Jason O'Callaghan

Chair of The Executive Committee & Foundation Governor

I was Vice Chair for the Governing Body and Chairman of the Finance and Resources Committee and an ex-pupil of Stella Maris. My main goal is to make sure that every penny spent offers the greatest impact for the children of our schools.

I am a financial analyst by day. I have two daughters who currently attend the School, with a third joining in the future. Stella Maris has always been close to my heart and I'm very proud to play a part in its community.

Rev. Dr. Barry Barton

Chair of The Academy Committee &

Foundation Governor

My name is Rev Dr Barry Barton, Academy Chair of Governors and a foundation governor and member of St Richard’s Academy since 2013 and, as a consequence, a member of the newly constituted St Richard’s Academy and Stella Maris Academy, Executive Governing Body.

I have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of our school. I am the lead governor for catholicity / religious education at St Richards. My aim is to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to be their very best: academically, personally and spiritually.

I am married to Sue with two grow up daughters and 2 grandsons and retired from a full time career in the NHS and higher education. I was ordained Deacon in Diocese of Leeds 2003 and moved to Dover in 2012. I am Deacon at the parishes of The Good Shepherd (St Paul’s, Dover and St Finbarrs, Aylesham) and Our Lady of Dover, Buckland.                                                                                                                                         

Tom Connolly

Foundation Governor

I am Head of Mathematics at a large secondary school and have many years of experience teaching across the secondary age and ability range.  I bring those skills and experiences with me to the Executive Governing Body of St Richard’s and Stella Maris, be that regarding curriculum, assessment or even just the point of view of the parent. St Richard’s is a place close to my heart as my three children have all attended there and I was a pupil there myself.

I look forward to working with all the staff and other members of the governance teams to support both schools as they continue to grow and develop. 

Susan Foster

Co-Opted Governor

I work as Clerk to Governors in three local schools and my previous professional experience has been based in education, in both teaching (Modern Foreign Languages) and Sixth Form pastoral support roles, also in Admin. I am also currently employed with a charity which offers creative opportunities for those living with dementia.

I bring administrative and organisational skills to the Governing Body, together with a passion for the School to excel in everything it does.

Rev. Dr. Barry Barton

Chair of The Academy Committee &

Foundation Governor

HEALTH & SAFETY GOVERNOR LEAD

‘The Health & Safety Governor Lead will work closely with the named Health & Safety representative for the Academy i.e. Business Manager/Caretaker / Facilities Manager.

The Trust Board remains responsible for Health & Safety and the Governor Lead is responsible for monitoring and reporting on health & Safety’. (KCSP 2020)

CATHOLICITY & RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The Catholicity and RE Governor Lead will promote the beliefs, doctrines, and practices of the Catholic Church plus the implementation of Catholic doctrine thus ensuring the centrality of Catholic life in all that is done in the Academy.

My name is Rev Dr Barry Barton, Academy Chair of Governors and a foundation governor and member of St Richard’s Academy since 2013 and, as a consequence, a member of the newly constituted St Richard’s Academy and Stella Maris Academy, Executive Governing Body.

I have a legal duty to preserve and develop the Catholic character of our school. I am the lead governor for catholicity / religious education at St Richards. My aim is to ensure that every child is supported and challenged to be their very best: academically, personally and spiritually.

I am married to Sue with two grow up daughters and 2 grandsons and retired from a full time career in the NHS and higher education. I was ordained Deacon in Diocese of Leeds 2003 and moved to Dover in 2012. I am Deacon at the parishes of The Good Shepherd (St Paul’s, Dover and St Finbarrs, Aylesham) and Our Lady of Dover, Buckland.

Christina Empson

Foundation Governor

CAREERS ADVICE AND CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

Providing and facilitating careers advice and promoting Catholic social teaching principles e.g. dignity of work and participation. 

My name is Christina Empson and I am an experienced teacher and Chemistry graduate. I have taught in a number of Primary Schools in the Dover area for several years and have also held other roles including Careers Adviser for the National Careers Service, Executive Officer at H M Revenue and Customs and Industrial Liaison Officer, Dover Technical College. Currently I work as an Employment Specialist at the Porchlight Charity, Kent’s largest charity for homeless and vulnerable people. 

