Introducing our Governors 2

I have been a governor at St James’ since September 2008 when I retired from my post as Headteacher at St Paul’s, Hyde. I was born and brought up in Hyde and so am really pleased to continue to support the local schools of my home town. Although I say, retired, this is never strictly true!!  I help the Diocese of Shrewsbury on appointments to schools and some RE inspections and I am also a governor at Our Lady’s in Ashton. St James’ is such a happy caring community I am only too pleased to be supporting the whole community in what ever way I can. Kevin Toms: Chair of Governors (Safeguarding Governor)

I am married with two grown up daughters and a granddaughter. I go to St Edward’s church in Lees, Oldham. I am a retired headteacher. I started teaching at St James’ Hattersley in 1974! And loved it! I worked at St James’, St Paul’s Hyde and then back to St James’! I was an Early Years Advisory Teacher for 18 months which I loved. I became a deputy Head at Holy Trinity in Ashton u Lyne which provided me with a very different experience. I was Headteacher at Dowson Primary School in Hyde for 17 years until I retired two years ago. In my last year at Dowson it became an Academy. During my 43 years as a teacher I have had a very wide range of experiences. I am interested in all aspects of the primary curriculum but my special areas of interests are Early years, Literacy and the humanities. I have experience in all aspects of school management and sat on many Tameside committees representing Primary Headteachers. I have been involved in many different networks especially with Hyde schools. I have also been involved in regional and national events. I am passionate about every child having the opportunity to receive a first class education and to have the support they need to achieve their full potential. I have also been very committed to working with the whole family and engaging parents to be fully involved in their children’s education. I am delighted to be a Foundation Governor at St James’, I’ve come full circle! I am looking forward to working with my fellow Governors, the Head and all the staff, to ensure the school continues to provide an excellent education in a warm, supportive community. Janet Rathburn: Vice Chair of Governors

I fell in love with St James’ Catholic Primary School almost seven years ago when I was invited to join them as a P.P.A teacher working with children across the school from Nursery to Year Six. I was made most welcome by the Governing Body, the Headteacher, the Staff and above all the children. I have the most wonderful memories of my time at St James’ and I am delighted at being appointed a Governor here at the school. I am a former Deputy Headteacher and subject Coordinator at several different schools in the Diocese of Salford and Manchester LEA. I have held curriculum responsibilities for Special Educational Needs, Modern Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Sport. I bring to the school a wealth of experience in the Primary Sector and my appointment enables me to work alongside a dedicated team supporting the needs of your children here in Hattersley. An avid Manchester United fan I have taught football, cricket, netball and lacrosse, being one of the founder members of Manchester’s Primary School Lacrosse Development Programme. Hobbies include reading, watercolour painting, travel, woodworking and DIY. I also play snooker at League Level and have been known to play the guitar and sing when called on. My wife and step daughter have been a constant source of support and are delighted that I am joining the Governing Body at St James’.  My hope is that I will be able to assist the staff and the Governors to ensure the very best education for your children. The school is already “outstanding” in so many ways and it is a privilege for me to be appointed as one of your governors. Peter O’Keefe: Foundation Governor