ST MATTHEW'S - Key Persons
Appointed parent governor at the end of 2021, I have had a strong relationship with the school since 2013. My 3 children attended the school giving me insights across all school years. I hope to combine my experiences as Vice President within a Global Investment Bank with my experiences of raising a multi-faith, multi-racial family to ensure the school continues to deliver on its values of "Friendship, Discovery and Prayer" as it responds to the post-covid challenges including climate change, diversity, budget challenges and academic rigour. I attend school drop-off and pick-up most days so please don't hesitate to chat if you have any questions. My youngest child, is currently in Year 1 and I look forward to seeing him experience the school's exceptional caring, nurturing and inspiring environment.
As a foundation governor I was appointed by the parish council and share a responsibility for the school's Christian ethos. The school has a strong bond with St Matthew's Church where I am a regular attender. I believe that the connection is a valuable one that should be nurtured and maintained.
I was appointed as a parent governor in July 2022. As a parent of 3 children at St Matthew's in Year 3, Year 1 and Nursery, I provide a parents voice into the governing body and all its decisions. I am fully committed to the growth and development of the school to ensure every child can achieve their potential. I am a member of the Curriculum Committee, helping St Matthew's provide the best education and experience for our children.
Job Titles:
- School Administration Officer
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Governors - Foundation Governor
I was appointed to the governing body in November 2018. I have worshipped in the Parish of Wimbledon, at St Mary's, for over 40 years, and served as a governor (including as Chair) at Bishop Gilpin for 22 years until 2011. My entire working life has been spent in education: initially as a primary teacher in Mitcham and latterly as Head of Primary Initial Teacher Education at Roehampton University. During my career I have visited St Matthew's on a number of occasions to observe student teachers on placement, and I have enjoyed getting to know the school and staff even better since becoming a governor. I am a member of the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education and currently chair its Schools' Committee, which gives me helpful advance warning of any imminent changes to policy which require governors' attention. I have a background in children's literature and the teaching of reading and I am a trustee of the UK Literacy Association, serving on its Executive Committee and National Council, and also convening the International Sub-Committee. I review children's books for a number of publications and organisations which keeps me in touch with recent publications and which provides a small but steady stream of books for school. All this plus family, a garden and a small and rather naughty puppy keep me well-occupied in retirement!
I was appointed to the governing body in May 2018. I am a member of the Finance and Premises and Pay Committees, the link Equality and Diversity Governor, and the link Governor for the History and Geography curriculum. I am a Foundation Governor which means I was appointed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and, alongside my fellow governors, play a particular role in ensuring the school's Christian ethos and character. I regularly attend St Matthew's Church and take part in children's worship. I am also a parent of two boys at St Matthew's. Since our eldest joined the school in 2017, we have loved being part of such a vibrant and caring community. My professional background is as a board adviser and search consultant advising corporate clients on leadership challenges including a wide range of senior executive and non-executive appointments.
Both of my children enjoyed a wonderful experience at St Matthews and are now at local secondary schools. I've been lucky enough to be part of the Governing Body since 2017, and continue to learn something new with every visit to the school. Having spent my career in banking, I was soon asked to chair the Finance & Premises Committee and oversee the Maintenance Fund. Given the challenging financial position of all schools, I'm very happy to serve in this capacity.
There is something very special about the school, with its strong link to St Matthews church and genuine feel of an extended community. With two sport loving children, I've always been pleased with the outdoor facilities and sporting provision across the school with something on offer for everyone whether they knew they were athletic or not!
I am delighted to work with the St Matthew's community as the Local Authority appointed governor. As a Head of Year in a local secondary school, I am delighted to chair the Curriculum and Standards Committee, driving forward our academic vision for the school. I am a strong believer in an inclusive education and always look to champion pupils with additional needs. A modern languages teacher myself, it is a pleasure to see how languages are used in the St Matthew's classroom and how the wonderful teachers are preparing the pupils so well for a lifelong love of learning. In addition, I am the Safeguarding Governor for the school. For this role, I not only receive a range of statutory training myself, but I am also a safeguarding lead at my own school and responsible for providing advice and support to colleagues and pupils. Away from school, I enjoy volunteering in my local community and am an avid follower of English cricket.
I have been a Governor of St Matthews since 2013.
Having lived in Merton for over forty years bringing up our family of three grown up children all of whom went to school locally I bring to the Governing Body local knowledge and experience.Extensive previous service as a School Governor in the borough gave me confidence to take on the role as PCC representative, I am a regular attender at St Matthew's Church. I have recently retired as a physiotherapist working locally in the community. This has given me extensive local knowledge and contacts in the area which I might hopefully to be able to bring for the benefit of the children at St Matthew's.
I was appointed to the governing body in October 2021 and am the staff representative. I am currently enjoying my role as the Year 3 class teacher. Before that, I was a supply teacher at St Matthew's and had the opportunity to teach most classes within the school. I wanted to join St Matthew's due to the warm welcome I received from the staff and families at our school. Prior to joining the St Matthew's community I taught in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 across three London boroughs.
As part of my governor role I am on the curriculum committee. In my free time I enjoy playing ice hockey, skydiving and trekking.