Governing Body

Rothwell St Mary’s Governing Body

Our Governing body consists of seven foundation Governors who are appointed to act by the Diocese. We have two elected parent governors, one elected teacher governor and one representative from the local authority. Our Governors support our school and bring their own expertise and experience to help inform the school.

More information on school governance can be found here: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/#

Our Mission Statement

At Rothwell St Mary’s Catholic Primary School our mission is

We ‘Grow together in Christ’

‘Live and learn in God’s love’

By

Developing the potential of every individual by

providing the best education through experience of our Catholic,

Christian Community within which all members can grow in faith.

The children understand this to mean that we “Grow together in Christ and Live and learn in God’s love.”

Governor Vision Statement 

‘Growing together in the knowledge and image of Christ’

Meet our Governors:

Fr. Eamon McGeough- Parish Priest and Foundation Governor:

Claudette Farias-Fagg- Chair of the Governing Body 

I was initially made the Local Authority Governor through 2017 and then proceeded to be a Foundation Governor at the end of that year. In November 2018, I was elected as the Chair of the Pupil Support and Catholic Life Committee and continue in that role to date, with responsibility for Safeguarding, Attendance and Equalities. I am the Religious Education Lead and liaise with both school and our local Parish to ensure that our children ‘Grow together in Christ’.

I have three children who have attended St. Mary’s Primary. I am grateful for the education my children have received and the values and ethics that have been nurtured in them at St. Mary’s school. I am pleased to be part of a committed team of Governors and am fully committed to supporting the Headteacher and staff to ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.

As a day job, I am a Quality Assurance Officer with the Leeds City Council and work closely with both the Department for Education and the Department of Works and Pensions. Prior to working at the Council, I was teaching Maths and Science and have offered help and support at school on a voluntary basis.  Having had teaching experience, it has been refreshing to be involved in an educational setting on a strategic level.

In my free time, I volunteer for the St. Vincent De Paul Society. I also enjoy travel, walking, cycling and team sport; I currently play for a Women’s Football team.

Paul Kelly – Vice Chair of the Governing Body

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in February 2017, and it has been a privilege to support such a fantastic school. When I first walked into school, the catholic ethos was striking, and it is central to the daily focus of providing the best possible education for your child.

I was elected Chair of the Resources Committee in 2018 and continue in this role to date. I am also responsible for Health & Safety and carry out regular site visits to support the school in this area. I have two children, one child in Year 6 and one in Year 1 so I am focussed on supporting the school in any way possible with a parental perspective in mind.

For a day job, I run a Health & Safety business which enables me to use transferrable skills as my role as a Foundation Governor.

Away from work, I co-manage a junior football team and I am a Leeds United supporter. I am also a keen runner even though I get slower as I get older!

Sarah Lodge – Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing body as a Foundation Governor in September 2021. I take responsibility for SEND on the governing body. I am excited to be part of an enthusiastic team of Governors, being fully committed to supporting the Headteacher and staff to ensure that all pupils at Rothwell St Mary’s reach their full potential. Personally, and professionally, I am passionate about the education of children and the opportunities that should be available to each and every one. I have two stepchildren, one currently studying GCSE and the other an undergraduate at university. For the past 15 years I have taught in both Secondary and Sixth form settings, including time as Head of Department. Prior to this I worked in industry for 10 years, across buying and sales roles and I have experience of international operations and overseas markets. It is a privilege to work with young people and I bring my experience in both private and public sectors to the role of Foundation Governor. In my spare time I am a keen netballer and currently Chair of my clubs committee. I am also a qualified netball umpire.

Robert Freeman – Foundation Governor:

It was a great honour to be asked to join the Governing body of St. Mary’s RC Primary School. I joined as a Foundation Governor in November 2021.I have spent my working life in Aerospace Engineering, having worked for Rolls-Royce plc (aero-engines) for over 40 years in various technical, customer and management roles, both in the UK and overseas. As an engineer, I have an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and I hope my work and life experiences will enable me to enhance the character and growth of this wonderful school. My familiarity with Rothwell began in 2014 when my daughter and her family moved into the parish and my wife and I moved to the area in February 2020, following my retirement. I am an active member of St. Mary’s parish, and I am delighted that my grandson has joined the school. I am extremely impressed with the school and its Catholic character and believe that the Mission Statement and Vision and Values of St. Mary’s encapsulate everything to which a Catholic Primary School should aspire. I am fully committed to supporting the Headteacher and staff to ensure that all pupils at Rothwell St Mary’s reach their full potential.

My roles include Early Reading Governor and Governor for EYFS. 

