Meet our Governors!
Chair of Governors - Jolene Weaver
This is my first role as a School Governor but I have a range of experience in governance serving as a trustee for a number of charities over the past 12 years.
I have always been involved in learning having qualified as a Primary School Teacher before moving onto to teaching adults. My current role is as a Development Manager for a local charity working with health services to overcome health inequalities. I have worked on a number of educational projects with different charities which helped me to develop skills that I now utilise as a Governor, such as ensuring quality in education and developing strategy.
I believe that all children should be able to access high quality teaching in their local area; learning from others from diverse range of backgrounds. I feel that a good education provides children with the opportunity to use their own strengths to grow and develop into positive members of society and I work as part of the wider governing body to ensure that our school is supporting all of our children to achieve this.
Safeguarding Governor - Andy Avery
I have recently re-joined the Governing Body after a few years break. I have been connected with the Hoole CE Primary and it’s previous incarnations since 1997 and love being part of the school community. I’m looking forward to being part of the School In The Community committee as well a supporting the RE and Church Schools ethos. I work for Hoole Baptist Church as a Children’s and Family Worker and enjoy living and working in the wonderfully vibrant community that is Hoole.
I have lived in Chester since coming here to study in 1993 and very much consider it home even though I grew up down in Surrey. I loved Chester from my very first visit when I came for my university interview so it’s no surprise I’m very happy here.
Away from work, I love music – both listening to and playing a range of instruments. I always enjoy being outdoors. Give me mountains or a beach and I’ll be happy for hours. I’m also the unofficial ambassador in Chester for the mighty Woking Football Club (who? I hear you say) having been a fan since my youth and was delighted to find another Woking fan locally so we can travel to games together when they play in the North West.
Staff Governor - Elaine Robertson
You may already know me through my role here in school as Learning Mentor, whereby I offer pastoral care and support to children and their families. I firmly believe in an inclusive approach to education and that all children are valued and nurtured and have the opportunity to achieve their goals.
I am a Staff Governor with the responsibility for Staff Well-Being, and I am a member of the School in Community Governors’ Sub-committee.
I am married with two grown up children, who both attended Hoole CE Primary some years ago.
This is my third year as a Governor, and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead working with the other Governors to ensure our school goes from strength to strength.
Governor - Christine Darwen
I thought that I would write a little rhyme
to introduce myself as a Governor (first time).
I was the first in my family to go to university;
education means so much to me.
From being put on the ‘top table’ at the age of 5
a good education is what has made me feel alive.
At primary school, Maths and P.E. were favourites to do …
along with reading, poetry, music and dancing too!
I have been in IT for over 35 years in many a role
and am also a holistic therapist (treats a person whole).
I have lived and worked abroad several times and love to roam,
but for over 20 years now Chester has been my home.
I love to walk in the hills and by the sea
Tenby in Pembrokeshire is a special place for me!
I have participated in the UK 3 Peaks Challenge twice for charity;
enjoy most sports, baking and fund-raising ….. that is me!
Governor - Julie Tynegate
I joined the Governors as a Foundation Governor. I am looking forward to strengthening links between All Saints' Church and Hoole CE Primary, two central community hubs in Hoole.
I spent over 25 years as a primary teacher, mostly in Early Years. I was always keen to promote a creative, challenging curriculum in Early Years and to develop close links with families to actively engage them in their child's learning. I hope to offer practical support and advice within Hoole Primary school.
I recently retired to volunteer with playgroups and family outreach projects in Hoole and Blacon, and to be a very enthusiastic part time carer for our grand daughter. I love going to the theatre, getting messy in the garden, cooking, dog walking and spending time with my family.
Governor - Theo Heath
I joined the governing body in Summer 2021, this is my first posting. My partner and I both live in Chester after moving from Manchester in 2017. We love it here!
My current role is Lecturer in Power and Energy within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester. This position lets me apply my knowledge and passion for engineering and education to inspire the next generation of problem solvers. It also involves plenty of teaching, marking, curriculum planning, future thinking and project and budget management, so I realised there are lots of transferrable skills that could be well used to support my local community as a school governor; I am very pleased to be part of the Hoole CE Team.
I see my role as a governor as an extension of my work in education, as ensuring strong early foundations is key to supporting students in reaching their full potential. I look forward to assisting the school in its ambitious future plans while making sure decisions are equitable, well-reasoned and justifiable.
Governor - Paul Kilmister
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This is my first Governing Body role. My focus within the governing body are topics that closely relate to and rely on the skills I have developed at Airbus, as Vice President of Supply Chain Operations for the UK.
