Governors at St Bernadettes
How do I become a governor at St Bernadettes?
The Governing Body is made up of the Headteacher, Foundation Governors, (appointed by the Diocese), elected Parents/Carers, an elected Staff Governor and a Local Authority appointed Governor.
We currently have vacancies for one Parent Governor and one Foundation Governor. If you are interested in becoming a school governor, please contact the Senior Clerk to Governors for more information:
St Bernadette's Governing Body 2020-21
Janet Silva, Chair (Foundation)
Gayle Golland, Co Vice-Chair (Foundation)
Mark Saunders, Co Vice-Chair (Foundation)
Claire Smith, Headteacher
Fr John Hull (Foundation)
Rhiannon Rowe (Foundation)
Laurentius Vlaar (Foundation)
Sally Polanski (Local Authority)
Vincent Pelling (Parent)
Catherine Cleary (Staff)
What do school governors do?
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 and 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 requirements of their role. Governors work as a team and make collective decisions.
The Full Governing Body (FGB) meets as a whole group at least 5 times a year, although additional meetings may be called as required.
2020-21 FGB Meeting Dates:
21st September 2020
2nd November 2020
11th January 2021
29th March 2021
10th May 2021
9th July 2021 (Governors Day)
The Governing Body is supported by the following Committees:
Finance and Premises
Health and Safety
Personnel
Curriculum