Pen Portraits

Local Governing Board (March 2023)

Please click here for a link to the Trustee and Governance Profiles of the Dales Academies Trust

Here is a copy of the Code of Conduct for the Governors.

Headteacher

Mrs Louise Probets

Chair

Mr Haleem Ghafoor (Foundation Governor)

I have been a Parent Governor for the past seven years at St Francis but was recently appointed as a foundation governor. I wanted to get involved because as a father of three children who attend or have attended the school and someone who wants to make a real difference in their community, I felt that this is the perfect platform to be able to do this. I also want to ensure that all children who attend St Francis have the opportunity to achieve and aspire to fulfil their potential but also want to support and work with the school to ensure that it continues to grow and remain as an outstanding school.

Vice Chair

Mrs Florrie Hunt (Foundation Governor)

My name is Florrie Hunt and I have been a governor at St Francis of Assisi Church of England primary School since it was just a dream. I helped to find the site and dig the first hole for the foundations. I worked with Paul Bramley and the architects to design the school, select the furniture and fittings and choose the school uniform. Our school has been a big part of my life for almost 30 years and I still enjoy helping out whenever I can.

Governors

Rev Brenda Forrester (Foundation Governor)

Hi, my name is Rev’d. Brenda Forrester, vicar of St. Francis of Assisi church since April 2022. This is my first appointment as vicar and am relatively new to York diocese, having previously served my curacy in Durham diocese.

At church and in school, we are aiming to uphold St. Francis’ own views; loving God and loving God’s creation with all our heart, seeking to create a world that is fair and just, where everyone can flourish.

We are excited to be partnering with school, working on a big project under the umbrella of ‘Creation Club’’, which encompasses the Church of England’s Five Marks of Mission: ‘to tell, teach, tend, transform and treasure’.

For myself, there is no greater privilege and responsibility than working for God and God’s people. I am a priest, wife, mother, animal rescuer and fossil hunter, seeking to live life in all its fullness and sharing God’s amazing love with all.

Rev Nik Stevenson (Foundation Governor)

I’m a Pioneer Minister and have been working in Ingleby Barwick for 2 years, I am linked to St Francis of Assisi church but my role is mostly in the community. My role is to create opportunities for people to engage with the Jesus through a variety actives and to facilitate the growth of new worshipping communities. With my wife Shelly, I run Digital Saints an online community of faith who share reflections, meditations and Night Prayer 5 days a week. My background is as a Youth Worker working in deprived areas with young people who struggle to fully engage with education. I have also worked as a chaplain in Mental Health and I am qualified Mental Health First Aider. I am a keen runner and compete in local Trail and Ultra Marathons as well as leading sessions with my running club the Orchard Eagles.

Mrs Margaret Lawrance (Foundation Governor)

I am a Classical Ballet Tutor and Educator with considerable experience in producing and creating ballet, contemporary and narrative dance. I trained at the Royal Academy of Dance as an examiner. For many years, I taught and examined extensively in the UK and overseas. On achieving Qualified Teacher Status, I worked within Secondary and Higher Education teaching Performing Arts, English & Media Studies. At the present time, as an immensely experienced and fully qualified teacher, I specialise in 121 Classical Ballet tuition and intensive coaching for young people, together with Elderberry Ballet Fitness for mature students. My continuing passion is to facilitate conscious movement and wellness to support a balanced and healthy lifestyle for both young and mature students.

I am so proud to be a Foundation Governor at St Francis of Assisi Church of England Primary School where I am responsible for Safeguarding and am on the Admissions Committee. My faith and my Church Family are paramount in my life.

Mrs Natalie Hodgson (Foundation Governor)

My sons attend St. Francis and I became a parent governor in 2022 as I want to help the school to continue to succeed. I have recently been appointed as a foundation governor as my family and I have attend St Francis of Assisi church for the past eight years.

My work as a local authority lawyer includes advising upon education matters, including school admissions and exclusions, along with a diverse range of prosecutions. I believe that my knowledge of education law, together with skills in professionally challenging information, critically reviewing policies, and holding people accountable transfer well to school governance. I have been qualified as a lawyer for over a decade and have sixteen years’ experience.

I have a passion for education, having previously worked as a legal trainer and assessor. I enjoy volunteering as part of the team that deliver our Friends of St Francis events; demonstrating my commitment to the school and my reliability as a volunteer.

Mrs Mehnaz Rashid (Associate Governor)

I have always enjoyed being a Governor as it gives a fascinating insight into the way a school is run. I am fully committed to ensuring that the school provides high quality education and opportunities for all children to get the best experience possible. My role as Curriculum Lead Governor for Mathematics and Lead Governor for Pupil Premium allow me to work closely with the current leadership of the school.

My current professional role is an Information Governance Manager with responsibility for various aspects of data protection. I hope my skill-set and experience can bring something valuable to the board here at St Francis of Assisi Primary School. I believe strongly in the core ethos of St Francis of Assisi Primary School and am committed to supporting it to provide the best possible experience for all its pupils and staff.

Miss Lisa Muirhead (Staff Governor)

My name is Lisa Muirhead and I am the staff governor at St Francis. My journey with St Francis began as a parent, with both of my children attending school. I started as a volunteer ten years ago, training and working as a TA before becoming a teacher. I am currently a Year Four teacher and I am responsible for the Computing Curriculum in school.

Mrs Claire Whitehead (Parent Governor)
Mrs Marie Watson (Deputy Headteacher and Foundation Governor)

We have one foundation governor space and two parent governor spaces.