 and have two children that attend the school.

St. Joseph’s has always been a special place having attended as a child. It is very important to me that Catholic life is at the heart of our children’s education and our school community. I aim to support St. Joseph’s strong ethos, beliefs and values.

Being a primary teacher in a Catholic school in Widnes for ten years and leading Religious Education means I have a passion for teaching and learning – supporting and guiding children to reach their full potential as well as having a sound knowledge of safeguarding and the primary national curriculum. I hope to use my experience and expertise to support the governing body in their school improvement in all areas, striving for excellence.

Mr P Allen - Parent Governor

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Mrs P Craig - Vice Chair of Governors - Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board October 2018. I have worked for Cheshire Constabulary in the Force Control Centre for 8 years, In this role, I have experience in dealing with complex crimes, providing advice and reassurance to victims and witnesses and dealing with safeguarding incidents.

Prior to this, I worked as a Recruitment Consultant recruiting Teachers for temporary and permanent roles within the Cumbria area.

My daughter is currently in Year 1 at the school.

I am driven by the desire to get the best for all children at St Joseph’s, as well as for their families and the wider community.  Just like every other parent at St Joseph’s I want the very best for my children. I want them to be happy, confident and get the best from their education.  I am excited to be part of the team to help St Joseph’s maintain its high standards and meet future challenges.  I am privileged to be given the opportunity to represent parents and carers at the school.

Mr A McLachlan - Foundation Governor

Foundation Governor Since 01/02/14 Working background Solicitor Links with school My daughters  attended St Joseph’s. Which of the committees are you currently on? Business committee A few sentences to describe why you became a governor I became a Governor because I wanted to help make a difference to the school and to work in collaboration with the teachers to ensure the best possible education for pupils, past and present.

Mrs S Powell - Foundation Governor

I am a Biology teacher at a Catholic High School in Manchester. Before moving into teaching, I worked in academic science research; my husband and I lived in Dundee, Paris and Manchester before moving to Warrington in 2014.

I have two children attending St Joseph’s, my daughter is in year 3 and my son in year 2.

As a teacher myself I appreciate how important a supportive governing team can be for a school. I’m looking forward to working with the very talented staff, that we have at St Joseph’s, and to assist them in achieving the school’s aims.  My children thoroughly enjoy coming to school and I’d like that to be the case for all of the school’s pupils.

Vacancy - Foundation Governor

 

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