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Governance

The Work of the Governing Body

The Governing Body of St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School ensures that all children attending the school are in receipt of the best education possible underpinned by the values of the Roman Catholic Church.

The Governing Body consists of 12 members who are either parishioners, parents or school staff.  Each Governor has individual responsibilities for aspects of the work of the school for example, Safeguarding, SEND as well as areas of the curriculum.

The Governors meet on a regular basis to focus on matters relating to school improvement and then as a whole body once a term.  Governors are encouraged to challenge the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team.

All Governors are offered regular training sessions.  These sessions are usually delivered by the LA, Salford Diocese or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.  As well as an annual programme of Governor Visits, governors are encouraged to come to collective worship, class masses or on school trips.  

The Chair of Governors meets with the Headteacher on a regular basis.

Governing Body Structure

The full governing body meet once every term.  The Resources Committee oversees finance, premises, security, health and safety and meets at least once a term.   The Curriculum and Pupil Wellbeing Committee also meets at least once a term and considers matters relating to provision and standards, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.  

Other committees which meet less frequently, are Admissions Committee, Pay Committee and Disciplinary Committees (Staff and Pupils)

Each Committee has a separate Chair.  (see below)

Attendance at Governing Body Meetings

St Marys RC Denton meetings attendance 2020-21

St Marys RC Denton meetings attendance 2021-22

St Marys RC Record of Attendance at GB meetings 2022-2023

Governor Committee Structure Block 

Committee Block Structure and Link Governor roles 2022-2023

Annual Governance Statement

Annual Governance Statement 2021-2022

 Current Governing Body Information

 

Name John Galvin
Category of Governor Foundation Governor
Term of Office 9th March 2022 – 8th March 2026
Committees Resources, Pay and Admissions Committee
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

I have been closely associated with St. Mary‘s for nearly all my life. 

I first attended the School as an Infant as long ago now as 1955 in the days when Mr. Gleeson was Head Teacher.  I left the school for De La Salle Grammar School in Salford in summer of 1963.

From there I went on to study for a Law Degree at Manchester University and in 1977 was enrolled as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court. 

It was our Parish Priest and Chair of Governors, Father Vincent Cavey who recommended to the Bishop of Salford that I should become a Foundation Governor 20 years ago now, during the time when Mr. Brierley was Head Teacher.

During the past 20 years or so, our three children have attended and thrived at St Mary’s, in common with so many other children who have attended the school.  It has proved a wonderful launch pad for their future careers and later lives.  During this time there has been such an improvement in all aspects of School Life that when last inspected by Ofsted, in 2013, St. Mary’s was adjudged to be Outstanding.

I was pleased and privileged to hold the position of Chair of the Governing Body from Easter 2010 until the Autumn of 2015, and I have been proud to be able to support our School Community in my role as a Foundation Governor.

Pope Francis’ said:

“Find innovative ways to create dignified jobs for young people”. 

The role of Governor at St. Mary’s is one way to help the School Community to achieve that wonderful goal.

Name Jane Currie
Category of Governor Foundation Governor
Term of Office 29th November 2022 to 28th November 2026
Committees Resources and Admissions Committee
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

I work for HMRC where I am a Technical Customer Service Leader. I have spent 15 years as a manager of several teams from trainees to experienced staff.  As a governor, I believe if we invest in our children and support them in their personal and spiritual growth they can develop their own unique character, realise their full potential and lay the foundations for a happy and successful life.

I am proud of St Mary’s School and of the parish of St Mary’s where I attend Mass each week with my son. I am keen on strengthening the links between the two as well as the wider community.   I am also a member of the PTA. I have come to realise we have a lovely strong support network here at St Mary’s with lots of supportive parents and dedicated staff.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to give more to St Mary’s school and the parish. 

Name Deidre Reeves
Category of Governor Headteacher
Term of Office N/A
Committees Admissions, Curriculum and Pupil Wellbeing, Pay and Resources
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in Other Schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

After teaching in Catholic Schools in Rochdale and Manchester, I joined St Mary’s in 2004 as Headteacher.  I have been a member of the Governing Body since my appointment.  I am a National Leader of Education and a Diocesan Leader of Education and offer support to schools in challenging circumstances.  I also act as a Diocesan Adviser to governing bodies for Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher appointments.

As Headteacher, I report to and attend all committee and full governing body meetings.  It continues to be a pleasure to work alongside such a talented team of dedicated staff and committed governors.

Name Michael Rooke
Category of Governor Parent
Term of Office 8th Feb 2020 – 7th Feb 2024
Committees Resources, Pay and Curriculum and Pupil Wellbeing
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

In January 2016, I had two children attending St Mary’s RC Primary and Nursery School and felt it was time to give ‘something back’.  I already helped on the PTA, something any parent can get involved in.  When a vacancy arose in January 2016, I put myself forward to become a Parent Governor.  In February 2016, I was elected by other parents to become one of the school’s two Parent Governors, for a term of up to 4 years.

In January 2020, my term of 4 years was almost up.  As I’d learnt so much during my first term and enjoyed the role, I decided I would put my name forward again, for a further 4 year term, starting in February 2020. No other parent put their name forward, so an election wasn’t necessary and I began my second term.  I still have one child attending the school.

