Governing Board
I am married with 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I taught Science for 13 years in Catholic Secondary Schools but was retired on health grounds due to my limited mobility, having suffered life-changing injuries in a road traffic collision. I was immediately offered a job as the senior executive of a National Governing Body for cycle racing which, I held until my retirement in 2010.
I now have the time to attend daily mass, brew my own wine and beer, ride my hand-cycle, go on frequent holidays in the sun and cruising around the world. I have also started to learn the clarinet, as there are only so many crime novels you can read and crosswords to do, and have recently acquired a tropical fish tank – thought it might be easier than a dog; how wrong can you be!
I am a committed Catholic and see St. Joseph’s School as an integral and important part of the parish. I therefore feel it is a great honour and privilege to be able to assist the pupils and staff in reaching their full potential.
My name is Trish Kiernan and I am proud to have been invited to be a Governor at St Joseph’s Primary School. Many years ago I was a pupil here when the boys and girls schools were separate. I am married with two adult children and live in the parish. I have recently retired after working in a number of Pastoral Roles in various schools. In my spare time I enjoy walking, cooking, baking and crafting. I am looking forward to using these skills in school.
I have been a governor at St Joseph’s for over 14 and love being a part of the school. I am an Accountant and work locally so understand the financial pressures on schools and our families and want to help where I can. It is important to me that our children receive the best possible education at St Josephs and leave with the best chance of taking that as far as possible in the next phase of their school journey. It is equally important that they all become the kindest and most caring people we can help them to be.
I am the eldest of 4 with one little brother and two little sisters who all attend local schools. I have two dogs Pixie and Kylo, who I take on adventures at the weekend - we love to go exploring! I am extremely family orientated and love to help and offer support whenever needed. Being a governor is giving me the opportunity to understand more about St Joseph’s but also to support the staff and students. I am eager to see how I can help within the school and support the St Joseph’s Family.
Hi my name is Andy Heald. I have been a Parent Governor at St Josephs for the past five years and currently have one child attending St Joseph's school and two now at high school.
I decided to become a School Governor for two reasons - one to offer my support to ensure I was doing all I can to ensure my own children and all the children of St Joseph’s get the best possible education and start in life and two, I have a strong dedication and passion for education and love the challenge of being a school governor offering my expertise and guidance whilst still embracing the learning and development that the role provides.
I am a local businessman and operate currently as a national physical education consultant.
Outside of my professional roles i love to participate in sport and lead an active lifestyle, playing and coaching football for local teams and generally keeping fit and active.
My name is Susan Jones and I have been a governor at St Joseph’s for 2 years now. A new experience for me!
I enjoy most of the things being a governor involves mainly class activities, class masses, assemblies etc all involving the children. The technology not so much!
I love books and reading having worked in libraries prior to retirement . I have 9 grandchildren scattered all over the UK and love to spend time with them.
I attend mass at St Joseph’s church every Sunday and think it is important to foster the link between school and parish as much as possible .
My name is Sheila Ashcroft and I have been a Foundation Governor at St Joseph's for approximately two years. I have lived in Leigh all my life and have two adult children. I retired a few years ago but still do a few days a month in a care setting which I really enjoy. I attend St Joseph's Church regularly where I volunteer as a reader, I have also helped in the past preparing children for the sacrament of reconciliation. I have three grandchildren who have all attended St Joseph's School and the youngest has recently joined Year 2. I hope I can bring my caring and social skills to help the happy, confident development of all the pupils.
Hi, I’m Nigel Cooke, and have been recently elected as a Parent Governor.
With 2 boys in the St Joseph’s family, I hope my experience as a senior leader in local government, including management accountability and HR, can ensure that continued progress is made by the school, so all children develop and benefit from their own school experience.
