Meet the Governing Body

Mrs Alison Swinney

Chair of Governors

My husband and I have lived in Faversham for nearly 36 years. Our children grew up within the love and support of St Mary of Charity Parish Church family where I have been Churchwarden for the past 4 years. I have 17 years’ experience of working with Faversham primary schools especially supporting and assessing children with special educational needs.

If you wish to contact the chair of Governors, then please do so in writing. This can we handed into the school office and will be given to Mrs Swinney on her next visit to school. All post will be dealt with in a private and confidential manner.

Rev. Simon Rowlands

Vice Chair of Governors

Hello, my name is the Revd Simon Rowlands and I am Vicar of St Mary of Charity Church and the three other Church of England Churches in Faversham. I have been a Vicar for 21 years and have been involved in various Church Schools and a Church Foundation University throughout my career.

I am married to Gail a retired special needs teacher and have an adult son who lives and works in Faversham.

I am passionate that a local church school should provide the highest quality of education and opportunity for all within the local community it serves. It is a privilege to serve on this Governing Body alongside such an amazing and dedicated staff team led by Mrs Rowley-Jones.

Mrs Anne Kay

Appointed Governor

Hello, my name is Anne and I have recently (Feb 2022) been appointed to the St Mary of Charity governing body by the Faversham Municipal Charities. This is a long established local charity which focuses on education and on housing for the elderly.

I have lived in Faversham for the past 35 years and, in 2014, had the honour of being mayoress, for two years, in this very special town.  I am a parent although my three children are now adults.

I have recently retired from primary teaching where, over the years, I have taught across the primary age range, from nursery to Year 6.

I am committed to ensure that all children, who attend St Mary of Charity receive inspiring and enriching learning opportunities so that they can achieve and fulfil their potential.

I look forward to working with the rest of the governing body to support the school as it strives to become even better and to ensure it remains a secure and happy place for children to learn and staff to work.

Mrs Steph Guthrie

Appointed Governor

Hi, my name is Steph Guthrie, and I am delighted to be involved in this wonderful school. I work in education and know how important high-quality learning experiences and nurturing support are to every child, every day.

I work with the school team as Governor for pupils with Special Educational Needs, and this role gives me the opportunity to help enable these children to reach their utmost potential.

I believe a school should strive to ensure every child, regardless of ability or needs, has an equal chance to progress and find their strengths. In tandem with ensuring children feel safe and happy in school, it’s key that the governing body supports the well-being of teachers and school staff too.

Mrs Dianne Smith

Hello, my name is Dianne and I was appointed governor at St Mary of Charity Primary School in March 2023. I have four grown up children and have shown a keen interest in the development and education of my grandchildren.

Moving to Faversham from Sittingbourne in 2017 gave me the opportunity to meet new people and importantly to become involved in the worship and fellowship at St Mary of Charity Church.

Now retired, my working background was in all aspects and ages of care, from babies, families, adults with varying needs and the elderly. This has given me insight into the many difficulties that we can face throughout life and also the joys that we can share along the way.

"Feed my lambs... take care of my sheep" is the perfect message to us all to look out for and to support one another in our daily experiences and life journeys.