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Governors

KCSP

 

Kent Catholic Schools' Partnership is a charitable trust and a company limited by guarantee. The Trust was established in August 2012 by the Archbishop of Southwark.

 

The Trust Board of Directors ('Trustees') are responsible for overseeing the management and administration of the Trust and they fulfil this role by delegating functions to committees. 

 

The Trust understands the importance of the role of governance committees and the Trust has set out guidance and support in its Governance Handbook and Scheme of Delegation.

 

St. Richard's has 2 governing committees - The St. Richard's & Stella Maris Executive Committee and The St. Richard's Academy Committee. Both are made up of volunteers who work together to support our school across all aspects of daily school life, including strategic, financial and the curriculum.

 

All of our committee members work in different ways and have their individualised roles however, their main aim as a whole is to help us to provide the best possible education for our pupils by:  
  • Setting the school's vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies and making creative use of resources.

  • Monitoring and evaluating performance, supporting and challenging the Executive Principal & Academy Principal in the management of the school.

  • Ensuring that the school is accountable to the children and parents it serves, to its local community, to those who fund and maintain it, as well as the staff it employs.

 

The Governance Committee is a ‘critical friend’ of the school. It provides Strategic Leadership in school improvement. It does this by being appropriately involved in the school improvement cycle as follows:

 

  1. Developing and sharing the values and vision
  2. Setting out the aims and objectives of the school
  3. Setting out the policies and procedures by which the aims and objectives will be achieved.
  4. Establishing the criteria by which the aims and achievements will be seen to be achieved.
  5. Taking the views of stakeholders into account
  6. Evaluating evidence on how well the school is doing.
  7. Finding out how well the school is doing in comparison with similar schools.
  8. Agreeing targets for improvement
  9. Planning to achieve improvement.
  10. Ensuring that deployment of staffing and resources match the school’s priorities.


Key Issues

 

The governance committee will consider and keep under review: the progress and attainment of all groups of pupils, evidence of narrowing gaps between under achieving groups and other pupils, improvements in the quality of teaching, the school’s improvement since the last inspection, and the school’s self-evaluation of how well it is doing currently. Governance committee members are not expected to be involved in the day-to-day running of the school.

 

Who can be a governance committee member?

 

  • Almost everyone over 18 can become a member. Governance committee members are volunteers from all walks of life – everyone has experience and skills to offer.
  • An effective governance committee has people from different backgrounds and with a mix of skills. No formal qualifications are needed to be a member.
  • Governance committee members are not education experts – they are there to offer a fresh perspective.

 

What makes a good governance committee member?

 

  • The ability to work in a team.
  • An interest in education and a commitment to the school
  • Patience, energy and enthusiasm
  • A willingness to listen, learn and to spend time in school
  • A willingness to undertake training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Please find below details of how our Governing committees are structured, including the names, categories and  responsibilities for each Governor.

The St. Richard's and Stella Maris Executive Committee

Foundation governors are selected by the appointing body to which the school is attached. They are appointed to preserve and develop the religious character of the school and to secure compliance with the trust deed.

 

Staff governors are elected by the school staff. Both teaching and support staff paid to work at the school are eligible to be staff governors. The Academy Principal is automatically a member of the governing body.

 

Parent governors are elected by parents of pupils on the school roll at the time of election. They must be parents of pupils on the school roll themselves to stand for election.

 

Meet The Governors

 

 

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.

 

 

The St. Richard's Academy Committee

Meet The Governors

 

 

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. 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

The Chair of The Academy Committee may be contacted via the school office (see the home page for details) – any correspondence marked ‘Private and Confidential’ will be passed to them without opening in school.

 

 

Governor Recruitment

Are you enthusiastic about education?

Do you have some spare time?

If so, then you may be just the person we need!

 

The following link provides more information about the Role of a Governor, as well as the Appointment Process:  https://www.rcaoseducation.org.uk/could-you-become-a-governor/

 

Further information about our school can be found using the following links:

https://www.kcsp.org.uk/governing-bodies-and-academy-committees/

https://www.kcsp.org.uk/st-richards-catholic-primary-dover/

https://www.kcsp.org.uk/what-our-pupils-and-parents-say-about-our-academie/

 

If you would like to enquire about becoming a Governor at St. Richard's, please contact our Academy Chair of Governors using the details below. 

 

Contact Details

The St. Richard's and Stella Maris Executive Committee Chair of Governors

Academy Chair of Governors: Mr. Jason O'Callaghan

Address: St. Richard's Catholic Primary School, Castle Avenue, Dover, Kent. CT16 1EZ

Telephone: 01304 201118

Email: Jason.Ocallaghan@stella-maris-folkestone.kcsp.org.uk

 

The St. Richard's Academy Committee Chair of Governors

Academy Chair of Governors: Rev. Dr. Barry Barton

Address: St. Richard's Catholic Primary School, Castle Avenue, Dover, Kent. CT16 1EZ

Telephone: 01304 201118

Email: Barry.Barton@st-richards-dover.kcsp.org.uk

 

Kent Catholic Schools Partnership

Chief Executive: Mrs Annemarie Whittle

Address: Barham Court, Teston, Maidstone, Kent. ME18 5BZ

Telephone: 01622 232665

 

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