Deborah Welch – Foundation Governor (Chair of Academy Council)

Why I serve as a governor

I am passionate about creating the best opportunity for every child in our school and faith community. As a parent of two children who attended St Joseph’s I believe every child should have the opportunity to receive excellent educational, pastoral and wrap around care. Excellent primary education ensures that school life gives children great memories, long lasting friendships and the best chance of success as an adult, including a healthy mind-set.

 The skills I bring to the Governing Body

I am director of a branch of the national charity Live Music Now – we work and campaign to create inclusive, measurable social impact through music. My role allows me to operate at both a strategic level, ensuring that  there is a clear vision for progress and at operational level through project and financial management and evaluation of impact.

Mary-Jane Murray - Foundation Governor

 Why I serve as a governor

My children attended St Joseph’s so have known the school a long time. Having retired from being a teaching headteacher of another small primary, I thought I had something to offer a school that faced similar challenges to what I experienced, and could help the headteacher in what is an increasingly challenging role

 Teresa Walker - Foundation Governor

Why I serve as a governor

Having worked as a teacher in Leeds schools for many years, I have a keen interest in schools, how children learn and education.Throughout my teaching career, I have taught pupils from a range of different backgrounds and abilities, including EAL and SEN pupils, mainly at KS2 and KS3.I believe in good teamwork and have always strived to work collaboratively with my colleagues, valuing their opinions during open discussions, when leading curriculum teams as a Middle Manager.I have also been an external marker for KS2 SATS.Last year I was teaching beginner’s English to Ukrainian adults, newly arrived in Wetherby and surrounding villages, on a voluntary basis.

The skills I bring to the Governing Body

Since retiring, I have thought about being a governor as my previous teaching experience, interest in education and temperament could be of value in helping the school to be as successful as possible. At present I am involved in various parish activities in Wetherby, which prompted me to join the Governing Body of a faith school

Jenny Pinder - Parent Governor

Why I serve as a governor

I have two children, both in Key Stage 2. I have been a parent governor since my eldest daughter was in reception and really enjoy my role in supporting and helping to develop the school. I am a secondary school French teacher and this means I can volunteer my skills to teach French to children at St Joseph’s too.

 The skills I bring to the Board

I am a secondary school French teacher and this means I can volunteer my skills to teach French to children at St Joseph’s too.

Leanne Smith -Parent Governor

Why I serve as a Governor

I don't have a background in education so hope that I can not only learn a lot and develop my skill set, but bring a different perspective and ideas to the board. I feel that to be able to positively be involved in the school where my son goes, is a huge honour and very rewarding. I want to be able to contribute to the opportunities that our children have and be able to help develop our school and support the staff that not only teach them, but care for them. I believe that every child should be given the opportunity to strive love the sense of inclusion that St Joseph's offers. 

The skills I bring to the Board

Working in hospitality, I am used to working in a reactive, busy environment. I think this makes me quite practical in my thinking and ideas and believe I am good at finding solutions to problems that we encounter. 

I am a very caring and empathetic person, with a good ear for listening and advice to offer when appropriate. 

I have a strong background in admin and am exceptionally discreet.