Our Governors
Welcome to the Governors of St. Mary's School
The Governors of St. Mary's are a hardworking and dedicated team who have the future of the School, Staff and Pupils uppermost in their minds. We have seen the School flourish under the expertise of a very dedicated and hardworking Head and her Teachers. We look forward to going further in the future.
Head Teacher Governor Sophie Westerwijk
Staff Governor Eloise Sinclair
Chair of Governors Liz Beacon
I am chair of governors at St Mary's and took on the role after being a governor for a couple of years. As well as leading four annual full governing body meetings, I also sit on the Learning and Standards committee where we scrutinise the school's results and teaching practices. I have two children at St Mary's and am keen to challenge it to be the best it can be. I work as a journalist, and I don't shy away from asking challenging, and often difficult questions in our meetings.
What I love about St Mary's is the way it feels like a big, caring family. Everyone knows each other and supports each other. Year 6's love having their reception "buddies". Being a governor, one gets the opportunity to help shape the school, and encouragement improvement. We work as a real team, happily giving up our time to do our best for the school community.
Foundation Governor Carla Welsh (Ex-Officio) (Vice Chair)
I have been a Governor at St Marys for 6 years and for the past 3 have supported Liz as Vice Chair. We live locally and have two sons. Our youngest is in Priory class whilst the other has moved onto his secondary education within the Lighthouse Schools Partnership.
I work for Lloyds Banking Group within the People function and bring this broad skills and expertise to my role as a Governor.
Foundation Governor Bob Sommers
Parent Governor Craig Thomson (Safeguarding)
I live in Portbury village with my wife and our children, a daughter who attends the school and a son who is due to join in September. I became a parent Governor in 2017 holding the safeguarding role and sitting on the operations committee
Foundation Governor Rev'd Astrid Tiesema-Samsom
I am the Rector of St Mary’s Church, the church next door to the school. There is an established connection between the school and the church that is of benefit to the children’s development into the best people they can be. My role as a Governor has a focus on RE but within the whole picture of learning and flourishing. I am also a Trustee of Wellspring, a counselling service for teenagers and young people in North Somerset.
Community Governor Miles Langdon
Originally and proudly born and brought up in South Devon I have lived in the Bristol area since 1985. I moved to Portbury from Portishead 7 years ago. I am married and have 3 grown up children, 2 of whom still live at home. I retired 4 years ago having worked for a High Street bank for 40 years. My involvement as a governor of St Mary’s comes solely from the perspective of a member of the village community. Whilst my experience of primary education is from some years ago I bring a business/financial experience which, I hope, makes me a useful member of the Board of Governors.
Community Governor Cath Campbell
Foundation Parent Governor Anneline Sheldon
I live in Portbury village with my husband and our three daughters, all of whom currently attend or have attended St Mary's. I am a chartered accountant and head up the finance function for an IT consultancy company. I currently chair our Operations Committee and have been a Foundation Parent Governor since June 2013. I think the entire team at St Mary's work expertly together to provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment for all our children to thrive in, both educationally and emotionally.
Foundation Parent Governor Jeffrey Tan
On the completion of my PhD in Materials Engineering, I relocated to Bristol to work in aeronautical industry. The arrival of my son Freddie has given me ample opportunity as a parent to think about education. I am interested in the mastery of reading and numeracy skills for children in Early Years education. I hope to make a positive difference in helping St.Mary's be a place where everyone can excel and grow at their potential, be happy and confident
Local Authority Governor Tor Zakaria
I became a governor at St Mary’s in September 2018. I have two children at the school and have lived in Portbury for 7 years. I am an Assistant Head in a primary school in Clevedon and lead on Inclusion. I am able to bring my 18 years of school experience to the governors at St Mary’s. I am enjoying being part of a strong team of governors at St Mary’s and ensuring the children at the school can thrive and reach their potential.
Clerk Jo Hobin
