I Attend the Church of the Ascension, Mappleborough Green and Four Years Ago I Was Invited

Mike Holland

I attend the Church of the Ascension, Mappleborough Green and four years ago I was invited to become a Foundation Governor at our local Church of England school. Nearing retirement as a Building Control Surveyor with Stratford District Council, the timing was perfect for me to dedicate some time to helping out where I could.

I became a Governor to support and strengthen the link between school and the local church. I wanted to be around on a regular basis in order to encourage the great work of all the school staff. I enjoy coming in weekly to listen to children reading, being part of the Resources Team, and attending meetings when necessary.

Being a Foundation Governor is a wonderful experience. I feel it is a privilege to be able to contribute in order that the school achieves its objectives. ……………………………………………………………………..

Graham Heaps

I became a governor at the school in 2011 and at that time I had two children at the school, Imogen and Nathan, both now attend Alcester Academy. I became a governor because I wanted to be involved with the school and to assist with its development. Also to maintain the friendly and positive attitude and environment of the school. My background is building engineering services and facility management; I am an Engineering Services Manager for a facility management company.

……………………………………………………………………………. Tim Harrison

I’m Tim; Dad to Louisa at Alcester Academy and to Esther in Class 3. I have been married to Helen for twelve years and work locally in Redditch as a Chartered Engineer. In my day to day role, I am able to appreciate the value of a core education in the modern workplace and as such the benefit of a solid primary education to our youngsters. As a Governor, I endeavour to work closely with parents, teaching staff and other governors to ensure the children have the building blocks to make the very best of their future lives. I am a firm believer that children’s development is best served through a team effort between schools, parents and the children themselves and as a Parent Governor; strive to support that process within Mappleborough Green C of E Primary School.

…………………………………………………………………………….. Maureen Berry

My name is Mrs Maureen Berry, I am the current Chair of governors and I have lived in Mappleborough Green for the past 39 years. My children were past pupils of the school and now my grandchildren are, at present, attending the school. I am, also a local parish councillor.

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Elaine Davis

I have recently begun my second term as a parent governor at Mappleborough Primary. My son Callum is currently in year four and my daughter Skye has just left the school after 7 successful years. I work as a Year 6 teacher and so have a very good understanding of the requirements of the curriculum and assessments/standards that the school is striving for. This helps me greatly acting as a critical friend to the school striving to continually raise standards . As a mum, I also understand the challenges of school from the point of view and children and the parents supporting them!

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Wendy Linnett

I am Wendy Linnett, Staff Governor. I am currently teaching Class 2 part time but during my long association with the school I have had experience of teaching all age groups from Reception to Year 6. I thoroughly enjoy all aspects of teaching and school life and fully appreciate the supportive community attached to Mappleborough Green Primary School. I am proud to have been a Governor since 2011 and I am committed to working hard in both my roles to continue developing the school experience we provide for the children who attend our school.

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Helen McDowell

My name is Helen McDowell, I am 33 years old and my son Billy attends Mappleborough and is about to start year two. I have been a qualified nurse for ten years, currently working as a Community Staff Nurse in the Bromsgrove area, although a significant amount of my career has been in acute surgical nursing and intensive care.

My interests in my personal life include a significant amount of creative based hobbies, as well as the natural world. I enjoy reading and creative writing, photography - which mostly focuses on flora and fauna. I also enjoy taking Billy to local English Heritage and National Trust properties as well as walking regularly in the Lickey Hills and surrounding countryside.

Family means a lot in our life and we try to meet up with them as much as we can, regularly enjoying meals and days out with them. We also try to go to Paignton in Devon - our favourite holiday spot - once a year with them as well.

As I no longer work night shifts, I have more accessible free time to give to the school on an evening basis and this is why I have put myself forward for a role in the team. I can hopefully bring fresh and creative ideas if needed to challenges we face and I am keen to help provide a structured, interesting and fun environment for the children to learn in. My own primary school experience was very happy, attending a school that was half the size of Mappleborough, but I remember that it was a very positive and vibrant school that set me up well for my education and my career. Size of the establishment does not have to matter when it comes to learning as it is the people that teach and the people that encourage behind the scenes that really make a difference. Even small contributions can have large impacts.