Meet Our Governors
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Co-Chair of Governors – Matthew Standing | |
Term of office
| 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2028 |
Other Responsibilities
| Chair of Pay Committee Development Governor
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About me | I’ve been a Governor at St Christopher’s since 2016. I attended the school myself, as did my 3 older brothers, so have a pretty good knowledge of the history of the school. I have had 2 chiildren through the school and my youngest is currently in year 3. I have been Vice-Chair for the last few years and have recently taken on the role of Co-Chair. In my working career, I spent 20 years in the finance industry, working at Barclays and the Co-op predominantly managing Supplier relationships and latterly in Contracts & Performance Management. 7 years ago I moved to the NHS to do a similar role, with more of a focus on planning, performance & oversight. My banking and financial experience means I have a good head for figures and budgeting and these skills are used within the Governing Board. St Christopher’s has always been a friendly, welcoming school, and I am proud to be part of the governing board. |
Foundation Governor – Ailish Hogan | |
Term of office
| 09/11/2021 to 31/08/2025 |
Other Responsibilities
| Pay Appeals SEN Governor
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About me |
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Foundation Governor – Liz Thompson | |
Term of office
| 25/09/2024 to 31/08/2028 |
Other Responsibilities
| Pay Committee RE & RSE Governor
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About me | Having attended St Christopher’s as a child, I have very fond memories of my primary education. Since graduating and completing my PGCE, I have worked as a primary school teacher across both key stage one and two. When I was offered the opportunity to become a governor, I hoped that I could help support the wonderful work of the parish school. |
Foundation Governor – Fr Michael Gannon | |
Term of office
| 01/09/2024 to 31/08/2028 |
Other Responsibilities
| Parish Priest Performance Management
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About me | Fr Michael is Parish Priest at Our Lady & St Christopher’s Church and has been since 2012.
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Foundation Governor – Anne Arthur | |
Term of office
| 25/09/2024 to 31/08/2028 |
Other Responsibilities
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About me |
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Foundation Governor – Sarah Smith | |
Term of office
| 17/09/2024 to 31/08/2028 |
Other Responsibilities
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About me |
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LA Governor – Ann-Marie Lester | |
Term of office
| 13/01/2021 to 12/01/2025 |
Other Responsibilities
| Performance Management Diversity Governor Health & Wellbeing Governor
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About me | I live in Romiley with my husband, daughter and stepdaughter. I didn’t attend St. Christopher’s myself however my Husband and his siblings did back in the 70s/early 80s and our youngest daughter is currently in Year 5.
As both a ‘school mum’ and a Governor, it’s evident to me that St Christopher’s is committed to providing a caring, motivational and supportive learning environment which enables all children to thrive and instils values which will be relevant in all stages of their lives. There’s also a real sense of community and as a parent, I’ve found this to be hugely valuable.
I initially put myself forward to become a Parent Governor back in 2021 as it was a great opportunity to become closely involved in the workings of the school and influence associated decisions. During my term, I took on additional responsibilities roles as Governor for Diversity, Health & Wellbeing (topics I’m incredibly passionate about!) and have since moved on to become the Local Authority Governor and Vice-Chair.
In addition to being able to offer insight to the Governing Board from a parent/family perspective, the skills I’ve acquired during my 30+ year career in Human Resources (HR) also provides a good foundation for me in my Governing roles. I’ve undertaken a variety of senior HR roles across different industries and in addition to my generalist HR knowledge and expertise, including responsibility for developing and delivering ambitious HR strategies, I’ve also built knowledge across specialist areas such as change management, internal communications and engagement. Other key skills I’ve developed include the ability to collaborate, organise and motivate in addition to providing constructive challenge and being commercially astute. |
Parent Governor – Mark Albinson | |
Term of office
| 11/11/2022 to 10/11/2026 |
Other Responsibilities
| Pay Committee Health & Safety Governor Eco Strategy Link Governor
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About me | My son has attended St Christophers since 2019 I decided to volunteer as a parent governor in 2022 as the committee was looking for a parent with a financial or accounting background. I have worked in financial services since 2004 and run my own business since 2010. St. Christopher’s is a both a fantastic school and a strong community. I hope to contribute and support wherever I can. |
Staff Governor – Rachel Van Laere | |
Term of office | 16/05/2023 to 15/05/2027
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Other Responsibilities
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About me |
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Head Teacher – Maria Waters | |
Term of office |
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Other Responsibilities
| Head Teacher
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About me | I have been Headteacher at St Christopher’s since 2016. Prior to that I have been the staff Governor at my previous school.
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