Sandra North (Co-Chair of the LGC) -  Trust appointed Governor

I have been a Governor at Thameside Primary since October 2022. 

I have lived in South Abingdon for over seven years, moving here from Wantage. I retired from my second headteacher post in 2019, after a career in Oxfordshire primary schools. I was a teacher for many years, firstly in Childrey and then in Didcot, before becoming headteacher at Longworth and then Chilton.

I am still passionate about all aspects of education and I think that learning, in the widest sense, is a key to every child’s future. As our children are growing up in such a fast-changing world, I am also passionate about those aspects of education that cannot easily be measured, for example tolerance, creativity, global awareness and self-esteem.

Thameside Primary School is such a focal part of my local community and I am proud to be able to give my support as a Governor. The school is vibrant and inclusive, and every time I visit I am so impressed by the warmth and vibrancy, and the positive attitudes to learning. 

 

 

Liz Cooper - Parent Governor (Vice- Chair of the LGC) - Trust appointed Governor

I have two children who are pupils at Thameside Primary School and I have been a parent governor since April 2023. I grew up in Abingdon and after going away to university, I worked as a Primary School Teacher in London for 10 years. I moved back to my home town to be near my family and that’s when my eldest started in the nursery class here.

Thameside is a wonderful, welcoming school and my family felt at home here from the start. Both my children really enjoy being here and I know they are well looked after and safe. All the staff work really hard to get to know the children and their families so that they can provide the best opportunities to learn, grow and be happy. The school leaders are always looking for ways to improve and to do things better.

I wanted to become a parent governor to support the school to in its aim to provide an excellent education for all its pupils. My time as a teacher has led me to be particularly passionate about supporting children and their families in the early years to make sure they get the best start in life. I believe Team Thameside are doing a brilliant job and are always striving to do even better.

 

Robin Southwell-Sander (Co-Chair of the LGC) - - Trust appointed Governor

 

I am currently Assistant Head - Director of Partnerships at Abingdon School. I have been involved in education all my professional life, teaching in secondary schools in London, Newbury and Reading before spending 2 years teaching in a school in Houston, Texas. Since joining Abingdon School 16 years ago, I  have taught geography and coached sport, been a head of house and, for the last 6 years, have headed up the growing partnership program setting up bilateral and multilateral partnerships with other local secondary and primary schools (including Thameside) to provide more opportunities for young people across the town. This has included the OX14 Learning Partnership ( a group of 6 independent and state secondary schools) whose aim is to raise educational aspirations across the OX14 postcode. I am excited about joining the governing body at Thameside, a school I have got to know over the last few years through my partnership work

 

Parent appointed governor - Mike Witney   

I have now lived in Abingdon for just over 10 years, moving out from central Oxford where I grew up. I have 2 children, both going through Thameside Primary school with the eldest recently finishing to move up to secondary school. Having 2 children attend Thameside Primary school has certainly assisted in our decision in making Abingdon our forever hometown.

I have now been parent-governor since early 2024 which has opened my eyes as to how much amazing works goes on behind the scenes to make Thameside Primary the welcoming, friendly, confidence building and educational school for all pupils, being such a key focal point of the local community.

I am self-employed, running my own business in the wet leisure industry, servicing and maintaining swimming pools all over Oxfordshire, surrounding counties and the London area. Having a non-educational working background, working in sales and customer relations, I feel proud in adding a positive and alternative angle/link to brilliant work Team Thameside are already doing on a regular basis.

 

Staff governor -  Jess Krawiec    

I joined Team Thameside in September 2024 and I am currently the Year 5 class teacher at Thameside Primary School. 

I grew up near Abingdon and completed my degree at the University of Winchester. I worked as a Primary School Teacher in Hampshire  for 7 years before deciding to move back to live and work in Oxfordshire. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career since qualifying and have had a real interest in teaching maths and geography throughout my career so far.  I am passionate about improving the quality of education for all children and just love learning. 

I am proud to be a member of  the Thameside team.  Our school is an inclusive and supportive environment that ensures all children achieve their best. I am excited about joining the governing body as the school governor to further support our school community.

 

Andreia Costa  - Trust appointed Governor

 

I moved from Portugal to Oxfordshire in 2008 and have lived in Abingdon since 2018. I was recently appointed as a School Governor at Thameside Primary School, where my daughter has been a pupil since 2021.

Professionally, I bring a diverse background spanning media analysis, academia and healthcare. I currently work as Project Manager for Training and Academic Career Development at the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, based within the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry. My role involves strategic planning, programme development and supporting career progression within research and clinical environments.

As the mother of an autistic daughter, I have developed a strong interest in neurodiversity and inclusive education. Over the past two years, I have become an advocate in this space, leading my own initiative, Neurodiverse Voices. As part of this work, I deliver “Let’s Talk Neurodiversity” sessions to pupils at Thameside during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, helping to promote awareness, understanding and acceptance. I also chair the Neurodiversity & Disability Working Group at the Department of Psychiatry, where I support staff and students in creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Thameside has been incredibly supportive of my daughter, and I am grateful for the inclusive and nurturing environment the school provides. I am proud to contribute my professional experience and lived perspective to help shape the school’s future and support its continued commitment to inclusion and excellence.

 

Ben Oakley-Rowland- Trust appointed Governor

My son joined the nursery in 2024 with a speech delay, but by the time he moved up to Reception this had completely resolved. I am incredibly grateful to the Early Years team for their support, care and persistence.

Thanks to their dedication, he is now thriving in Reception and has become a confident reader. I am sure this progress will continue throughout his journey at Thameside.

Having seen first-hand how the school supports children who need a little extra help, I wanted to contribute by becoming a Trust Appointed Governor. I am passionate about helping ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive, feel happy and learn in a safe and supportive environment. As a family, we love being part of the Thameside community and believe it has been the best choice we could have made for our son.

I have worked in the leisure industry for over 20 years in both management and frontline roles. I hope to use the skills and experience I have gained to support, challenge and celebrate the excellent team at Thameside. I have also volunteered at two Paralympic Games, an experience that reflects my commitment to inclusion, teamwork and helping others reach their potential. These values strongly align with Thameside’s ethos of Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day.

 

Penny Halliday (currently onboarding) - Trust appointed Governor

Thameside School is at the heart of my local community and I am very proud to also be a voluntary reader to Year one pupils. This has given me an insight into the caring, supportive and inclusive ethos of the school and encouraged me to become involved in helping staff deliver a challenging curriculum.  Being a governor is an ideal way to achieve this.

I returned to full-time education in my late forties, gaining my degree and teaching qualification. I taught adults from 19 to 93 at Ruskin College and Oxford Brookes; latterly I have taught Sociology A level at Lord Williams's, a large academy in Thame. My career has been testament to the power of learning to change lives. I hope to use my role as governor to guide Thameside's pupils in their learning journey and help equip them to become well- rounded , resilient and thoughtful individuals. Having experience both inside and outside education should enable me to think strategically and thus be a useful critical friend.