Governors' Gallery
Peter Smyth
Chair of Governors
I have worked my entire working life in Education; as a teacher in primary schools in three West London Local Authorities and then as a Headteacher in a Surrey school. Nearing retirement I worked as an Interim Headteacher in challenging schools in Surrey, Newham and Warwickshire. At the end of my teaching career I decided I wanted to give back to education my experience, knowledge and advice, so I worked part-time for the University of Reading, on the School Direct programme. The programme is a work-based training course for adults seeking a qualification to teach. I have also been a Local Authority Governor for two primary schools in Surrey and Slough. I have lived in the village for 14 years and was delighted to have the opportunity to join this thriving team, helping it to continue to grow in stature in the local and wider community.
Kate Reed
I joined the school governors in September 2022, as my son started year 2. I think St Mark's is a wonderful school and am delighted with its focus on learning outdoors and have supported this (before having baby number two) by running a gardening club to help improve the school grounds - something I hope to do more of in the future.
I previously trained as a secondary school English teacher and then worked as an HR Project manager, giving me a good grounding in working with a wide range of people. I also ran a small gardening business for two years.
I now live and work as part of the community-team at Wilderness Wood in the village and am keen to keep growing connections between the wood and the larger community. At the woods, I run the website, help with events, teach English and drama to home educated young people and also get involved with gardening and ecological work.
Mihaela Ariseanu
I combine a wealth of business experience with a track record of driving change and leadership excellency. I have devoted the first 20 years of my career to pathology and the last 18 to the world of Pharma and Diagnostics industry achieving high levels of competency in science, consultancy, marketing, leadership, customer development, working cross countries, cultures and cross disciplines.
Stand out people skills have made me an excellent relationship-builder and developer of high-performing teams. I am accomplished in the boardroom from the Marketing Director and International Project Management positions I have held thus far. I have run large and small-scale business units, most recently as a Director for Marketing, Project Management and Consultancy in Roche Diagnostics International for the extensive region of EMEA LATAM ( Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America), always delivering great results. A ruthless drive for outstanding performance has nevertheless left a trail of significant and positive impact on those who have worked for and with me. I work best in situations that require strategic thinking, complex change and transformation, alongside constructive yet candid challenge.
I endeavour to use my expertise to enable the highest levels of education achievements in St Marks, in the most profound spirit of Christian values.
Peter Molloy
The Rev’d C. Peter Molloy was appointed rector of the Parish of Buxted and Hadlow Down in September 2020. Previously, he served in the Anglican Church of Canada for 20 years in Dawson City, Yukon; Vancouver, British Columbia; Christopher Lake, Saskatchewan; and Westport, Ontario. Whilst serving in the Diocese of Saskatchewan, he also served as Director of Youth Ministry. He took a sabbatical in 2015 and was appointed as a Visiting Scholar at Pusey House/St. Cross College, Oxford where he looked at the Pursuit of Holiness as a Mission Imperative for the Local Church. He hopes to assist with the integration of the Christian faith into the life of the schools in the parish.
Claire Roberts
ex-officio
Since qualifying as primary school teacher in 1996 I have pursued my passion in supporting children, staff and schools develop. I work for East Sussex Local Authority and am an interim headteacher. I am deployed to schools where there is a need for leadership whilst governors secure future leadership. My time in schools is usually brief so it is a priority for me to get to know the children, staff, families and community as I support the school onwards to its next leader. Whilst in a school I support the development of provision, policy and practice. I am an experienced governor and am currently a chair of governors at a school in Hove where I live.
TBC
Clerk
Andrew Cook
I became a Foundation Governor of St. Mark’s in September 2015. I've had 2 boys at St Mark's, one has now left for secondary school. I have been inspired by this fantastic school since the first time I looked around.
As a pilot I must liaise with many different agencies and cultures, manage a team and make difficult decisions. I am also a flying instructor and assessor, helping to ensure the highest of standards are maintained within the company.
As a governor I feel I have plenty to offer and feel a great responsibility to everyone involved with the school. Working shifts gives me the privilege of being around during school hours, which allows me to get to know the school and the community well. I hope my involvement in the school can help it continue its journey in achieving amazing things.
Anna Shaw
Vice Chair of Governors
I became a Parent Governor in November 2018 and I currently have two boys who are really enjoying their time at St Mark’s. Along with my Mum job, I am the Managing Director of E&S Heating and Ventilation Ltd, a ductwork contractor to the Construction Industry. I spend a lot of my day dealing with the financial running of the business, along with solving problems when they arise. Organising our team and planning for the future are important for me at work and hopefully I can bring these skills to my role as a Parent Governor. I think St Mark’s is a very special school and am proud to be working as part of the Governing board.
Sue Willmott
My name is Sue Willmott, I am a mother of two and grandmother to three. I am an active member of the PCC. I am a volunteer at the school and in the community. Prior to retirement, I worked in Special Education Needs (SEN) education and paediatric palliative care. I have qualifications in counselling and British Sign language (BSL). have taught BSL and two other forms of sign language to children and adults with SEN. In my spare time I give counselling to patients going in for a specific form of neurological surgery due to being the first person in UK to have this surgery myself - I am well qualified. St Mark's has a special place in my heart and I hope I can help it continue to be the wonderful school it is.
Lou Pridmore
Staff Governor
I am new, this year (2023), to the role of staff governor and already it has really helped to deepen my understanding of the strategic thinking and planning that goes into the running of this small but mighty village school. I have been a staff member at the school since 2014 and a teacher here since 2017 having been supported at the school to complete my teacher training. The team of governors are incredibly talented and resourceful with experience in such a variety of areas and I am looking forward to learning from them as well as contributing insight as a dedicated and committed member of staff.