Our vision as governors is to provide support, understanding, skills and knowledge to enable the effective running of our school.
We can achieve this by:
Actively and proactively supporting engagement within OLSJ
Maintaining and growing our knowledge
Challenging to raise and improve standards
Celebrating and recognising all whilst acknowledging diversity through equal opportunities
The above is underpinned by the teachings of the Catholic faith.
Governing Body
Joanne Faulkner
Chair of Governors / Foundation Governor
I’m originally from the North West and despite 30 years of living in London, I can still admit to supporting Lancashire County Cricket and Manchester Utd!! My work as a Change Management Consultant has enabled me to travel around the world but my heart has always been firmly in the East End...
I’m originally from the North West and despite 30 years of living in London, I can still admit to supporting Lancashire County Cricket and Manchester Utd!!
My work as a Change Management Consultant has enabled me to travel around the world but my heart has always been firmly in the East End of London which I think is the best place to live in the country.
In my spare time I love walking long walks, running short runs and visits to the theatre, opera and music festivals.
I have been proud to be a governor at OLSJ since 2015 and Chair of Governors since 2017. I believe good education is the best gift we can give our young pupils supporting the start of their journey to becoming honourable and upstanding young adults of the future.
Caroline Modest
Vice Chair / Foundation Governor
I am born and raised in Poplar and have a deep connection for the area. Having lived in the borough all my life, I have seen many changes and growth within the community. My passion for the local area and community is something I strive for,and volunteer as often as I can in causes I see that will...
I am born and raised in Poplar and have a deep connection for the area. Having lived in the borough all my life, I have seen many changes and growth within the community. My passion for the local area and community is something I strive for,and volunteer as often as I can in causes I see that will support local residents.
My role as a team lead for family support services in the local authority means I am continually engaging with families and dealing with many issues.
My work requires me to work closely with local partners that support families and ensure they receive the best support and advice available.
My commitment to being a foundation governor for the school is ensuring that the children families and local community are fully engaged and committed to working with the right services.
Sr Christine Frost
Link Safeguarding Governor / Local Authority Governor
Although I was born in Limerick, Ireland, I have spent most of my life serving the people of the East End of London. I am a religious sister of the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FcJ). It is my aim to help as many people as I can through all forms of outreach work. I launched ‘Neighbours in...
Although I was born in Limerick, Ireland, I have spent most of my life serving the people of the East End of London. I am a religious sister of the Faithful Companions of Jesus (FcJ). It is my aim to help as many people as I can through all forms of outreach work. I launched ‘Neighbours in Poplar’ in 1968 and it is still going from strength to strength. This initiative has a focus of helping the older adults amongst by providing activities which in turn combats loneliness.
Fr Keith Stoakes
Foundation Governor
I am the Parish Priest at St Mary and St Joseph, Poplar and Our Lay Immaculate and St Frederick, Limehouse. I am proud to say that I am from Poplar and it is a privilege to service the community in which I was raised. I have a keen interest in music and enjoy singing. I also thoroughly enjoy...
I am the Parish Priest at St Mary and St Joseph, Poplar and Our Lay Immaculate and St Frederick, Limehouse. I am proud to say that I am from Poplar and it is a privilege to service the community in which I was raised. I have a keen interest in music and enjoy singing. I also thoroughly enjoy getting out and about in the community and helping in any way I can.
James Cameron
Co-opted Governor
I’m originally from North London but moved to Tower Hamlets about 10 years ago where I started working as a teacher at Holy Family Catholic Primary School and subsequently Our Lady & St Joseph. I worked as a teacher for over 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed the profession. When it came...
I’m originally from North London but moved to Tower Hamlets about 10 years ago where I started working as a teacher at Holy Family Catholic Primary School and subsequently Our Lady & St Joseph. I worked as a teacher for over 12 years and thoroughly enjoyed the profession.
When it came time to have a family of my own, I chose to change careers into therapy to afford me more flexibility to manage the needs of my children. I have found all the skills I learnt in my time working at Our Lady and St Joseph’s to be vital and transferable to working with adults with mental health disorders.
I believe in the adage of a healthy-body/health-mind. I thoroughly enjoy running, swimming and cycling and I am keen to start training over long-distances; with my ultimate goal to be an iron-man.
Jyotsna Nelgadde
Co-opted Governor
I have lived on the Island for nearly 10 years and am a proud mom of two. I love so many things that E14 has to offer. I am a seasoned finance professional with 15+ years of experience, with knowledge on strategy and operations. I bring strategic, commercial and digital experience with a solid...
I have lived on the Island for nearly 10 years and am a proud mom of two. I love so many things that E14 has to offer.
I am a seasoned finance professional with 15+ years of experience, with knowledge on strategy and operations. I bring strategic, commercial and digital experience with a solid understanding of financial oversight, risk management, diversity and culture. I am also a Chartered Accountant and work in Change in banking in Canary Wharf.
