Governors
Dear St Martha’s Parents and Carers,
We, as governors, would like to welcome you, introduce ourselves and tell you a little more about the role of our Governing Body at St. Martha’s.
Our main role is to work with Rachel Edwards and Hayley Pink, who are responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, and the staff to deliver a high quality of education for each and every child at St. Martha’s.
At St. Martha’s you and your child will be treated like family, with care, consideration and respect. We take the well–being of every child very seriously and will strive to ensure that they reach their full potential, spiritually, academically and in their personal development.
As Governors we ensure that:
- The school has a strong and clear vision and ethos.
- Standards are high and that all children at St. Martha’s have access to the best possible education.
- The resources of the school (budgets, staff and building) are managed well and appropriately.
- The safety and wellbeing of both children and staff are of the utmost importance and are actively considered by Governors in all the decisions we make.
- We meet as a Full Governing Body every half term (six times a year).
- Governors come into school to visit classes, undertaking learning walks, attending events such as assemblies and masses and helping with projects.
- Parent Governors are elected by the parents providing a parental viewpoint at the Governing Body. Parent Governors are not representative of individual parent’s concerns or issues
There are no other committees within this governing body.
This page is currently in the process of being updated. Please come back shortly to find out a little bit about each governor.
Who we are:-
Monika Bil-O-Connor (Chair of Governors & Parent Governor - Health and Safety)
My name is Monika Bil-O'Connor. I joined the Governing Body in September 2019 as a parent and link Health & Safety governor. In March 2022 I became the Chair of Governors.
I currently work in the neighbouring Springwood High School as a Facilities Manager where I thoroughly enjoy the day-to-day challenges.
I always believed that a good education from early years is the bedrock of future life. Being a governor is giving me the opportunity to help the school not only to provide excellent learning but also to make sure that all children achieve their full potential.
Contact Information: c/o St Martha's RC Primary School, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 4AY. 01553 774829 Email: chairofgov@st-marthas.norfolk.sch.uk or monikabil@hotmail.co.uk
Hayley Pink - Deputy Head
I have been a governor at the school for 10 years. I have also taught at St Martha’s for the past 19 years as both a supply, part time and full time teacher through all classes from reception to year 6. I have 3 children, Harry, Lily and Joseph who previously attended St. Martha’s.
I have been a teacher for 26 years. I was the deputy head at Ingoldisthorpe School before having my children and am now the Deputy Head as well as Designated Safeguarding Lead at St. Martha’s, which is a challenging but very enjoyable and rewarding role.
Jack Defty - Foundation Governor - Sports Premium and PE Funding
Hi my name is Jack, I have lived in kings Lynn all my life. I attended St Martha's myself as a child and I now currently have 3 children attending the school in reception and years 4&6.
I have been governor for just over a year, I have also been given the role of link PE governor. I am very passionate about all sport and physical activity which I hope can help me in my governor role.
Email: jackdefty@gmail.com
Lijesh John - Foundation Governor - Pupil Premium and LAC
I am Lijesh John- parent of Felix, who is a student at St. Martha’s School presently. My elder children Joshua and Tomin are former students of St. Martha’s too.
I was born and brought up in Kerala- India in a practising Catholic family and live in King’s Lynn since 2004 with my wife and three children. I work at Queen Elizabeth Hospital as a Charge Nurse.
I am a very happy parent having all my children educated in St Martha’s- the best local school.
I am a Foundation Governor since 2019.
As part of the Governing body, I will support the head and all school team in a better way in
the well-being and safety of all the children.
As a RE Lead Foundation Governor, I will work along with Head Teacher and staff to continue building and strengthening the Catholic ethos of the school.
Promote Gospel Values of Unity, Respect, Joy, Love and Courage. Our aim, within this context, all members of our community show respect and care for one another and extend their concern to the needy by prayer and charitable service.
Email: lijeshjohn@gmail.com
Piya Manesh - Foundation Governor - SEN Governor
I joined St. Martha’s Governing body on the 1st of April 2021, as nominated by the Diocese. I am a housewife. We have 3 children. Our youngest daughter Hannah is currently in year 5 at St. Martha’s. I became part of the St. Martha’s community since 2012 when our other daughter Sarah joined the school.
I am very happy and proud to see how the school has progressed over the years. Hope I can do my best to support the school as a SEN Governor.
Email: piyamanesh@rediffmail.com
Jicinta Jawaneri - Foundation Governor
My name is Jacinta Nwaneri. I have been a governor for only a year. Am really enjoying the role .I am an intensive care nurse and work at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital kingslynn, I have been a nurse for more than 20years.I am married with three children two of our children attended saint Martha's catholic primary school.
Email: jawaneri@yahoo.co.uk
James Varghese - Foundation Governor
I am James Varghese, currently working as a certified Electrician. I had two children finished from St Martha's School. I am also a member of Charitable organisation Knights of St Columba Council No.319 as a Welfare Officer which is based on Holy Family Catholic Church at King's Lynn. I have a passion in servicing the local community, so I am here.
Email: jamesovarg@yahoo.co.in
Lisa Austin - Co-opted and Safeguarding Governor
I joined the governing body in 2022. I have two children, Henry and George. Henry is a pupil at St Martha’s and we are hoping George will be joining Reception in September. My husband works as a Teacher at a local secondary school and I work as a Senior Lawyer for Norfolk County Council.
I joined the governors because I wanted to play a more active role in the school.
Lisa Austin does not have voting rights in the Governors.
Email: lisa.austin@outlook.com
Deacon Shaun - Foundation Governor
I was ordained Deacon in July 2015 by Bishop Alan Hopes. My diaconal ministry is mostly for the
Parish of Our Lady of the Annunciation King’s Lynn. (Our Lady’s Church on London Road & Holy
Family Church Field Lane). I am part of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham & I am deacon for
the Walsingham Ordinariate Group. I also assist for the Diocese of East Anglia.
I work full time in the secular world where I am an experienced Personal & Executive Assistant and
administrator, currently working for the University of Cambridge at the Development Office.
(Previously I have worked at HM Treasury & the Department of Health)
This is my first School Governor role & I hope to use my skills and experience for the benefit of the
school & Governing body. I believe I am what I am today because of my education & support from
my Catholic Primary & Secondary Schools in Plymouth so I hope I can use this background as well as
my ministry in supporting the Catholic life of the School)
Email: shaunmorrison1975@btinternet.com
Daniel Manu - Parent Governor
My name is Daniel Manu, my background is in teaching and I hope to bring my 13 years’ experience in education to the Governing Body. I work at Springwood High School as a Computer Science teacher and the Assistant Head of Computer Science. I am also the coordinator for the Erasmus program in the school. My son attends St Martha’s school so I have a vested interest in its future. I am a strong believer in good education and have always maintained an enquiring mind is a healthy mind. As a parent governor, I will work hard to contribute to the school and help it to continue providing the best possible education for every child.
Email: exzaniel@hotmail.com