I am the link governor for Maths and Science.  The roles I have taken on suit my background skills the most, being a practical type person, as I’ve been an avionic engineer for my whole career.  I completed almost 15 years in the military.  Since then, I’ve been working on civilian aircraft, as a UK CAA B2 Licenced Engineer, working all over Europe and the Middle East.

Since I became a parent governor, I have completed many courses, which have helped me a great deal, as there was a lot to learn.  I have worked hard to understand the workings of the school and find it very interesting.  These courses have definitely helped me become an effective member of the team of School Governors.

As we all know, the last school report from Ofsted classed St Mary’s “Outstanding”.  That is no mean feat and is testament to the hard work of the Headteacher, teaching staff, governors and children alike. Everyone is working hard to keep this level of attainment by way of continuous improvement.

I have no family ties in Denton/Manchester (they live on the East Coast in Scarborough).  This school, which I and fellow parents should be proud of, is one of the main reasons we will be staying where we are.

Name Claire Cull
Category of Governor Chair of Governors
Term of Office 2nd October 2022 to 1st October 2026
Committees Resources and Admissions Committee
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

 

Name Victoria Johnson
Category of Governor Staff Governor
Term of Office 28th September 2022 to 27th September 2026
Committees

Curriculum and Pupil wellbeing Committee

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

I joined St Mary’s in September 2022 as Deputy Headteacher, having previously taught in catholic schools in Salford, Wigan and Trafford since beginning my teaching career in Bedfordshire in 2011. 

I have experience teaching across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and have led a research group with the Open University in Trafford, focusing on developing reading for pleasure pedagogy in schools. 

I am passionate about ensuring that all children at St. Mary’s receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum that will enable them to develop their God given talents to the best of their ability, working with staff, families and the community to achieve this. 

Name Fr Joseph Gee
Category of Governor Foundation Governor
Term of Office 1st October 2022
Committees

None

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools C
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

 

Name Mrs Margaret McDonald
Category of Governor Foundation Governor
Term of Office 29th November 2022 to 28th November 2026
Committees

 

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

Education has always been a part of my life.  In my career I have taught at schools in Manchester and Stalybridge before completing my teaching career as Head of Music at St Thomas More RC college in Denton before retiring in 2017. 

I am an active member of St Mary’s parish where I am involved as a musician and reader.  I have recently been appointed as a Parish Safeguarding Representative and assist with Baptism preparation courses.  Both of my daughters attended St Marys, and my husband is a former governor, so I have always had close links with the school.  During my time at St Thomas More and through the parish I have been fortunate to witness and work with a number of pupils from St Mary’s, and I have always been impressed by their behaviour, positive attitude and respect for others. 

I was honoured to be asked to become a foundation governor of the school and believe that with my educational background and parish links I will be able to contribute towards continuing success of St Mary’s school.

Name Mr Daniel Kabal
Category of Governor Foundation Governor
Term of Office 24th February 2023 to 23rd February 2027
Committees

 

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

My primary and secondary education took place at St. Anne’s RC primary school in Audenshaw and St. Thomas More RC High School in Denton.  Upon leaving high school, I was accepted into St. Thomas Aquinas RC college in Stockport where I completed A-levels in Law, Psychology, English Literature and Maths.

Not long after leaving college, rather than attending university to study psychology, I decided to apply to become a police officer with the Greater Manchester Police.  I have been working for GMP for the past 20 years.  I currently hold the rank of Inspector within GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch, where I am responsible for managing large teams of specialist officers whose primary objectives are to pursue and apprehend those who are intent on harming the communities of Greater Manchester and the North West region.

Since being invited to become a foundation governor at St. Mary’s in 2022, I have played an active role on all governing body meetings and I help out in school as often as I can.  My daughter is a pupil at St. Marys and just like any other parent, I want my daughter and her fellow pupils to have the best possible education.  With this in mind, I will use my position as governor to ensure St. Mary’s continues to be a safe, inclusive and caring environment for all of our pupils, parents and our fantastic teaching staff.

Whether I am asked to deal with issues such as traffic congestion, safeguarding, finances or negotiating the complex sensitivities of academisation, my sole objective will be to achieve the best possible outcome for our children, their parents and our staff.

Name Miss Toyha Lawson
Category of Governor Parent Governor
Term of Office 25th January 2023 to 24th January 2027
Committees

 

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

 

Name Mr Lee Price
Category of Governor Foundation Governor 
Term of Office 27th March 2023 to 26th  March 2027
Committees

 

Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement

 

Name Neil Price
Category of Governor Headteacher
Term of Office September 2023
Committees  
Business Interests None
Financial Interests None
Governance Roles in other schools None
Relationship to members of staff None
Personal Statement  

Previous Members of the Governing Body 

Mrs Alison Vickers – Foundation  (2018-2019)

Mr Andrew Whittle – Staff (2019-2020)

Mrs Eileen Geraghty – Foundation(2015-2020) 

Mrs Gemma Moran – Staff (2020-2021) 

Mr James Okonji – Foundation (2019-2022) 

Fr Peter Kinsella- Foundation (-2022) 

Mrs Jenna Wilson-Sly- Staff (2021-2022) 

Miss Tyler Ives  (2018-2022) 

Miss Georgina Garner  (2018-2022) 

Ms Deidre Reeves (2023)