I was born and raised in London to a Catholic family of six and I am a practicing Catholic. I have been a member of St Paul’s Parish, since I moved to Dover from London in 1985 and am currently involved in activities with St Paul’s Parish Youth Group.
 

I live with my husband Mark in River, who has retired from Eurotunnel and we have three grown up children, who work locally. I enjoy many interests including travelling, playing the guitar, needlework, yoga and tennis.
 

I am delighted to have been elected as Foundation Governor and am keen to bring my teaching, personal and professional experience to further improve and develop the opportunities for the children at St Richard’s. I look forward to working with and getting to know the SLT, other Governors and the wider school community to proudly support St Richard’s in the years to come. 

Paul Birken

Foundation Governor

CURRICULUM LEAD: EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

‘The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Governor Lead will ensure that the Academy eliminates unlawful discrimination, promotes equality of opportunity and promotes good relations between people in a diverse community’. (KCSP 2020)

I was delighted to have been offered the opportunity to join as a Foundation Governor in 2021. My eldest daughters joined the school in 2007 & 2014, with my youngest still at St Richard’s having joined in 2018.

As a parent, I have seen many changes at the school over the last 14 years and I am excited to be a part in shaping the future for the benefit of the children, teaching staff, parents, and carers. I am keen to bring my personal & professional experience to further improve and develop the opportunities for the children at St Richard’s. By the time my third child finishes primary school I will have been a part of the school community for 19 years.  

I have lived in Dover since 2004. I live with my wife and 3 daughters (who were the first generation in our family to attend a faith school). I find that the school has always provided teaching through care, love, and faith. I am a practicing Catholic having taken the decision to be baptised and confirmed much later in life in 2010.

Faith is important to the family and me as well as Mental Health and well-being for staff and children. This is even more crucial to supporting the development of healthy, confident and happy young minds following the effects of lockdown and Covid-19. As such, I am currently the Governor lead for equality & diversity.

I am a key worker for the Public Sector. Despite the role being challenging, I enjoy public service and to want to extend that to voluntary support for the school. It is this same ethos that I wish to bring with me as Foundation Governor and I look forward to working with the SLT, other Governors and the wider school community to proudly support St Richard’s in the years to come.

Penny Bordios

Foundation Governor

SENd GOVERNOR LEAD

‘The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Governor Lead will take an interest in the way the school manages its provision for children with SEN and will liaise with the SENCO on SEN provisions.

The SEN Governor Lead must report regularly to the Governing Body /Academy Committee with details of their meetings/liaison with the DSL.’ (KCSP 2020)

I am Penny (Josephine) Bordios, I have lived in Dover since November, 1998.  I was born and raised in the Philippines to a simple Catholic family of six.  I grew up actively involving myself in various religious activities in our parish including being a Catechist to young children for years.  It is always inspiring and invigorating to be with children and to see them evolve through the richness of God’s plans and provision.   

It had been a privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to serve as a Foundation Governor at St. Richard’s since October 2016.  My elder son attended the school back in 2011 and my younger one is currently at Year 3.  We have been blessed to be part of this school community and continue to support its endeavours for its overall advancement. 

I work as an Associate Consultant at the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) and a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Coach/Trainer at United Response.  I have the passion for championing the rights of people with intellectual and physical disabilities and am driven to support the development of skills and culture that are necessary to understand their needs and work towards improving their quality of life.    This passion has inspired me to take the opportunity to work closely with the school’s SENCo and have a specific oversight of the school’s provision and arrangements in meeting special educational needs.

Beth Boxall

Parent Governor

LITERACY AND NUMERACY GOVERNOR

‘The Literacy and Numeracy Governor Lead will take an interest in Literacy and Numeracy and keep up to date with local and national initiatives along with the Trust wide curriculum statement.’ (KCSP 2020)

Hello, I am Beth Boxall and, apart from my years at Exeter University, I have lived in Dover all my life. I am always keen to be a part of the community that I live in and in whatever way I can try to support it. Hence, I am really excited to be a Parent Governor from 2021 at St Richard's. I live with my husband, son and daughter who both attend St Richard's. We have been really impressed by the school, particularly during lockdown, and so I am keen to be involved in its further progression and on-going development. 

Additionally, I have taught in a few local schools and held a number of various roles ranging from Head of a Preschool to Assistant Headteacher. My husband is also a teacher and so, together, we are enthusiastic to bring our experience and knowledge to forward and support the education of Dover pupils in whatever way we can. We also attend church and have a strong faith. Therefore, I love the compassionate and faith-based ethos at St Richard's and am excited to see young children fulfil their potential both academically and spiritually.  

