Governor Pen Portraits
Please find further information about our individual governors detailed below.
Mrs Linda Christian, Chair of Governors
I was first appointed as a governor at Christ Church CE Primary School in 1991. It is an enormous privilege to support the school as a governor and for the last 14 years as Chair of Governors. It is a very special place with wonderful staff and children and I am delighted to be involved. My background is in education, having taught in a number of local Secondary Schools for over 30 years. It was my ambition from an early age to become a teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I regularly take part in Governor training to ensure my understanding and knowledge is up to date. I also have experience as a governor of Secondary and Special Schools.
Mr Chris Stone, Vice Chair of Governors
I was brought up in East Africa before moving to the UK to complete my education and subsequently joined the Merchant Navy sailing out of Liverpool. Thereafter I worked overseas in Southern Africa, the Middle East and Asia for over 30 years in various managerial roles before returning to the UK to take up employment with a shipping company based in Liverpool. I am now retired and living on the Wirral with two children and currently two grandchildren.
Mrs Nicola Tweddle. Headteacher
As headteacher governor, I enjoy working alongside the governors to fulfil our vision for the school that, ‘With God, all things are possible’ (Matthew 19:26). One of my main roles is to report to the Governing Body on the progress the school is making in all areas of school development, ensuring that the children are at the heart of everything we do. One of the Governing Body’s roles is to hold the headteacher to account which they do effectively, supportively and respectfully. I am very proud of this school and also very proud of the school family that everyone has worked so hard to create. All staff work tirelessly and constantly challenge themselves to improve and make learning for our children even better, so they can ‘live life in all its fullness’(John 10:10).
Mrs Jacqueline Harness, Foundation Governor
I have been a Governor at Christ Church for more than 4 years I have been connected with Christ Church for 49 years as a parent, cleaner, playground supervisor, dinner lady, and now as grandparent and governor. Because of my connections with the school I am extremely proud of Christ Church which includes the teaching and non-teaching staff as their dedication to the children's learning and wellbeing has not wavered over the 49 years and in my present capacity as a lay minister at Christ Church church, I had the honour of conducting the funeral service of a former headmistress of the school.
Mrs Kelly Cannell, Foundation Governor
I joined the school as a Foundation Governor in 2016 and am also the Maths and Science link Governor. I am an employment solicitor working for national firm, Weightmans LLP, specialising in providing legal advice to employers and acting on their behalf in Tribunal. I advise on all aspects of employment law including discrimination, equal pay, unfair dismissal and redundancy. Outside of work, I enjoy good books, painting and long walks with our dog, Fred.
Dr. Paul Illing, Foundation Governor
I am a Foundation Governor appointed in November 2021. I am a retired scientist, having worked in pharmaceuticals research, in the Health and Safety Executive and as an independent specialist. I served on Royal Society of Chemistry and Government committees concerned with human health and environmental issues and taught and published extensively on the principles and practice of risk management for chemicals and biological agents.
Councillor Pat, Cleary, Local Authority Governor
I am a local authority governor and have been in post since 2019. I am a ward councillor for Birkenhead and Tranmere, first elected in 2014. I have a particular focus on supporting the school in any dealings with the Local Authority and in ensuring the School retains and enhances a strong, positive relationship with the local community. I'm particularly interested in supporting the School in its efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils and raise their awareness about environmental issues.
Mrs Samantha Walters, Staff Governor
I have worked at Christ Church for 18 years and have been in post as Deputy Headteacher for nine years. This is my third term of office as Staff Governor. I love working within the Christ Church Community, with the beliefs and values aligning closely with my personal values. I am proud of the journey that Christ Church has been on as it evolves and being able to support all members of our community.
Mrs Munny Akter, Parent Governor
As a mum of two, one who attends Christ Church CE Primary School, I am passionate about creating opportunities for children in the area. Children should receive excellent education, pastoral support and wraparound care. I hope to make sure school life gives the children great memories, long-lasting friendships and the best chance of success as an adult, including a healthy mindset.
Being an active Parent Governor, is being very involved but is also very rewarding - seeing our children happy, safe and achieving their best.
Mrs Nicola Wilson, Parent Governor
Having previously had my nieces and nephews and currently my own two children attend Christ Church Primary School, I have formed positive relationships with staff, parents and their children. I enjoy coming into school and working in their respective classes with them, as well as helping out and supporting the school in other areas. I hope as Parent Governor, I can help to further support the rest of the governors and staff in helping support our school and our children.