There are 13 positions within our governing body, but it is possible to co-opt additional non-voting members with specific areas of expertise.
Paul Ashton, Additional Community Governor, a link governor for the Humanities AoLE and Maths and Numeracy AoLE. Current term of office: 8/5/2024 – 8/5/2028
“I am the Community Council representative on the Governing Body. I find my involvement with the school very enjoyable, and I am particularly interested in the teaching of History and Geography.”
Sarah Carpenter, a link governor for Health & Safety and the Language, Literacy and Communication AoLE. Non-voting co-opted member since 22/4/2025
“A Parent Foundation Governor from 21/4/2021 – 21/4/2025, I’m mum to 2 boys, both now at The Maelor, the youngest having left St Mary’s in 2023. I work at Overton Playcentre and was previously on the committee there. I love being a part of the community that I grew up in! I am happiest being with my boys, enjoying the outdoors and especially the beach!”
Charlotte Copeman, Foundation Governor, and Language, Literacy and Communication AoLE link governor. Current term of office 07/11/2022 – 07/11/2026
“I’ve lived in the village for several years and have been a Governor for over 4 years. I am the Maths link governor, a fact which if they ever heard about it would surprise my former teachers no end!”
Kate Davies, Staff Governor, our Pupil Voice link governor. Current term of office: 30/09/2023 – 30/09/2027
“I have been a teaching assistant at St Mary’s for several years and became the Staff Governor in September 2023. I work in the KS2 department with years 3,4,5 and 6. I especially enjoy PE, RVE, crafts and helping pupils with Dyslexia.”
Revd Canon Jeremy Dussek, Ex-Officio Foundation Governor, our RVE link governor. As ex-officio, Fr. Jeremy doesn’t have a fixed term of office.
“The priest for the Maelor Mission Area, previously Canon Precentor of the Cathedral Church of Christ & the Blessed Virgin Mary, Chester.”
Sarah Evans, Foundation Governor, a link governor for the Health & Wellbeing AoLE. Current term of office: 14/07/2022 – 14/07/2026
“I have recently been appointed a Govenor and I am very excited about the role. I have 4 girls, one of them still at St Mary’s. I am self-employed and have an interest in physical and outdoor education.”
Rachel Harris, Foundation Governor, Vice-Chair of Governors, our Expressive Arts AoLE link governor and lead Safeguarding governor. Current term of office: 06/10/2024 – 06/10/2028
“A mum of 3, all of whom attended St Mary’s School, I’ve been a governor for many years. I have a particular interest in ALN and Expressive Arts and I am the manager of Overton Playcentre.”
Joanna Holland, Parent Governor, a link governor for Additional Learning Needs and the Health and Wellbeing AoLE. Current term of office: 01/03/2023 – 01/03/2027
“Mum of three, two of whom still attend St Mary’s School. I have an interest in additional needs, health and well-being.”
Simon Hughes, Parent Foundation Governor, a link governor for Health and Safety and the Science and Technology AoLE. Current term of office: 11/07/2025 – 11/07/2029
“Father of two boys who currently attend St Mary’s. I have an interest in health and safety and technology.”
Kay Lawrenson, Teacher Governor, ALNCo & LAC responsibilities. Current term of office: 30/09/2022 – 30/09/2026
“I am the Llyn Brenig teacher and additional learning needs co-ordinator at St. Mary’s. I live in Overton with my grown-up family and feel very blessed that my children were both able to attend the school too and loved every minute. I have previously been co-opted onto the governing body and was the Clerk for over 10 years.”
John McCusker, Local Authority Governor, a link governor for the Humanities AoLE. Current term of office: 19/11/2023 – 19/11/2027
“I have four children and my two youngest went to St. Mary’s. I originally agreed a four year term….that was about 28 years ago! I am also a Governor at the Maelor, a Trustee of the Rainbow Foundation and your local County Councillor amongst a myriad of other roles.”
Darren Morris, ex-officio Headteacher Governor. As ex-officio, Mr Morris doesn’t have a fixed term of office.
“A teacher at St Mary’s for more years than I care to admit, I’ve been Headteacher for several months now. I enjoy interacting with the pupils and I am proud to be part of such a warm, friendly, caring, happy school.”
Emilienne Rebel, Foundation Governor, a Language, Literacy and Communication AoLE link governor. Current term of office: 27/01/2022 – 27/01/2026
“A proud Foundation Governor at St Mary’s following four years as Parent Governor whilst my daughters attended the school. I enjoy my continued involvement, taking a particular interest in Language, Literacy, Communication and Well Being within the new curriculum.”
Angharad Veneklaas Slots, Foundation Governor, Chair of Governors, a link governor for the Science & Technology AoLE and Maths and Numeracy AoLE, Safeguarding & LAC governor. Current term of office: 06/10/2024 – 06/10/2028
“I’m a Welsh speaking mum of two, both my children attended St Mary’s School. I’ve been a governor at the school since 2014 and I’m particularly interested in Science and Maths.”
Each month, we turn the spotlight on one of our governors, so that you can get to know them a little better.