I am the Sports Link governor and have recently been appointed the Chair of the Personnel and Resources Committee.
Caroline Johnson
My name is Caroline Johnson and I am currently the Head Teacher of an ‘Outstanding’ Primary School in Leeds. I have taught for 21 years and prior to Headship, I was the Deputy Head of an ‘Outstanding School’ for 12 years. I am an Advanced Skills Teacher and a Specialist Leader in Education; both positions have involved supporting teachers, senior leadership teams and head teachers with many aspects of school improvement. Rook’s Nest Academy is a wonderful school where children are encouraged, supported and challenged to achieve their very best. The school works hard with all stakeholders to promote the highest possible outcomes for every pupil.
As an outstanding school, the challenge is to keep moving forward and to be shaping the future of education, rather than following on behind. As a Governor, I want to Rook’s Nest Academy to continue the journey beyond outstanding, ensuring the children have an exciting, engaging curriculum which ensures they leave us as confident, independent young people who are determined to achieve their full potential.
Veronica Saville
I was appointed staff Governor in May 2017. I am Link Governor for Safeguarding and form part of the Personnel & Resources Committee.
I have worked at Rook’s Nest Academy for the past 21 years, in a variety of roles. My journey began as a volunteer when my son started at the school (He is now 25). I then worked as a dinner lady, a Support Worker for children with special needs, a Classroom Assistant and a Playworker. In 2007 I played a part in setting up Rook’s Nest Early birds Breakfast and Afterschool Club and ultimately became the Manager in charge of the day to day running of Rook’s Nest Academy Childcare.
I am passionate about the education and welfare of all young people and will strive in my role as Governor to ensure that the children at Rook’s Nest receive the best possible education and opportunities to support their learning & development.
For anyone wishing to speak to me, I am in the Playground each morning 8.45am-9.00am.
Silvana Evans, Associate Governor.
I decided to apply for the role of Governor as my grandchildren attend the school. I was successful and see myself as “grandparent” governor and look forward to bringing my skills and experience to the Schools Board of Governors.
To fully understand The School and to develop my role I will aim to attend various school events and activities
Louise Harper
As Staff Governor since September 2017, I am growing into the role but am enjoying being able to broaden my knowledge of the issues affecting the school and to make an active contribution.
I have been Key Stage 2 leader and have taught Years 5 and 6 at Rook’s Nest since September 2015. Before that I worked in a range of very different primary schools near Barnsley and in Trowbridge in Wiltshire. I have loved my time at Rook’s Nest and want very much to be able to contribute to the school’s development. I can bring my knowledge of different educational establishments to my governor role and am looking forward to acting as a conduit between staff and the governors to support and challenge the school.
R Overton
As a parent myself (both of my boys went to Rook’s Nest Academy) I am well aware of how important it is to ensure that children have the best opportunity to reach their potential. I became a governor of the Academy in 2017. In addition to my general governor duties, I am SEN (Special Educational Needs) link governor and sit on the Personnel & Resources and Secondary Committees.
I work in IT Engineering for a large financial services organisation, leading a large, multi-disciplinary team across multiple UK and international locations. The nature of my work means that I have built up considerable experience of general operational, financial, risk, team / people and stakeholder management.
Being a governor allows me to use my professional skills to support the Academy and its community of pupils, staff and parents.
R Long
- From Shiremoor, a small village in South-East Northumberland, just 3 miles from Whitley Bay;
- Brought up by grandparents, Norman, a miner, and grandma Cissy (Elizabeth Ann), a housewife;
- Studied Pharmacy at Bath University – awarded third class honours;
- Trained to be a primary school teacher at Bradford;
- Worked in First Schools in Bradford as class teacher (Reception, Year 1), and also as a liaison teacher, working with families;
- Studied at Sheffield University for a Master’s degree
- Studied at Lancaster University for a PhD in Education;
- Worked in teacher education at Bretton Hall, Wakefield;
- Worked on ‘raising aspirations’ projects in primary schools in West and South Yorkshire, encouraging Y6 pupils to consider university as a future option.
C Rowell
I am looking forward to providing support and challenge to the school as a new parent governor. I have boys in Y1 and nursery. I have been employed by Wakefield Council for nearly 30 years and I work within the Council’s Early Years Team where I support the delivery and the funding of the free places for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
Having attended my first Governing Body meeting my initial impressions are that the school is well organised and has strong leadership and management.