Shadow Governing Board

 

Patricia Metham – Chair and Local Authority Representative

After 20 years as a teacher and subject leader (English & Drama), I became headteacher in 1986 of a small school in West Sussex. Five years later, I moved to be head of a large all-through school in Ashford, Kent, and from there to be Head of Roedean School in Brighton. While at Ashford and Roedean, I was on various national education committees. From Roedean, I moved, with my husband, to Thailand as Principal of a large, three-campus international school, teaching the English National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate. While in Thailand, I was Special Adviser to the Thai government on working with gifted and talented pupils. When I returned to England in 2005, I became one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools and from 2012 to 2014 was Ofsted’s national lead for English and literacy. Since 2014 I have been an independent education consultant, working largely with schools in East Sussex.

John Crouch – Vice Chair

I have a background in education having trained to teach too many years ago, I have been married to a teacher for nearly 30 years and having spent the last 10 years of my working life as Operations and Communications Manager at Robertsbridge Community College, where for 6 of those years I was a Staff Governor. I am currently Chair of Governors of the Quercus Federation (Hurst Green and Northiam). I have a varied career history in business, industry, education and child care, which helps enormously when dealing with complexities of governance of our schools.

Ross Settles – Co-opted Member

I am now retired from teaching, having taught Years 6-8 in the independent sector. For many years I held senior management posts with responsibility for the school curriculum and staff training. I also served as a team inspector for the Independent Schools’ Inspectorate, and am currently a GCSE assistant examiner. I played for Sidley CC in the Sussex League, and for MCC, so am particularly passionate about cricket, but also literature and the arts in general. Having recently been vice-chair of governors at a Hastings primary school, I am looking forward to supporting St. Michael’s as a member of its board.

Cherane Marshall – Headteacher and Staff Representative

Having had a varied career as a PR & Marketing Manager, then Podiatrist in the NHS, I took a career break to raise my children, eventually retraining as a teacher in 2008. I have experience of teaching across all phases of primary education, from Early Years to Year 6. I took up the Head of School position at St. Michael’s in 2016 and was appointed Headteacher in January, 2018. I have previously served on the board of Governors at another Sussex primary school.

Kirsty Doherty – Parent Representative

I am a self-employed Graphic Designer and a mum to a child at St Michael’s in Playden. I have been a parent at the school since 2011. I live in Rye and I am the treasurer of Ferry Road Nursery as well as being on a few of the Rye Festival Committees.

James Bennett – Parent Representative

I have lived with my wife and two children in Rye since 2012. Our son Alife goes to St. Michael’s school, Playden and we are hoping that our daughter will go to the school too. We believe it is a fantastic establishment and are very pleased with our choice of school. When I have had the opportunity to attend assembly or spend time in the playground, I am always impressed with how well-mannered and good natured the children are.

I am a Consultant Anaesthetist for East Sussex Healthcare, which includes the two acute hospitals: The Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne District General Hospital. I specialise in anaesthesia for colorectal cancer surgery, joint replacement and acute pain management. I also work at the Spire Sussex, the Benenden hospital and the Horder Centre, Crowborough.

This is my first role as a school governor. I appreciate that there is a steep learning curve, but I am fully focused and committed to give my very best for the school as a governor, as a parent who cares for my children’s education, and more importantly for the local community. All children are entitled to the support, tools and resources to not just be ready for secondary school, but also to be prepared for what lies beyond the education system. To reach their potential whatever that may be, and for them to be happy with that. I feel St. Michael’s school is the perfect setting to nurture this and am passionate about supporting the school.

There are similarities in how the education system and the NHS are structured. One of the fundamental core values for a doctor is patient centred care. My motivation and drive in becoming a school governor is to ensure that everything that we decide to do for the future of St. Michael’s is pupil-focused. To maintain the warm, caring, inspirational environment that has allowed Alfie to develop in a manner that my wife and I are very proud of.

I am but one parent with my own set of views and visions for the school. I need to know your beliefs, concerns and opinions to truly represent the parent body of St. Michael’s. I want to collaborate with you all to ensure we have a voice to be heard at the board meetings.

 

 

Should you wish to contact the Governing Body, please approach the school office or email patricia.metham@schoolwords.co.uk