Governors
Welcome from the Governors
Welcome to our school. We are very proud of the achievements of our pupils and staff, and as a governing body want to do our utmost to support all at the school in building on the high standards already achieved. Our school is rated ‘Good’ with Ofsted, and we continually strive to maintain and improve this strong position.
At the same time, we ensure that our pupils have other experiences to remember through the wide variety of activities that are available, from school shows to film clubs, from after school sports to residential trips for every year group. We are very grateful to have such a vibrant and committed staff who deliver these valuable elements over and above their classroom role.
Our governing body is fully engaged with the school, and committed to its roles. All governors are volunteers and we thank them for their time.
We are always happy to hear your view and comments, so please feel free to contact us via the school office or at governors@st-michaels.notts.sch.uk.
Meet Our Governors
Andy Mitchell - associate member
Hi, I'm Andy Mitchell, I was elected as an associate governor in 2022, I have a son in year 2 and a younger daughter who attends the village pre-school.
I'm a member of the executive board at a large utilities company, where I have worked for 25 years. I'm really excited by the opportunity to bring my professional experience to the governing board at St Michael's to ensure maximum opportunities for all our children to fulfil their full potential.
I love all sports, I'm also a keen golfer when I get some spare time!! Which isn't as often as I would like.
Chris Pearse - Ex-officio foundation governor
I moved to Farnsfield in the summer of 2019 to be the Priest in Charge of Farnsfield, Kirklington (with Hockerton), Maplebeck and Winkburn. In this role I have been given a special focus upon developing some new worshipping communities within Farnsfield, one of which (now called 'Connect') aims to build on the strong relationship between the school and the church and enable more children and families to explore and grow in faith together. I am delighted to serve on the board of governors as part of my role and to be able support St Michael's school as it continues to provide an excellent and rounded education for all its pupils and develop its Christian distinctiveness. I have two children (one of whom is in Year 1 at the school) and before kids, I used to have some hobbies too (music, footie, comedy - I still try and do some of these things occasionally!!)
Louise Carpenter - headteacher
Hello, I am Louise Carpenter, the Head Teacher here at Farnsfield St-Michael's CE Primary. I have had experience on the Governing Body at my previous school, where I was the staff governor for 5 years. I have worked with foundation governors, parent governors and those from the diocese to successfully focus the strategic development of the school. I look forward to working closely with the Governing Body here at St-Michael's to develop connections with the church and community, actively involve parents within school life and to ensure that every child flourishes in our care. I am excited for what the future holds as we work together to achieve the greatest success!
Helen Lewis - Dbe governor
Hello! My name is Helen Lewis and I am one of the Foundation Governors (DBE) at Farnsfield St Michael’s. I am also a teacher at the school, currently teaching Year 6, along with being a member of the Senior Leadership Team, with responsibility for Personal Development. I also lead on both PE and Christian Distinctiveness. I joined the St Michael’s family at Easter 2016 and, since that time, I have been fortunate enough to teach every year group from Year 2 up to Year 6. I am so proud, and privileged, to be a part of this special school community and to serve the children and families in the village of Farnsfield and surrounding areas. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, getting involved in activities at my church, shopping, eating cake, exploring new places and watching sport. I am excited to use my passion, skills and faith even further by serving as a Governor, and continue to see the children, staff, families and wider community flourish.
Term from 14/10/20 to 13/10/24
Ian Griffiths - DBE Governor
Ian moved to the area in October 2016 and worships at St Michael’s Farnsfield. He is a member of the Church Parochial Church Council and was appointed as a Governor of the School in December 2018. Ian has been involved in the Governance of Church Schools and Academies both at a Secondary and Primary level for over 30 years. Ian is currently Vice Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education and is a member of Southwell & Nottingham Educational Trust. Most of his working life was spent working in the Higher Education sector primarily as an IT Director but in his later career running companies on behalf of Universities. Outside of education he is currently a trustee of Papplewick & Linby Village Hall and is on the Independent Monitoring Board for the North East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humberside Holding Facilities for immigration. Formerly he was for 10 years' Chair of Papplewick Parish Council. As a committed Christian, Ian has held a number of roles for his local Church. After over 50 years of playing League Cricket Ian is now appointed as a Panel Cricket Umpire.
