Our School Governors

The Governing Body of St Luke’s play a crucial role in the life and work of our school.  The Governing Body consists of representatives from Sefton Local Authority, The Liverpool Diocese, the local community as well as parents and staff.  They have a committee system (see below) and make decisions about many aspects of our school. 

Chair

Lesley Deninson

Vice Chair

Jo Cowin

Clerk to Governors

Gemma Watts

Former Governors

Register of Business/Financial Interests

None

Register of Interests

Record of Attendance 2017-18

Our Governors

James Clarke 

I was appointed to the Governing body of St Luke’s Halsall as a Parent Governor in October 2014. I am a member of the Staffing & Finance Committee. I am also the subject link Governor for Computing.   

I moved to Liverpool to study law in 1993 and my wife was brought up in Crosby. I have been a practising solicitor for 17 years and I recently left private practice to work in house with a national retailer.

I currently have two sons who attend St Luke’s Halsall. Both have attended since Nursery and enjoy their learning experiences with the school. They have both gained enormously from their time at St Luke’s Halsall and their progress is testament to the care and attention the Staff offer their pupils.

As a parent, I wanted to offer something in return for the valuable education and care which my sons receive from St Luke’s Halsall, by volunteering to join the board of Governors as a Parent Governor. I am lucky enough to be able to be part of the Governing Body who consider and affirm the policies and practices of the School, to enable it to continue to offer its pupils such a progressive and supportive educational environment, which balances the demands of the current curriculum with the need for the pupils to enjoy their childhood.

Jo Cowin - Vice Chair

I am a parent of two children at St Luke’s Halsall CE School, my eldest child also attended the school and I was a pupil myself when I was a child. For many years I have been involved in the church and school community of St Luke’s. During my career break from secondary school teaching I wanted to give something back to support the school so in October 2013 I became a Foundation Governor having been voted in by the St Luke’s Parochial Church Council. I became Vice Chair of Governors in September 2015.

As part of my role as a Governor I attend full governors meetings and also sit on the Premises committee, Chair the Curriculum committee and sit on the Strategy sub committee group. We aim to continuously ensure high standards are maintained for our pupils to achieve their maximum potential in a caring and Christian environment. 

I am privileged to be on the school governing body and look forward to continuing to support the school, staff, pupils and parents.

Lesley Deninson - Chair

I was appointed to the governing body of St Lukes, Halsall as a foundation governor in 2012 and became Chair of Governors in September 2013. I really enjoy being part of this welcoming, caring and vibrant school with wonderful staff and amazing boys and girls. Working with the governors, Mr Miller and his staff to ensure the children receive the very best care and education within the love of God is an absolute privilege.

Until July 2012 I too was a Headteacher of a C of E primary school in Ainsdale, having previously worked as a teacher at St Luke’s Halsall!! My own sons, who are now grown up attended this school, so to be a governor here feels like ‘coming home’!  I now work for the Liverpool diocese as an adviser for Collective Worship, Christian Leadership and Spiritual Development. This involves working with colleagues and in schools…a role which I love!  I look forward to continuing my role at St Luke’s Halsall and to sharing in the next exciting stage of its journey.

Sandra Jones

I started at St Luke’s in September 1995, only planning to spend 5 years here, before moving onto somewhere else! It is my love for the school and the children that has kept me here as I firmly believe that St Luke’s is very special school. I was appointed to the role of Deputy Head in November 2006, and prior to this I had spent two years as acting Deputy Head. It was when I became acting Deputy Head that I started attending governor meetings. Throughout my time working with the Governing Body, I have worked with many different Governors and each and every one of them has been dedicated to working hard for the benefit of the school.

Richard Miller

I took up the post of Headteacher in September 2010 and as such hold the role of ‘Headteacher Governor’. I commenced teaching in 1995 and prior to appointment I had been Headteacher at another Church of England primary school for four and a half years.  It is a great privilege and a blessing to be able to lead our outstanding school with such wonderful children and devoted staff. The governing body undertakes an excellent job in monitoring, supporting and challenging the work of the school, ensuring the children are nurtured and receive the best possible education during their time at St. Luke’s Halsall CE Primary, all under the umbrella of God’s love.  The governing body is here to serve the children and as such I am always available should you wish to meet and discuss any issues or concerns.

Lyn Newsham 

I was appointed a Foundation governor in November 2013. As a worshiping member of St Luke's Church I felt the link between church and school was an important role to fill.  Being part of the school family and supporting both Mr Miller, the whole school staff and of course the children has been challenging, purposeful as well as rewarding.   Living locally, my own children who are in their late 30's and early 40's where pupils at St Luke's Halsall and looking back I really appreciate the strong foundations they received whilst pupils, so in my own way I have been privileged enough to be part of the same school, not as a parent but as a governor helping present pupils to receive the very best of education coupled with the strong Christian ethos of the school.  I will continue to learn and develop my role and support the school to the best if my ability.

Jann Scobbie

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor to St Luke’s Halsall, in July 2015. I feel privileged to hold this office. My time spent in this vibrant school is a great sense of joy to me and I thoroughly enjoy listening and learning. I see first-hand good care and education alongside respect for all. I have a vested interest in both church and school as my grandchildren are pupils and church members.  Although retired I lead a very full life, I am Co coordinator of Messy Church held in St Luke’s Halsall and I am Chair of The Friends of Shirdley Hill a residential activity centre owned and managed by Girl Guiding Sefton of which I am a member.

Lee Sharp

I have recently been appointed to the Governing Body of St Luke’s Halsall as a Parent Governor.  My daughter is a pupil in the Reception class and she has progressed both socially and academically and has gained in both confidence and independence.  I am excited and enthusiastic about this new opportunity to contribute to such a welcoming and caring school.

At present, I am working part time as a legal adviser for the Citizens Advice Bureau as I have just completed my legal training as the University of Law in Chester.  I have degrees in both History and Law and achieved distinction level in my Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Legal Skills.  Prior to the law, my employment background was in Facilities Management and Merchandising at Littlewoods.  I have grown up in Crosby and as a family we attend St Luke’ Church on a regular basis.

Ray Terry

I was appointed a Foundation Governor in September 1977 and have been Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Body at various stages of my long association with the School.  It has been a great pleasure and privilege to see so many children work towards achieving their potential in a caring, joyful and dynamic environment, with wonderfully dedicated staff, following the teachings of a loving and faithful God.  As a Chartered Building services engineer, I quickly became Chair of the Premises and Health and Safety Committee and over many years have seen the School buildings develop and improve to their present high standard.

Our youngest daughter attended the School and has fond memories of her time here.  Following my retirement I have thoroughly enjoyed working with fellow Governors, staff and children on various aspects of School life.

Alex Aitken