Governors at The Phoenix Federation
Now that Park Community Primary School and Gosberton Community Primary School have joined together we have the Phoenix Federation. Governors from both schools meet and discuss issues and make decisions across both sites together.
We have introduced the Governors to you on here with a short profile on their lives.
Mrs Carol Clare
Position - Governor
I have been a school governor since 1999 when I was elected to the role of Staff Governor at Gedney Church End Primary School. I enjoyed the different perspective gained from being a governor and found that I was better able to understand decisions made by management. This was largely because I was also involved in the decision making process. It also gave me first hand knowledge of the role of the governor as one who both challenges and supports the Headteacher. This gave me a good grounding for taking up post as Headteacher and I have served on governing bodies in this capacity ever since. I was also an Additional Governor, appointed by the Local Authority, for another Lincolnshire Primary School who were experiencing difficulties.
Miss Bridget Macpherson
Position - Associate Governor
As a serving staff governor for five years, I originally represented the support staff at Park School. Over the last three years, I have taken on roles within the school’s senior leadership team and am currently employed as Assistant Headteacher, to serve the pastoral and community element of the school; this involves close collaboration with parents and a range of other stakeholders to support families. As a newly appointed governor across our federation, I have a duty to build and extend links within the local Boston network, but in more recent months this has extended to the South Holland District. I have a keen interest both professionally and personally in the work of community cohesion and hope that my experience in this field will reap benefits for our schools. While being a serving member of the staff team for ten years, I am also proud to state that my son was a pupil of the school and the social and academic opportunities provided have been excellent; a testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff team and community partners.
With best wishes to all community members past and present
Bridget
Rev. Trevor Hancock
Position - Community Governor
I am a Yellowbelly, born in Lincoln years and years ago.I am also a retired Methodist Minister (still active).I am the nominated governor for Safeguarding and Humanities.I have served in the Royal Air Force during the Malayan Emergency, and subsequently as a missionary in Sarawak (Borneo) with Iban tribal people. I have also been a radio presenter and producer (when younger) including BBC Radio Lincolnshire.I am interested in Lincolnshire history and currently editor of a history journal.
Picture to follow ......................
Mr Denzil Shepheard
Position - Chair of Governors
My wife and I have lived In Lincolnshire since 1995, when we moved up from London following our retirement. I have spent all my working life as a teacher - the last 20 years were as Headteacher of a large multi-cultural, multi-faith primary school in Tooting in south-west London.
We have two sons - the eldest Mark is married and lives in Australia. Colin lives in London and works in the city.I enjoy travel, history, architecture and reading.
Mrs Lisa Tomlinson
Position - Parent Governor
Having lived in Gosberton for the past five years, I have always taken a keen interest in the community and especially the nursery and now primary school that my son attends. Being part of the Phoenix Federation has extended this community in a very positive way.Professionally, I have worked for a leading blue chip retailer in the areas of Buying and then Marketing for twelve years in conjunction with running my own business. Following a brief career break and a return to education I have trained as an Accountant working for a local company.
I enjoy nothing more than spending time with my family, interior design and gardening.
Douglas Best
Position - Vice Chairman of the Governors
I am a retired solicitor and a councillor on the South Holland District Council. I am also chairman of the board of the South Holland Citizens Advice Bureau.I have been married for 54 years with two grown up children and one grand child who is 8 years old.In my spare time, when I have any, I like to read, travel and enjoy gardening and dining.
Reverend Ian Walters
Position - Local Authority Governor
I served as a school governor for many years before moving to this area. I had many years experience in business including directorships of companies, before becoming a full time vicar. I am married with 3 children, the youngest of whom is at university. My hobbies include Lincolnshire history, vintage aircraft (I am a former pilot), and cycling. I long to see our schools giving their pupils the very best education and opportunity to achieve their full potential. I believe we must as governors do our best to support the staff and the pupils, and that both schools are well placed for a great future in the new federation.
Reverend Ian Walters
Vicar of Gosberton Group of Parishes
Mrs Helen Sheridan-Shinn
Position - Parent Governor
I am mum to five boys and the youngest three go to Park School. My oldest son was born with a heart defect and has had a statement of special educational needs for the past 5 years.I am a Boston girl and proud of my town and its heritage. My family have worked on farms in South Lincolnshire for generations.I’m a mature student at Nottingham Trent University, reading for a degree in International Relations, and I’m doing certificate courses in beginners Polish and Islam.As for employment, I’ve worked in factories, supermarkets, public transport and for a short time, the Foreign Office.
I take an active interest in issues surrounding people’s rights, social justice and public accountability.I volunteer at a Refugee Project in Peterborough and at the Boston Soup Kitchen.I enjoy listening to contemporary world music, going to Blackfriars theatre where my husband is involved in amateur dramatics, supporting Boston United and taking the children out when we get nice weather!
As a Parent Governor I’m always ready to listen to, and speak up for, the interests of the parents, pupils and our community.