MEET OUR GOVERNORS

ST VINCENT’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

1 Pierrepoint Road, Acton, London W3 9JR

 Chair of Governors - Ms Marcella Phelan - mphelan@stvps.co.uk

Clerk to the Governing Body - Mrs Catherine Hughes - khughes@stvps.co.uk

Financial Benchmarking: https://schools-financial-benchmarking.service.gov.uk/school?urn=101926

Governor Biographies

Fr Patrick Adusei Poku (Foundation Governor / Religious Education and Catholic Life)

Mr Michael Arthur (Co-opted Governor/ Quality of Education (Curriculum)

I have lived and worked in Acton since 2008. I trained as a Maths teacher in 2002 and have worked ever since in state schools in Australia and England. I am currently the Head of Sixth Form at a local secondary school with prior experience as Head of Maths of a large department. I am committed to ensuring that every student maximises their potential in school and ensuring that teachers continue to develop and refine their practice. As of September 2021 I have two children in the school.

Mrs Venetia Coleman (Parent Governor/Early years/Resource sCommittee)

I am a Parent Governor with two sons currently in Nursery and Year 1 at St Vincent’s. My professional background spans engineering and investment management, and after taking six years out to focus on raising my boys, I am now building a new career as a treaty broker in the reinsurance sector.
I feel privileged to serve on our exceptional governing board alongside colleagues who are deeply committed to putting our children and school community first. As Link Governor for Early Years and a member of the Resources Committee, I see firsthand the outstanding work that our staff and leaders do every day to nurture, challenge, and inspire our children throughout their primary school journey.

Mr Jonathan Gibbs (Parent Governor)

I am a Parent Governor with a son progressing through St Vincent’s since Nursery. My background is helping global companies global deliver worldwide transformation, managing the people and organisational aspects. Two days a week I volunteer at the school teaching Maths in small groups to build confidence and skills. It is a delight to see the children thrive. The childrenare wonderful, and despite being hard work, it is a very rewarding experience.

Mrs Claire Hatfield (Staff Governor / SENCO and Inclusion)

I am privileged to have worked at St Vincent’s since 2008 after 4 years of teaching in Greenford. I started as a class teacher, then moved onto the role of SENCO. In 2017, I was appointed as Assistant Head for Inclusion. I love getting to know all the children in school and watching them grow and change as they journey through from Early Years to Year 6. The highlight of my day is greeting the children at the gate in the morning and watching them come into school, often skipping or running happily into class whilst chatting to their friends. I enjoy working closely with children and their families to give them the support needed to succeed at home and in school.

Ms Marcella Phelan MBE (Co - Chair of Governors /Foundation Governor / Safeguarding and Child Protection)

I am a former senior manager at Ealing Council Children and Families service, with an extensive background in social care and safeguarding. I have lived and worked in the area for many years and in 2018 was awarded an MBE for services to young people in Ealing. I am also a Trustee at Brentford FC CST and Chair a local Youth Mentoring Project.

Emma Shanahan (Foundation Governor / Behaviour and Attitudes/ Personal Development)

I am a full-time parent of 2 children and have been part of the St. Vincent’s school community since 2013. I have a son who previously attended St Vincent's and a daughter who is currently at the school. I was a Parent Governor under the last Headship and am now a Foundation Governor.
I studied Humanities and worked in Journalism and Finance. I am originally from New Zealand with an international upbringing and broad education. I am heartened by our diverse, inclusive school community and have watched the children propelled from infancy to wing-toting teens. I am delighted to play a strategic role in the further evolution and betterment of the school.

Mr Adrian Yeung (Local Authority Governor / Finance / Admissions)

I am a chartered accountant practicing in the UK, with extensive experience in financial governance and budget management. I live in the local area with my wife and two children. As a governor, I am committed to supporting the school in maintaining strong financial oversight and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to benefit all pupils. I am pleased to join the governing board and contribute to the continued success of the school community.

St Vincent’s Catholic Primary School - Governing Body 2024/25