our longest-serving foundation governor:
Rachel Harris
I have been a governor for several years now, having first taken on the role when my three children attended St Mary’s. I work closely with the school in my role as the manager of Overton Playcentre CIO, as we run the before and after school club and provide wrap-around care for St Mary’s pupils. I moved to Overton from Lincolnshire, where I was a high-school biology teacher and a resident warden at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve, which was wonderful as I love spending time around rivers, lakes and the coastline.
Water forms the basis of much of my artwork – I gather flotsam and jetsam from beaches and turn it into pieces of textile art which have been exhibited in various locations, including T? Pawb where I was artist in residence for several months in 2023. I have also worked alongside the Welsh Dee Trust, during which time I learnt more about the River Dee Bore and one of our most elusive water creatures, the European Eel. Eels fascinate me, to the point where I have written a children’s book called Eirian the Eel, and exhibited a body of work called Echoes of Eels, comprising a blend of poetry and art.
These days, when I’ve finished work, spent time with my family, walked the dog, done all the jobs that need doing on my allotment, and time finally allows, I can be found paddling my canoe along the local canals, enjoying being close to nature and planning my next break to the rugged Scottish isles that are very close to my heart.
one of our foundation governors:
Angharad Veneklaas Slots
One of the things which brings me pleasure in life is helping, whether that’s helping animals or humans. That, and my love of surgery, led me to a 15-year career as a vet.
When my eldest daughter was in Reception, my youngest daughter attended the Church toddler group in Overton. Dr Reverend David Childs, the vicar of St Mary’s Church at the time, asked if I would be interested in becoming a Parent Foundation Governor at the school. Intrigued, but not sure exactly what the role would entail, I thought: why not give it a go?
Being a governor has let me see from “behind the scenes” the level of commitment and love for the school shown by all the staff, and I enjoy being able to help shape the education of our young people as part of the governing body team. As ill-health has forced me to give up my veterinary career, I have plenty of time to do “governor work” so I continue to offer my services as a governor and help in the school office as a volunteer.
Outside of my governor duties, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and being able to appreciate nature. Thanks to my husband’s skill as a gardener, I don’t have to go very far to be able to relax in beautiful surroundings and watch the local wildlife.
When I’m not being a “mum taxi” and the weather is not great for being outdoors, I spend my time reading, building things out of Lego (yes, I am a big child at heart!) and watching F1 on TV.
Having received a Welsh-medium education and grown up on a diet of Eisteddfodau as part of my culture and heritage, I’m delighted that the National Eisteddfod will be in Wrexham this summer. I have fond memories of attending the Bro Colwyn Eisteddfod in 1995, in my hometown of Abergele, and I look forward to visiting the Maes in Is -y-Coed and seeing how this massive Welsh festival has changed over the last 30 years.
Who knows, maybe I will see you there?
Our teacher governor:
Kay Lawrenson
As a teacher, I have been elected to represent teaching staff at St. Mary’s school for a set period of time. I was Clerk to the Governing Body for over 10 years and was co-opted to the governors previously for one year when supporting staff during a new headteacher appointment.
I have worked at St. Mary’s School for too many years to mention in various roles – including secretary, teaching assistant, early years practitioner and now a class teacher and additional needs coordinator. I am proud to be a teacher at St. Mary’s; I love my job and wouldn’t change it for the world. It is a position of privilege and a vocation that keeps you on your toes! My two sons both attended St. Mary’s and they have so many fond memories of their time there and I think our amazing school has helped mould them into the fantastic young men they have become.
In my spare time I love being at home, in my garden, and being with my family and friends. I love city breaks and always have a mental list of where we might go next, I love to plan an adventure. I enjoy cooking and creating menus with my family and get lots of inspiration from our travels
Our longest-serving governor:
John McCusker
Hello, I’m John McCusker and have been a school governor at our brilliant school for many, many years (don’t ask 😂!). I moved to Overton 32 years ago and have four children and 5 grandchildren. My youngest two children went to St Mary’s.