Laurell Hector
Diocese of Westminster (Foundation Governor)
I’m originally from Roehampton, South West London, and after a period of time living overseas I finally decided to settle in Poplar where I enjoyed 16 very happy years before moving to Essex in 2019. My role as a Managing Director of an International Human Resources Development Consultancy...
I’m originally from Roehampton, South West London, and after a period of time living overseas I finally decided to settle in Poplar where I enjoyed 16 very happy years before moving to Essex in 2019.
My role as a Managing Director of an International Human Resources Development Consultancy focuses on learning, development and continuous personal and professional growth.
I feel that my skills and knowledge will allow me to support and challenge, helping in maintaining the highest standards possible in a community that deserves the very best.
In my spare time I like nothing better than spending time with friends and family whilst being kept on my toes by my two children.
I take my role as a Governor very seriously. I understand the part I play in supporting the school in becoming a support learning environment which will shape our children for their future.
Carol Doherty
Foundation Governor
I’m originally from Bradford in Yorkshire. I’ve lived in London for over 30 years now. But I love going back to visit Yorkshire and family there. I’m married with two grown up daughters. I cycle and swim to keep fit and also like reading and walking with our lovely Labrador dog...
I’m originally from Bradford in Yorkshire. I’ve lived in London for over 30 years now. But I love going back to visit Yorkshire and family there. I’m married with two grown up daughters. I cycle and swim to keep fit and also like reading and walking with our lovely Labrador dog Joseph.
Professionally. I started my career as a Reinsurance Broker for Lloyds of London. At present I am a teacher in Tower Hamlets.I have taught in the borough for over thirty years. I am an Assistant Head and lead on safeguarding, attendance and extended school which includes a Saturday Shine school. I have previously worked as a maths facilitator for parent workshops in all London boroughs and nationally.
Lorraine Adams
Foundation Governor
I was born in Poplar and have lived here all my life. I attended Holy Child Primary School (now Bygrove School) before it amalgamated to became Holy Family on the current OLSJ site. I have been married for 49 years and have three children and 5 grandchildren. I enjoy travelling and reading. I...
I was born in Poplar and have lived here all my life. I attended Holy Child Primary School (now Bygrove School) before it amalgamated to became Holy Family on the current OLSJ site.
I have been married for 49 years and have three children and 5 grandchildren. I enjoy travelling and reading.
I taught at OLSJ for 22 years until I retired in July 2020. During my time there I became Assistant Head and Inclusion Leader and was part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Terri Rowe
Staff Governor
I’ve lived in Tower Hamlets from birth and attended both primary and secondary school in the borough. I am married with 3 young children. We enjoy going on family fishing trips and days out with family and friends. I’ve worked at OLSJ for five years. I started in the role of HLTA...
I’ve lived in Tower Hamlets from birth and attended both primary and secondary school in the borough. I am married with 3 young children. We enjoy going on family fishing trips and days out with family and friends.
I’ve worked at OLSJ for five years. I started in the role of HLTA Inclusion in September 2020. Since being in this role, I have undertaken numerous training courses including an Introduction to Counselling, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Mental Health First Aid to name a few. These courses in particular play a huge part in my role as I currently help overlook the SEND register and run emotional literacy groups.
Sophie Collier
Parent Governor
I was born and have lived in Poplar my whole life. I have three young children who all attend OLSJ. I strongly believe in schools being the heart of a community, as a local resident and parent, it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to support the schools governance and play a part in the...
I was born and have lived in Poplar my whole life. I have three young children who all attend OLSJ. I strongly believe in schools being the heart of a community, as a local resident and parent, it is a privilege to be given the opportunity to support the schools governance and play a part in the ongoing success story of OLSJ.
I work as a Communications Business Partner and hope to use my experience and skills to work with the staff and management to drive the values and ethos of OLSJ forward.
In my free time my family and I love exploring and being creative, we enjoy crafting and baking as well as making the most of local parks.
Patrick Devereux
Headteacher
I am originally from Waterford, the oldest and probably the most beautiful city in Ireland. I moved to London in 2005 to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I started my teaching career in a secondary school in Dagenham, before moving to a primary school in Redbridge and then to Tower Hamlets,...
I am originally from Waterford, the oldest and probably the most beautiful city in Ireland.
I moved to London in 2005 to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher. I started my teaching career in a secondary school in Dagenham, before moving to a primary school in Redbridge and then to Tower Hamlets, where I have been about 10 years.
I really enjoy listening to music in my spare time and going to concerts. Unfortunately, my taste in music has not developed with age and I’m still predominantly listening to bands from the ‘80s and ‘90s. It is my goal to run a half marathon this year !…. Fingers crossed I will start training soon.
