In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing bodies, the three core strategic functions of the St John's Governing Body are:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

The Governing Body operates a circle model of governance where the governing body works as a 'whole team' without any committees, and meets every half term, or more if required. This means that governors have up to date information regarding the school, and can offer timely support and challenge, as well as take action should the need arise.

Chair of Governors: Robyn Dye

Appointed by GB: 25th April 2021 - 24th April 2025

My background is in nursing and I currently work as an operational service manager across East Kent for the British Red Cross. This means I have experience of, and a genuine interest in, meeting the needs of my local community. Both of my children attended St John's and I have been involved in helping welcome new parents to the school. I am particularly looking forward to becoming a part of the positive changes and continual improvements taking place.

 

Vice-Chair: David Milham

Nominated by LA and appointed by GB: 19th May 2020 - 18th May 2024

I have been a school governor for over 25 years and am currently chair of a successful primary academy near Faversham. In 2013 I was appointed a National Leader of Governance and have helped governors at a number of schools improve pupils achievement and progress. I am a Chartered Engineer with senior management experience within the Engineering Sector. I now run my own consultancy business based in Faversham.
 

Revd Canon Andrew Dodd

Ex-officio foundation governor: 1st September 2022 - 31st August 2026

I am the Residentiary Canon Treasure at Canterbury Cathedral and I was invited to join the governing board at St John's as the Archdeacon’s nominee in September 2022. Before moving to Canterbury I had previously been a governor at different schools: church, community, and academies, both secondary and primary. I remain a director of a the Church of England Multi Academy Trust in Lincolnshire. Prior to ordination I worked as a Civil Engineer in local government. I have wide experience in monitoring school standards; curriculum development and school ethos as well as skills in collective worship, religious education, and wider community / school partnerships.

Keji Moses

Elected by parents: 16th March 2021 - 15th March 2025

I am the founder and CEO of Mayah’s Legacy. Mayah’s Legacy is a charitable organisation that empowers women and families to advocate for their needs as they navigate pregnancy and/or pregnancy loss. I'm also a director at Goddess Hub CIC. Goddess Hub CIC provides perinatal emotional support to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of mothers.

I completed my five-year term as an LEA school governor at St Patricks Primary School in 2019. I also served as a LEA governor at Lyndhurst Primary School (for two years) when I was on the curriculum committee. One of my main roles as governor was to ensure the protection of learners by making the school accountable for child protection, health and safety, and wellness practices.

I am an active member of my community and I sit on a number of local committees and boards, including the Kent County Council SEND Cub-Committee Council.

I look forward to promoting a culture of excellence and ensuring that the school achieves all its objectives.

Elisabeth Smiley

Foundation member: 25th April 2021 - 24th April 2025

I am an experienced secondary school teacher, sports coach, youth worker and mother and I have been on the governing body of St John's since shortly after it was established in 2013. I have been delighted to see the progress the school has made over its first three years and have a specific interest in SEND provision at the school.

 

Mark Player

Elected by parents: 16th March 2021 - 15th March 2025

I work as a Chartered Public Finance Accountant at Great Ormond Street NHS Trust and I previously worked in local government and managed the finance function at a District Council.

 

Laura Seaman

Elected by school staff: 20th July 2020 - 19th July 2024 (maternity leave Jan 2023 - Jan 2024: covered by Harriet Brown)

I have been a qualified teacher for over 8 years working predominantly in Early Years. Most recently, I have been working on my National Qualification in Leading Teaching which is a very exciting opportunity in my career. I have been the Art and Design and Design Technology subject leader at St. John's since 2017 and was thrilled to be appointed the position of Staff Governor in 2020.

 

 

Harriet Brown

Maternity cover for Laura Seaman January 2023 - January 2024

I have been a qualified teacher for over 6 years, working at another school before joining St John's in 2021. I have worked as a class teacher in both KS1 and KS2, with experience of leading RE and Maths. A couple of years ago I was thrilled to have completed my MA in Education, I loved this new experience in my career.

Rob Gold

Appointed by GB: 19th September 2023 - 18th September 2027

I am an experienced teacher, having taught for 15 years, and am a senior lecturer in primary education at Canterbury Christ Church University. I was a lead teacher and subject leader at St John's for 8 years and I am extremely proud of the school's achievements in that time. I have a specific interest in teaching and learning.

 

Jodie Calleja

Appointed by GB: 20th October 2023 - 19th October 2027

I am the Assistant Director for User Experience, Service Design and Delivery for Library and Learning Resources at Canterbury Christ Church University. I hold a BSc Sociology and Social Sciences, MA Sociology of Education, PGCE (11-18) Citizenship and PGCert in Academic Practice in Higher Education, whilst currently undertaking a PhD Sociology.  I have worked in secondary schools leading on the provision of Sociology, Psychology and assessment techniques, and in universities managing departments responsible for student wellbeing, academic skills and information services. I have experience in using Microsoft and Salesforce tools to build databases and lead on the creation of webpages, initiating the free open access Learning Skills Hub hosted on the Canterbury Christ Church University website. I come from a working-class background and have lived experience of free school meals and overcoming the challenges of dyslexia and other disabilities in education settings. I have a younger sister in primary school and have been actively involved in their education, and also volunteer for the Scouts Squirrels. I am also interested in trauma-informed educational approaches.

Joanne Williamson

Ex-officio (Headteacher)

I have been a qualified teacher for over 20 years, working in primary education. Having been a PE subject leader, KS1 and EYFS Assistant Headteacher and Deputy Head at a previous school for 12 years, I was delighted to be appointed Headteacher of St John's when it was created in 2012. I have worked in the Northgate community for 22 years and it has been a privilege to get to know so many families and I look forward to meeting many more in the future.

 

If you would like to contact a member of the Governing Body then please contact the school office: office@stjohns-canterbury.kent.sch.uk.

Please see below the Governor's Register of Interests, attendance and the role descriptions.