Bernadette Winspear
Chair of the Interim Advisory Board
Link Governor for Safeguarding, Behaviour and Attitudes ( including attendance)
Bernadette has worked in education for 22 years in various roles including Head of Philosophy & Ethics, Head of Psychology, Pastoral Lead, Wellbeing Co-ordinator and Head of PSHE. Bernadette began her teaching career in Surrey, eventually relocating to Teesside, then Whitby. In recent years, she has also served as Chair of SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education) for Redcar and Cleveland Local Authority.
An experienced school governor, Bernadette believes in high quality education and an inclusive community for all.
Pauline Jackson
Link Governor for the Quality of Education
Background Information:
I have been a teacher for my whole career. Starting in KS2 and working through most age groups and finally teaching in the EYFS for 10 years, both in the UK and abroad. I now work as a Primary Advisory teacher working with practitioners in the Early Years, teachers in Mainstream school and Early Career Teachers.
Pauline says:
“The whole of my working life has been in education and I am as motivated now, as I was at the outset, to support every child, from every background, to achieve their full potential. As educators, we are in a unique and privileged position to work with the next generation. St Hedda’s is a unique school, and I am delighted to have been invited to be part of this community and to support the Head Teacher and the Trust with their work as they build an ambitious, forward-facing school which prepares children both academically and pastorally to be confident, independent, and responsible individuals.”
Kendra Sill B.Ed (Hons)
Kendra Sill – Ex Officio Headteacher
Kendra has been teaching in Catholic Education since 1995, working at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School then moving onto St Edward’s Catholic Primary School as SENDCo and gaining promotion to Assistant Headteacher and then Deputy Headteacher. Kendra Joined St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in February 2017 where she led the school from a ‘Requires Improvement’ school to a ‘Good School with Outstanding Features’ in May 2018. The school was also inspected by the Diocese in June 2019 and is now an Outstanding Catholic School. Kendra is a Primary Executive Leader in NPCAT and is responsible for the oversight of education in EYFS across the trust. This year, Kendra has taken up responsibility for the leadership of St Hedda’s Catholic Primary School.
Kendra is also an active member of the Parish of the Blessed Nicholas Postgate in Redcar where she has led the children’s liturgy group and volunteered as a children’s catechist for First Holy Communion.
Kendra is fully committed to her role as Headteacher and to ensuring each and every child in St Hedda’s achieves their full potential.
Kendra says, “Our school mission ‘Let our light shine,’ is at the heart of everything we do in St Hedda’s. Our high expectations of standards, behaviour and the Catholic life of the school provides each and every child with a Catholic Education whereby they each develop a unique understanding with Jesus. As a school, we aim to pray to God, pray with each other and for each other.’ We are an inclusive school where everyone is welcomed. As an experienced headteacher new to St Hedda’s I aim to work with parents and the local communities of Egton and the surrounding areas in the Esk Valley, as well as Whitby to achieve the very best outcomes for the children.
Each day is a new day to embrace and we continue to achieve this vision supported by a well-informed, educated, skilled, supportive and visionary advisory board.”
Mr Mike Atkinson
Link Governor for Catholic Standards
Mike is a retired headteacher who lives in the Esk Valley and is an active member of the Catholic community. Mike was serving headteacher St Joseph’s in Loftus for many years and brings with him skills to support the board and ensure the children in St Hedda’s receive the very best education.
Mrs Leanne Coates
Link governor for Personal development
Leanne is a parent of 2 children in St. Hedda’s and is fully committed to supporting the school as it moves forward. Leanne has an interest in the personal development of children and has been the driving force behind the school’s entry into the Eskdale Festival. This is a long held tradition in the school. As a local business woman and member of the local community Leanne is keen to ensure the parents are fully involved in school life and is committed to developing community links both in Egton and Whitby for all the children and families.
Leanne says
“ I just want to help and support the school in developing strong community links in both Egton and Whitby as well as ensuring all the children have the opportunity to flourish”
Miss Lucy Smith
Link Governor for Leadership and Management ( including Pupil Premium , SEND provision and Sports Premium)
Lucy has worked in Catholic Education for many years and has held several leadership positions within our Diocese. Lucy is currently headteacher of St Bede’s Catholic Primary school, which following a recent Ofsted report has been successfully graded as a very Good school. The report highlights how Lucy has ensured pupils fulfil their potential and the significant improvement the new leadership team has made to the school. It highlights how leaders have created a curriculum which builds knowledge over time and have revitalised the personal development programme. Lucy’s leadership has ensured safeguarding is prioritised and how there is timely support for children with SEND. Lucy is passionate about education and looks forward to supporting St Hedda’s and engaging with the school, families and community within the Esk Valley.
“I consider it a privilege to serve the community of St Hedda’s in my role as a school governor. I am fully committed to working with all school members to ensure that the aims of this school are met and that all pupils thrive and meet their potential in a safe and nurturing environment. I have been a teacher, leader and governor in Catholic schools for over 20 years and it has always been my firm belief that pupils should fully experience the joy of childhood, discover their unique, God-given gifts and develop a lifelong love for learning during their primary years: St Hedda’s School offers pupils a very special and unique environment to do so. I share the ambition and mission of the school to ‘Let our Light shine’ and be a beacon of excellence for Catholic education in the local area. “
Fr Keogh
Link Governor for Catholic Life
Fr Keogh is the Parish Priest in St Hilda’s Whitby and works closely with Fr Guiver to support the school in developing strong parish links in both St Hedda’s and St Hilda’s
