Governors

Marcia Hare (Chair of the Governing Body - Co-opted Governor)

I started out as a parent governor at my son’s primary school 28 years ago and then moved on to supporting his secondary school.

I was initially approached by St. James, because it was felt I would be able to bring a fresh set of skills and knowledge to the school. I have enjoyed being the supportive Critical Friend to the school and being a part of the improvement and changes for the pupils and staff alike.

I am an experienced trained manager and have sat on various committees throughout my governing career, including Pay and Personal, Finance Committee, School Improvement Plan Group and Appeals Panel. I have also had experience of sitting in disciplinary hearings, pupil appeals and making some really difficult decisions in helping the school to move forward, as well as monitoring of the schools' improvement.  I have also been involved in the past in the early transition of a local secondary school moving towards Academy status. 
 
I currently sit as the interim Chair and have had previous experience of being the chair.
 
I am committed to the improvement and the development of the school overall.  St James is a community, whose high quality pastoral care is at the heart of its ethos.  This is transferred out into the local community and is a strong reflection of the school.
 
My background experience is that I have worked for a long time in the mental health field and in the Care and Social arena.  My outside interests are that I love to sing, I am a committed Christian and I have been involved in various community groups. 

Rochelle Wilson-Mcintosh (LA Governor)

 

 

 

 

 

Sadash Banger (Co-opted Governor)

 

 

 

 

 

Zara Jackson (Co-opted Governor)

 

 

 

 

Melina Howard (Parent Governor)

When the opportunity to become a School Governor approached me, I couldn’t have said no. I love working with children and young people, especially ensuring their rights and values are advocated.  Having lived in Handsworth for most of my life, I have a clear understanding in regard to the demographic dynamics and culture. Being the Safeguarding Link Governor, I am able to provide key knowledge in regard to updated Statutory Guidance, policies and procedures.   

I have been a qualified Social Worker for 11 years specialising in child safeguarding. Within my role, I have worked closely with partner agencies including police, doctors, health visitors and teachers. I believe every child has a right to a stable, safe and loving environment both at home and in education and, whilst being on the board, I will ensure this is promoted by all members.

Jodion Elliott (Parent Governor)

As a mother of four children, I feel that I have a great understanding of the needs of both the parents and children, as well as the importance of the role of a teacher or member of the support staff working in a school.

I am someone who has worked with children, and someone who understands both the parents’ point of view, and the children’s needs.

I am a qualified Early Years practitioner, who has worked with children from 0 to 16 years, with over 13 years’ experience, and I have also had experience as a youth worker.

My experiences have allowed me to understand the importance of the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as the National Curriculum, and the needs of children as a whole, in order for them to reach their full potential in the learning environment.

I have a huge imagination. I am a very outgoing and friendly person, always wanting the best for others and our young people, someone who is very creative, very practical and very hands-on.

I believe I have the drive, and I’m full of enthusiasm, commitment and a passion for children’s education that will help St. James to move forward.

 

Father Clement Pascal (Foundation Governor)

 

 

 

 

Rekha Duggal (Co-opted Governor)

Having lived and worked in the local area for many years, I was honoured to become a school governor to contribute to the education and wellbeing of children in the local community. 

As a Registered Nurse and Health Visitor, I am committed to ensuring that all children are valued, safe and achieve their full potential. 

Fulfilling my role as a school governor allows me to support the school’s vision and direction to ensure opportunities for all children, whilst letting their light shine.

 

Dr Kirandeep Sahota (Foundation Governor)

I have lived in Handsworth and been educated in the schools in our local area.  I am now a local business woman.

I agreed to be a school governor, as I believe that every child deserves an excellent education.  I am proud to be a Foundation Governor at the school, as it enables me to be an agent for bettering children’s education.

My future hope for our school is to allow every single one of our children to learn and to grow to their full potential, making a change and proving that every child from any background can become whatever they hope to be.

 

Jayne Pritchard (Staff Governor)

 

 

Sarah Smith (Head Teacher)

I am the Head Teacher at St James having joined the school in 2006. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children here as well as leading in many areas such as Maths, Curriculum, PSHE. As Deputy for the last 5 years I have been heavily involved in developing the teaching and learning as well as safeguarding. I went to primary school in my home town of Ormskirk in Lancashire and I cherish every memory from that time - our goal here is to give every child memorable experiences that they carry with them into their adulthood. 

I believe a child learns best when happy and valued, and it is from this stance that I lead the school. As the Head I work alongside the governors to achieve this. We continually strive to adapt and grow so that we meet the standards expected for primary school children.

Titan