Judy Doherty

Foundation Governor

SAFEGUARDING GOVERNOR LEAD

‘The Safeguarding Governor Lead will monitor that there are appropriate child protection procedures in place at the Academy.

The Safeguarding Governor Lead must report regularly to the Governing Body /Academy Committee with details of their meetings/liaison with the DSL.’ (KCSP 2020)

PUPIL PREMIUM GOVERNOR

‘The Pupil Premium Governor Lead will understand relevant pupil performance data that shows progress of different groups over time and to monitor that all available funding is used to effectively close the attainment between pupils who are in receipt of a free school meal and those who are not.’ (KCSP 2020)

I am delighted to have been appointed as a Foundation Governor at St. Richard’s school in 2021 and am looking forward to getting to know the school community. I am an experienced school governor in the primary sector, having served previously at four schools in East Kent. I have a particular interest in early years education and in the teaching of science at primary level.

Before retiring in 2016, I worked for eleven years as a probation officer before moving to a variety of roles in local government, primarily in education and children’s services. I am a qualified Social Worker.

I live with my husband in Folkestone. We have one adult son who lives and works in the north of England. I am a member of Our Lady and St Joseph’s parish. I volunteer locally for the Rainbow Centre where I am a trustee, working in both the Food Bank and the Winter Shelter. My wider interests include local history and I am involved in the Finding Eanswythe project in Folkestone.

Caitlan Sedgwick

Parent Governor

RE and PHSE

I am Caitlan Sedgwick and I have two sons that attend St Richard’s. I live in Dover and have been a member of St Paul’s parish since I was baptised there as a baby. I am the Finance and HR officer at St Edmund’s Catholic school, and am keen to establish strong links between the Primary and Secondary Catholic education in Dover.

I am very happy to be supporting St Richard’s with their Relationships and Health Education. It is so important to ensure that the children are taught about positive relationships and respect for others, as well as promoting good mental health and well-being.

As Vice Chair of the PTFA, I also want to get as many parents involved in events as possible. The school really appreciates the fund raising that we do, and we are delighted to be able to reward the children throughout the year.

Alouisa Quansah-Brown

Staff Governor

STAFF GOVERNOR ROLE PURPOSE

In order to perform this role the Staff Governor is expected to:

• Work at the Academy and know the Academy or set of Academies.
• Bring a staff viewpoint and perspective to discussions and debate (but not represent staff views)
• Gain a good understanding of the Academies strengths and weaknesses.
• Act in the best interests of all pupils at the Academy, or set of academies.(KCSP 2020)

As a member of the Teaching staff at St Richard’s since January 2020, and Staff Governor I am looking forward to representing the wonderful, hardworking staff at St Richard’s and getting to know the wider school community. I am an experienced class teacher having taught in primary schools for the past 16 years, from volunteering through to becoming a qualified teacher for the last 11 years.

Before teaching I studied for an Art degree and then finally a teaching degree when realising teaching is my passion!

I live with my husband and son in Deal having moved from London 21 years ago. I am a keen artist and devote every spare moment to creating mosaics and walking our lively cocker spaniel!

Fr. Jeff Cridland

Parish Priest

OBSERVER ROLE PURPOSE

Sustain and cultivate both the catholic life of the Academy and the Parish of the Good Shepherd and promote and contribute to the interrelationship and growth of the two.

I was born and bred in London and was ordained more than 50 years ago. I have had highs and lows that were equally unexpected. Here are some of the highs; running youth groups in three of my parishes and recruiting a wonderful lady to help care for the unemployed who went on to found the Manna Centre for the Homeless near London Bridge where 175 dinners are served every day in normal times. I spent fourteen years as a pastor in a parish in South London during which time the Sunday Congregation went from 300 to 800. I have loved being involved in education as school chaplain to two different comprehensives at different times and serving as a governor for a total of 36 years in various schools. The lows were most about my health including the years after I was misdiagnosed as diabetic and the period before it was discovered I had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for fourteen years. When I got out of those tunnels I experienced great joy. I have always loved belonging to whichever parish community I have served, to the school communities and serving a Lord who always helps us whatever happens if we let him.