Sheila McCabe
Associate Member / School Business Manager
I'm originally from Acton in West London but I'm really enjoying working in the East End. In my spare time I love going to the theatre, walking and exploring parks and museums in London with my family. I have worked as a School Business Manager since 2012 and I love the rich variety of the...
I'm originally from Acton in West London but I'm really enjoying working in the East End. In my spare time I love going to the theatre, walking and exploring parks and museums in London with my family.
I have worked as a School Business Manager since 2012 and I love the rich variety of the role. Prior to working in schools I worked in SureStart children's centres in West London firstly as an office manager and then as the Head of Acton Park Children's Centre.
Katie Turner
Associate Member / Deputy Headteacher
I have always lived on the borders of East London and Essex but spent some years away, studying for my degrees, in both Cardiff and Portsmouth. I returned to East London around 12 years ago and now live here with my husband and young son. I love travelling but, when I’m home, interior design...
I have always lived on the borders of East London and Essex but spent some years away, studying for my degrees, in both Cardiff and Portsmouth. I returned to East London around 12 years ago and now live here with my husband and young son. I love travelling but, when I’m home, interior design takes up most of my time! I’m completely obsessed and love using this creativity in the classroom.
I have worked in both faith and non-faith schools across Redbridge and Tower Hamlets, having been a teacher for over 12 years. I was fortunate to join OLSJ in the Summer term of its opening year and have never looked back. I am currently the Deputy Head of the school and have worked across all key stages. I particularly love being curriculum lead as it means I get to support staff in shaping inspiring, progressive and relevant lessons for the children we are lucky enough to teach.
Caroline Modest
Headteacher
Sheila McCabe
James Cameron
Jo Faulkner
Keith Stoakes
Laurell Hector
Jyotsna Nelgadde
Katie Turner
Cynthia Lynch
Pay Committee
Caroline Modest
Laurell Hector
Jyotsna Nelgadde
HT Appraisal Panel
Jo Faulkner
Carol Doherty
Teaching, Learning & Standards
Committee
James Cameron
Christine Frost
Jo Faulkner
Headteacher
Carol Doherty
Cynthia Lynch
Lorraine Adams
Katie Turner
Strategy and Resources
Committee
Jo Faulkner
Carol Doherty
Caroline Modest
Headteacher
Jyotsna Nelgadde
RE Sub-committee
Keith Stoakes
Christine Frost
Admissions Panel
Caroline Modest
Sr. Christine Frost
Link Governors
A link governor is a member of the governing body appointed to oversee a specific aspect of the work of the school.
In general a link governor role involves the following tasks:
Keeping up to date with the area of interest, and attending relevant training
Making focused visits to the school
Acting as a link between a relevant staff member and the governing body, by meeting regularly to discuss the area of interest
Monitoring and discussing the impact of relevant policies with the staff member
Regularly reporting to the governing body, and making recommendations where appropriate
Link Area
Link Governor
Special Education Needs
Lorraine Adams
Safeguarding / Child Protection / LAC / Drugs
Sr. Christine Frost
Health and Safety
Fr. Keith Stoakes
Anti-Bullying
Laurell Hector
E-Safety
Caroline Modest
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Lorraine Adams & James Cameron
Community / Outreach
Sr Christine Frost
Early Years
Lorraine Adams
Covid Recovery
Jo Faulkner
Finance
Jyotsna Nelgadde
Pupil Premium
Sr Christine & Jo Faulkner
RE
Sr Christine & Fr Keith Stoakes
English - Reading / Writing / KS1 Phonics / EY / Oracy
Carol Doherty
STEM - Maths / Science / Computing / D&T
James Cameron & Jyotsna Nelgadde
Curriculum
Jo Faulkner & Laurell Hector
School Council / PE
Laurell Hector
Cross Curricular team
Caroline Modeste & Jo Faulkner
Types of Governor
Foundation Governors
Foundation governors are volunteers who serve as the Bishop’s representative to assist in managing our Catholic schools. They work alongside other governors including parent governors to form a governing body or board of directors. They are involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff, monitoring standards and the Catholic ethos and help make big decisions about the school’s long-term goals. Foundation Governors have specific responsibility for admissions to the school, the employment of staff, Religious Education and collective worship. The governors help determine the future for pupils attending our schools.
The work of the Governing Body is facilitated by a Clerk and training and support for governors is provided by the Diocesan Department for Schools and Colleges and the Local Authority.
Parent Governors
These are parents of children who attend Our Lady & St Joseph Catholic Primary School. They are elected on to the Governing Body by the votes of other parents, and they represent the voice of the "users" of the school. Their term of office runs for four years.
Local Authority Governor
The Local Authority (LB Tower Hamlets) appoints a representative to the school’s governing body.
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