Pen Portraits

Local Governing Board (September 2021)

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.

Please see our recent letter regarding changes to the Chair of Governors from April 2021.

Headteacher

Mrs L Probets

Chair

Mr H Ghafoor (Parent Governor)

I have been a Parent Governor for the past six years at St Francis. I wanted to get involved because as a father of three children who attend 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 F 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 – although not as often as I used to!

Additional Governors

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 look after Safeguarding and Admissions. I am also Church Warden at St Francis of Assisi Church. My faith and my Church Family are paramount in my life.

Mr Geoff Field (Foundation Governor)
Mrs Mehnaz Rashid (Associate Governor)
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 Five teacher and I am responsible for the Computing Curriculum in school.

Mrs Claire Whitehead (Parent Governor)
Mrs Marie Watson (Deputy Headteacher)
Mr Adam Harewood (Foundation Governor)

Mr Craig Wilkinson (Foundation Governor)

I’m Craig Wilkinson and I have lived in and around the Teesside area all my life, I am proud and passionate about the area in which we all live. I am 40 years old and currently have 2 children that attend St Francis school. I have a background in sports science and studied at John Moores University and Teesside University, which has lead me to working within education for over 15 years. I have taught in several types of schools from mainstream, sports colleges and SEN settings. I have a strong passion for running in my spare time and I’ve completed several marathons and ultra marathons.