Julie Chalk- Chair of Governors

I have been Chair of Governors at Seaburn Dene School since 2009 and a Parent Governor since 1999 when my son joined the Nursery. I have worked in education since the late eighties and have recently retired from a secondary school in Sunderland. One of the most enjoyable parts of my role there was the Duke of Edinburgh Award and taking students on the Challenge Expeditions to different countries such as Tanzania, Cambodia and Costa Rica.

As governors we support the headteacher and staff in a variety of ways to ensure your child has a successful learning experience and enjoys school. I know Seaburn Dene staff are committed to the teaching of children and achieving the best results they can, but they also develop in children a ‘Can Do’ attitude and encourage them to take part in a number of activities to enhance their learning both in school and after school clubs.

Michael Wooler - Vice Chair of the Governing Body

I'm Michael Wooler and I'm very pleased and proud to currently be serving as a governor at Seaburn Dene Primary School. I'm currently retired after a thirty eight year career in Education having worked as a teacher, head teacher and school improvement partner in London, Buckinghamshire and since 1989 back in my home city of Sunderland.

 I've been a governor since September 2019 and since September 2021 I've served as Vice Chair of the Governing Body. I live in Fulwell and in my later career in school improvement I worked closely with many schools across Sunderland and especially North of the river so I'm very pleased to continue working with colleague governors supporting and challenging the work of Seaburn Dene Primary School. 

 My own interests include a commitment to personal lifelong learning through history, language, music, sport and art and it's a pleasure to celebrate the many successes the school has in promoting this across all subjects amongst all pupils and parents. I look forward to being a part of a vibrant, energetic school where happy pupils thrive and succeed. 

Allison Hicks – Co-opted Governor 
As a former pupil, I am delighted to return to my childhood school as a governor.

After studying Early Childhood and Development I worked in education before moving into the voluntary sector. My time working with national charities has given me a breadth of experience in working with complex issues and collaborating with others to improve outcomes for children and families.
I had a wonderful class teacher at Seaburn Dene Primary School who had a gift for storytelling, she inspired me to read for pleasure and gave me an early insight into the importance of listening to a child’s voice. I went on to study Children’s Literature as a mature student and will always place value on reading and listening to pupils about their
learning and progress.

Julie Turnbull - Parent-Governor

Being a Parent Governor to our school enables me to support the creation an inclusive environment, where our kids feel happy, safe and can thrive both socially and academically. Having a HR/Mindset Coaching Business and previously working in the Further Education sector for many years, I now have the opportunity to share my skills with the Senior Leadership Team to support any Change Programmes and People Focused Initiatives they may have that can only support our children’s Health and Wellbeing.

To do that, I know that our parents are crucial. Your feedback is significant and should be heard. Being a Parent Governor, will give us a platform to support our community of parents and together, we can deliver the best results for our children.

Julie Cattanach - Co-opted Governor 

I first became a parent Governor in 2017 when my youngest son attended Seaburn Dene Primary.
After he left and moved up to Monkwearmouth I wanted to remain a Governor and I then transferred to be a Co-opted Governor.
I have Governor responsibilities for safeguarding, SEN and LAC . I have experience working with children and young people as I have worked in Social Care as a Social Worker for over 30 years. I hope I can bring some of my working knowledge into my role as a Governor.
I enjoy going into the school to see the children and hear their voices whether that be attending the school council meetings or attending awards and Assemblies.

Every time I go into school I am always so impressed with the quality of teaching, the behaviour, and manners of the children.
I am proud to be part of the Governing body of such a lovely school and hope to continue in this role for many years to come.

George Smith - Staff Governor

I have worked at Seaburn Dene Primary School for 13 years as a class teacher and I have been deputy headteacher for 3 years. My main focus as a governor and deputy headteacher is to help the school to do all we can to ensure children are given the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential. I have worked in several year groups in Key Stage 1 and 2 and I am currently based in Year 3. I thoroughly enjoy my role as staff governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an aspirational and inspiring curriculum.

Lynne Halliday - Co-opted Governor (Staff)
I have had the pleasure of working at Seaburn Dene Primary School since 1994.  I had no idea then that my time at Seaburn Dene Primary would far exceed the fifteen years I worked in the NHS.  I believe the reason for such longevity is that each year is different from the last, creating ever changing challenges and variety.  With every year that passes, we joyously greet new pupils into our school.  However, the end of each year is tinged with sadness, but also great pride, as we send our Y6 children off to secondary education.  My role as School Business Manager is largely related to Finance, Personnel and Premises, although the most favourable aspect of my role is contact with our pupils, their parents and the school community.  I have enjoyed, and still enjoy, my time here and would not want to be anywhere else.

James Doyle - Co-opted Governor

 Originally, I joined the Board of Governors as a local authority link governor, in my role as an elected member of Sunderland City Council. Since retiring in May 2023, I have sat on the Board as a co-opted governor. I serve on the Finance and Resource Committee. 

Outside school, I work as a surveyor and am studying for an MSc in Urban Planning at Newcastle University. 

As a Fulwell resident for over 20 years, I am immensely proud of the school and in particular the role it plays in community life. It is fulfilling to work alongside such committed, hard-working colleagues on the Governing Board, and I am excited to continue that work into the future.

Governors - 2023-24

See document below for attendance information.

GOVERNOR REGISTER OF PECUNIARY INTERESTS

2023/2024 Academic Year

Disclosures by members of the Governing Body of Seaburn Dene Primary School of pecuniary interest in contracts, proposed contracts or other matters.