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, Co-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.

Mr. Daniel Chantler, Co-Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a Governor for over 9 years in both mainstream and SEN schools within Kent. I am currently Chair of Governors of an SEN school in Thanet to which I am a Trustee within KsENT, by virtue. 

The three main priorities for a Governor are to provide strategic direction for the school, to act as a critical friend to the Headteacher and the wider SLT team and to ensure accountability. I am also a Qualified Teacher and have been employed within Education for the last 17 years, mainly based in Primary Education.

I wish for every child who attends St Mary of Charity Primary School to fulfil their dreams and be the best that they can be.

"Education is the foundation of all we do in life. It shapes who we are and what we aspire to be." - Julie Payette

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.

Mr. Louis Reynolds, Parent Governor

Hello, I am Louis, a parent governor. I have lived in Faversham all of my life and even attended St Mary of Charity some years ago! I now have young children who attend the school and was keen to be involved in the Governance of the school building on the fantastic work of the staff here and providing support where required. 

Mr. Wayne Burney, Parent Governor

Hello, I am Wayne Burney. I have been  a fire officer in Kent Fire and Rescue Service for over 30 years. 

I was born in Faversham and attended the school myself, I was one of the first pupils to be taught in this school when it was first built. My own child now attends the school and I am invested in ensuring the school can be the best it can for the next generations. 

Ms. Siobhan O'Connor - Appointed Governor

Hello, my name is Siobhan O’Connor and I am a dedicated Governor at St Mary of Charity and I bring a deep knowledge and understanding about education and child development and learning to my role.

Working closely with fellow governors, teachers, children and parents, I am committed to helping the school maintain its high standards of excellence while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

I am passionate about supporting and nurturing the educational growth of every child and striving to ensure that our school is a place where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

Mr. Rob Moorfield, Staff Governor

I have been the SENCO & Inclusion Lead at St Mary of Charity for over two years, dedicated to ensuring every child receives the highest quality education to help them reach their full potential. With over a decade of teaching experience across Key Stage 1 and 2 in various schools and year groups, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role.

As a Staff Governor, I value the opportunity to collaborate closely with staff, families, and the wider community, working together to provide an enriching and inspiring educational journey for our pupils.