Term from 13/12/022 to 12/12/2026
Jen Hope - Vice Chair of governors and parent governor
Hi, I'm Jen and I joined St Michael's Board as a Parent Governor in January 2022. My two girls attend St Michael's - Isabel is now in year 3 and Emilia is in year 6. Both girls love the school and make the most of all of the activities on offer; it's a busy calendar! I've lived in Farnsfield for a little over 13 years and have enjoyed getting to know friends and families better, mainly through my children's social life. I've worked in the education sector for nearly 20 years, predominately in further and higher education, supporting education leaders in governance, policy and student-voice. I hope to bring my experience and enthusiasm for education to the board, to ensure we have the best experience for our children.
Term from 06/12/21 to 5/12/25
Jennie Fieldwick - DBE governor
I’m Jennie, I have been a Governor at St Michaels for over 7 years now, it is a role that enable me to take an active part in the strategic governance of the school whilst putting something back into the school and community. I am mum to two girls, both now at the Minster School having had a fabulous primary education at St Michael’s. I am a primary school teacher and when I am not working, I enjoy walking in the Peak District, I have recently taken up running and enjoy crafting when I get a chance to sit down.
Term from 28/09/21 to 27/09/25
Kate Weaver - Chair of Governors
Hello, my name is Kate Weaver and I am a PCC Foundation Governor and Chair of Governors . I have a daughter called Ester here at St Michael's School who has been at this school since Foundation and now is in year 5 and she loves it. I'm really proud to be a member of the governors' team and to be able to support the school. I work for the NHS as Head of Contracting and also support my husband to run our own business. So it's great to be able to transfer and use my knowledge and skills to help support the school in providing a fantastic education and a happy school environment for all our children.
Term from 13/07/21 to 12/07/25
Louise Watson - PCC GOVERNOR
I have lived in this lovely village for almost four years now and have two children in school here. I am part of the congregation at St Michaels Church and really enjoy singing in the church choir. I have worked in education for around twenty years and currently work part time. I am very excited to be part of the governing body at St Michael's.
Term from 17/09/20 to 16/09/24
Marcella Olliffe - Parent Governor
Hi, I'm Marcella and I have been a parent governor since 2022. I have two children and like to play an active part in school and our community. My personal hobbies centre mainly around the great outdoors - walking, exploring, horse riding, and anything that involves being out in the fresh air!
For my day job, I work at a Nottinghamshire primary school as Assistant Head Teacher and SENCO. My expertise in education lies primarily within the areas of SEND, early years, phonics and reading, and safeguarding.
Term from 6/12/21 to 5/12/25
Matthew Vickers - PCC governor
Hi. Hope you are well. My name is Matthew Vickers and I am a PCC governor, aka church governor. My two son’s Jack and Isaac come to St Michael’s and it is lovely seeing them develop academically and personally thanks to brilliant teaching and care they receive. I am a Christian and have an active role in the Methodist Church in Bilsthorpe. As a church governor I am able to support, protect and challenge the great work being done ensuring that it encompasses a Christian ethos. I am privileged to be part of the ‘Connect’ team (after schools church) as this provides an opportunity for students to develop their faith. I work for the NHS as a mental health nurse and also have my own business delivering training in mental health awareness. Encouraging mental and physical health and wellbeing throughout the school for both students and staff will support positive and productive learning. I am committed in giving my best to the governing body.
Term from 9/11/21 to 8/11/25
Nicole Wilson - Staff Governor
Hello! I'm Nicole and I am the staff governor here at St Michael’s. I have been working at the school for 8 years now, gradually taking on more roles and responsibilities. I am currently teaching Year 2. During my time here I have predominately taught Years 3 and 4, but have experienced teaching in all the year groups through PPA cover throughout the years as well as being a Phase Lead in Year 3 & 4 and Keystage One during my time. I feel so proud and honoured to be staff governor here, being able to contribute to the wider running of the school. I am excited by this opportunity to help our school to continue to grow and flourish. Outside of school I have two little ones who keep me very busy!
Term from 6/9/21 to 5/9/25
All Governors have voting rights on their respective committees and no Governor declared any relevant business interest. No Governor or their family is related to any school staff.