Governors

What is a Governor?

School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.

Governors work with senior leaders in the strategic development of the school and in raising standards of achievement. Duties include setting the school’s vision, aims & objectives, approving the school budget and appointing the Headteacher.

Governors must both support and challenge the Headteacher, so need to gain an understanding of the school’s overall performance in order to explain its decisions and actions. They do this by attending regular meetings, carrying out school visits and meeting with senior leaders. They also attend training in order to keep up to date with the requirements of their role. Governors work as a team and make collective decisions.

Why does the school have a governing body?

The school has a Governing Body to ensure that it has the capacity to improve and raise overall standards.

Ofsted considers the governing body to be part of the leadership and management of the school. However governors do not manage the school. That is the job of the headteacher and management team. Governors are there to be “a critical friend” to the headteacher and the school.

The Governors achieve this by:

• Receiving information about the school’s performance and comparing it with past performance, national averages and ‘similar schools’
• Contributing to the school self-evaluation process
• Establishing where the school’s strengths and weaknesses are
• Deciding the priorities for improvement
• Discussing and approving the school’s targets and timescales
• Ensuring that the school has a School Improvement Plan (SIP) that sets out all the actions to be taken
• Monitoring that implementation of the SIP, largely by receiving reports from the head teacher
• Evaluating progress and achievements

Our Governors

Meet our Governors 

Mr P Harrison

Hi. I am Patrick Harrison.  I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2022.  I have over 30 years experience in education.  This includes being Head of Religious Education at two large Catholic comprehensive schools in Surrey and Norfolk.  Currently, I work for the Archdiocese of Southwark as an Education Officer and Adviser for Religious Education.  The Governors elected me as Chair of Governors.  My wife and I live in Maidstone.  We have three grown up children and two grandchildren. 

Mr B Grimes

Hi everyone,

I’ve had the privilege of being a governor at St. Michael’s since September 2019 and am honoured to be the Vice Chair. My areas of extra responsibility are in Maths, English and Year 6. I am a foundation governor representing the diocese, but also have 2 children in our school.

During my time on the board, it has been a real pleasure to get a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the wonderful work our staff do. Despite working in education myself, I am often amazed at the incredible lengths so many of our teachers, TAs and support staff go to on a very regular basis to ensure our young people have the best possible school experience every day.

If you ever have any questions or comments about our work as governors, or anything else regarding the school, please don’t hesitate to approach me on the playground or email me at bgrimes@st-michaels.medway.sch.uk.

God bless you all,

Barry

Mrs N Collins 

With immense gratitude, I embrace the role of Head Teacher at this amazing school. My journey here has been a tapestry of experiences, beginning as class teacher then Deputy Head, which allowed me to witness the incredible potential that resides within every child.

I embarked on a chapter in my career as I assumed the position of Head Teacher at a school in Lagos, Nigeria. This opportunity broadened my horizons and provided invaluable insights into diverse educational landscapes.

However, my heart has always remained tethered to St. Michael's. The call to return was undeniable, driven by an enduring love for this school. 

What truly sets St. Michael's apart is the remarkable community feel - the extraordinary children, dedicated staff, supportive parents, and committed governors. Together, we form a synergy that propels us towards excellence.

I am honored and blessed to share my days with these remarkable souls, knowing that we are sculpting a future brimming with promise and potential. 

Father Peter

Mrs C Hales

Hi! My name is Constance,  I come from France and have been living in England for the last 12 years. My husband Mark and I have 4 children, with 3 currently in the school. I work around vulnerable people and I am also a strong advocate for those with Down syndrome. I look forward to being more involved in our super duper school!

Mrs M Murphy

My name is Maddy Murphy, and I have been appointed to be a Foundation Governor.

As a teacher, headteacher, parent and grandparent, my association with the school is both long and deep. Beneath the names of my family, you will find St. Michael’s written on my heart.

Mr M Bialek

Hello, my name is Maciej Bialek and I am a Foundation Governor with one child in the school.

In my personal life I am work on the back of the publishing sector as Factory Manager of a business who deal with unsold copies of Children/Teens Magazines like CBeebies, Thomas and Friends or Go Girl. My team and I work very hard every day to retain good gifts/toys from magazines and make them reusable again instead of buying new plastic toys. I bring to the board business and health and safety experience, and I look forward to continuing to support St Michael’s students and staff.

Mrs C Colette 

I am Colette Carroll and I moved to Chatham just over a year ago with my wonderful husband, Mark.  Joining the lovely parish of St Michael’s made me want to help in our community and being a governor is a great privilege.  I have spent 20+ years working on large scale infrastructure and railway projects including rail franchising, the Olympics, Thameslink and HS2.  I currently run the rail business for Atkins in the UK and am really looking forward to how I can support our school particularly with STEM.

Mrs C Mills

Hi, I’m Caroline. I feel privileged to be a Governor, part of the parish and this community. When I first visited this gem of a school, I was so impressed by the ethos, the vibrant and engaging environment, the clear dedication of the teachers and headmistress and the polite and happy children I saw. I am passionate about making a difference in society, and hope to add value to St Michael’s as a Governor. I love children, value the importance of a good education and recognise the need to build strong foundations during children’s early years in primary school and the impact this will have on the rest of their lives. I am a qualified solicitor and work for the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, investigating deaths in custody.

Mrs R Panting

I'm Rebecca Panting, and I have had the privilege of being a part of the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Primary School community for over a decade. As Deputy Head Teacher, I've had the joy of watching our school flourish year after year. Teaching is not just my profession; it's my passion. My primary goal is to provide the best possible educational experience for the pupils of St. Michael's. I am incredibly proud to serve as a staff governor, where I actively contribute to the ongoing development and excellence of our school.

Ms P Mawoyo

I’m Priscilla Mawoyo , and I have had the privilege of being a Parent Governor at this fantastic Primary School. As a parent to a student attending the school, I have been impressed by the School’s Christian values, the vibrant environment and hard work and dedication by all staff. I have been so impressed by the different activities and efforts by the Headteacher and the rest of the staff to encourage parents to participate in school activities and in the community.

I am a Mental Health Primary Care Clinician by profession and have worked with young children and Adults and the social care services. I also teach young children at my local church and participate in various activities to promote good mental, physical and spiritual health. I look forward to contributing and supporting the ongoing development and excellence of St Michaels RCP.

Mr J Foreman

Hello, my name is Jamie Foreman. I am a parent governor, with 2 children in the school. I have been teaching secondary school science for 20 years, before which I have had careers in car retail & service and as an independent health & fitness consultant. I bring a broad range of education and business experience to board and look forward to supporting the students at St. Michael's school

Mrs K Cleall-Harding

I’m Kim Cleall-Harding, I have worked at St Michael’s RC Primary School for nearly 20 years, the school is very close to my heart, as the Business Manager I play a pivotal role in supporting the school's mission to provide an outstanding educational experience for students while ensuring financial responsibility and sustainability. I really enjoy my work at St Michael’s and look forward supporting the staff and pupils at the school.