Governors
Who
are the governors?
What do they do?
How do you become a governor?
What is a Governor?
A Governor is a 'critical friend' - what does this mean?
A critical friend offers support, constructive advice, listens, gives opinions, and is always ready and willing to help.
A critical friend may also challenge, ask questions, seek information, question decisions and so help to arrive at the best solutions to problems.
We are definitely not 'nodding dog' Governors!! Our Governors are an involved, interested, committed group of young, young at heart and mature, all of whom have a lot to offer Lower Park.
The experience and wisdom (hopefully!) of the more mature among us combined with the energy and enthusiasm of the newer element all working together in a positive and creative way.
We are a group of volunteers, ready and willing to give freely of our time, energy and commitment for the benefit of the children at Lower Park.
Who can be a Governor?
Anyone can. You can.. provided you are willing, have the time, enthusiasm and dedication. Watch out for Election News!
Who are the Governors?
You now have a greater opportunity to find out even more about the Governors at Lower Park. Each month you will find a new 'Meet the Governor' section on this page.
This month we say goodbye to Liz Wallace a 'retiring' governor, who has worked tirelessly for the school. On her departure she is eager to, in her own words, share some words of wisdom.
Four years ago, I received some nomination papers from Lower Park asking for nominations for the post of Parent Governor. The Government had decided to change the makeup of School Governing Bodies and so Lower Park needed to appoint an additional Parent Governor. I gave it some thought and decided that I would like to have some say in the education of my children and their contemporaries. I talked to other governors and put my name forward and that is how easy it is to become a Parent Governor!
The name Parent Governor means exactly what it says - you are a Governor who is also a Parent of a child in school at the time of your election. You are not elected to represent the views of other parents but to help (along with the staff and other governors) to maintain the highest standards throughout the school and to ensure that every child is given the opportunity of achieving their full potential. I have enjoyed my 4 years as a governor and it is with some regret that I am now departing. My youngest daughter starts the High School in September and with the experience gained at Lower Park, I would hope to offer my services as a Governor to them at some time in the near future.
What does being a Governor entail?
Does it mean lots of meetings?
"No, just a few each term.
Will I be any help?
" Most definitely, even if you don't fully understand everything at first you soon pick it up.
Do I need any specific skills?
" No, just a willingness to help in any way you can.
Should I put my name forward?
" Yes. Talk to Mr Coulson or any of the Governors if you have read this and would like to be involved. I have enjoyed my term of office and it's time for new blood to take over - good luck!
Governors Mission Statement:
Our aims are:
To
work together to maintain the highest standards throughout the school
To ensure that every child is given the opportunity of achieving their
full potential
We will carry out our duties with integrity, objectivity and honesty.
The Governors are a group of forward thinking pro-active people who involve
themselves in school life at all levels.
Recently the Governors of Lower Park created a new initiative and working
strategy to ensure greater success for Lower Park.
We now have half-termly meetings on an informal basis. This gives us the opportunity to discuss, debate, analyse and create. We can use these sessions to examine our working practises, or as training and development sessions. Sometimes we invite speakers so that we can learn more about current educational issues.
We
have put together this year, a folder for all future governors. This contains
all the relevant information you need in order to become a Governor of
Lower Park. The folder is available at school for anyone to see - just
ask at the office.
