St Mary's Roman Catholic Primary

Governors

WHAT ARE GOVERNORS?

Governors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about how the School is run. They meet at least once a term in School.

GOVERNORS ARE APPOINTED TO HELP:

decide what is taught
set standards of behaviour
interview and select staff
decide how the School Budget is spent

School Governors have legal duties and responsibilities. They can only act together and not individually.

SCHOOL GOVERNORS ARE:

parents
Teachers or Support Staff at the School
local Council Representatives
Diocesan Representatives (Foundation Governors)

Our school Governors are:

Mr Cragg Chair of Governors

I have been a Foundation Governor at St. Mary’s since 2002, following a teaching career in both secondary and primary schools. I was the Deputy Headteacher at St. Mary’s from 1991 until 2000, before finally retiring in 2007. I have lived in Littleborough since 1970 and have two daughters, one is a teacher and the other is a histologist with Cancer Research UK, and four granddaughters. Outside of school business and family, my interests are sport and theatre – I played cricket and football when I was younger. I have a season ticket for Rochdale AFC and I am currently Set Designer at The Curtain Theatre in Rochdale. As a Governor, I am committed to doing what I can to support the school for the benefit of our wonderful children.

Mrs Ruane Headteacher

As the Headteacher of St. Mary’s, I am also a school Governor. I have been the Headteacher here since 2013 and am really proud of what we, as a school, have achieved; high standards but also the education of the ‘whole child’ in which I believe passionately. The Governors ensure that we always put our children at the heart of all we do and that we continuously strive for excellence at St. Mary’s whilst providing a fun and happy place to learn. As Headteacher, I am always very busy but in my spare time I love spending time with my family. I have two grown up children, a son and daughter. My daughter lives at home and my son lives in Scotland! I enjoy socialising, eating out and when I can I walk, run or go to the gym – I used to run a lot and ran the London Marathon several years ago. I also have a slight wild streak and parachuted out of a plane a few years ago! I also love travelling and visiting interesting places.

Mrs Kelleher Foundation Governor

I am privileged to be a member of St Mary’s school’s Governing Board and to be working with such dedicated school staff. I have worked in the education sector for a total of 44 years in a variety of roles. As a Teacher, I have been privileged to work with children aged 4-18. I began my career working in inner city Salford High schools for 12 years teaching French, History and Religion. I was also the Head of Year 7 and 8, the SENCO and the Liaison Officer for pupil transition. After the arrival of my own three children I decided to learn more about Primary Education, accepted a job in a Primary school where, for better or worse, I became a Headteacher! I am now retired and am a wife, mum and “GrandPam” to three lovely grandchildren.

Mr Taylor Local Authority Governor

As a Senior School Leader I am able to offer a wider educational insight into specific aspects of school governance. I am also a parent and live locally so have a deeply vested interest in actively supporting and contributing to excellent outcomes and successes at St. Mary’s.

Mrs Hudson Parent Governor

I am delighted to have recently been elected as a Parent Governor. I am married and have 2 daughters. I work as a Solicitor and live locally. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family. We enjoy having days out and socialising. I am proud to be part of the St Mary's School community in order to help to maintain the high standards that the school has. I strongly believe that the school offers a safe and encouraging working environment for the children in order to allow them to reach their full potential. I have become a Governor in order to work with others for the benefit of the children and their education.

Mrs Goodall Foundation Governor

I was surprised when I was asked to be a part of St. Mary’s governing board, which was a totally different set up for me. But I said I would love a challenge and it will be a great opportunity to meet different people whose aim is to give the best to the children of our school. I’m married, with 2 children, and I’m working full time as a Staff Nurse. I enjoyed helping in our school activities may it be a Summer Fair or just a class disco and I also volunteered in our school’s reading group. In my spare time, I spend most of it at home with the family, cooking, baking, and just taking the children to their places of interest, ie swimming, cricket or dancing. I’m looking forward to this new role, new learnings and so grateful to be a part of a team that will look after our children’s best interests.

Miss Moore Associate Member (Staff)

I am Deputy Headteacher at St Mary’s and I am very proud to have this role in our school because I believe that our children and staff truly live our mission of loving God, loving learning and loving each other. As Deputy I am an Associate Governor, which means that I attend Governing Body meetings and other meetings and contribute to discussions but I do not vote. I am dedicated to our school and strive in all my roles to give the children in our care the best education possible. Outside of school I love to spend precious time with my family and good friends. I am a dedicated Manchester United fan and have been since early childhood, thanks to my dad! Family occasions are often spent watching our team. When I can I like to play badminton and squash. I also really enjoy the cinema and reading.

Mr Kingston Parent Governor

I am a driven and committed individual with a positive work-ethic who has a passion for developing and supporting people, learners and teams to achieve their full potential.

I have developed a love for the school through seeing my own daughter learn and grow within St Mary's. I would like to be part of the developing vision, ethos and support the school in their strategic direction through a positive, proactive and engaging approach.

Having worked in the Welfare to Work sector in Rochdale for many years in a strategic management position has allowed me to develop some key skills which I think could be transferable and beneficial to the school. A few include managing contract budgets effectively with success, positive external links within the borough and Rochdale council.

More importantly I care. I am passionate about development, education, skills and the benefit thereof. To make a small difference in the future of our most prized possessions - our children would be an honour and personally fulfilling.

Mrs Heyes Staff Governor

Father Lasia - Foundation Ex Officio Member