Hello What’s your name ?

John Phillipson

What do you do on the Governing Body ?

I Chair the Governing Body and I also help on the premises committee that looks after the school building

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s ?

Because my three children had such a happy time here and I wanted to help keep it a brilliant school.

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child  ?

No I went to a school nearby called Ashburton.

What is your favourite thing about our school ?

Seeing the children of the school turn into really nice and kind young people.

Is there anything you would change about our school ?

I would not like to see anything change which would stop st Johns being the special place it is but I do want the school to keep evolving as education changes and we need to ensure we are always the best we can be for the children we care for.

What do you do when you’re not helping our School ?

I travel more now and really enjoying seeing new cities and countries. I like to cycle and ski ( not at the same time) to keep fit. I also help other governing bodies to be outstanding. I love to sing as much as I can and also help with a number of homeless projects. When I’m not doing all that I occasionally turn up for work as a surveyor.

Hello what’s your name?

Julian Timm

What do you do on the Governing Body?

My general role is to bring some of my experience as a teacher and a parent to our discussions about how St John’s operates. More specifically, I sit on the Curriculum and Standards Committee and we look at what is being taught, and how, and also consider how much progress is being made by pupils. As part of that role I oversee what is happening in PE and Numeracy.

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s?

When my children started at St John’s I realised that I didn’t really know much about what went on in primary schools. Being a governor gives me a great insight into how the school operates, and how my children learn, and hopefully gives me the chance to offer something back to this great school.

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child?

No – I grew up in a lovely little town called Stamford in Lincolnshire. My dad was Head of my school which may have made a difference to how I behaved.

What is your favourite thing about our school?

I love the fact that whenever I visit it always feels like a big family where everybody knows everybody else.

Is there anything you would change about our school?

Given what a big fan I am I couldn’t then start suggesting lots of changes. I love sport, so even though it’s something then school has really built up in the last few years, I suppose I would always say that I’d love more children out playing sport every day, but I also know how much else there is to fit in. I also wish there were better cycle routes in Croydon so that we could be a school where hardly anyone has to come in by car.

I should also update my role.

What do you do on the Governing Body?

My general role is to bring some of my experience as a teacher and a parent to our discussions about how St John’s operates. More specifically, I chair the Admissions Panel, and I also sit on the Curriculum and Standards Committee. In that group we look at what is being taught, and how, and also consider how much progress is being made by pupils.

Hello. What is your name?

Tia Baker

 

What do you do on the Governing Body?

I chair the Ethos Committee.

 

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s?

I think St John’s is a truly special place and a first class school. It’s a privilege to work alongside and support the excellent staff team here. My children have benefited greatly from their time at St John’s and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to give something back.  I also used to be a secondary school teacher so it’s interesting and challenging to be part of another side of school life.

 

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child?

No, but I did go to a small Church of England primary school, Christ Church Streatham.

 

What is your favourite thing about our school?

The sense of community here and that everyone is known as an individual and valued.

 

Is there anything you would change about our school?

Not really. However, being an “outstanding” school isn’t a static thing. We need to continue to push forward and explore new ways to enhance every pupils education and experience of school life.

 

What do you do when you’re not helping our school?

Over the years I’ve been involved in various areas of life at my church including youth/children’s work, leading worship and serving on the leadership team for 12 years. I’m currently looking at ways to make church more inclusive for our children and adults with additional needs.

I help with a project that gives English classes to women.

I also enjoy watching Marvel films, Doctor Who and enjoying family life, especially being mum to Tom and Rosie.

Hello what’s your name?

Jo Iyashere

What do you do on the Governing Body?

I sit on the Curriculum and Standards committee. I also have two specialist roles as the Looked After Children (LAC) and Safeguarding Governor.

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s? 

When my son Theo started at St John’s I was thrilled to be asked whether I would like to become a Foundation Governor. I hope I can give something back to the school and the wider community

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child?

No I attended Spring Park School

What is your favourite thing about our school?

There are so many things I love about St John’s it is hard to pick a favourite!! I love the vibrant classrooms and displays in the corridor, how well behaved everyone is and the fact that St John’s cares about its wider community

Is there anything you would change about our school?

I would like more children to have the opportunity to attend St John’s 

What do you do when you’re not helping our School?

I am a social worker and help manage a Children and Young People team. I am also the Parish Safeguarding Officer for St John’s church but above all I am a mum to Theo and Grace

Hello. What is your name?

Emily Matheson

 

What do you do on the Governing Body?

I chair the Personnel Committee, which advises the Governing Body and supports school on short and long term staffing matters; such as recruitment & retention, pay, appraisals, GDPR (data protection), and numerous policies and procedures.  Each committee has annual objectives so I monitor progress throughout the year to make sure we deliver effectively and on time.  I also join other committee chairs on the Policy and Finance Committee.

I encourage and monitor governor training to ensure our governing body has the knowledge and skill-set to be effective.

 

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s?

I enjoyed being a governor at Woodside Primary School 30 years ago and when I retired from working I wanted to be a governor again so I could use my experience and skills to help a school.  I was pleased that St.John’s had an appropriate vacancy at that time and feel happy and privileged to be a part of this school community again.

The role has grown and improved a lot, with much more involvement and responsibility for governors.  It’s great to play a part of such a productive and supportive team in an outstanding school.  I recommend it.

 

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child?

Yes I did, over 50 years ago!  I have extremely fond memories of wearing the lovely uniform, which has hardly changed; we had hats & caps too back then.  I remember enjoying the summer productions, services in church, the egg & spoon race, learning how to knit and feeling very proud to sing in the choir.  I also remember learning the times tables by rote – not quite so fondly though!

 

What is your favourite thing about our school?

I love walking along the driveway, listening to children in the playground and seeing them learning in the classrooms, knowing I’ll be welcome – and I always leave feeling enthusiastic.

 

Is there anything you would change about our school?

Yes! A fairer realistic level of funding.

We constantly strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children and staff within our tight budget. The fabulous Reception outdoor area was a part of the new build; if we had any ‘spare cash’ I’d like to see innovative (= expensive!) play equipment and art in the playgrounds.

 

What do you do when you’re not helping our school?

As well as a lot of socialising, reading for pleasure and cinema & theatre trips, I’m very family-orientated and have grandchildren to enjoy.  Gardening is my new hobby, it’s a delight and very satisfying to nurture plants and watch them grow and change with the seasons; I even find weeding a joy!

Hello. What is your name?
Richard Thorn

What do you do on the Governing Body?
Being new, I’ve been appointed to the Personnel committee and I will also be heading up the Income Generation committee.

Why did you become a Governor at St John’s?
I knew this was a fantastic school and I wanted to be part of it’s future.

Did you go to St John’s when you were a child?
No I didn’t actually. I went to Selsdon Primary School as that was nearer to my childhood home.

What is your favourite thing about our school?
The atmosphere and positivity around the place. It’s infectious and it inspires everyone to do a great job.

Is there anything you would change about our school?
Nothing that I’ve noticed yet!!
I’m sure there will be things over the next few years which we will work on together to help keep St John’s being the great school it is today.

What do you do when you’re not helping our school?
I am a Digital Account Manager for a company called Pepsico; you’ll best know them for the company that makes Walkers Crisps!
I do also play a LOT of golf (badly!), spend a great deal of time at Selhurst Park following Crystal Palace and I do also try to squeeze in the organisation of numerous charity events throughout the year.