I must first say how privileged and proud I am to not only join the Governing Board of the Schools of Woolton Hill, but to be elected as Chair. But let me step back, and introduce myself.
My name is Chris McGowan. I have lived in and around the village for the last 40 years and both of our boys attended the Woolton Hill Schools back in the 1990’s. Having retired earlier this year from an international commercial career I now have the time to add my support to the ongoing development and continual improvement of the schools.
As we enter the new school year there are a number of other changes in the Governing Board that I want to make you aware of. After more than 25 years of service between them, Sarah Rolls, Steve Waite, Yordanka Kavalova and Andy McLaughlin have all decided it was the right time to step down.
All four were part of the team that led the transition of our schools to a Federation and have worked tirelessly over the years to support the continued improvement in the school, culminating in our recent Ofsted results. I’m sure you will join me in extending our thanks and gratitude to them all.
As well as me, myself we also have three other new faces on the Governing Board: Nicola Weeks, Gemma Duff, Jon Strefford and Sarah Liriano as our new Clerk. Over the next term or so, I hope to share more updates from the Governing Board with you and will take the opportunity then to introduce all of the Governors and talk a little more about their specific roles.
And finally, we have a number of existing Governors: Reverend Christine Dale, Jonathan Walters, Fiona Ashworth, Abbie Dando and Karen Callow who all continue their roles. Rounding us off we have Paul Davies and Kathryn Knapp.
We have a number of vacancies though, including for Parent Governors, and so if you are interested in joining the Governing Board then please contact the school who will put you in touch with me for a chat! I think you will find the role of a Governor both interesting and rewarding as you will be able to contribute to the growth and development of the school. You can also find out more about what we do by looking at our website here.
I look forward to supporting the school as it continues its journey to Outstanding, and to meeting many of you at events in and around the school.
Chris McGowan
Chair of Governors