The Governors have overall responsibility for the school and are representative of the community in which it is based. They have a responsibility to uphold the Catholic ethos of the school, with additional responsibilities for the curriculum, for premises and finance. Our Foundation Governors are appointed by the La Sainte Union Sisters; the Local Education Authority nominate a representative, and the remaining Governors are elected by the teaching staff and parents. The Head of School is also a Governor. They are an active and dedicated group whose wisdom, guidance and hard work are given voluntarily throughout the year for the benefit of our children.
Governors
Foundation Governors
Mrs R Thomas (Chair)
- Inclusion and Safeguarding Governor
Mrs J Iwobi (Vice Chair)
- Link Governor for RE and Health &Safety
Mrs O Akeume
- Foundation Governor
Mrs G Hicks
Parent Governors
Ms Carla Moore
Staff Governor:
Mrs Sandra Power - Head Teacher
Mr Mike Price
Associate Governor
Clerk to Governors:
- Mrs Margaret Sellens
To find out more about the Governors, please read their biographies:
Mrs Rachel Thomas - Chair
I feel privileged to have been nominated as a parent governor in March 2018. I am married with 2 children. My daughter attends the school and my husband I have been really pleased with her progress since joining the school year 2. I hope my son will also join the school in 2020. I am a practising Catholic as are both my children and feel the Holy Cross School plays a fundamental role in my children’s faith. Many of my family members are teachers and work in the Education system. I have worked for many years as a beauty and holistic therapist and achieved an Award in Education and Training where I taught beauty and holistic therapy to students 16 years old plus in an award winning training academy in Essex. After having my son, I changed my career and am now a Manager at M&P Estates Sales and Lettings based in South Ockendon, where I lead a busy team of nine members of staff selling, letting & managing properties. I have an extensive knowledge of the area and am a member of the local BRN Group (Business Referral Network). When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends and am a volunteer for a charity called ‘ The Nystagmus Network’ - people who are partially sighted where I offer support and advice to families whose children are affected with the condition and help the charity with fundraising.
Jennifer Iwobi - Vice Chair
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a foundation governor of this very special school. I have always been very passionate about Catholic education, being raised a Catholic myself and experiencing first hand the moral and spiritual values that are manifest in Catholic schools, I feel privileged for the opportunity to contribute towards the continued development and progress of Holy Cross Primary School.
I am currently the Steward of the Gospel , A confirmation Catechist and a choir member at Holy Cross Catholic church in Ockendon.
I am married with two children, both children attended Holy Cross Catholic Primary School. The education and learning experience at Holy cross helped lay the foundation for their success to help them fulfil their potential in their respective secondary schools at present. My relationship with the school has been a lengthy one as several of my nephews and nieces have also passed through this school.
I have a degree in psychology and have worked in the Civil Service since 1998. I currently work as a Senior Engagement officer at the Department for Education.
My lengthy civil service career has given me skills in various areas including - managing staff and performance, working and supporting people with Disabilities with training and at work , ( BSL level 3) , NVQ level 3 in Advice and Guidance.