Governors ~ Who's who?
I have been a Foundation Governor at St. Joseph's since September 2013. I was elected Chair at the end of March 2016 having previously been one of two vice chairs with James Kelly. We chair alternate Governing Board meetings which take place monthly, help plan the priorities for the school and the agenda for the meetings. I am also the safeguarding governor.
Governors are responsible for ensuring the School's clarity of vision , ethos and strategic direction; supporting the Head but at the same time holding him to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils and overseeing the financial performance of the school making sure its money is well spent. At St Joseph's, we are committed to ensuring every pupil is able to achieve the best they can.
I was previously a parent governor when my three children who are now in their 20s, were at primary school. I was born and brought up in Plymouth attending Notre Dame High School. I have a strong sense of connection with St. Joseph's which my mother and her brother and sister all attended a very long time ago.
I have worked as a solicitor for most of my working life specialising in family law, dealing with relationship breakdown and arrangements for children. I hope that I will be able to bring all the listening, negotiating and management skills which I have developed throughout my career to the governing board.
If you need to contact me as the chair of governors please address correspondence to Teresa Cussen, Chair of Governors, St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Chapel St, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4DJ.
I was first appointed Parent Governor in 2013; I am also the Maths link Governor. I have worked part-time for Babcock International since 2009 as a PA to the Director of IT/IM and also the Administration Office Manager to the Business Administration Apprentices. I previously worked for Toshiba for 23 years until made redundant in 2009
My daughter is a pupil of St Joseph’s and is currently in year 5. I never forget that, as a Governor, my chief care and concern is the wellbeing, safety and education of our children. I love being a Governor and consider it a privilege to be in and around our school when the building is bursting with happy children! I very much enjoy helping to make the school a better place to learn and a welcoming place for parents to come into. I thoroughly enjoy this opportunity to serve the school and local community.
I am Michael James Kelly and I am currently the vice-chair of governors for St Joseph’s. I was invited to be a foundation governor in September 2013 and have enjoyed being part of the school community since then. As I have become more confident on the governing body, I have taken on additional responsibilities and at present I am the link governor for Religious Education.
I am married to Fran (who works at St Joseph’s) and we have three sons who all attend Catholic schools within Plymouth.
I left the Royal Navy in 2015 after 32 years as a Weapons Engineer and am now employed as a Community Rugby Coach for the Royal Navy Rugby Union - a constituent body of the Rugby Football Union. I am lucky to be able to combine my great passion of rugby with my job. When not on the side of a rugby pitch I enjoy the beach or the moors or a good book.
I am currently an Assistant Headteacher at Notre Dame RC School. I have taught there for a very long time and I know that I have taught some of the mum’s of students at St Joseph's! I am a science teacher and am currently leading the science department but I am also responsible for PSHE (personal, social and health education) and lead with all aspects of giving information, advice and guidance (IAG) to our students.
I have only just become a Governor at St Joseph's, being appointed formally in January 2016. I am looking forward to working with the staff and students as well as the other Governors and I hope to meet with you very soon. I would be more than happy to attend one of your School Council meetings if you have any further questions for me.
My name is Nikola Howells and I recently became a Parent Governor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Plymouth. The school’s ethos is evident within the children and they are proud of their school’s achievements. I have always believed in the school’s potential and I am delighted to be a part of its continuous growth.
I am currently working at Western Power Distribution for the Accounts/Finance Team. I have worked at several Multinational Companies throughout the years since I graduated Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications in 1999. I then moved to the UK in 2006 and worked at the Insolvency Service before I decided to take up BSc (Hons) Computer Systems and Networks at Plymouth University. I am passionate about Music, Martial Arts, and Technology.
I believe in giving children the best education within a healthy environment both at home and school. Being a Governor has given me the chance to help the school in their academic success and growth.