Governors (ID 1193)

• Mrs Mel Shirvill
  Chair of Governors & Foundation Governor
  Mrs Mel Shirvill

  Appointed 24/09/22 Term Ends 23/09/26

  I was co-opted to the Board of Governors in 2012 and as a Foundation Governor I am appointed by the Church of England. I am the link Governor for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and am part of the SIAMS Committee (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools). I sit on the Children & Learning Committee.

  I began my teaching career in primary education in 1972 and retired in 2009. During my career I have taught all year groups from reception to Year 6; I have been various subject coordinators including science and maths and as senior teacher was head of Year 6 and assessment coordinator and also have a MA in Primary Education. I have a great interest in all areas of education but particularly in supporting children who find learning difficult.

  I care deeply about under-privileged children and support and help to fundraise for the Bethany Orphanage in Uganda and Operation Christmas Child which distribute shoebox gifts to needy children abroad. My youngest grandson attends Warfield School. I enjoy gardening, IT and walking my elderly Springer Spaniel. I am an active member of Warfield Church which meets here at Warfield C/E School.

• Mr Barry Conroy
  Vice Chair of Governors & Co-opted Governor
  Mr Barry Conroy

  Appointed 07/07/21 Term Ends 06/07/25

  I have a lifelong passion in supporting others and helping them to develop. This was fostered when I studied as a design and technology secondary teacher when I left school. This has carried over to my workplace where I lead and developed teams as well as providing mentor and coaching support.

  My professional experience has shown me how truly important it is that our children have the best possible education in their early years to nurture those key skills and experiences that are their foundation and enable them to reach their potential in later years.

  I work locally in Bracknell and live in Wokingham. I have three children. My oldest son is currently studying at university, my daughter is in her final years of high school and my youngest son starts school in 2022.

  The reason for me joining as a co-opted governor is that I want to use the skills, knowledge and experience I have gathered over the years to make a difference. And what better a difference than playing a small part in supporting the children who really are the future. I sit on the Resources Committee.

• Mrs Anna Kennedy
  Head Teacher & Ex-Officio Governor
  Mrs Anna Kennedy

  Having graduated in 1993 I went on to complete a PGCE at Westminster College. I have worked with Bracknell Forest children for the majority of my time since qualifying. I have enjoyed working with the children of Warfield since 2002 when I joined the team as Deputy Headteacher and have been Co- Headteacher and Headteacher for the last twelve years. Twenty years is a long time to be associated with a school but it is testament to the fun, variety and challenge that everyday has provided me with in my career. I feel privileged to work with the staff and families of Warfield CE Primary School. As a member of the Governing Board I attend all meetings and have a key role in advising on Governor strategy, feeding back on school improvement activities and informing on development in schools and education.

• Mr Euan Mann
  Staff Governor
  Mr Euan Mann

  Appointed 14/09/21 Term Ends 13/09/25

  I was appointed as Staff Governor in September 2021 and I am pleased to be serving the school community by being a member of the Governing Board. I sit on the Children & Learning Committee.

  I am currently in my eighth year of teaching. For the last 5 years I've had the pleasure of teaching Year 6 at Warfield which has been a fantastic experience. In my current role, I am also responsible for leading the maths curriculum.

  Prior to working at Warfield, I taught Year 4 at a school in Buckinghamshire where I am originally from. Before training to become a teacher, I spent a number of years working in Retail and Financial Recruitment.

  Outside of school, I am lucky to have two daughters (my eldest is almost 4 and is soon to start at Warfield while my youngest is 10 months) so they keep me busy most of the time. Usually, at the weekend we'll be out exploring some new park or play place across Berkshire!

  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing sport (especially squash when I get a chance) and I especially love to travel.

• Dr Gareth Barnard
  Local Authority Governor
  Dr Gareth Barnard

  Appointed 01/07/20, 2nd Term Ends 02/07/28

  I was elected to the Governing Board in July 2020, am responsible for Governor involvement in Safeguarding and I am also involved in SIAMS.

  I am also currently a Governor at Garth Hill College, the Secondary School in North Bracknell, where I have been a Governor for over 20 years. In the past I have also been Chair of Governors at Holly Spring Junior School and a Member of the Management Committee at College Hall, both within Bracknell Forest.

  I have lived in Whitegrove for over 30 years and have seen our community grow. Through my role as an elected Councillor on Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Warfield Parish Council I have an insight into the Community of Warfield. I currently also chair SACRE, a committee that looks at the delivery of faith-based education in all our Schools. For relaxation, I enjoy Gardening, the delights of Dog ownership and spending time with my family.