Gareth Coleman- Foundation Governor:

My name is Gareth Coleman, and I am proud to be one of the Foundation Governors here at Rothwell St Marys. I am a local resident and parishioner of St Marys church and was very honoured to be asked to join the governing board here. I was already aware of the school and its outstanding reputation in our local area and am thrilled to be involved in such a wonderful school.

As a day job, I am a primary school class teacher and have been since 2014. Before that, I worked in Children’s Services for a local authority as a children’s social worker. In addition, I also have experience in sports coaching, events and as a trustee of a charity.

Away from work, I have a young family of my wonderful wife and son. My hobbies include various forms of exercise but involve primarily trying to keep myself fit and escaping to hike the fells of the Lake District when I can.

I am fully committed to supporting the leadership and staff of such a wonderful school in any way I can. Many thanks.

Keith Selley- Foundation Governor

I’m Keith Selley and I have recently had the privilege of being appointed as a Foundation Governor of Rothwell St Mary’s School.

I am married to Barbara and we have three adult children who are married with children of their own. We have six grandchildren including a set of twins all of whom live in Yorkshire. It is for this reason in 2018 that we moved from Nottingham to Leeds to be closer to our children and grandchildren. We live in Middleton and regularly worship at St Mary’s where we feel at home and involved in church life.

I was born and educated in Nottingham and on leaving school I did not get my first choice of career as a draughtsman and went into Accountancy. I qualified in 1981 with the Chartered Institute of Certified Accountants. I worked for a variety of companies from major national companies to medium sized enterprises. In 2008 when I decided I wanted a complete change from accountancy and finance I applied and succeeded in obtaining the position of Pre-Adoption Group Co-Leader with Derbyshire County Council having had adoption experience. This involved developing, presenting and evaluating Pre-Adoption training courses for prospective adopters. I did this for ten years before retiring when four Local Authorities merged their Adoption Services which significantly changed my role.

In my role as a Foundation Governor I hope I can use my knowledge and experience to contribute and support the excellent work the head teacher and staff do at Rothwell St Mary’s School.

In my spare time we regularly care for our grandchildren with three at primary school, one with significant SEN. I am a volunteer minibus driver for FDM, a mobility charity based in Rothwell. We regularly visit Derbyshire enjoying walking in the Derbyshire countryside as well as in Yorkshire.

Lucy Stephens: Staff Governor

Lucy Stephens is an outstanding member of the Rothwell St. Mary’s teaching team and a committed team player. She has experience in both KS1 and KS2 with a proven track record of high-quality practice and progress. Her degree is in early childhood and education and this specialism is evident in her practice in Y1 this year. 

Lucy has drive and passion for the profession and has sought out school governance to develop her knowledge of the wider school and share this with the school team. 

Dimitrios Georgalis- Parent Governor

My name is Dimitrios Georgalis and it was a great honour when I was invited to the Governing Body. I am a parent governor, with both my kids attending this marvellous school, my son is in Year 2 and my daughter in Year 4. Like all parents, I have a keen interest in ensuring all children have a great school experience, and I will try to represent all parent’s voices in the governing body.

My career was and still is in secondary or higher education. I am currently working as a maths teacher at Leeds City College, actively striving for quality learning, promoting the subject of mathematics, and am keen to give something back in terms of my time and experience.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, walking, music, and quality time with my family.

Associate Members:

The Vision and Values of our School

In order to carry out our Mission, we believe that we should aim to:

• Provide a happy secure caring and stimulating learning environment within a welcoming Christian Community.
• Create a Catholic community, encouraging an understanding of our faith through teaching and active prayer in the home, school and parish.
• Encourage the highest standards of academic excellence and behaviour.
• Encourage children to take responsibility for themselves and become independent learners.
• Educate and celebrate the whole child as an individual, preparing them spiritually, morally, physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally for their future lives.
• Provide our children with a curriculum which is purposeful, sequential and spiritual
• Provide a firm and consistent framework of discipline and encourage children to take responsibility for themselves.
• Actively involve parents in the education of their children.
• Encourage an awareness of and a respect for other faiths.
• Provide effective liaison with the local secondary school and ensure continuity of the children’s education.
• Encourage children to do their personal best, enjoy their school experiences and build upon their successes.

Our Pupils

Our pupils are our greatest asset.

We are very proud of our children and their achievements.  We help them to grow in their faith in a supportive Catholic environment.  Through carefully planned lessons, daily prayer, collective worship, Mass and reflection and enrichment opportunities we help to prepare them for transition to secondary school as confident, responsible, caring young people.

