Governors (ID 1031)

• Mr Chris Moore
  Chair of Governors/Foundation Governor/Admission Panel
  Mr Chris Moore

  Hi, I’m Chris, and I am the current Chair of Governors.

  I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in December 2018 and have lived in Bridgwater and the surrounding area all my life. As a former pupil, I have a strong personal connection to the school and community. I currently have one child attending the school.

  In my professional life, I am a procurement professional, bringing experience and expertise in strategy and governance to support the school in achieving its goals.

  Outside of work, I’m an active member of the local rugby community — I play regularly and also coach youth teams, helping to develop the next generation of players. (You will often see me hobbling about after a tough game)

  Each year, I look forward to joining Year 6 on our Kilve Residential, where I enjoy participating in all of the amazing activities with our amazing pupils. These experiences, along with regular site visits and educational walks, allow me to see the school in action and witness first-hand the incredible work of our staff and pupils.

  Since becoming a Governor, I have supported the school through multiple SIAMS and OFSTED inspections. These were challenging but rewarding experiences that highlighted the school’s strengths and its clear direction for continued improvement. I’ve built strong, trusting relationships with the senior leadership team and teaching staff, and I’m passionate about ensuring that every child is supported to reach their full potential.

  The school’s ethos and dedicated staff make it a truly special place, and I’m proud to play a part in its journey. If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to stop and have a chat — I always welcome feedback and enjoy hearing from parents and the wider school community.

• Major Yvonne Rouffet
  Vice Chair of Governors/Foundation Governor
  Major Yvonne Rouffet

  In 2014 my husband and I retired to Bridgwater and soon after I was invited to join the SJSF board of Governors. A school governor requires enthusiasm, commitment, and an interest in education, all which I have actively cultivated since receiving my letter of appointment in July 2015. As a Foundation Governor I also pledged to monitor the Christian Ethos of our school so as to enrich and enhance pupil outcomes.

  My professional life was rooted in the NHS where I worked as an Orthopaedic then Paediatric ICU Staff nurse . My vocational pathway changed when I felt ‘called by God' to become a Salvation Army Officer (minister/pastor). This led to various Pastoral, Emergency Response, Research and Development, Hospital Chaplaincy and Leadership appointments in the UK, France, and Belgium over a 40-year period.

  Now, as a wife of 48 years, mother of four, grandmother to nine (two of whom are pupils at SJSF) and recently great-grandmother, life is busy and colourful! In addition to family activities and school governance I coordinate a weekly Christian ‘Sunday Club' for 4-12yr olds, sing in the choir and, with my husband, am often called upon to support colleague Officers by leading Sunday services.

  Upon reflection, I feel that alongside our pupils I too have become a ‘lifelong learner'. Not only through the varied training opportunities governance offers me, but through the beautiful life lessons experienced as I engage with the staff and pupils of our school.

• Mrs Jenny Venning
  Executive Head
  Mrs Jenny Venning

• Mrs Tamar Warner
  Head of School & Designated Safeguarding Lead
  Mrs Tamar Warner

• Miss Melissa Bryant
  Staff Governor/Admission Panel
  Miss Melissa Bryant

• Revd Catherine Carlyon
  Foundation Governor
  Revd Catherine Carlyon

  Catherine has a background in nursing and has worked in both surgical specialities and as a community nurse. Following her ministerial training at theological college in Oxford, she was ordained as a Church of England minister in 2002, serving her training curacy in the town of Launceston, where she was also a foundation governor of the local VA church school.

  In 2006 she moved to Sandford, Devon working in a dual post role as parish priest and chaplain among Deaf People across Devon. During this time, she served as a governor at the Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education for 4 years which is a non-maintained, special educational establishment from primary through to young adults.

  Prior to her recent move to St Francis of Assisi Church, Bridgwater, she was working full time as the Chaplain among Deaf and Deaf Blind in the Diocese of London.

  Her interests include gardening, hill-walking and creative crafts particularly textile and fibre. Catherine is a registered British Sign Language/ English Interpreter and understands the importance of appropriate support to enable every individual to have the opportunity to achieve their potential and goals.

• Mr Sebastian Wallace
  MAT Appointed Governor/Safeguarding Link
  Mr Sebastian Wallace

  I am a MAT appointed Governor and the Pupil Premium Governor at St John & St Francis Church School. I've been a Governor at the school for over 3 years and have one child currently at the school and one child who has recently and successfully transitioned to secondary school. I really enjoy being a part of the Board of Governors and link Governor to Year 3.

  I am a managing cybersecurity engineer with over 15 years' experience in both the Information Technology and Security industry. I'm a former police officer with the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

  Since becoming a Governor I've helped support the schools Pupil Premium team, which is led by Mrs Wells. I am regularly impressed at the level of dedication the school and Mrs Wells shows to supporting our students, both pupil premium and non-pupil premium alike. One of my roles is to help support the school and the Trusts Pupil Premium strategies, by reviewing and challenging systems in place on a regular basis to ensure they meet the high standards set by St John & St Francis School. With my regular meetings with Mrs Wells, I am always happy to hear the wonderful things being done to help our students, from learning packs to forest school and music lessons.

  As a governor my role allows me to be a channel between the parents and the school and I am always happy to stop and chat to anyone who would like to discuss any aspect of school life.

• Mrs Kimberley Parkin
  MAT Appointed Governor
  Mrs Kimberley Parkin

  To follow

• Mr Adam Roach
  Parent Governor
  Mr Adam Roach

  I am delighted to join the governing body as a Parent Governor. Having attended St John & St Francis myself, I have a strong personal connection to the school and its community. I currently have one child at the school and another due to join soon, which gives me a parent's perspective on the importance of a nurturing and inspiring environment.

  With a professional background in IT and team management, I bring skills in problem-solving and organisation. I am passionate about supporting the school to provide the best possible education and opportunities for every child. I also look forward to being actively involved in school life and joining in with activities that strengthen the sense of community.