  My Daughters all attended Warfield C of E Primary (All Saints site) and as a School Parent for 16 years have developed a deep fondness for the School and its ethos.

  As a Governor, I will seek to support the School on its ongoing journey and work with my fellow governors to keep Warfield C of E primary School a good school, where children are safe and are given the opportunity to reach their full potential. I sit on both the Resources and Children & Learning Committees.

• Mr Jason Mawer
  Chair of Resources Committee & Co-opted Governor
  Mr Jason Mawer

  Appointed 16/04/22 Term Ends 15/04/26

  I have worked in Warfield as the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to Warfield Parish Council since November 2014. Previously, I have worked in the charity sector as Operations Manager for a community transport provider and various roles for a housing association in Windsor.

  I applied to become a school governor to serve the community in ways not directly related to my work. I watched the development of the new Woodhurst site with interest so the opportunity to become involved with the school and learn more about it was too tempting to miss. Being a governor provides an alternative perspective on life in Warfield.

  I have been a governor at Warfield since 2018. I sit on the Resources committee.

  When not attending meetings, either through either work or my governor duties, I enjoy following a wide range of sports. I am an Olympic and Formula 1 nut, which my understanding wife tolerates. I also enjoy expanding my knowledge of history, watching old films and visiting lifeboat stations!

• Mrs Karen Callard
  School Business Manager & Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Karen Callard

  Appointed 03/09/21 Term Ends 02/09/25

  I have been the Business Manager at Warfield for 22 years and been a Governor for most of that time. I sit on the Resources Committee.

  During this time I have seen many changes at Warfield School but through all these we still have the vision and ethos that makes our school so special.

  I moved to Warfield in 1995 with my husband and 3 children and my son went straight to Garth but both my daughters came to Warfield.

  My background is in Accountancy and I was previously the Intercompany Accountant for EMI records prior to having my youngest daughter, who is now grown up and teaching sport in a primary school herself.

  My interests outside school are mainly horses, dogs, sport and my family. We have several horses from youngsters to advanced horses and I spend my weekends and holidays travelling with my daughter who competes as an International Event rider. I also enjoy Zumba, netball, swimming and watching football.

  I very much enjoy my family time and my 8 grandchildren, 3 dogs and horses keep me very busy and active.

  I am interested in all aspects of school life and as part of my Business Manager role I am responsible for the Budget, HR, Health and Safety, Off-Site visits and the management of the school office. I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

• Mrs Rachael Brown
  Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Rachael Brown

  Appointed 20/9/23 Term Ends 19/9/27

  I was elected to the Governing board in September 2023 as a Co-Opted Governor and I sit on the Resources committee. This is my first appointment as a governor and I am excited to learn more about the school and how I can use my skills to support the community at Warfield.

  I currently work as Head of Junior School Physical Education and Sport at The Abbey School in Reading. Having completed my degree in Children's Physical Education and having taught Physical Education for 10 years, I passionately believe in keeping children active and that there is a sport for everyone.

  I have lived in Arborfield for 2 years and I am newly married. In my spare time I enjoy weightlifting and looking after my five animals.

• Ms Lisa Jarvis
  Chair of Children & Learning Committee & Parent Governor
  Ms Lisa Jarvis

  Appointed 30/06/22 Term Ends 29/06/26

  I was elected to the Governing Board in June 2022 as a Parent Governor and am the Chair of the Children & Learning Committee and also sit on the Headteachers Performance Management Panel. I am delighted to be able provide support at an exciting time for the school following the merging of both sites.

  I have lived in Woodhurst Park for over five years and my son is at the school. Prior to this he attended the school's nursery and absolutely loved it!

  I have worked in education for over fifteen years, the past six years spent on the Senior Team at Garth Hill College as Administration Manager.

  In my spare time I volunteer at the British Airways Heritage Centre and also sit on the Woodhurst Park Residents' Events Committee.

• Mr Ravi Pandya
  Co-opted Governor
  Mr Ravi Pandya

  Appointed 07/02/24 Term Ends 06/02/28

  I was delighted to be elected to the Governing Board in February 2024 as a co-opted Governor. I am Vice Chair of the Resources Committee and I sit on the Pay Committee and am Link Governor for Geography. This is my first Governor position and am excited and passionate about supporting the school and the community to achieving its Vision.

  I live in Maidenhead with my wife and two children; one Daughter aged 3yrs, due to attend Primary School in September and a 5-month-old Son.

