Our Governors, their responsibilities and 'Information and Duties.'
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Mr Lee Brooker
Chair of Governors
After becoming a governor in the summer term of 2017, I have been delighted
to be welcomed by such a great group of people who have such a clear
direction and care for the children and the school. Coming from a business
background and working in schools throughout the country over the last 14
years, I am proud to be a part of a school which just has that great, positive
and inclusive feeling. It is something which can’t be described, but as soon as I
set foot in the school, I knew it was right for my family. To be honoured with
the role of a Parent Governor and be involved with the future development is
fantastic and something I take great pride in. In my spare time I love
photography, motorsports, football and most of all spending time with my
family.
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Mrs Nicola Roberts
Vice Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
I have been part of the St John’s Green community since 2008, when my eldest child started at the school, I have since had three children move through SJG and on to senior school and my youngest is in KS2. I have served as a governor for over 10 years. The school has changed and grown a lot over this time, but one thing that remains the same is the feeling of community, and inclusivity, and the commitment of the staff to give each child an interesting and varied learning experience. There is a shared desire to help each pupil thrive and achieve. As a parent I know how important it is for children to feel secure and happy at school and as a governor I enjoy working with the Senior Management Team to strive towards our joint goal of giving every child a good start to their education in a caring, safe and educationally rich environment. My career background is mostly in the financial sector, doing project management, marketing and operations support. I have also always enjoyed working with children, and worked with a special needs children's charity prior to completing my Psychology BSc at Lancaster University, where I focused my studies on child development, education and 'how people learn'. I enjoy photography, writing, films, and travelling with my family, and can often be seen in and around school, visiting, helping, assisting with PTA activities and at pick up time. I strongly believe that with the whole school community working together we can help SJG be an even better school than it already is.
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Mrs Elisa Vasquez-Walters
Co-opted Governor
I am now into my 3rd year of being a governor at St. John’s Green and this is my second time round doing so. The first time was when my children, now aged 24 and 26, were at the school themselves. In my day to day I work in Criminal Justice so am very interested in positive outcomes for children as this gives them the best chances for positive outcomes as adults. I currently have governor responsibility for RE/PSHE/Rights respecting and Year 2.
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Mrs Abigail Foster
Parent Governor
I became a governor in December 2023.
Before starting my family, I was teaching at a local school after completing a BA in Primary Education at Greenwich University. Coming from a background in education, I understood the day to day workings of delivering the curriculum but I wanted to get a feel for the ‘behind the scenes’, also. With a personal and professional interest in SEN, I was made SEN and safeguarding governor.
The hard work and dedication from every member of staff at SJG is apparent as soon as you step through the doors. The care and support that the staff provide to their pupils is second to none and the governing body wants to support the school to continue to provide the children with the very best of education and care.
In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, reading non-fiction and can often be found with some kind of craft on the go!
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Mr Mark Scaife
Parent Governor
I have been a governor since November 2020.
As a governor I hope that I can help the school be the best that it can. I was initially interested in becoming a Governor because I spend a large amount of time designing school buildings and so wanted to understand more about how those buildings get used. However, I hope that I can also bring value to the school from my professional career. I have a keen interest in STEM subjects as I believe they can lead to great opportunities to shape the world we live.
I am a Chartered Engineer with a degree in Audio Technology from the University of Salford, and since then have been working in architectural and environmental acoustic consultancy for the last 20 years, which has given me the opportunity to work on projects around the world (from Antartica to Za'abeel via Mercury Theatre).
I enjoy taking part most sports; especially running . I'm a lifelong supporter of Ipswich Town FC which equips me we patience and a good sense of humour.
In my spare time I read and act as a runner for the PTA.
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Mr Simon Billings
Headteacher
Staff Governor
I have been Headteacher of St John’s Green Primary School for over 15 years
having previously worked in Wickford and prior to that in Coventry.
I care passionately about the school and am fundamental in my aim that I
want children to enjoy coming to a school that cares for them and wants them
to achieve the best they possible can through a rich and challenging
education.
I have three children of my own, two boys and a girl and am fully aware of
both the challenges and joys that having children brings. Catch me in an
unguarded moment and I will quite happily expand on my six year old
daughter’s ability to run rings around every other living thing in the house or
my sons ability to leave wakes of destruction in every room he visits.
I think that St John’s Green Primary School is a fantastic school and I feel
privileged to be its headteacher.
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Mrs Clare Skinner
Assistant Headteacher
Staff Governor
I have been working at St. John’s Green Primary School for 12 years and I am very proud to do so. I have been teaching for over 20 years, becoming Assistant Head, with the responsibility for Teaching and Learning, 3 years ago.
I grew up in Cornwall and moved to London to begin my teaching career in 1998. I have always been passionate about teaching and the difference we can make to the children we have the privilege of working with. I have a particular interest in English and I was English Lead in a previous school, working within the London Borough of Havering, to roll out new initiatives for Reading and Writing. When I moved to Colchester, I had two young boys who are now teenagers…time flies! I still have my Cornish roots, but I am delighted that I made the decision to move to London and then Essex, to continue my career.
Throughout my teaching career, the curriculum and expectations have changed dramatically. It has been both exciting and daunting over the years, to adapt to and work with the new and ever-changing ways in which we are asked to teach. However, the fundamentals are always the same:
· Provide a secure and stimulating environment, that is conducive to all children having the opportunity to reach their full potential;
· Value the achievements of all children, both in and out of school and provide opportunities to develop self-confidence and a positive self-image;
· Provide a curriculum which is balanced, relevant and progressive;
· Offer all children equal access to the curriculum and school life, in the community where individual differences are appreciated, celebrated, understood and accepted
It is a pleasure to work at St. John’s Green Primary School; the children, staff, families and community are very special.
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Mr Philip Freeman
Clerk to the Governors
I work for Juniper Education Clerking Service and one of the Colchester schools I work with is St John's Green Primary. I previously worked at the Gilberd School for 25 years in a variety of roles including periods as
Headteacher and Deputy Head.