Introducing our Governors

I have been a parent at St James’ since 2012 and have been a Parent Governor for over four years. The role gives me the opportunity to have a more active involvement in the school. I first applied for the parent governor role when my eldest daughter was in Class 2 and my youngest was about to join  Nursery. My eldest daughter has now left and attends Alder Community High School. My Youngest daughter is now in Year 3. I am keen to have a positive input into the school and bring skills to the school to support and give insight from a parents point of view. I am a full-time Management Accountant for the NHS and so it was only natural that I would also be on the Finance and Premises Committee too. I am able to give help and guidance when it is required. St James’ has a lovely community feel to it and I want to help develop it to be the best in our area. In the 4 years I have been a Parent Governor I have seen the school develop and grow. The school has an excellent team of teachers and leaders who are dedicated to give every child the opportunity to develop, learn and succeed in the future. Nicola Kirkham: Parent Governor

The Governing Body at St James’ is a hardworking, friendly group of people and I am privileged to work with them. Being the Headteacher of a Catholic School is very important to me as I enjoy being part of the wider community and supporting our children along their faith journey.  I have been a staff governor on my two previous schools’ governing bodies as I like to be involved in decision making and to have a school wide view of what is happening. Out of school I like to make music, be outdoors and I am an active Guide Leader, sometimes all at the same time! Jackie Walker: Headteacher Governor

I am proud to say I have been involved with St James’ School most of my life, starting in 1966 when I became a pupil. I became a parent governor in 1993 when my son started Nursery and have remained as a Foundation Governor ever since, so I believe I am the longest serving governor ever at St James’, having been in post now for 27 years! I always enjoy attending Governor Meetings, finding out what has been happening and what progress is being made at school. In my job I am a manager in a Government Department, I have a lot of experience in recruitment so I am usually involved when the school needs to appoint new staff. I am also on the Curriculum and Finance Committees and I am happy to help wherever I am needed. I also enjoy being able to contribute to full Governing Body Meetings on the whole range of issues that affect school life. During my time at St James’ I have seen many changes and ups and downs. We have had fantastic teachers who have been dedicated to do all they can to give the children of St James’ a great start in life, but I am mostly impressed by the community of St James’ and the kind and caring ethos shown by all involved, from Parish Priest to Midday Assistants and everyone in between; we really are St James’ the Great! Tricia Hallows: Foundation Governor

I have been an associate governor since starting at St James’ in 2016. I am on all the committees including the COVID19 panel and attend full governing body meetings. I have a particular interest in analysing performance data as well as developing and overseeing the school curriculum. Part of my role is to update policies and produce reports for governors. Mark Woolley: Associate Governor