St Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School

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Governor Profiles

Paul Saxby (Foundation Governor) (Chair)

I became a foundation governor in April 2021. I have many years of experience as a business consultant, working with a variety of businesses across different industries. Through my consulting work, I've provided valuable insights into business strategy, operations, and management.

In addition to my consulting work, I also run a successful trade association, where I am responsible for leading and supporting members of the association, training and education, advocating for their interests, and promoting industry best practices.

Drawing from my vast professional experience, I am able to dedicate and invest time as a school governor, actively contributing to the development and improvement of the school. I have a keen understanding of the importance of a high-quality education and am committed to ensuring that students receive the best possible education whilst being apart of a wonderful thriving school community.

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Sarah Surman (Foundation Governor) (Vice Chair)

I am a retired teacher with many years experience in Mainstream and Special Education across the age range. I hold degrees in Drama and English ( Bristol) and Religious Education Studies (Brighton), the post Graduate Certificate of Education, the Catholic Teacher's Certificate, and the RSA Diploma in Teaching Pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties. At Parish level I have been a Catechist on most Sacramental programmes including First Holy Communion Preparation and the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) . I regularly lead the Children's Liturgy in our Parish.

I love to use Drama , Singing and Story Telling in my continuing work with children, especially to encourage reluctant readers and writers.

My five now adult children all attended St Richard's Catholic College. I have grandchildren who attend St Mary Magdalene's with more in the offing. I feel privileged to be a Foundation Governor at this thriving Catholic school, and am particularly interested in three aspects of the school's effectiveness: the Teaching and Learning of Literacy, the support for children with Specific Educational Needs, and Religious Education in the Catholic context.

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Nigel Feast (Foundation Governor)

I joined the school as an associate governor in October 2016.

Having attended Essex and Keele Universities, I believe in the power of teaching to change lives and in education to enhance opportunities in life - which all begins in primary school.

My work experience is in senior posts in both social services and the NHS, which I believe can be used for the benefit of the school, both in supporting staff and as a 'critical friend' in dealing with the issues we face in the future.

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Nabil Zakher (LA Governoring & Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee)

I have been a local authority governor since December 2013.

I am a qualified retired accountant with over 30 experiences mainly in NHS financial management and control. I am passionate about ensuring good use of public resources, I am always looking for ways to maximise value for money and ensure transparency and accountability for the public resources that we have been trusted with.

I have lived in Bexhill for some 25 years; I am married with 3 children who have all attended St Mary Magdalene Catholic school and St Richard's Catholic college. I feel privileged that my children received such high quality education and Christian spiritual enrichment. I hope the same valuable education opportunities can be offered to many more children.

Natalie Sadlier (Foundation Governor)

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor at St Mary Magdalene in April 2022.

I grew up in Hastings and Bexhill, attending Sacred Heart Primary school, before moving to London after completing university in 2004. During my 12 years in London, I worked as Publicity Manager at ITV, supporting the public relations and publicity of the channels’ breakfast programmes, both reactively and proactively.

In 2015, we moved back to Bexhill as a family of four, wanting to raise our children next to the sea and the calmer, quieter life of Bexhill. I am now PR Manager for a financial services company.

Both my son’s attend St Mary Magdalene with my eldest moving onto St Richard’s this year, and as a family, we are an active part of both the school and parish life.

I look forward to supporting the Governing body, contributing both my communication skills and experience as well offering a parent perspective to the school community and Governing Board.

Dominic Brown (Parent Governor)

I have recently been appointed as a parent governor to the school, taking up the role in November 2024.

I grew up in the Hastings area, attending St Mary Star of the Sea primary school and St Richard’s secondary school. My family and I moved to Bexhill 3 years ago.

In my professional life I have worked in the public sector for over 20 years which has provided me with extensive experience in safeguarding, risk management and accountability. I am hopeful that my experience will be of benefit to the role of parent governor.

Both of my daughters now attend the school, as do my nephew and niece, so the school is a big part of our family life. I recognise the huge role our children’s education plays in their development so I am I keen to support the school in any way that I can, and provide a parents perspective to the board of governors.

Sarah Pittman (Parent Governor)

I grew up in Bexhill and attended St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School and the secondary school of St. Richards Catholic College myself. Now my own children are growing up within the community of Bexhill and with my son in attendance at St. Mary Magdalene now is the right time for me to volunteer some time back to the school community.

I work in the public sector where I have experience of managing and safeguarding risks to children and families and regularly collaborate with partner agencies. Prior to that I worked in Early Years Education for a number of years and thoroughly enjoyed my time in an educational setting.

My children and I attend Mass regularly in Bexhill and my daughter enjoys Alter Serving. In my spare time I enjoy running, walking the dog and cycling with the family.

I look forward to bringing together my experiences to the role of Parent Governor and hope to support the school in their continuing achievements

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