Governor Biographies
Joanne Perry
Joanne is Chair of Governors with link responsibility for Literacy. Joanne has been a Governor for over 10 years, initially as a Parent Governor and latterly as a Co-Opted Governor. Joanne has two sons, both of whom have been through the School and are now in secondary. Joanne is a Solicitor and therefore has particular interest in the regulatory aspects of School governance. Joanne’s assessment of Windermere Primary is that it is an inclusive School, which provides support to children of all different backgrounds, races, nationalities, religions and needs. Her vision for the future is to ensure that all pupils leave the School having had a well-rounded start to their education, giving them a thirst for learning going forward.
Sally Gibson
Sally is a Co-opted Governor with link responsibility to Pupil Premium. Sally has been a Governor at Windermere for 15 Years, first as a Parent Governor and now as a Co-Opted. Sally did two terms as Chair of Governors and has been Chair of both CPC and Resources. Sally also is involved with Heads Performance Management and Recruitment Panel. Having had a career as Media Research Director for many years her skills in quantitive and qualitative research have helped greatly with understanding school statistics and documents along with a passion for working with people from across the whole school community. Sally also volunteers in school by listening to readers.
Windermere provided Sally’s two children with an invaluable start to their education. A safe, happy, nurturing environment to thrive. She wanted to help as a governor to ensure the school continued to provide the same positive, grounding and aspirational start for local children going forward.
Sally’s assessment of Windermere is that through change of leadership over the years it has provided a constant supportive and nurturing start to a diverse local community. Her vision is that Windermere children move on with confidence, with an all round grounding to become positive, caring and educated members of their community.
Natalie Wilson
Natalie is a parent governor with link responsibility for safeguarding.
Natalie has been a governor at the school for five years and has two sons at the school. Natalie is a local GP and with this experience, appreciates the importance of protecting an environment that supports and prioritises children’s well-being. Her assessment of Windermere is that it is a nurturing environment which encourages respect for each other as well as promotes the growth of confident learners.
Claire Marles
Claire has been a Local Education Authority (LEA) Governor at Windermere Primary since 2011. She is currently Chair of The Resources Committee and Child Looked After (CLA) link Governor. Claire is an accountant by profession and so has a good understanding of the school’s finances. She has a daughter that is currently in Year 8 but has never attended Windermere. Claire is passionate about supporting the school in providing every child with the highest possible standard of education giving them the foundation of academic and social skills needed to live a happy and fulfilled life.
Liz Fugle
Liz is Chair of the CPC Committee with link responsibility for SEND and Maths. Liz was formerly a class teacher at Windermere Primary School from 2013 until 2021, leaving after the birth of her second child. Liz now tutors part-time and maintains a keen interest in the latest teaching methods and practices. Wanting to remain part of the Windermere family, Liz joined as a Co-Opted governor in 2022. She has an excellent understanding of the character of the school and its community, believing it to be a warm and welcoming school that is striving to give pupils a memorable school experience. Liz’s vision for Windermere Primary School is for all pupils to be able to look back on their primary school years and remember the courage they had to take the next step and the teachers and classmates who inspired them.
Caroline Adams
Caroline is a staff governor. Caroline has been on the board for three years initially as an associate. Caroline has worked at Windermere for ten years and both her daughters have gone through the school and are now about to leave secondary education. Caroline’s assessment of Windermere Primary is that we are a supportive community that helps and supports each other grow. Her vision for the future is to ensure that all pupils leave the school having confidence in themselves to help them thrive going forward in their education journey.
Mitch Rhodes
Mitch is a parent governor with a link responsibility for Sports. Mitch is our most recent governor, having joined the board in September 2023. Mitch has one daughter in the school, with another due to start in 2026. Mitch has a background in sports and runs various teams in the St Albans area. Mitch also lives within proximity to the school, so has a keen and active connection with the local community. Mitch is passionate about the role of sports in a child’s education and the impact it has on a healthy mind and body and is keen to ensure that all children can take full advantage of the excellent sports program that Windermere has to offer.