CHAIR OF THE GOVERNING BODY

Foundation Governor: Sandie Boniface

Having retired from a lifetime's career in teaching, leaving as a Headteacher in East Sussex, Sandie joined the Governing Body of Holy Cross School thirteen years ago.  During her teaching career she taught in a number of different countries and settings.  She has three grandchildren in a Danish school and therefore has experiences with a range of educational systems.  She became a governor as she has a love of children and primary education and wants to continue her connection with both for as long as she can be of some help.

s.boniface@holycross.e-sussex.sch.uk

JOINT VICE-CHAIR

Elected Parent Governor: Maggie Kane

Maggie studied European Policy and Modern Languages at Southampton Solent University and later did her PGCE at Sheffield Hallam University.  In addition, she is qualified to teach English as a foreign language.  On completing her PGCE, she moved to Uckfield with her husband in 2002 and has taught in a number of schools within East Sussex and held various subject leader positions, as well as being a teacher governor.  In 2010 she moved to Dubai in the UAE with her husband and son, and whilst there, she had her second child. The family returned to Uckfield in 2014 and both her son and daughter now attend Holy Cross.  Maggie is passionate about primary education and has a particular interest in natural history and the sciences.  She is looking forward to being a more active member of the school community and contributing to the continuing success of Holy Cross School.

JOINT VICE-CHAIR

Local Authority Appointed Governor: Paul Sparks

I have lived in Uckfield with my wife Dorothy for over 30 years and both our daughters attended what was then the Uckfield Community College. We now have 5 grandchildren going through various stages of their schooling but sadly they all live away from Uckfield. After a career in the financial services business, I retired and became involved with various local organisations including the CAB, League of Friends of Uckfield Hospital and Uckfield U3A. Also, I have been elected to represent Uckfield as both a County and District Councillor. I am now a Town Councillor. I helped to form the Manor Park and Hempstead Fields Residents' Association which is now firmly established and includes a doctors’ surgery car service for our residents. One of my main interests is sport including football which I played and refereed for many years. I am now just a spectator! I first became a school governor several years ago at Rocks Park and now delighted to join Holy Cross. I will endeavour to use my business experience for the benefit of our school. I feel strongly that we must give every child the best possible education and I will do all that I can to support our excellent team in achieving that.

 Foundation Governor: Angela Hook

Angela grew up in Lincolnshire and went to University of London Goldsmiths College.  She has taught in primary schools in Surrey and Sussex and at the International School of Stockholm.  Angela is married with three grown-up children and two grandchildren and has lived in Uckfield and worshipped at Holy Cross Church, since 1979. She loves being retired, after 18 years teaching at Little Horsted Church of England School and is enjoying the beauty of our countryside.  She is delighted to be part of the community at Holy Cross School.

 Foundation Governor: Jill Thornton

Jill grew up in Shropshire and went to University in London. She started her teaching career in her home county becoming head of department in a large secondary school there. She then lectured at the College of Art and Technology. After having two of her three children in Shrewsbury the family moved to Uckfield! Jill was keen to back to work and started again in Sussex as a supply teacher in mostly primary schools. As well as Lewes Priory and BAHSVIC. After 12 years on the permanent staff at Firle Primary School, she returned to the secondary sector becoming a member of the Senior Management Team until retirement. Jill quickly became a member of the church choir and became leader of the Young Wives. Her other interests include a number of sports, particularly netball and athletics.  She is delighted to be part of the community at Holy Cross School.

Foundation Governor: Graham Harrison

Graham studied at Southampton University/Bognor Regis College of Education after experience in accountancy. He taught in secondary education in the London Borough of Havering and held various subject leader positions before becoming Head of Department and later Head of Faculty. A restructuring of education in the borough led him to return to industry and move to East Sussex in 1993. After experience as company secretary and financial controller he returned to education in Further education. After further study at Heriot Watt, University in Edinburgh he held lectureships in Londonmet University, Sussex University and the Open University. Graham is a qualified company secretary and a Chartered Marketer. He is passionate about sport in education and fitness having been an athlete running 1500m to marathon. He has a particular interest in the geography, the environment and natural history.

Elected Parent Governor: Darren Butcher

Darren was born and raised in East Sussex and spent most of his childhood in Blackboys. He is now raising his family in Uckfield with his eldest pupil attending Holy Cross. After gaining qualifications at Catering College in Eastbourne, Darren spent time in Australia working at many varied venues including Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and Fox Studios. Darren has over 25 years experience in Hospitality with 20 of those years being at a senior management level. Darren enjoys most sports, reading, music and quality family time. He is looking forward to supporting the success of Holy Cross.

Priest (ex-officio): Rev John Wall

The Rev John Wall has been ordained for 27 years and he has served in five parishes, starting with a Curacy in Crawley, West Sussex.  He began as Rector of Uckfield in September 2016.  He has previously been a governor at four schools, but Holy Cross is his first Church School and he is very pleased to be involved with such a lovely community.  He enjoys doing silly assemblies!

 Headteacher: Cathy Dart

Cathy was appointed Headteacher at Holy Cross CE Primary School in April 2016.  Her teaching career in Britain began in 1994, following a four year period spent Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Spain.  Her first positions were based at schools in Bermondsey, Brixton and Peckham in South London.  She secured her first Deputy Headship in Peckham, before moving to Sandown School in Hastings, also in the role of Deputy Headteacher.  In 2009, Cathy became Headteacher of Deal Parochial CE Primary School in Kent, returning to East Sussex as Headteacher of Beckley CE Primary School in 2014 prior to accepting the post of Headteacher at Holy Cross CE Primary School in Uckfield.  Cathy has a dog called Pip and loves going on long walks with her in her spare time.

Staff Governor: Charlotte Travers

Charlotte started teaching at Holy Cross CE Primary School in September 2016 after spending two years teaching at a large two form entry primary school in Hastings. Charlotte has had experience in teaching all year groups from Reception to Year Six in many different areas including inner-city London, Hastings and rural East Sussex. Currently, Charlotte teaches in KS2 and is Deputy Head at Holy Cross. She leads the improvement and development of English, Science, Design and Technology, Computing and Early Years throughout the school. In her spare time away from school, Charlotte enjoys walking her bouncy Labrador across the Sussex countryside.

 Clerk to the Governing Body: Christine Howell

I have lived in Uckfield for over 20 years, and have two teenage sons.  I have worked in various educational establishments for a number of years.  In my spare time I enjoy photography, walking, crochet, and I have a real passion for travel and wildlife.