The Governing Body at St James’ is a hardworking and supportive group of people and I am privileged to work with them in my role as the new headteacher. Previously, as the Deputy Headteacher, here at St James’, I was an associate governor. This gave me a school wide view of what was happening and I produced many reports for the governors to consider. Now, as Headteacher, I look forward to working alongside the governors to make strategic decisions to ensure the school goes from strength to strength. Mr M Woolley: Headteacher Governor
I have been a governor at St James’ since September 2008 when I retired from my post as Headteacher at St Paul’s, Hyde. I was born and brought up in Hyde and so am really pleased to continue to support the local schools of my home town. Although I say retired, this is never strictly true!! I help the Diocese of Shrewsbury on appointments to schools and some RE inspections and I am also a governor at Our Lady’s in Ashton. St James’ is such a happy caring community I am only too pleased to be supporting the whole community in whatever way I can. As well as the being the Chair of Governors, I have specific roles, including being the Governor responsible for Safeguarding. Mr K Toms: Chair of Governors
I am married with two grown up daughters and a granddaughter. I go to St Edward’s church in Lees, Oldham. I am a retired headteacher. I started teaching at St James’ Hattersley in 1974! And loved it! I worked at St James’, St Paul’s Hyde and then back to St James’! I was an Early Years Advisory Teacher for 18 months which I loved. I became a deputy Head at Holy Trinity in Ashton u Lyne which provided me with a very different experience. I was Headteacher at Dowson Primary School in Hyde for 17 years until I retired two years ago. In my last year at Dowson it became an Academy. During my 43 years as a teacher I have had a very wide range of experiences. I am interested in all aspects of the primary curriculum but my special areas of interests are Early years, Literacy and the humanities. I have experience in all aspects of school management and sat on many Tameside committees representing Primary Headteachers. I have been involved in many different networks especially with Hyde schools. I have also been involved in regional and national events. I am passionate about every child having the opportunity to receive a first class education and to have the support they need to achieve their full potential. I have also been very committed to working with the whole family and engaging parents to be fully involved in their children’s education. I am delighted to be a Foundation Governor at St James’, I’ve come full circle! I am looking forward to working with my fellow Governors, the Head and all the staff, to ensure the school continues to provide an excellent education in a warm, supportive community. Mrs J Rathburn: Vice Chair of Governors