Meet the Governors
Chair of Governors: Claire Higgins
Vice Chairs of Governors: Niall Johnson
Donal Townson
Having spent 40 years, before retiring, teaching in primary schools in Tameside, including twenty-four at St. John Fisher RC Primary, I wanted to use my classroom and senior management experience in service and support for a school which operated with a philosophy that held those things as important which were close to my heart, such as a real partnership aimed at all children achieving their potential through delivering a wide curriculum, including excellent extra-curricular sporting provision – St. John Fisher is such a school.
I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2015 by Fr. Peter and have just signed up for another four years term of office because the school is on such an exciting journey with Headteacher, Mrs. Harris and her dedicated staff and I would like to be part of it. I’m the Chair of Governors for 2019-2020.
Since 2015, I have completed a wide range of Diocesan, LA and NGA training courses to enable me to support and challenge the Headteacher in terms of achieving the best possible outcomes for all pupils. In 2017, I completed the National Governors’ Association’s Chair of Governors Leadership Development Programme. I’m also a member of the Tameside Schools’ Forum, Tameside Governors’ Forum and the Tameside Children’s Working Group.
In addition to my governance duties, I’m a member of the parish leadership team, the parish social group, the parish global healing group, Secretary of Tameside Schools’ FA, a keen supporter of non-league football, a regular walker with the Tameside Ramblers and, finally, a family man with three children and a recent grandfather, with the arrival of our first grandson, which has given me great joy. A second grandchild is due in April 2020. D.V.
Mandy Harris
I am very proud to be the Headteacher at St John Fisher RC Primary School. I came here in September 2018 from St Catherine's RC Primary School in Didsbury, where I was the Deputy Headteacher for four and a half years. I have taught for 27 years and have experience ranging from Year 1 right through to year 6. My favourite subject is Maths and I still love to teach it. I have lots of experience in curriculum development and assessment and quality first teaching. All of which are skills I share with the staff here at St John Fisher. I have also previously been the Teacher representative on the governing body.
I have four children all of whom were educated in the catholic sector and I am committed to developing the faith life of our school in conjunction with the academic. Developing the whole child and helping them to be ready for the next stage in their lives is an important part of our job.
I am passionate about education and am dedicating to making St John Fisher the best Catholic Primary School it can be.
Lindsey Hamnett
I am a Foundation Governor appointed by the Bishop of Salford. My Job is to ensure that the school is conducted in accordance with the rites, practices and traditions of the Roman Catholic Faith.
I have been a part of the school/church community for 16 years volunteering at PTA events as well as being a Faith Friend helping out with the sacramental programme and the children’s chapel at St John Fisher Church.
I am a stay at home mother to 4. My eldest, Aimee is currently studying A-levels at college. My son Harry is at secondary school and my youngest two daughters, Charlotte and Megan attend St John Fisher.
Having four children of my own I understand that every child is unique and special. I volunteered to be part of the governing body to ensure each pupil reaches their full potential at this school.
Claire Higgins
My appointment as Local Authority Governor commenced in March 2019 and I attended my first Governors meeting that month. My two boys attend St John Fishers and I am very keen to support St John Fishers to perform as well as they can to provide an outstanding level of education to young children. I look forward to the challenge ahead.
I have 20 years’ experience in postgraduate medical education as a Specialty School Manager for the Schools of Medicine and Surgery at Health Education England (formally the North Western Deanery). This role provided invaluable insight in to monitoring standards and ensuring appropriate recommendations were set and delivered by the Specialty Training Committees and Hospital Trusts to improve training opportunities. I very much see this as transferable to the role of LA Governor. From January 2018 I became a Co-Director and Business Manager of my parent’s business, upon their retirement, with my husband Keith. I am particularly interested in finance, attendance, performance, health and safety, risk assessments and ensuring that policies and procedures reflect any changes in legislation.
Outside of work I enjoy being with my family, supporting my boys with their many hobbies, holidaying and being a member of a running club.
Niall Johnson
It is a privilege to be appointed as a Foundation Governor at St John Fisher. Having lived in Haughton Green since a child and having been a former pupil of St John Fisher and St Thomas More, I know the local community well. I am a Teacher of Religious Education and Head of Year 8 at St Thomas More. I work in an outstanding department and have been part of an outstanding section 48 inspection. My curriculum and teaching and learning experience and knowledge of the spiritual life of Catholic Schools will be valuable in ensuring that the children of St John Fisher receive a Catholic education that allows them to leave as rounded individuals, equipped with the skills and knowledge to face an ever-changing world.
Maria Higgins
It is a privilege to be appointed by Bishop John Arnold (Salford) as Foundation Governor at St John Fisher. Although I am a relatively newcomer to the parish, I have helped to lead the music at Sunday Mass for some time now and encouraged the school children to partake in action songs and play percussion instruments during the liturgy. I am a Eucharistic minister and I have also played an active role in the parish ‘Live Simply Award’ which was achieved during Covid-19. This Cafod award involved liaising with our two parish primary schools as well as St Thomas More and as a governor of St John Fisher, I am keen to look at ways this work can be embedded further and observe the sense of responsibility that the children have in caring for the world around them.
I am a retired teacher. Eight years of my career were spent in Primary Education and the other thirty years in teaching adult Literacy/English in many different settings and communities across Tameside and North Manchester. This knowledge and experience taught me the importance of a rounded education particularly at an early age when the foundations are laid. As a governor, I welcome being part of a team that monitors and evaluates the school’s progress towards achievement ensuring the best for each child.
Finally, the effect that Covid-19 has had on children’s lives is yet to be fully realised as the school reopens. The loss of education in the classroom and the lack of interaction between the children are just two examples that have had a massive impact on our young. As a governor I welcome the opportunity to support staff as they tackle the many problems they face at this time.