Our vision is to provide outstanding Catholic primary education to all children that we are blessed to have in our care. We believe that positive values instilled during our children's formative years will guide them through the rest of their lives, providing them with a firm foundation for success in whichever path is right for them.
Our aim as governors is to provide support, understanding, skills and knowledge to enable the effective running of our school to enable it to achieve its vision.
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.
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 taught at OLSJ for 22 years until I retired in July 2020. During my time there I became Assistant Head and...
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 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.
I enjoy reading, socialising and going on holidays.
Patrick Devereux
Executive 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.
Ms Lynch
Associate Member - Head of School
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Cork in the south of Ireland, I developed a deep appreciation for language and culture from an early age. Attending both primary and secondary school through the Irish language, I continued my passion for linguistics by pursuing a degree in Language and...
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Cork in the south of Ireland, I developed a deep appreciation for language and culture from an early age. Attending both primary and secondary school through the Irish language, I continued my passion for linguistics by pursuing a degree in Language and Cultural Studies, specializing in Spanish and Irish. A highlight of my studies was spending an enriching Erasmus year in the beautiful city of Bilbao in the Basque Country.
After completing my postgraduate qualification in teaching, I moved to London in 2013 and found a home at Our Lady’s Limehouse, where I have been privileged to witness and contribute to the evolution of our school into what is now Our Lady and St Joseph. Over the years, I have held various roles, taught many wonderful children and built strong connections with families in our community.
Outside of work, I will regularly be found going to the West End watching a range of theatre productions! I have a passion for exploring the world; from deep-sea diving in the Coral Reef to backpacking across Southeast Asia, but I also cherish my visits back home in Ireland with family and friends.
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.
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.
Louise Vernon
Co-opt Governor
I was born in West London where I grew up, moving East to graduate and begin a rewarding career of over 20 years in primary education. In 2016 I left teaching for a new challenge in my current role as an Adult and Child Safeguarding Advisor and trainer. Now I have a bit more time to spend with...
I was born in West London where I grew up, moving East to graduate and begin a rewarding career of over 20 years in primary education. In 2016 I left teaching for a new challenge in my current role as an Adult and Child Safeguarding Advisor and trainer.
Now I have a bit more time to spend with friends and family. I like to travel, appreciate nature, and practice martial art.
Understanding some of the pressures on families and the demands on educators alike, I am privileged and excited to be able to support OLSJ as a governor.
Matthew Collyer
Foundation Governor
I am from Cheltenham and moved to London after university. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and work in the renewable energy sector, primarily supporting public sector pension schemes. I live locally in Tower Hamlets and love the diversity and energy of the borough. It is a great privilege to...
I am from Cheltenham and moved to London after university. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and work in the renewable energy sector, primarily supporting public sector pension schemes. I live locally in Tower Hamlets and love the diversity and energy of the borough. It is a great privilege to be involved with OLSJ, and to be able to apply my financial experience in supporting the school.
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.
Katie Barnes
Co-opted governor
I was born and grew up in South London and work within Tower Hamlets as a Finance Professional supporting an international content-driven technology provider. I am keen to apply my 20+ years corporate experience in supporting the community. In my spare time, I love spending time with family and...
I was born and grew up in South London and work within Tower Hamlets as a Finance Professional supporting an international content-driven technology provider. I am keen to apply my 20+ years corporate experience in supporting the community.
In my spare time, I love spending time with family and friends, exploring London and discovering new places.
I am privileged and excited to be able to support OLSJ as a governor
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.
Policies related to governance
Policies related to governance available upon request
SEND Reports
SEND Reports related to governance available upon request
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