Membership of Governing body following reconstitution.

12 members made up of LA representative, 2X parents, 7X Foundation (Parish members) 1 staff member plus the Head teacher.

September 2021 - We have 1 Foundation Governor Vacancy

Foundation Governors are appointed by the Parish Priest on behalf of the Catholic Diocese.

Parent Governors are elected by parents/carers in school

LA - Local Authority Governors appointed by the Local Authority.

St Mary’s RCVA Primary School -Governing Body Structure

Governor Pen Portraits

Lorraine Murray - Chair of Governors

My name is Lorraine Murray; I am a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s. I am also a parishioner at St Joseph’s Stanley where I have worshipped for over 20 years and within the parish I am a Eucharistic minister, part of the financial committee and a representative of the Pontop Partnership parishioner team.

Over my working career as a manager in business I have worked for a Bank, a University, the third sector, a local hospice and I now work for a charity.

I have a HR qualification and I am also a qualified dance teacher.

It is a privilege to be part of the school Governors team and I look forward to working with everyone involved.

Colin Nelson - Vice Chair of Governors

My name is Colin Nelson, I am a Foundation Governor at St Mary’s. I have been a parishioner at St. Josephs since 1978 and during that time I have been involved in Children’s Liturgy, Marriage Preparation and as a Special Minister. In my working career I was always in the manufacturing sector starting as an apprentice and then later as a Production Engineer and Production Supervisor in a factory making Hydraulic Excavators (big diggers). My main hobby is cycling. I attended Catholic schools myself as have my two children (now adults). I enjoy working with the staff, governors and pupils at St Mary’s and helping them make the most of their potential.

Margaret Arthurs - Foundation Governor

My name is Margaret Arthurs. I am a Foundation Governor at St Mary's. Before I retired I worked at St. Bede's school in Lanchester for 29 years, teaching Religious Education for most of that time.
At present my parish is St. Joseph's in Stanley, but from 1964 until 1989 my family and I attended St. Mary's Church. When we were all at home we needed a whole bench! Worshipping in St. Mary's gave me a great appreciation of the people and the school. It has always been a welcoming place to be. I love to hear, "Hi Margaret!" , when I walk along the corridor.
In addition to my governor's role,  I am privileged to work with the children and their parents and aid their preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. We are blessed by the support of Father Dermott, Mrs. Robson and Mrs Daniels and of course the parents, who accompany their children to Sunday Mass and the end of the sessions.

Joanne Conway - Foundation Governor

My name is Joanne Conway and I became a governor in December 2018. My children have attended St Mary’s school since 2007. I attend St Joseph’s church with my family where I am also part of the children’s liturgy team. I am also part of the youth group. I joined the Catholic family nine years ago.

I currently work at a school for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health issues and although it is challenging, I find it very rewarding. Previously, I have worked in other schools in the Stanley area.

I embrace my role as a governor at St. Mary’s as the school holds a special place in my heart as we continue to grow together in the friendship of faith.

Bonny Jackman - Foundation Governor

My name is Bonny Jackman; I am a Foundation Governor for St Mary's RC Primary. I have known the school since 2011 when my eldest son started. He is currently thriving in secondary school due to the start St Mary's gave him. My youngest son is still at the school. My background was originally project management and I worked for the same company for 15 years. Due to a change in their circumstances and mine, I was given the opportunity to retrain and become a teacher. I have been teaching for five years now, the first of which which was completed at St Mary's. The school has always been very special to me and I look forward to working alongside everyone to help the school to continue to thrive.

Mark Davinson - LA Governor

I am appointed by the local authority to the governing body of the school. I have lived in Craghead all of my life and until recently I was both a county and town councillor for the local area. This is an extension of the various volunteering and paid employment roles I have undertaken in the community over the last 25 years to help improve residents lives. My nephew attends St Mary's and enjoys going to school. 

Wendy Leighton - Parent Governor

My name is Wendy Leighton and I became a parent governor in July 2021. I have been part of the St Mary's family since 2013 when my eldest son started attending the school. My eldest son now attends St Bede's and I have another son and a daughter who currently attend St Mary's. All 3 of my children have been given an amazing start to their academic journeys because of the foundation St Mary's has given them.

In my work life, I have been a civil servant for just over 20 years where I have mostly specialised in the Finance field, but have been fortunate enough to be able to also develop HR and Project Management experience.

I love to take an active part in the school community and am really looking forward to being more involved and working with my fellow governors and the school community to support St Mary's and help it grow further.

Lindsey Soutar – Deputy Head and Staff Governor

My family is very important to me and I am parent to two boys.

I have worked at St. Mary's for approximately 12 years now and was appointed as deputy head. My previous employment background focussed on my first degree of agricultural science so I have a lot of animal and farming-based experience. I have also been a police officer and was posted in one of the local forces. I utilised both of these experiences in my role at Houghall College where I was responsible for working with vulnerable and permanently excluded young adults.

After having my family I gained other qualifications including the PGCE from Newcastle and attending a post graduate law diploma course at Northumbria University.

My interests are heavily football and science-based.

Allison Robson-Head Teacher

It is my privilege to be the Head Teacher of St Mary's, which is a family school where Gospel values are intrinsic in all that we do. I have been Head since January 2017. I have a passion for teaching and learning and I am committed to ensuring that every child is given the very best opportunities possible. I am a parishioner at St Joseph's Stanley, where I have worshipped for the last 14 years. I like to spend my holidays and weekends with my family. We enjoy walking our rescue dog and spending time at our caravan which is sited in Weardale.

Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings – Academic Year 2020-2021

Attendance at Governing Body Committee Meetings – Academic Year 2020-2021