Governing Body

Photo of Laura Pilgrim

Laura Pilgrim

Chair / Parent Governor

I have a background in events and participation projects that covers both Visual Arts and STEM subjects. I’m hoping to be able to bring some of the experience I have gained working across different education establishments across the region to bring some fresh eyes and creative problem solving to the governor role. I have two children at the school and so also bring a parent’s perspective.

I also love making Christmas cakes!! (in August!)

Photo of Laura Moreton

Laura Moreton

Head-Teacher

I have worked as a teacher at St Michael in the Hamlet for 12 years, teaching across all key stages. I am also the Safeguarding and Assessment lead. I feel very lucky to do a job that I love in such a fantastic school! Prior to becoming Head Teacher I have been part of our Governing body as a teacher representative for 5 years.

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Dave Patmore

Vice Chair / L.A. Governor

I have been a Governor at St Michael in the Hamlet Community Primary School for over 30 years and I have served as Chair of Governors during some of those years.

I was also a pupil at St Michael in the Hamlet many years ago, as were my 2 siblings and parents.

I am Deputy Church Warden of St. Michael in the Hamlet Church and I have been the Captain of St. Michael in the Hamlet 46th Liverpool Company Boys’ Brigade for 25 years.

I became a Governor all those years ago to put back into the school what I had received as a pupil and I am proud to be a long-standing member of this Governing Body and of this fantastic school that gives every child the level of education needed to enhance their future.

Photo of Rachael Brackenridge

Rachael Brackenridge

Teacher Governor

I am a Year 2 teacher here at St Michael in the Hamlet and have been part of our school for nearly eight years. I worked in Anfield in year 5 for two years prior to moving to our fabulous school. Most of my experience has been in year 5 as I moved to year 2 just last year: this is my second year in the Infants and I love it! 🙂

I am very passionate about education and always seeking out new ways to ensure our children are learning in the best possible way. I am music and art coordinator here at St Michael in the Hamlet and I love all things creative. In my spare time I enjoy photography, drawing, writing, listening to live music and reading.

I am very happy to be part of the governing body and look forward to the year ahead 🙂

Photo of Judith Roberts

Judith Roberts

Associate Governor

Although not I am originally from Liverpool, I have lived in the area for 29 years. Both of my children attended St Michael’s school from Nursery up to Year 6. I started helping out as a volunteer reader around 16 years ago, when my daughter was in year 2. After a career in banking, I found it really enjoyable and rewarding working with the children, and when the opportunity arose, began working at the school, gaining experience and relevant qualifications along the way. I am now working as Deputy SENCo, supporting children with additional needs and their families; learning from them, while helping them to learn and grow in confidence. I am also helping out where and when needed around the school and really enjoy being part of the St Michael’s school community. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, my garden, reading and exercise, mostly walking or running with my little dog Poppy.

Photo of Rebecca OHare

Rebecca OHare

Co-opted Governor
Photo of Phil Watson

Phil Watson

Co-opted Governor
Photo of Keith Hitchman

Keith Hitchman

Co-opted Governor

I am the Vicar of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet Church & Christ Church Linnet Lane (off Lark Lane).

Originally from Cornwall, I studied environmental science and worked in the wholefood industry before becoming a church minister.

I moved to Liverpool together with my family in 2010. Before becoming Vicar at St Michael’s and Christ Church in 2016, I worked in the city centre as City Missioner, acting as a Chaplain to city businesses and institutions, including Merseyside Police.

St Michael’s is a community centred, family friendly church. Many of our members have associations with St Michael’s School, past and present. We are a fully inclusive church, where absolutely everyone is welcome. Over the course of the year we put on a range of events, all of which are open to the community at large.

My partner Maggie is an artist, art trainer, and mental health activist. We have two sons.

In my spare time, I like listening to Jazz, walking our dog Joe and supporting West Ham United.

It is a real honour to have been asked to become a Governor at St Michael-in-the-Hamlet School.

Photo of Rona Lucas

Rona Lucas

Co-opted Governor

I recently retired after 37 years of teaching; for the last 26 years I taught English, Drama and Media Studies in a Liverpool City comprehensive and was also a pastoral and safeguarding lead.

My family and I have lived in Aigburth for over 30 years and my five sons all attended St Michael’s in the Hamlet which, I believe, contributed to them developing into the fine young men they are today.

St Michael’s has always provided a strong, all-inclusive and positive foundation for young people’s lives. It is a happy, caring and thriving school with a dedicated staff; I am delighted to be part of the team through my role as a co-opted governor.

Photo of Nena Mitchell

Nena Mitchell

Co-opted Governor

Hey there, I’m Nena. I’m an American who lived in Canada but moved to Liverpool in 1998.

My husband and I have been living in Aigburth since 2010 and our family grew to include our two girls in 2017. As both girls attend St Michael’s in the Hamlet, I thought it would take the opportunity to join the governors as a co-opted member. I’m currently the link governor for assessment and class governor for 6M.

I’m a respiratory physiotherapist at Aintree Hospital and in my spare time I enjoy knitting, rugby union and days out with the family.

Photo of Michael Nickeas

Michael Nickeas

Co-opted Governor

My family and I live in Dingle, my daughter is a pupil at SMITH and really enjoys coming to school. I have 20 years of experience of working in education, especially with pupils whose behaviour can be seen as challenging. I also have an interest in educating pupils with special or additional needs.

I have been a governor here at St Michael’s for over 4 years. I believe that giving your time help your community is a worthwhile thing to do.

I have a keen interest in dance music and dance culture, recently I stage managed a music festival that featured over 60 acts. I also have an interest in photography and design.

I trust my experience in the field of education will help me to be a critical friend to the school.

Photo of Laura Yallop

Laura Yallop

Co-opted Governor

Governor bio will appear here shortly

Photo of Oonagh Jaquest

Oonagh Jaquest

Parent Governor

I chose St Michaels for my two daughters because it is committed to both academic attainment and the development of the whole child and I would like to help the school maintain this holistic focus on wellbeing, inclusion and diversity.

I have a particular understanding of adoption, looked-after children and SEN and am conscious of the role of school as community: building a sense of belonging and supporting the aspirations of children of all abilities and backgrounds.

Professionally, I have spent 10 years+ in a leadership role in education as Editor of BBC Bitesize and other national learning campaigns. This gives me a broad perspective on good practice in education having commissioned content and projects for primary, secondary and post-16 and I have extensive experience of education strategy, working with national partners and consulting with government.

I also have a strong professional focus on diversity. I lead on this for my team and have experience of culture change in organisations – from on-screen representation to recruitment.

I am a keen runner – often in my kit in the playground! – and am passionate about using physical activity and play to support children’s health, behaviour and learning.