Who we are
Introducing the School Governors
Janine McCann - Chair of Governors, Local Authority governor
I have lived in Downend since 2007, and am currently a Stay-at-Home parent for my daughter, who is in Year 4, and my son who is now in Reception. Before this, my jobs included working as a commodities manager in the MoD and as a primary teacher, teaching a Year 5 class at a school in South Bristol. This will be my last term as a parent governor, and I will continue to meet the challenges of the role with energy and enthusiasm, drawing on my previous classroom experience. My daughter loves St Augustine’s, and I hope to continue to support her educational development, and that of my son, to make their time at school the best experience possible. I am also on the Committee for St Augustine’s Pre-School, where my son was taught previously, acting as a link between the two settings.
Carol Lawler - Vice-Chair of Governor, Foundation Governor
An experienced school governor, who also serves at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Yate.
Anselm Jacobs - Foundation Governor
I was invited by the parish priest at the time to be a Foundation Governor at my children’s primary school. That lasted 17 yrs during which I was Chair for 14 yrs.
I am a Chartered Chemist, Chartered Water and Environmental Manager, Chartered Scientist and Chartered Marketer. I spent my working life in the Water industry and am now retired.
I am and have been a Foundation Governor at two Roman Catholic VA schools in Newport since 2016. I have also been a governor at three schools in Gloucestershire, being chair at two of them. I am a STEM Ambassador and have been STEM link governor at all the schools. I have thirty years of governance experience and, in addition to normal educational governing concerns, I have been involved in school building, interviewing and taking a school into academisation. I believe in enabling children to receive the best education and enjoy the challenges that this can present.
In my leisure time I have been a volunteer scientific adviser for Civil Defence first in Leicestershire and then for Gwent when I moved to Wales. I was also a Territorial Army soldier. My interests are History, historical crime novels and Rugby Union, Leicester Tigers being my club of support as I am a Midlander.
I live in South Wales and I have three grown up children and two grandchildren.
Stephen Wells - Foundation Governor
I grew up in Downend and attended St Augustine’s as a child. I returned to Bristol in 2016 having lived in London since studying Psychology at UEL. I have two sons, one at St Augustine’s and one who has now left St Augustine’s for Downend School.
I am a parishioner; I enjoy sports and music. I am work is Social Housing for a large National Registered Provider. I hope to use my skills and abilities to support the board of Governors and the staff team in maintaining high standards in the education of our young people, ensuring good practice in safeguarding compliance with regulatory policies and sound financial management.
I am proud to be associated with a school that delivers an enriching environment to learn for children of diverse backgrounds of all faiths and none.
Daniel McConnell - Parent Governor
I am a father of three amazing daughters, all of whom have been educated at St Augustine’s. I hope, through my time as a governor here, to help St Augustine’s give more children the great education that my children received.
I work as a lawyer, helping companies with major construction projects. I enjoy being active – running and football in particular, but I’ll get on a snowboard or surfboard whenever I can. I am also a staunch Springboks supporter, having grown up in South Africa before moving to Bristol in 2018.
Elsie Lau - Foundation governor
Originally from Hong Kong, I moved to Bristol three years ago with my family, and it has been a privilege to become part of this wonderful community.
As a homemaker and a mother of two children who are both studying at St Augustine, I am deeply invested in their education as well as the well-being, and therefore keen to contribute to ensuring the school’s success.
I was an investment product manager at the financial regulatory authority during my time in Hong Kong, and later, I worked for a Welsh bank as a risk manager. I hope to combine my professional knowledge with my personal dedication as a parent to make a meaningful contribution to St Augustine, the school my children belong to and love.
Kirsty Blackford - Staff Governor
An experienced Reception teacher at St Augustine’s Primary School, bringing a strong background in early years education and a commitment to supporting children’s learning and development.
Mandy Yau - Foundation Governor
I am honoured to serve as a Foundation Governor at St Augustine’s School. After relocating from Hong Kong to the UK in 2021, my family and I have been warmly welcomed into St Augustine's community. Previously, I worked as a primary school teacher specialising in Maths and Science, which gave me a strong understanding of the importance of creating a supportive learning environment. With two children currently attending St Augustine’s, I am committed to contributing to the school’s continued growth and success.
Isabella Harding - Foundation Governor
MA Oxford, Politics Philosophy and Economics, BACatholic Theology Open university and Maynooth, PGCE Bristol. I have 5 children all attended St Augustine's Primary, I taught for 22 yrs at St Brendan's Sixth Form College, and was a Governor there for 14 yrs. I have been a parishioner at St Augustine's for 44 years. I am passionate about education, and the care for the environment and climate justice for the poor. I spearheaded the Live Simply Award in St Augustine's and am a Laudato Si Animator locally and nationally, as well as being on the Justice and Peace Commission.
Anna Jenkins - Parent Governor
My professional background is rooted in early years education and childcare, and I am currently a Director for a charity dedicated to supporting children, young people, and their families.
As the parent of a daughter attending St. Augustine's—and with a youngest child who will hopefully join the school in the future—I am deeply invested in the school's ongoing success. I am passionate about the nurturing community St. Augustine's provides, and I want to be part of the Governing Body to help shape and support the school's mission to enable all children to truly thrive.
John Fenlon - Associate Member
Assisting the FGB in a non-voting capacity. I have previously been a Foundation Governor for four years. I have lived in Downend and been a member of St Augustine's parish for over 30 years. My three children (now adults) all enjoyed their attendance at St Augustine's and appreciated the start in life it gave them. I have been enjoying retirement for the last 5+ years, after working for over 40 years in banking roles. I am happy and privileged to be able to support our school and its provision of excellent teaching and sharing of caring values to its pupils.