Senior Leadership
Mrs Clare Ritchie
Interim Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead and EYFS Room Lead
I was inspired to become a teacher because ...
I'm proud to say that my interest in, and love of, working with children comes from my Mum. She showed me that you can make a difference in the life of all children by nurturing their enthusiasm for learning.
My favourite teacher was ...
As a proud past pupil of DG, my favourite teacher was Miss Dobson, she inspired a love of reading and books in me.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
Mrs Emily Martin
Year 3/4 Class Teacher, Acting Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
I was inspired to become a teacher because ...
I love spending time with children and want to help educate and mould the next generation.
My favourite teacher was ...
Mrs Vaughan - she really inspired me to have a love of learning.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None
Teaching Staff
Miss Stacey Hodgson
Year 1/2 Class Teacher, SENCo
I was inspired to become a teacher because ...
My inspiration for teaching came from my own primary schooling and the teachers who taught me. I was lucky enough to be taught in a small, rural primary school where our love of teaching was inspired and nurtured and where our teachers shared their passion for teaching us new things.
My favourite quote from a child ...
"I've got it!" A light bulb moment from a child after persevering with something they found a bit tricky.
My favourite teacher was ...
Mrs Hendersdon, she taught us to always believe in ourselves and brought our learning to life through her creativity. She was a real inspiration.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
Mr Mark Ashburn
Year 6 Class Teacher
I was inspired to become a teacher because ...
During year eleven work experience I was placed in a primary school and enjoyed every minute of it so decided to pursue a career in teaching. Having some great teachers during my school years inspired me to become a teacher.
My favourite quote from a child ...
“Mr Ashburn, watch out it’s going to fall….!”
(seconds before a Science experiment went wrong.)
My favourite teacher was ...
My primary school teacher Mrs Bates was my favourite teacher because she brought topics to life and inspired a love of learning. She was also cheerful and caring, two key attributes a teacher must have.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
Mrs Shannon burrow
Year 4/5 Class Teacher
I was inspired to become a teacher because ...
I have always loved working with children. They allow you to see the world differently and amaze you with some of their thoughts and knowledge. There really is never a dull moment! As a teacher I enjoy being able to say I have played my part in helping the community of our future.
My favourite quote from a child ...
"Is it dinner time yet?" (3 minutes into the lesson!)
My favourite teacher was ...
My Year 5/6 Teacher, Mr Lucas, he was a great laugh and made everything funny. I remember having to keep showing him how to use the computer as he was not very technological.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
MRS maggie joyce
PPA cover & Teaching Assistant
I came into teaching a bit later on in life. Teaching has always been in the back of my mind, I love being in the company of children and consider it a privilege to be able to do the job I do.
My favourite teacher was my Mum! She taught me for the final two years of primary school and has definitely also been a huge inspiration to me as a teacher.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
Governors
Fr Hugh Pollock
Parish Priest & Foundation Governor.
I arrived in the parish in September 2012. This was my first experience of Primary School for many years and has been very interesting in the fast-changing life of education at the moment.
So much is happening at the moment that it is an exciting time to be in education, perhaps that should be challenging. I have certainly come to see what a dedicated staff we have, and how very dedicated they are to the children.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
MrS NICOLA READY
Foundation Governor, Safeguarding Governor
Declaration of Business interests: September 2024 - None.
Mrs VICTORIA ARMSTRONG
Parent Governor
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.
mrs CHANEL TITTERINGTON
Parent Governor, Health & Safety Governor
Declaration of Business Interests:· September 2024 - None.
Mr Tom Burden
Chair of Governors
Tom Burden – Parent Governor
We have two daughters both of whom have thrived here at Dean Gibson, it is an excellent school, and an extension of our faith community.
I trained to be a Primary School Teacher, but have had a career in residential care and support for children, and in around 20 years worked in 8 different childrens homes and schools.
I’ve taught therapeutic intervention for care staff, established and then ran a homeless shelter and a self-build project for young people leaving care. I’ve held a Public Office for the Ministry of Justice and have previously worked in Local Government Transformation.
I currently manage a service for the Local Authority and two Health Trusts.
I’ve been a Parent, Local Authority, Co-opted and Foundation Governor at 4 different schools.
As a family we like to spend time in the Lakes most weekends, either walking or canoeing. When I get the chance I like to spend time fixing and riding my old motorbike (mostly fixing!)
Declaration of business interests: September 2024 - Employed by Westmorland & Furness Council.
MISS A DUFFY
Foundation Governor
I became a governor as I wanted to give something back to the Catholic Education system which always supported me.
Having earned my living from a range of jobs, medical rep. to teaching; I now enjoy the freedom of retirement. It offers me the opportunity to swim most days, walk my overactive Cocker Spaniel on the fells and try new hobbies such as pottery and painting. I spend many hours at my family home in Mayo, sat on the beach with the reeks behind me and the Atlantic in front of me planning where in the world I could explore next.
Declaration of Business Interests: September 2024 - None.