I have two children currently at the school with my eldest who has recently flown the Hoole Primary Nest to High School.
I live locally with my wife and three children, but have only just returned back to the UK after 15 years working in Germany and the USA.
On top of my day job, I am also a member of the CBI Manufacturing Council, and outside of work I am a massive home automation geek, and love to run.
Governor - Laura Matthews
My daughter is in Year 1 and my son started in Reception in 2023. Naturally, I’ll be invested in the school for nine years and want to help build on its success and reputation as a parent Governor to create the best environment for children and staff.
I’m a Chartered Civil Engineer working in construction for 20 years. I currently lead a Bridges design team in Chester and I’m skilled in Health and Safety, building management and financial budgeting. I have a lot of practical experience in construction and offer the school advice on a broad range of maintenance and construction topics.
Throughout my career I’ve championed STEM activities in schools and having young children has only deepened my passion for this. I help the PTA and I volunteered at the summer fair painting 100’s of faces!
Governor - Tommy Williams
This is my first role as a School Governor, I am a parent of a Year 3 pupil. I once studied for a History PGCE in Secondary School after leaving The Royal Navy. I have experience of working in Primary and Secondary as well as with Looked After Children in Residential Care. I currently work at Bishops Bluecoat as a Teaching Assistant in the SEN Department.
Hoole Primary works well nurturing and progressing the needs of all the collective children in the school, where they are known, and their needs are met. Rather than some schools that just meet the needs of the most academic, there is value in children enjoying learning and that happens because staff teach in different ways to meet the needs of the learner. I am a spiritual, family man that believes in the school's Christian ethos.
I volunteer in distinct roles in my spare time, such as The Care Strategy Forum, which is a Steering Group for Cheshire West providing Pastoral support and promoting the unseen role of unseen carers in our borough. I am aware that many pupils act as carers in their family, and this acts as a toll on the pupil's education and development.
I am a proud Trade Unionist and believe that people should come before profit, and this should apply to health and education. I am The Communications Officer for Cheshire Unison.
I believe in inclusion and multiculturism, which was one of the reasons why my wife and I decided to take our son to this lovely school. I maybe a Welshman but I am an adopted Hooligan, and we are lucky to live in such a community minded suburb as Hoole. I believe in the nurturing of children to be listened to as well as pupils being taught to listen and accept boundaries, which in turn lead to children feeling safe and knowing what is required of them. Education in my view is where all the children are all encouraged to achieve, not just the most talented and gifted. There is a real value in enjoying education and a pathway to life long learning.
Governor - Adam Langan
I am currently a Councillor in Newton and Hoole and wanted to get involved with Hoole Primary as I know it’s a brilliant school with some amazing students and passionate teachers. I want to offer my expertise and knowledge to help the school in whatever way I can. I have lots of connections with local organisations and communities across Chester and look forward to providing opportunities for the school through these networks.
I am also the cabinet member for Children and families within Cheshire West and Chester Council and wanted to learn more about the education part of this portfolio and this unique chance to see the inner workings of a school will be incredibly useful for me. I was also the youngest Councillor when first elected and am passionate about giving young people a voice and improving lives for the young people of today.
Governor - Craig Gaudion
I was appointed as the Vicar for All Saints’ Church in Hoole in September 2021.
My wife, Gemma, and I are regular visitors to the school. Our work with the school includes working with leaders to plan worship themes, leading worships for children and monitoring the work of the school in promoting and growing faith. The links between the school and All Saints’ Church have flourished over recent years and I enjoy collaborating with school leaders to continue to extend this relationship in exciting ways.
As a Foundation Governor, I work closely with children, staff and families to support the Christian ethos of the school.
I am always very pleased to welcome our school family to All Saints’ Church.
Governor - Keith Bartlett
I served the community of Hoole in the role of Police Community Support Officer from 2005 to my retirement in 2023.
In addition to this job, I have also supported the local community in a variety of other voluntary and unpaid roles. Since 2015, I have volunteered as a bank driver for local doctors, taking them to undertake calls on housebound patients. Since 2022, I have been a volunteer for Cheshire Fire Service supporting training and development of personnel. I have also voluntarily acted as a mentor for youths in danger of disengagement from education and the local community, supporting them to improve their choices and enhance their life chances. As PCSO for Hoole, I was a regular visitor to the school, enjoying great relationships with children, families and staff.
Since retiring, I have remained engaged with Hoole Primary School. I am involved in a project working with a group of young learners to build character and social responsibility. I was appointed as co-opted governor in December 2023. I am proud to remain associated with this school.