Meet The Governors
Julian Brecknock - LA Governor/Chair
I have been a governor at Winkfield St Mary’s since 2012 and have held many roles in that time including SEN link, Curriculum link and more recently Co-Chair and currently Chair. I got into school governance to help improve my understanding of how schools work and how I can use my skills in negotiation and strategic planning to help. I most enjoy visiting the school when it is open, there’s an energy and positive atmosphere that is unique to Winkfield St Mary's.
Outside of Governance I like to volunteer at a local dog rescue centre and spend time with my family, including my two teenage children, both of whom attended Winkfield St Mary’s and are now in their final years of secondary education.
John Sawford - Co-opted Governor/Vice Chair
I am now into my third year as a co-opted Governor having joined in September 2021. My two grown up sons attended St Mary’s in the late 90’s and I live locally, so when I saw the school was looking for Governors I had no hesitation in applying. Having retired back in 2020 from a career in Global Finance and General Management, I believe my professional experience brings a different skill set into the School Governance environment. Having been elected into the role of Vice Chair for this academic year, living locally and being retired allows me to be very participative in support of the school.
I look forward to continue working with Mrs Tomkins and her Senior Leadership Team as we strive to make Winkfield St Mary’s the primary school of choice in our community.
Philip Wray - Parent Governor
I have been a governor since December 2016, volunteering my professional expertise within finance, so that it could be utilised by the school stakeholders to help develop and progress the school. I have one child at the school in Year 6, while my eldest ‘graduated’ back in 2021.
I strongly believe in the community spirit, with everyone coming together for the greater good and believe this is one of WSM’s core strengths.
Louise Farrar - Co-opted Governor
It is a privilege to be a member of the Governing Board at Winkfield St Mary’s. I have been teaching for 30 years, primarily in Early Years and Key Stage 1 and have held a variety of leadership roles. I am currently Head of Pre Prep at Lambrook School with a particular interest in pupil wellbeing and curriculum development. I very much enjoy using my skills and knowledge to support the Head, staff and Governing Board to ensure the best possible education for each pupil and to ensure that the school continues to thrive.
Lisa Fazey - Staff Governor
Being appointed as staff Governor at Winkfield is a privilege. Having worked at St Mary's, in various roles, for the past 7 years has enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the education system and how to support children on their learning journey. Being able to help nurture each child's learning along with building relationships with parents is an important part of my role as a class teacher.
My family and friends are really important to me and I love spending time with them, whether that maybe be a game of badminton or a meal together.
I hope to continue building upon our schools firm foundations by following our school and Christian values.
Revd. Patrick Mukhol - Foundation Governor
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I am originally from Kenya trained as an Agricultural Engineer and later called by God to the Church ministry. As a Foundation Governor I am appointed by the Diocese. I am responsible for the foundation Christian ethos of the school to ensure that it is sustained and developed. I keep and maintain links with the St Mary’s Winkfield Church and the Diocese of Oxford. It is my role to help focus all decisions and discussions within the context of the Christian foundation of the school.
I also monitor pastoral care within the school, which includes pupil welfare. The spiritual care of the school community is especially important.
All children Christian or not are valued by God and the church and are individually unique. Together with other governors, we have a mission to help each pupil to fulfil their potential in all aspects of their personhood: spiritually, academically, socially, morally and physically.
Gurmit Hunjan - Co-opted Governor
My name is Gurmit Hunjan. I am a graduate in Engineering and PGCE in science from Brunel. I have experience and understanding of Educational System. I became recently a co-opted Governor in September 2023. I am the Designated Lead Governor for Safeguarding. My hobbies are reading, swimming, long walks and travelling.
Sharon Cakebread - Foundation Governor
Amanda Hall - Co-opted Governor
Suki Hayes - Parent Governor
Steven West - Co-opted Governor
Rachel Tomkins - Head Teacher
I became Headteacher of Winkfield St Mary's in September 2022. Prior to this, I spent several years as a Deputy Headteacher and SENCo in a one form entry primary school in Surrey and was an associate member of the governing body there. I hold a NASENCo qualification in addition to my First Class Bachelor of Honors degree, with a specialism of Early Years and Special Educational Needs; my passion is creating an inclusive and engaging culture and environment for all to succeed.
Holly Moore - Deputy Head/Associate Member
Clerk
I support the Governing Body. My role is to advise on procedural and legal matters, to take minutes of meetings and carry out administrative tasks for the Governing Body. I can be contacted by email clerk@wsmschool.org or via the school with any queries you may have, or if you would like to know more about becoming a governor.