Governors
Here at St Johns we are very lucky to have a diverse, highly motivated and dedicated Governing Body. The Governing Body is made up of Staff/Teachers, Parents, Community Members, Foundation and Local Authority Staff. Governors volunteer their time, support, knowledge and experiences to the school with the aim and goal of raising academic standards, ensuring the safeguarding and well-being of pupils and determining how the school will best spend its money to achieve these aims by working closely with the Headteacher and staff. All nominated Governors undergo an enhanced Criminal Records check (DBS) check before being officially appointed. Once appointed a governor is expected to attend meetings, join a committee and make regular visits to the school. Each governor's training needs are identified from the outset, they are asked to attend an intensive induction course, and they are encouraged to attend specialist training sessions related to the committee they have joined and topics linked to the school development plan.
If you are interested in becoming a school governor please come and have an informal chat with Kerry Devane (Head Teacher).
Jim Gurl - Chair of Governors, Chair of Business Committee
Term of office June 2021 - 2024 Co-opted governor Appointing Body : Governing body Maths Governor
Jim Gurl is a retired Operations Manager with thirty years experience in the chemical industry. Both his daughter and two grandsons went to St John’s School. They have now progressed on to St Benedict's and St Dunstan's.
Jim regularly helps out with the grand children school run and until recently worked part-time as a lifeguard. His interests include scuba diving, fitness and travelling.
Kathryn Strik- Clerk to the Governors
If you would like to know more about being a governor please contact me.
Kstrik@stjohnsinfantsglastonbury.co.uk
Pamela Heazell - Foundation governor
Term of office Oct 2018-2022 Re-appointed 21 June 2022 Foundation Governor Appointing Body : Diocese of Bath and Wells
SEND/Child Looked After/Pupil Premium Governor
Reverend Pamela Heazell, spouse of Gareth Heazell, works within the Benefice of St. John’s Church Glastonbury having moved from the London Diocese in 2017 having worked there since 1999.
Pamela is married to Gareth. They have 4 grown up children and 8 grandchildren all now within various stages of education.
Pamela brings to the Governing Body her experience of working with two special needs schools in London, along with being Vicar of a Parish where children were fully appreciated and integrated. Pamela offered pastoral support to children, parents and staff within both of the schools. She has a desire to see all children valued for who they are regardless of ability or disability so that they can develop to their full potential.
Gareth Heazell - Vice-chair, Chair of Education and Welfare Committee
Term of office Nov 2018-2022 Reappointed 2022-2026 Appointing Body : Diocese of Bath and Wells
Literacy Governor
Gareth Heazell, spouse of our Foundation Governor, Pamela, is a retired teacher who is now resident in Glastonbury. He is a former chair of governors at a large London Primary school, where he supported environmental programs, technology and IT development within the school. He is active in music next door to the school at St John's church in its choir but also in playing and writing music. A keen follower of sport, he has not yet quite transferred loyalties to local teams.
Kerry Devane- Headteacher
Term of office Sept 2021 ex officio Head teacher governor
Kerry Devane is the Head Teacher at St. John’s. She has taught at the school for 18 years. She lives in Wells with her husband and twin girls Eden and Rose and previously lived in London. She has played a major part in the development of Jumping John’s Nursery and has a real passion for raising standards in Early Years.
Miranda Millan - Co-opted governor
Term of office Sept 2024 - 2028 Appointing body: Governing Body
History and Well Being Governor
Miranda is a mother of two and lives in Glastonbury with her husband. She currently works as a funding consultant and has recently finished her PhD in Romany and Traveller studies. Miranda leads on funding applications for the school and PTA.
Previously she worked for more than a decade within local authority, third sector and postgraduate education settings in London. Miranda attended local schools as a child and is happy her children now do the same, and are growing up in the unique surroundings of Glastonbury.
John Ponsillo – Co-opted Governor
Term of office Oct 2022-2026 Appointing body: Governing Body
Geography and Health and Safety Governor
John has experience in the world of business. He was a senior manager for the Bradford group and chair of a moderate sized pension scheme for 14 years before retiring. He ran a transport department, 3 vehicle repair workshops and staff involved in ensuring the smooth running of the department, preparing budgets, controlling costs, and the purchase of all company vehicles reporting to the main board on a regular basis.
In 1979 to the early 80s John was involved in community education. He taught Karate at St. Dunstan’s in the community education system until the late 1990’s. The club is still going today.
John is a local man, born in Butleigh hospital. He went to St Dunstan’s School and has one grandchild attending St John’s and another starting next year. He feels he can offer a positive contribution to the Governors board.
Victoria Bruinsma – Staff Governor
Term of office Oct 2022-2026 Appointing Body: School Staff
Victoria is the Nursery Teacher at Jumping John’s Nursery. She is the safeguarding lead for the nursery and is instrumental in putting in place the new Early Years Framework in the nursery.
Rebecca Maisey - Associate Member
Term of office 2022
Becky is the Acting Deputy Head, SENCO and a KS1 Teacher at St John's.
She is the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for the school.
An accomplished musician, she brings a flair for the arts into the school.
Margaret Shaw - Local Authority Governor
Term of office – May 2023 to 2027
Appointing body – Local Authority
Margaret moved to Glastonbury with her husband Carl 11 years ago and very much enjoys the proximity of Wells and Street to Glastonbury as it gives a contrast of environments and variety of things to enjoy throughout the year.
They have two dogs with whom they enjoy walking and they have two grown up children.
Margaret was born in London and with access to many miles of nature reserves, enjoyed exploring. This encouraged her own children to become interested in outdoor activities which she believes is good for children regardless of their abilities.
Margaret had an early introduction to church schooling, as did her children. Their education started in North East London, in a diverse environment, at a C of E school associated with Holy Trinity Church.
Margaret is currently enjoying children's one to one reading sessions during her school visits.
Beverley Eatwell - Parent Governor
Term of office – Jan 2024 to 2028
Appointing body - Parents
Science Governor
Beverley has taught and examined KS3 and GCSE science and currently teaches and examines 'A' level biology.
As the science lead governor, she is interested in how to spark children's enthusiasm in science, and in looking at ways to increase attainment in all students.
She currently has two children in the school, and one in nursery.