Who's who

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

Sarah Cafferty

Foundation Governor

I am lucky enough to have lived in our parish for most of my life. I have a family and have had two careers, my first being Project Manager in NHS Trusts and then being Support Worker in Education. I am blessed in that my job allows me to listen to students all day and then we work together to come up with practical ways to prioritise action plans and manage emotions, for them as individuals or within the family. I love all kinds of people and am enriched by all the personalities I meet, I am involved with our local church and learn something new every day. I have a background working with families and students with mental health, SEN, financial or social and emotional difficulties. I have managed large projects liaising with all departments in the NHS. Every day I am reminded there is so much goodness in the world and people of all ages are full of kindness. I attend lots of training courses and am able to remind young people and their families of their talents and goodness, of opportunities to learn and my brain is also stimulated which is a delicious feeling. I love going out with friends and family, dancing, eating, reading, films, chatting, people keep me going and I love going to new places and feeling like I am on an adventure. Theatre and stories are a passion, along with board games, skipping, walking, swimming – any activity in the natural environment fills my lungs with air. I am not good at copying so exercise classes are hilarious because I am doing the opposite to everyone else and heights are not my forte. I relish in a daft joke and am thrilled to swap jokes. Tough things have happened to me and my loved ones in the past which has taught me to take every opportunity and relish in the company of others, to enjoy the thrill of being alive. I have been given so much and would love the chance to pay it forward using some of my experiences to support others. I am currently Chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Curriculum Committee.

Current term of office - 1/9/2023 - 31/8/2027

Nadia Perkins

Parent Governor

I have been a Parent Governor and a member of the Finance Committee since 2019, one of my children currently attend Holy Family the other has recently moved on to secondary school. I am a Chartered Civil and a Chartered Structural Engineer and currently work part time from home. In my spare time I help to organise the annual Tewin Fete in our village along with regularly helping at the Tewin Jumble Sale. I attend St Thomas More Church in Knebworth. I am currently on the Finance Committee.

Current term of office -1/4/2023 - 31/3/2027

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

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

Mike Thorpe

Parent Governor

Resources Committee. Health and Safety Governor.

Current term of office - 1/2/2021 - 31/1/2025

Jimmy Gill

Foundation Governor

Resources Committee