Welcome from Father Norbert Fernandes - Chair of Governors
Welcome to the Governors' Section of our School Website.
The Governing Body work in partnership with the Headteacher to ensure that the best possible education is being provided for each and every child in a high quality learning environment.
While the Headteacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school, Governors have collective responsibility for:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;
Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is spent well.
The Governing Body is composed of governors drawn to reflect the difference constituents of the school:
Seven foundation governors, appointed by the Diocese of Westminster;
Two parent governors, elected by other parents at the school;
One staff governor, elected by colleagues;
The Headteacher;
Associated governors;
One Local Authority Governor;
We are currently looking for Foundation Governors to join our governing body
For more information about the Foundation Governor role please click on the link below,
www.education.rcdow.org.uk/fg
If you are interested in this role, please contact Jackie Willcocks at the school office.
jwillcocks@holyfamily.herts.sch.uk or 01707375518
Contact Details
Chair of Governors - Fr Norbert Fernandes
Email - hfchair@holyfamily.herts.sch.uk
Address - Crookhams
Welwyn Garden City
Hertfordshire
AL7 1PG
Who's Who
Our school owes its existence and charism to the fact that it was established by the Church to nurture Christ’s kingdom in its children and through the nature of its teaching in all subjects, to bring them to a deeper knowledge of and belief in God and a commitment to Him.
At The Holy Family School our pupils understand and relish the distinct nature of our Catholic School. We are a Catholic community who nurture and support each other, recognising when others need support and accepting support from others. We are a strong and united community working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our children with Christ at the centre. This is led by our school mission, 'As a family we live, love, learn and celebrate with Jesus' and our school values of Trust, Honesty, Sharing, Acceptance and Family which underpin our mission.
2026 Declarations, Checks & Confirmations
Father Norbert Fernandes
- Chair of Governors
Foundation Governor of The Holy Family Catholic Primary School since 2009. I serve on the Curriculum Committee, am Safeguarding Governor and have responsibility as the Link on the Catholic life of our school including the academic side of RE. I am happy to serve as Chair of Governors and as Parish Priest of the Catholic Parishes of Welwyn Garden City, it is a joy to have the partnership between school, home and parish.
My Mum was a primary school teacher for 26 years in North London and we were very much a school family, involved in and supporting all that Mum did as a teacher.
Current term of office 31/8/2021 - 31/8/2025
Moira Mester
- Vice Chair of Governors
I have been a foundation governor since June 2018. My association with Holy Family Primary School started in 2003 when my sons started in Year 4 and reception, followed by my daughter in 2005. My family have been members of Holy Family Parish since 2003, where I am a Eucharistic Minister, but over the years I have also served on the Parish Council, delivered the children’s liturgy and been a reader at Mass. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Microbiology, a PGCE in Secondary Science and an MA in Catholic School Leadership and am currently Head of Science at a Catholic school in Hertfordshire. When I joined the governing body I became chair of the curriculum committee; I am also a member of the admissions and recruitment committees. I am passionate about the education of all students, irrespective of ability, and I hope I can make a difference to many lives in my roles on the governing body.
Current term of office - 1/9/2022 - 31/8/2026
Katie Linnane
- Headteacher
Current term of office - 1/9/2019 -
Lisa Clifford
- Staff Governor
I was delighted to join the teaching team at The Holy Family School in January 2020 and I am now one of the Assistant Head Teachers, Year 5 class teacher and KS1 and Maths leader. I have 20 years experience working in London primary schools, both as a teacher and in leadership roles. I believe that we must put children at the heart of all we do as a school and they deserve a rich, engaging and broad curriculum. In my spare time I enjoy singing in a choir and taking part in amateur dramatic performances so I am passionate about promoting the arts at our school. I am currently a member of the Curriculum Committee.
Current term of office - 1/2/2020 - 31/1/2024
Jackie Willcocks
- School Business Manager
Current term of office -
Richard Wilson
- Foundation Governor
I was appointed to serve as a Foundation Governor of Holy Family School in 2021. I also serves on the Resources Committee. My children have all attended Holy Family School. I have lived in Welwyn Garden City for over 20 years and I am an active member of the Welwyn Garden City Parish. I have a keen interest in education and skills and I also serve as a Non-Executive Director of North Hertfordshire College Further Education Corporation Board. I am Chair of the resources committee.
Current term of office – 1/1/2021 – 31/12/2024
Jimmy Gill
- Foundation Governor
Resources Committee
Current term of office - 01/11/2023 - 31/08/2027
Michelle Chioma Uba
- Foundation Governor
Current term of office - 01/11/2023 - 31/08/2027
Emmanuel Johnson
- Foundation Governor
Current term of office -
Euphrasia Ndi
- Foundation Governor
Current term of office -
Sandra Elfons Tawafig
- Parent Governor
I have had the privilege of being appointed as a Parent Governor in the Summer of2024. Having grown up and studied in London, I settled down in Welwyn GardenCity 9 years ago. I am a relatively new parent in the school, but I love thesense of community and family within the school. I believe education providesfundamental life skills that help us achieve and reach our potential, both asindividuals and within society. I am honoured to be welcomed into the HolyFamily school community and be a Parent Governor for the EFYS.
Current term of office - 08/07/2024 - 07/07/2028
Adam Richardson
- Parent Governor
Current term of office -
Sub Committees
Fr Norbert - Chair of Governors and link governor for safeguarding
Moira Mester - Vice Chair
Finance and Resources Committee
Richard Wilson (Chair)
Katie Linnane (Head)
Jimmy Gill
Emmanuel Johnson
Adam Richardson
Jackie Willcocks
Curriculum & Standards Committee
Moira Mester (Chair)
Fr Norbert Fernandes
Katie Linnane (Head)
Lisa Clifford (Staff Governor)
Sandra Elfons-Tawafig
Michelle Uba
Euphrasia Ndi
Admissions Committee
Moira Mester
Emmanuel Johnson
Katie Linnane (Head)
Personnel Committee
Fr Norbert Fernandes (Chair)
Moira Mester (Vice-Chair)
Katie Linnane (Head)
Attendance at Governors Meetings
