Julia Johnston - Interim Chair of Governors

My daughter attends the school and is in year 3.  I am committed and passionate about working with the staff and governors of the school to ensure that the pupils can be given all the development opportunities to help them thrive and achieve their best selves.   My background is in operational management after being a Facilities Manager for a number of years for a global biopharmaceutical company,  as well as managing my own commercial property refurbishment business.  This career experience will hopefully bring a greater appreciation of the challenges faced by the staff in the day-to-day activities of running a school.   

My personal interests when not being mum taxi, include photography and the arts.  I have recently undertaken a qualification in Understanding Childrens Mental Health and I am keen to learn more and develop a more positive culture around how mental health affects us all

Email Address: julia.johnston@st-edmundsbury.suffolk.sch.uk

Sarah Geleisky - Foundation Governor

An Assistant Priest at St Edmundsbury Cathedral I’m often in school to lead collective worship. As a governor I have a special interest in the school’s ethos and I bring with me experience of having previously been a parent governor in a different primary school. It is a joy to be in school, exploring RE in the classroom and hearing about the children’s personal and social learning, as well as welcoming the school to the Cathedral for school visits and the occasional special service. I live in Bury St Edmunds with my husband and two teenage children – they would all say that Pip the dog is the most important member of our household!

Adam Kemp - Local Authority Governor

Having a son in reception, a son in year 2, and living in the local vicinity, I am keen to try and give back to the local community. I am Director of an Independent Financial Advisers firm with offices in Bury St Edmunds and Thetford, with around 25 advisers and around 15 administrative staff.

In my spare time as well as keeping fit, I help to run St Edmundsbury U7 Football Team, have an eclectic range of music and enjoy food, drink, gardening and nature.

Josephine Murphy - Parent Governor

I have become a parent governor at St Edmundsbury School to be more involved in an excellent spiritual school and help support the school in improving even further. My eldest son has just started in reception. We choose the school for its reputation and its links with the Churches we attend. My favourite subjects at school were maths and science and I went on to complete a degree in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. My professional background is healthcare and I feel strongly about openness, safeguarding and auditing. I also have management experience running hospitality businesses for many years. I really enjoy walking in nature and bird watching.

I believe St Edmundsbury School is the perfect place to nurture the children, to give them purpose, to build engagement with the community, and enable our students and staff to achieve confidence and authenticity in themselves. 

Frances Parr - Foundation Governor

A recently retired Head Teacher,  I want to volunteer as a Governor at a local school as I appreciated the hard work, dedication and support that an effective Governing Body can contribute. As a teacher, my particular interests and areas of expertise are Early Years and children with SEND. My Christian faith is very important to me and will shape my contribution as a Foundation Governor through an emphasis on creating a positive, inclusive and caring learning environment. At home there are 9 grandchildren who keep us fit and busy, Lego and baking being firm favourites.

I am looking forward to working with the children and staff as we journey together.

Alice Sheepshanks - Foundation Governor

With a background in Modern Languages, I now work as a Literacy Tutor at Howard Community Academy.  I focus not only on academic improvement but on encouraging the children to show courtesy and respect to others.   I love all forms of drama, regularly performing in amateur productions  and I read avidly, with a particular interest in children’s literature.  As a member of the congregation of St Edmundsbury Cathedral I leapt at the chance to become a Foundation Governor and to try to make a difference.  

I believe very strongly that every child has the right to a good education, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping every pupil at St Edmundsbury School to receive a wonderful start in life.  

Nicola Warwick - Parent Governor

I have a daughter in Key Stage 1 and my son is due to join Reception next September. My professional background is in primary school teaching where I was full time until my daughter was born. During my teaching career, I have taught in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Recently, I have returned to primary teaching in a part-time role. I am committed to improving outcomes for all children.  At home, I enjoy walks in the countryside with my family and I am a keen reader. For the past few years, I have run a local playgroup and I am particularly interested in maternal mental health and strategies to reduce social isolation.

As a parent governor, I am eager to support the children and staff of St Edmundsbury now and in the years ahead.