ALL governors are responsible for the 3 core functions which are:
-
To help set the strategic direction of the school
-
To hold the Head Teacher to account for the performance of pupils
-
To ensure financial probity and prudent use of public money
Executive Head Teacher
Having qualified in Dublin, Ireland as a primary school teacher, I took the exciting decision to teach abroad and spent three wonderful years studying and teaching in France and Switzerland. I then moved to London where I started my primary teaching career in a Catholic School in Hillingdon. In 2001 I moved to Plymouth with my young family and have taught in four other Catholic schools before arriving
at St Paul's. I am passionate about learning and honoured and excited to be the Executive Headteacher of Holy Cross and St Paul's. St Paul's is a very special place and I am delighted to become part of this vibrant and warm community.
I was delighted to join the governing body in Autumn 2020 as a Foundation Governor and the Lead Governor for RE and Catholic Life. I am a member of St Paul's Church and a parent to 3 children in the school. Providing a high quality Catholic education is at the heart of St. Paul's and I am pleased to be involved in this. I feel strongly that the relationship with God should be fostered and encouraged in childhood so that as children grow to adults they continue to seek out ways to be close to Jesus and grow in their Faith. I am active in the parish and have experience of spreading God's Word with children. I ran a Sunday school for several years and have been involved in teaching Catechism and Sacramental Preparation.
I am really happy to be a part of the Governing body at St Paul’s School and I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to and build upon the great work that has already taken place. I want to support the whole school community to the best of my ability and would be really happy for you to approach me to help you in any way I can. Please don’t hesitate to ask me questions and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll try my best to find it out for you. I have a daughter in school, following in her daddy’s footsteps (although quite a few years later) and also her granny Rosemary’s footsteps. I am a school tutor in another local school and have the interests of the local community at heart.
Sharron Bates
Vice Chair of Governors
Safeguarding & Curriculum
Helen Aspin
Foundation Governor
Health & Safety Lead
I’m one of the new Foundation Governors, but my history and ties with St Paul’s are much older! I am a former pupil along with my brother, following in the steps of our Mum and both our Uncle’s. My Mum, Veronica Westlake, was also a member of staff for many years, starting as a cleaner and eventually in the office as an administrator. I moved away from Plymouth for about 15 years but when I returned with my daughter and husband in tow, it was the natural choice to settle back into St Budeaux and enroll Melissa at St Paul’s. I was honoured when approached to take up the role of Governor and I’m looking forward to taking a more active role within the school, I’m very proud to be part of the St Paul’s family.
Maisie Hill
Staff Governor
The Impact of Statutory Grants
I am a former pupil of St Paul's and now currently a member of staff. I absolutely loved my time as a child at the school and felt that I grew in many different ways: in confidence, in self-esteem, in attitude towards learning and spiritually.
​
When the opportunity arose to apply for a teaching position at St Paul's I knew it was the right decision for me. I felt like I was going to be able to provide the children with the same experience that I had- a real positive one!
​
I am currently teaching Year 6 and leading RE and Catholic Life across the school. Being a staff governor is enabling me to look at the school in a different way and do all that is possible to provide our pupils with an excellent education.
Josh Caves
Staff Governor
Parents & the Community
I am a staff governor at St Paul’s and have been teaching here for three years. Although I now live in Plymouth, I am originally from Cornwall and I believe that jam should always come first on scones. I am passionate about teaching and learning and feel that every day is a fresh opportunity to learn and grow both academically and spiritually. I believe that all pupils, regardless of background, ability or additional needs, are entitled to a first-class education, which I believe St Paul’s offers. I am currently teaching Year 1 and Year 2 and leading Maths amongst other subjects across the school.