The Staff

The staff are our greatest resource

We have an experienced, talented and dedicated staff at St. Mary’s who work together to support the school’s Catholic ethos and ensure that each pupil reaches his or her potential.

Our excellent standards reflect the children’s positive attitudes to learning, consistent good teaching and the high level of pastoral support we provide.  All of which are strengths of the school.  The combined strength of our staff ensures that the ethos and values of our mission statement provide all pupils with high quality teaching and learning within a supportive environment.

High Standards of Pastoral Care

Our staff go the extra mile

We are proud to provide a positive and caring environment for our pupils where they can achieve, feel safe and be happy.

Pupil Behaviour and Presentation

Our children are great ambassadors for the school

We understand that this can only be achieved in an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect.   Our success depends on the close working partnership and commitment of parents, staff, governors and the parish.

Parents are encouraged to become fully involved in the education of their child.  The Home School Agreement symbolises our approach to parents and the school working together for the benefit of the child.

Our staff team works to ensure that any problems are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.  If it is necessary, we will inform parents or carers and seek their support.  All our pupils wear full school uniform.  High standards of appearance reinforce our values of self-respect and pride in being a pupil of Rothwell St Mary’s Catholic Primary School.

Values

In order to achieve this ethos within our school and the wider community that we serve, there are a number of values and principles which guide our actions in school.

First and foremost are the values that are at the heart of the Gospels:

• Love and solidarity
• Faithfulness and Integrity
• Dignity and Compassion
• Humility and Gentleness
• Truth and Justice
• Forgiveness and Mercy
• Purity and Holiness
• Tolerance and Peace
• Service and Sacrifice

It is clear that as a Christian country Gospel values underpin the values of the British Society in which we live:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs

Examples of the actions we take to promote British values include:

Democracy

Having an elected School Council

Highlighting the importance of democratic ideas in history lessons

Ensuring all pupils are listened to by adults

Visiting the Civic Hall in Leeds

Taking part in the South Democracy day each year

Taking part in Student Voice

The Rule of Law

Creating “class rules”

Having a clear behaviour policy that is explained to all

Highlighting the rules of the Church and God in the RE curriculum, for example the 10 commandments and the Precepts of the Church

Through RE and history teaching about the development of the Rule of Law in English law, a legal system inspired by Christian values and a major influence across the world

Individual Liberty

Encourage students to be independent in their learning

Provide children with opportunities for reflection as they take responsibility for discerning their vocation

Mutual Respect

Having a Mission Statement that is inclusive

Constantly promoting respect for others as good manners

Reinforcing the value of everyone’s opinion in class discussions

Having an effective anti-bullying policy

Emphasising in RE and PSHE lessons that every person is unique and created in the image of God

Having active links with other schools

Supporting charitable works

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

RE lessons provide pupils with a deep understanding of their own faith as well as awareness of the faith and tradition of other religious communities as a basis for understanding and respecting them

Using the witness of Jesus as an example of tolerance in stories such as the Good Samaritan and the Women at the well.

Our governing Body

Chair of Governors: Mrs Claudette Farias-Fagg

Vice Chair: Mr Paul Kelly

Foundation Governors: Fr. E. McGeough, Mrs Farias-Fagg, Mr Paul Kelly, Mrs Sarah Lodge, Mr Robert Freeman, Mr Keith Selley

Staff Governor: Miss Lucy Stephens

Local Authority Governor: Vacant

Parent Governors: Mr Dimitrios Georgalis & Mrs Claire Laycock

Associate members:Ms Helen. MacPherson, Mrs Seanna Sweeney

Contacting the Governing Body:

All correspondence to the Governing Body should be addressed to:-

Chair of Governors,  St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Royds Lane, Rothwell, LS26 0BJ

Please find below details of Rothwell St Mary’s Governing Body which includes names, terms of office and responsibilities.

Declaration:

Declaration of governors 2022 2023 MARCH

Archived Declaration Documents

Declaration of governors 2022 2023 November

Declaration of governors 2022 2023 September

Our Associate members are detailed in the attachment above.

Effectiveness of the Governing Body

Below is a link to the report from the Chair of Governors on the effectiveness of each committee over the academic year 2021-2022:

st-marys-rothwell-action-plan-july16

https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/School/Detail?urn=108018

Attendance Record of Governors:

Updated Attendance: Governor roles Committees and Attendance

Governor roles and comittees with meeting dates

School Financial Information:

Governors confirm that no employee earns more than £100K.

Here is a link to School Financial Benchmarking service to review how our school performs financially against other schools: https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/School?urn=108018