  I work as a Senior Risk Professional in Banking, based in London, and have 15 years' experience in Operational and Strategic Risk Management, supporting proactive identification of material risks and determination of preventative and remedial Action Plans.

  In my free time, I enjoy running, reading about all things Behavioural Science and watching sports (football, cricket, tennis and boxing)

• Mrs Reena Thethy
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Reena Thethy

  Appointed 28/9/23 Term Ends 27/9/27

  I was a elected as a Parent Governor in September 2023 and sit on the Children & Learning Committee. I look forward to learning more about Warfield Primary and utilising my skills to support its strategic direction. I believe that early years education is key to a child’s future and that their time at school should be inspiring, creative and happy. There are however many challenges that schools face due to financial pressures and changes to the education system, which can have an impact on teachers, parents, and children.

  Parents are important stakeholders, and communication between them and the school is integral during these times to develop and progress.

  My son has started Reception and has given me more of a purpose to get involved and support the school with challenges and ensure that children have the best school experience.

  Skills and experience from by current and previous professional roles include strategic vision-setting, performance management, stakeholder engagement, recruitment, and training/coaching.

  In my personal life, I’m a wife and have 2 little boys who keep me busy 24/7!

• Mrs Laura Maheady
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Laura Maheady

  Appointed 23/3/24 Term Ends 22/3/28

  I was elected as Parent Governor in March 2024 and I sit on the Children and Learning Committee. I have been a primary school teacher for 15 years, teaching in a variety of settings and across all key stages. I currently work at a local school in Bracknell Forest where I am head of a key stage and a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

  I believe every child deserves the opportunity to attend the best possible school, where they feel safe, happy, and where they can develop a love for learning that prepares them for the next stage of their lives. I am an advocate for children's mental health; ensuring children develop resilience and confidence is just as important for me as the curriculum.

  Through my background in education, I understand the strategic role governors play in supporting schools and I look forward to utilising my skills to support to staff and pupils at Warfield School.

  I have two children who attend the school, and I have lived in Woodhurst Park since 2018. I enjoy being part of this thriving community and in my spare time I enjoy exploring the local area and UK coastlines, as well as spending time with family and friends.

• Ms Sharon Mcilroy
  Foundation Governor
  Ms Sharon Mcilroy

  Appointed 11/03/24 Term Ends 10/03/28

  I regularly attend All Saints Ascot Heath and was appointed as a Foundation Governor on the 11th March 2024. I sit on the Resources Committee.

  I have been involved in education in one way or another since 1982 and am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute in whatever way I can in this new role to the school and Warfield.

  I am passionate about the global advancement of humanity through education and have devoted much of my career to the CPD of teachers from other countries. I currently am a lecturer in Reading University where I have worked since 2004. I am also currently completing a doctorate in education.

  I have lived in Bracknell since 1998 and have watched how the town has grown. It will be a great pleasure to support the school and give back to the local community as my work has taken me out of Bracknell.

• Ms Rebecca Cheung
  Associate Member
  Ms Rebecca Cheung

  Appointed 22/03/23 Term Ends 22/03/27

  I was appointed as an Associate Member of the Governing Board in March 2023.

  After my graduation from The University of Hong Kong (HKU), I was working as a high school teacher teaching Economics. I realised that diligent work and inspiration can enhance student’s interest in the subject. With the effort of students, good exam results become achievable.

  After one year of teaching, I joined Prudential Hong Kong and worked as a financial planner. It is a meaningful job as it helps people achieve financial security by proper retirement planning, tax planning and protection planning.

  Although being a governor is a challenging role, I think with a good learning attitude I can make contributions both to the school and the community. I sit on the Resources Committee which oversees the budget and I hope to provide strategic ideas for the holistic development of the children.

• Miss Cathy Shephard
  Deputy Head Teacher & Associate Member
  Miss Cathy Shephard

  Appointed 23/09/20, 2nd Term Ends 22/09/28

  I was appointed to the role of Deputy Headteacher at Warfield CE School in April 2016, and have been fortunate enough to also secure a position as an Associate Member.

  I have over 25 years teaching experience across 5 different schools and have held Senior Leadership roles for over 18 years. I am passionate about school improvement, the needs of our children are what drive me to constantly challenge and develop thinking to ensure we are providing the very best we can as educators. I support the Head Teacher and staff in driving the whole school vision. I am responsible for assessment as part of my role and sit on the Children & Learning Committee.

• Mrs Claire Pollard
  Clerk to Governors
  Mrs Claire Pollard