Helen Potter – Co-opted Governor. Chair of Governors
I live in the village with my husband and four children. My two eldest daughters attend Rosset High School. Poppy is in
Griffin Class and Oscar is in Dragons. I have a musical background, playing the flute. I now run the school choir. I have
been a governor since 2008, and Chair since 2009. I thoroughly enjoy my role as I have a passion for our school’s
improvement and making sure that the children gain the very best learning opportunities that they can. I monitor
numeracy and computing in school. It is important for me to ask challenging questions to ensure that the education
and safety of the children is the best it can be. I also enjoy supporting the head teacher, staff and children, and
celebrating in their successes. My highlight of last year was the Choir and Unicorn Class singing ‘ We are one’ at the
opening of the refurbished area, following nearly a year of upheaval due the ceiling collapse. I think it said it all about
our wonderful school!
Faye Thompson – Foundation Governor. Vice Chair of Governors
I have lived in Harrogate for 20 years with my husband Jonny. I have a young family, Lucy and Edward. Previously I
worked for Lloyds Bank for 15 years in commercial banking. I gave this up 4 years ago to allow me to spend more time
with my family as my husband works away often during the week. I was appointed as foundation governor of Killinghall
in September 2011 and thoroughly enjoy my time being part of the school and village community. I now monitor literacy
in school and am linked to Dragon Class; my finance skills are used as I lead the financial governance role. Following
the success of last year’s renovations, I am looking forward to another fantastic year at Killinghall.
Val Blackburn – Local Authority Governor
I am in my second term as LA Governor at Killinghall. I have been involved in education all my working life and really
enjoy the role of Governor as there is so much going on and so many new Government initiatives and changes to get
to grips with. I monitor science in school and am the lead governor with responsibility for buildings and health & safety.
As Governors, we are welcomed into school to various events taking place such as the productions, fairs and school
trips. My highlight must be seeing the finished refurbishment of the ‘old’ part of the building following the ceiling collapse.
Alison Pearce – Parent Governor
I live in Killinghall and have 3 boys in years 5 and 6 (yes that is correct and is not a typo!). I juggle several jobs from
Business/Marketing Consultant to Gardener! I became parent governor with responsibility for Sport in January 2014,
so I am relatively new to the role. It has been a steep learning curve and one that I am still climbing but has been a
fun experience. Trying to pick a highlight from last year – well there are so many: the Unicorns new classroom
opening, the Choir singing in Young Voices at Sheffield Arena, Summer School Fair run by the children …..
Tina Smith – Co-opted Governor
I have been governor since autumn 2012, which I am thoroughly enjoying. I was a Primary School teacher for many
years and then worked for the Local Authority with children who had special needs. I then worked as Children’s Centre
Service Manager, and it was in this role that I was invited to become a governor. I live in a village outside Ripon with my
husband. I have two ’grown up’ children and two grandsons. I like reading, walking and gardening. I am responsible for
carrying out monitoring the EYFS and special needs throughout the school. It has been a privilege to see the enthusiasm
of the children in all their activities and the progress they make each year. My highlight of last year must be the wonderful
new classroom which has been produced as a result of the ‘roof disaster’.
Chantal Van Breevoort-Bell – Parent Governor
I have been a Parent Governor since September 2013. I have three children, two are still at Killinghall school, my oldest
son is at Rosset. I work part time as a Care Support Worker in the Orthopaedic Outpatients Department in Harrogate
Hospital. I love my job as every day is different! With three children, two dogs, a husband and a part time job life keeps
me very busy, but on the rare occasions where I have some spare time I love to read and watchfootball (especially
Liverpool FC). I really enjoy being a governor, it has given me greater insight into all that isinvolved in running a school.
Who knew it would be so complicated!? I am responsible for monitoring pupil premium, and geography & history.
During last year there was a major challenge for the whole school, we all came together and made it a success. I for one
feel proud to be part of our school.
Victoria Lister – Co-opted Governor
I joined the governing body in September 2013 as a staff governor. I am enjoying learning about the role of governors
and the influences we have on the strategic direction of the school. I am looking forward to using my skills to complement
those of the rest of the governing body. My business and finance skills are used to good effect as a governor. I am also
the governor linked to RE in school. My personal highlight last year, was being part of the team working to get our
Reception classroom back again after the ceiling collapse. It was a long haul, but we got there in the end and the new
space and equipment lookfantastic. I must also mention the sunny seaside trip to Whitby! We had an amazing day playing
on the sand, in rock pools and enjoying the boat trip.
Elouise Foster – Staff Governor
I can’t believe I have been at Killinghall for three years now; it certainly is true that time flies when you’re having fun.
I love working in Year 3 and 4, watching the children’s confidence develop as they start from Key Stage 1 and leave as
mature Year 4s. It really is an exciting journey to watch. There were many highlights last year so it is very hard to
choose just one. I think gaining our FairTrade status has to be one and then finding out we had achieved our Silver Eco
Award. The children work really hard to ensure we keep our school as environmentally friendly as possible and I hope they
can keep it up to gain our Green Flag by the end of this year!
The Headteacher is the final member of our governing body.