Mellis Church of England Primary School - 'To Be Our Best'

The St Edmundsbury and Ipswich multi-academy trust of which we are part has published this video explaining the role of a governor.

Do click on this link to view this if you are interested in this vital role!

Welcome to the Governing Body of Mellis CE Primary School. We are very proud of the standard and breadth of educational provision here, and we are fortunate to have a team of enthusiastic, experienced and caring staff who work hard to give every child here the best possible start to their education.

The governors and teachers value the involvement of parents in the wider life of the school, from the educational to the practical. Indeed, parental involvement is one of the aspects of Mellis School that we think make it the special place that it is, and which contributes to developing the parent/teacher/pupil relationship that is so important in helping children reach their potential.

We hope that your family will enjoy a long and positive relationship with the school and the Mellis School Governing Body.

For further details of the Governors wiithin the School, please scroll further down the page. Please also click here to go to the page on the School website with further details on Governance arrangements, including terms of offfice, meeting minutes and pecuniary interests.

To contact the Chair of Governors Mrs Jo Pitt, please use the email address

office@mellisprimaryschool.org

Finally, please click here to go to the Ipswich and St Edmundsbury Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust's website for further information on Governance Arrangements with the multi-academy trust.

I was born and grew up in London and married an RAF officer 50 years ago (1970). We have two great sons, two wonderful daughters in law and four fabulous grandchildren (now teenagers).We moved about quite a bit but came back to this area regularly. Our first house and our sons first school was in Stanton. We moved back to Suffolk in 2005 when my husband retired. I carried on working in London for a few years more as Deputy Head of a Parliamentary department My background is in management, printing and contract negotiation. Since returning to the area I have spent 4 years as a Church Warden and 6 years running a Youth Club. I used to help run Café Church and spent about 6 years doing the monthly artwork for the Messenger. I still help my husband with the distribution of the Messenger and write the occasional article. I am still trying to learn to play the piano and I am also working on drawing/painting skills.

Term of Office: June 2027

Committee memberships: Foundation Committee, Personnel and Headteacher Performance Committee, Headteacher Performance Review and Named Governor for Safeguarding

Please note that Mrs Pitt is also Chair of Governors for Wetheringett CE Primary School, also a member of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocesan MAT.

Although, I became a governor when my oldest child Emily was in Year 1, both my children (Emily and Adam) are now at Hartismere. They are very different people, but both confident and doing what is right for them, which makes me very proud. Even before becoming a governor, I became involved with the Preschool and am still connected to them, now as a director and chairperson. I am passionate about the work that preschool and school do, as I know the importance of positive early experiences in the emotional, social and academic development of children. 

In my day job, I am a Cognitive Analytical Therapist and EMDR therapist working within the NHS Adult Community Mental Health Team. I qualified as a Mental Health Social Worker in 1999, after doing a degree in Psychology at Aston University. I took work-based opportunities to train in psychological therapies - which is much easier than being a social worker and I get paid more!

I have a strong Christian faith (although, I would not class myself as religious!) and I am a leader and safeguarding lead at Parkview Chapel. I have accidentally become a volunteer for youth club at church every Friday night for high school children. I find that my roles in church, school and preschool overlap enormously as they are all concerned with improving the experiences of children and adults. 

I have found that with the help of You Tube, I can sometimes fix things around the house, such as the tumble dryer, washing machine, toilet and cooker. I find that much more satisfying than doing housework, which is futile with two dogs and two teenagers! 

Term of Office: June 2027

Committe memberships: Learning and Achievement Committee, EYFS Governor, Foundation Governor Committee

Nicky is a director of a precision engineering company, and also happens to be a dab hand with professional fireworks - always handy on Bonfire Night!

Term of Office: June 2027

Committe memberships: Vice Chair Finance (HSW) Committee

Mr Eason has joined the Governing Body in Autumn 2018, and has expressed an interest in the development of the wider curriculum.

Term of Office: September 2026

Committe memberships: Learning and Achievement

Mrs Yaxley joined the Governing Body in January 2023. For the last twenty years she has built up her knowledge in the commercial sector. She has two children at Mellis. In her spare time she is often spotted in theatres, near giraffes, in flower beds, planking, or with her head in a book. Sarah’s interests as governor are for all things theatrical, with an emphasis on English, and the psychological well-being of everyone in and around the school. 

Term of Office: Jan 2027

Committe memberships: tba

Mr Gordon joined the Governing Body in 2022, and bring his extensive experience in accountancy and business to the skill sets of the Governing Body

Term of Office: Jan 2027

Committe memberships: Finance, Admissions

My son is at Mellis, as have various other members of my family! I have many years experience of working with children and have a passionate interest in SEN needs. I am on my own personal weight loss and fitness journey which I am finding incredible. I am feeling excited to start my new role as a governor and support the school. 

Term of Office: April 2028

Committe memberships: TBC

Mrs Chubb has very recently joined the Governing Body, and brings amongst other things professional SEND experience.

Term of Office: April 2028

Committe memberships: TBC

Mrs Floyd has worked at Mellis as our Year 2 teacher for her five years, and in a moment of madness decided to make the jump to year 5 and then year 6 and governorship in one fell swoop! Famed for her organisational skills, she is also responsible for English and Assessment within the School, as well as being its inestimable Deputy Head!

Term of Office: September 2026

Committe memberships Learning and Achievement Committee.

Paul has been a governor at Mellis for the best part of 15 years, and has seen the school grow from four to seven classrooms during that time. He is also the headmaster, for his sins. When not obsessing about aircraft in general, he divides his time between his family and school . . and that's about all there's time for!

Term of Office: until death or resignation, whichever comes first.

Committee memberships: All