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 former St. John’s parent to our discussions about how St. John’s operates. More specifically, I chair the Admissions Panel, and I also sit on the Policy and Finance, Curriculum, Quality 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. I’m also vice chair of the Governing Body, which basically means that if Mr Phillipson is ever kidnapped by aliens, I get to take over for a bit.

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 has given me a great insight into how the school operates, and how younger 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 and cares about 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.

 

Hello. What is your name?

Tia Baker

 

What do you do on the Governing Body?

I’m a member of the Ethos Committee. I am also the Equalities & Diversity governor.

 

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 own children 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 pupil’s 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.

I volunteer for the Croydon Refugee Day Centre and enjoy meeting and helping people from many different backgrounds.

I also enjoy making art, Doctor Who and generally enjoying family life in all its colours!

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 and sit on the Policy & Finance Committee.  I am also the GDPR (data protection) Governor.

 

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

When I retired I wanted to use my experience and skills to support a local school and I was delighted that there was a governor vacancy here at that time.

 

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

Yes I did and have extremely fond memories of enjoying church services, summer productions and the sports days with egg & spoon and slow bicycle races.  I still have a couple of friends who were at St. John’s with me.

 

What is your favourite thing about our school?

I always leave feeling enthused.

It’s a privilege to be a part of St.John’s school community again and I definitely recommend it.

 

Is there anything you would change about our school?

Yes – if I could – I’d have a higher level of government funding.

 

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

Gardening is my favourite outdoor hobby, it’s very satisfying to nurture plants and to watch them grow and change with the seasons; I find tidying up in winter and weeding in summer a pleasure.

Theatre, cinema, museum and art gallery trips are my favourite indoor activities, with the opportunity to catch up with friends and family at the same time.

I have been teaching since 2009 and am currently the Staff Governor at St John’s School.  I have worked at the school for fourteen years, with a four year absence where I taught at an International School in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for three years and volunteered – in the foothills of the Himalayas in India – for ten months.  I have worked across year groups and, after I re-trained as a teacher in my mid-thirties, have never looked back.  The classroom is a vibrant, challenging, exciting and rewarding place to be.  Shaping young minds is a privilege.  Following a twelve year career in Hospitality Management, becoming a teacher was always going to involve being classroom based and I have no desire to change this.  Being a Staff Governor enables me to put my management experience to good use, involving myself in the strategic direction of a school I love and which has been a part of my life for a long time.  A keen gym goer, cyclist, reader, I am a member of a choir and my down time watching films and getting together with friends.  I volunteer at a Community Garden in Crystal Palace (my home) and am a Trustee for the charity I worked with in India.

Hello, what is your name?

Eamonn Prendergast

What do you do on the Governing Body?

I joined as a school Governor late 2023. I have been appointment to Curriculum, Quality and Standards Committee

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

My daughter Amelie is in year 1 and loves the school. I wanted to become a parent school governor in the hope I can add some value to the team. 

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

No, I didn’t. I moved to the area 10 years ago.

What is your favourite thing about our school?

The atmosphere and positivity around the school is infectious and inspiring. The classrooms are vibrant, and the pupils are well-behaved. St. John’s cares about its wider community. I appreciate the sense of community and that everyone is valued.

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

I am chartered financial adviser and run my own business. My passionate outside work is family and sport. I have competed/raced at a high level in Athletics, Boxing and now cycling. I am also a trustee of a local charity.

Is there anything you would change about our school?

The school and the teachers are doing a fantastic job, but there are always areas and ways to improve. As someone passionate about sports, I wonder how this aspect can be enhanced, understanding the challenges posed by time and resource constraints.

Hello, what’s your name?

Sam Powell

What do you do on the Governing Body?

As a teacher and school leader, and someone who has previously governed at other C of E primary schools, my role is to bring some of my experience to our discussions about how St. John’s operates. I also sit on the Personnel committee.

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

I moved to live in Croydon in August 2023, and was looking for local schools where I might be able to offer something, when I was introduced to John Phillipson who took me on a tour of St. John’s where I met Mrs Martin and other teachers- I could see it was a wonderful school. Having worked in secondary schools in Croydon for the last 15 years I also know the school because I’ve seen many former St. John’s pupils and families come through the schools I’ve worked at.

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

No – I grew up near Sevenoaks in Kent and Croydon seemed like a very long way away.

What is your favourite thing about our school?

I love the fact that whenever I visit it during the day, pupils stop me and tell me about the work they have been doing, and if I’m there after the end of the day I can see the product of all that work, play, and community in every room and on every wall.

Is there anything you would change about our school?

I’m not sure I know the school well enough yet to suggest changes; I’d say more of the same good work!

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 its 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.