Learn about our Governors

This page gives people more of an opportunity to learn more about our Governors, who they are, how long they have been a governor and some general background information.
  
Mark Walker (Chair of Governors)
 
I have three children attending St Helen's School (one in Key Stage One  and two in Key Stage Two)  Education has been a constant in my life having grown up with both parents and grandparents involved in education as teachers. As a senior leader within my church I have an extensive understanding on a range of areas that overlap with the governor role. 
 
Cathy Wallington ( Vice Chair of  Governors )
 
I initially joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor and was recently nominated by the PCC to be a Foundation Governor. I am  currently the SEND governor.  Both of my girls attend or have attended the school. I have been a qualified primary school teacher for over twenty years and have held Senior Leadership roles for 6 of those years.  I hope that my knowledge of the Primary curriculum, the requirements of OFSTED and the day to day pressures of being a in a primary classroom is of benefit to the school, staff and pupils.
 
Colette Fairfax
 
I have two children who attended St Helen's School and are now at Priestley College and University. I became a Governor in 2005 and was Chair from 2014-2017. I am a regular visitor to the school and have supported groups of children with numeracy and literacy. With a background in finance, I am Treasurer for the local scout group and help other community groups with grant applications. I have been involved with the local Pre-School for over 15 years.
 
Mark Sandford (Foundation  Governor)
 
I am a father of four, two children are university graduates.  The other two are pupils who have attended or currently attend here at school. As such I feel that it is important to offer support to the school, staff and pupils to ensure the best possible education for our children. I am of a technical background, primarily based in the electrical/telecommunications sector, Health and Safety being very important in my line of work. I am very approachable and regularly take my children to school, so if needed other parents are always welcome to ask advice.
 
Alan Domville (Foundation Governor)
 
I have been a school governor since 1985 and served as Chair for 16 years until 2014. Education has been a key aspect of my church life (I have been a Sunday School teacher for 57 years) and also my working life (I initiated and edited a weekly supplement for schools within my newspaper).
 
Chris Givvons (Foundation Governor)
 
I have three children who have attended St Helen's school and who have since moved on to Priestley College and University. I became a Governor in March 2000 after being the Chair of the School's Parent Teacher Association. I was a Police Officer with Greater Manchester Police for 30 years and upon retirement became the Staff examiner with the Institute of Advanced Motorists, with special responsibility for the Quality assessment of all Examiners and test standards. I am an assesor and internal verifier for the Institute of Motoring industry relating to advanced driving and riding. Therefore, as my role of governor within the school, I took on the specialist role and responsibility of Safeguarding Governor.
 
Paul Clarke (Foundation Governor)
 
I am a Foundation Governor appointed by the PCC of Hollinfare St Helen. I am also the parent of a pupil at the school and so you will see me on the playground from time to time. I have the aspiration to improve the school environment and opportunities for our children. I hope my background as an architect and in particular my experience on educational projects will provide a valuable resource for the benefit of the school.
 
Veronia Prowting (Foundation Governor)
 
I have been involved with the school as a governor for many years.  Appointed by the PCC of Hollinfare St Helen's, I am also the Governing Body's  representative on the Warrington Educational Trust.  Before I retired, I was a maths teacher at Irlam High School.  I am a regular visitor to school.  As well as accompanying the children on many of their educational visits, I also offer support in maths for some Year 6 pupils each year.
  
 Gemma Holmes (Parent Governor)
My husband and I moved to Hollins Green 18 months ago to raise our children aged 4 and 2 and to be part of a small village community.  I work for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and have done for the last 14 years - I have knowledge in HR, creating various statistical reports and data and some areas of finance.  My eldest daughter has just started reception class and I am really keen on becoming part of the school and helping shape the way forward for my little ones and the whole community.
 
Christine Smith (Head Teacher)
 
I have been proud to be the Head Teacher at St Helen's CE Primary School since 2009. I began my teaching career in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and taught in Cambridgeshire and Solihull before becoming Deputy Head in Frodsham where I worked for 17 years. My main role as Head Teacher is to oversee the smooth running of the school while ensuring that the school is always moving forward, for the best of our children. Being a Head Teacher is a very demanding but rewarding role. In a time of constant change we try to embrace the exciting changes while embedding our core Christian Values and developing our children to be the best they can be.
 
Karen Bradbury (Staff Governor)
 
 I am a Teaching Assistant here at St Helen's School and have been since 2000, I work with the children in Key Stage 2. I have been the staff governor for the last 4 years and have recently been
re-elected by the staff. I live locally and many of you may see me out and about. As many of you will know I have a passion for rugby league which has led to me coaching the school rugby team. I am an avid supporter of Warrington Wolves and have been a season ticket holder for many years.
 
Sarah Gorman (Associate Governor)
 
I have been a teacher here at St Helen's since September 2000, I have been on the governing body since 2004. I am the co-ordinator for computing and Religious Education, I currently teach throughout the school for 3 days a week. I am actively involved with my local church in Formby, where I am a member of the PCC as well as being a leader with their scout group.