All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.
The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff, Archdiocese and the Local Authority. Whilst the Headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the Governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the full range of academic and social objectives.
Who are we?
St John Fisher Catholic Primary School Governing Body Constitution is as follows:-
The Governing Body consists of:-
- Seven Foundation Governors
- One Elected Staff Governor
- One appointed Local Authority Governor
- Two Elected Parent Governors
- Headteacher
The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected at the first meeting of the academic year and serve a two year term of office. Governors are very much in support of succession planning hence the election of chair and vice-chair ever two years; after two years the chair hands over to the vice-chair who supports the new vice-chair in ‘getting ready’ to ‘drive’ the governing body and school in raising standards.
Testimonial from previous Parent Governor- Mrs Stanners
“Even though my time as Parent Governor has been short I have thoroughly enjoyed it and found the role most rewarding. St John Fisher is a school I am proud to say I have had involvement with and my daughter has thrived beyond expectations. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of an amazing team which I am sure will go from strength to strength”.
The Governing Body of St John Fisher Catholic Primacy School is currently:-
Mrs Sue Orme – Chair of Governing Body
Local Authority Governor
LA Governor until: April 2022 – 2026
Member of: Standards and Quality Committee
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant Committees
“I have been employed in Education for almost 30 years from class teacher through to Headteacher. At present I am self-employed and within this role I provide bespoke support to school staff within various capacities – teachers, TAs and senior staff. Additionally, I am an NPQML/SL/H accredited Assessor and online Facilitator.”
Mr Graham Ennis – Vice Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor: January 2024 – January 2028
Member of the Standards and Quality Committee
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant Committees
“ I am a Senior Local Authority HR Officer and as my children attended St John Fisher I feel a strong sense of involvement in all aspects of the school. I use my skills to support the school in strategic decision process and look for the better outcomes for all concerned.”
Michelle Ravey
Foundation Governor: 10th July 2023 to 9th July 2027
“I am Michelle Ravey and was brought up in Huyton, something which I am very proud of. I am delighted to be appointed as a Foundation Governor to St John Fisher Catholic Nursery and Primary School. Both my husband and I have a strong connection with St John Fisher as my husband was the Deputy Head at the school during the early 80’s and I worked at the school as a Learning Support Teacher from the mid 1990’s up until 2008. I have recently retired from Headship after 35 years in Education as a Teacher and a Headteacher for the last 8 years. I am now working part time at the Archdiocese of Liverpool. My strengths are SEND provision, creative curriculum and Leadership and Management. I hope to contribute to this wonderful school as it continues to go from strength to strength”.
Luke Carter
Parent Governor: 1st September 2023 to 31st August 2027
Zena McCarthy
Staff Governor
Staff Governor July 2023 – July 2027
Member of: Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee, one of two Safeguarding Governors
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“I am a Class Teacher, SENDCO and member of the Senior Leadership Team in school and serve as a member of the Full Governing Body and Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee. I am committed to ensuring that all our children in school, whatever their ability are kept safe and are provided with the opportunities to reach their full potential. I am a passionate and driven teacher who is committed to ensuring that the provision we provide is to a high standard and one that is engaging, challenging and inclusive for all.”
Mrs Christine Smith
Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor: July 2020 – July 2024
A member of: Standards and Quality, RE Governor
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“I am delighted to join the Governing Body of St John Fisher Catholic Primary School. I began my teaching career here over 25 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed serving the school community as a teacher, member of the SLT and teacher governor here until 2009. I have since worked at a junior school in Halton and am now a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Liverpool John Moores University. I am keen to use my years of experience in education and my passion for Catholic education in Knowsley, where I have lived for my entire life, to contribute to the continued high performance of this wonderful school as a member of its outstanding governing body.”
Mrs Victoria Williams
Elected Parent Governor
Parent Elected Governor: March 2021 to March 2025
Member of: TBC
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“As a Parent Governor at St John Fishers Primary School, I am interested in playing an active role in supporting the school in making the important decisions that need to be made. I have two daughters who currently attend the school, and I welcome the opportunity to ensure that the educational performance of the school is maintaining high standards for all pupils.
I wholeheartedly embrace the school ethos and the “At St John Fisher we shine” motto really encapsulates a clear vison of encouragement to work hard to both the pupils and parents.
I have experience in the Education Sector, as a Secondary School Science Teacher, as well as over 10 years’ experience in Management in Banking. These occupations have developed my management skills, people skills as well as my organisational skills which will assist me in my role as a Parent Governor at St John Fisher.”
Vacancy – Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor:
A member of :
Attendance: FGB Meetings and relevant Committee
Vacancy – Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor:
Member of:
Attendance: All FGB meetings and relevant committees
Vacancy – Foundation Governor
Foundation Governor:
A member of:
Attendance: FGB Meetings and relevant committees
Former Governors
Mrs Val Fillingham – Staff Governor
RESIGNED July 2023
July 2019 – July 2023
Member of: Inclusion and Safeguarding Committee, one of two Safeguarding Governors
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
Pamela Langan – Foundation Governor
RESIGNED 21st July 2023
Foundation Governor: November 2022 – November 2026
Member of: Finance, Personnel and Environment Committee
Attendance: All FGB meetings and relevant committees
“I joined the governing body when my child joined reception in 2018. As a parent, resident and parishioner of Knowsley Village, I wanted to support St John Fisher Catholic Primary School in achieving their Mission and Vision. With a background in business analysis, training and career coaching I bring a variety of skills to the board. I am committed to working closely with the board and the school to ensure every child gets the best possible education at St John Fisher Catholic Primary.”
Mrs Catherine Gilhooley – Chair of Governing Body
RESIGNED 18th July 2023
Elected Parent Governor
Parent Elected Governor: July 2019 – July 2023
Member of: Standards and Quality Committee
Attendance: FGB meetings and relevant committees
“As a parent of two children at St John Fisher, one in Year 1 and one Nursery, I value the opportunity to help strengthen the school’s commitment to deliver good quality of education.
As Governor Support Officer for the Local Authority I feel I have the skills and knowledge to strengthen the board, providing support to the school and challenge when needed. I am also a Local Authority governor in another primary school, so I have experience of being on a school governing board. I was previously a family support manager in a social care team for 9 years and I feel my strengths are in safeguarding, ensuring that policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
I am looking forward to working with the other governors, senior leaders, staff, children and parents in the school continuing to see St John Fisher achieve its full potential and shine!”
