Governors’ Newsletter
Spring Term 2023 |
Dear Parents and Carers
With the evenings getting lighter we are fast approaching the summer term, a busy time especially for Year 6 pupils and staff. There is the added bonus of an extra bank holiday to celebrate the King’s coronation.
The work of the Governors
This term the Governors have been in school for committee meetings, link governor visits and other visits for example Forest School and the celebration of Mass.
Visiting school is an important way for governors to learn about what happens in school on a day to day basis. Governors have the opportunity to chat with pupils and staff and find out their views. Link governor visits involve governors finding out about a specific subject e.g., Maths, English, Art, Computing to name a few. Governors will meet with subject leads to find out about what is being taught in that subject area and how it will be taught, it is not about assessing teaching, that is for the professionals in the school. Link visit reports are prepared and shared with the Governing Body so that all governors learn from those visits. The majority of the Governing Body are not teachers, and we are always impressed by the way teachers are able to engage with their class and direct all that enthusiasm and energy on the topic of the moment.
Academisation update
As you may be aware the Governing Bodies of , JFK, St Albert the Great and St Thomas More school have recently consulted with their staff and parents about converting to Academy Status and joining the All Saints Catholic Academy Trust (ASCAT). The Diocese of Westminster has expressed a wish for all of its schools to move toward academisation as part of one of its existing Catholic Academy Trusts.
The Governors of St Cuthbert Mayne and St Rose’s have met together to discuss this development. Stephen Wheatley, the CEO of the All Saints Catholic Academy Trust was invited to speak to Governors about the Trust and to answer Governors’ questions about academisation and the opportunities that being part of the Trust might bring. Following the meeting, the Governing Bodies of both schools have resolved to continue to work with the Diocese and ASCAT to continue to investigate and explore the opportunities that academisation might bring for both schools. Both Governing Bodies have also agreed on the importance of communicating with staff and parents periodically on any developments in relation to this.
The Governors hope that all the staff, parents and carers, pupils of St Cuthbert Mayne School enjoy the Easter holiday.
Best wishes
Maria Butchart,
Chair of Governors – On behalf of the Governing Body