Hi, my name is Chris Butler and I’ve been a Governor at St. Charles for over twenty five years, during most of which time I have been fortunate to be Chair of Governors of our wonderful school.

I went to primary school in Wiltshire and secondary in Fife before moving to Spennymoor in 1974 and marrying my wife Diane.

Our four children attended St Charles and then St Leonards and benefited greatly from the excellent education they received in both schools. They’ve now moved on into careers and all live away now.

Having spent most of my career in manufacturing companies, for the past ten years I have worked for Five Lamps, a Teesside based charity helping people find work and start small businesses.

I can honestly say that, despite having been a Governor for quite a while, every time I’m in school I, not only learn something new, but am constantly impressed with the dedication and professionalism of all the staff.

As a governing body we are all committed to working with Mr Burke and his team to strive for ever better achievements and quality of the school experience for every one of our children

I moved to Spennymoor just over 10 years ago, my wife (Anna) having been born and raised in the town.

We chose to move to the area ahead of starting a family as Anna was keen to bring our children up attending the same school as she had herself.

When our eldest child joined the school I was impressed by the excellent level of education offered, and the warm family friendly atmosphere and welcome received by all, and in 2013 agreed to become a Parent Governor.

After serving for 3 years as Parent Governor I was asked to take up a Foundation Governor role.

Professionally I have worked in the Information and Technology sector over 20+ years, and I am now a senior manager for a major global organisation. The technology and commitment to developing technology skills also, in my view, makes St Charles stand out as a school, and I could not think of a better place for my 2 children to grow and learn.

I feel humbled to be part of such a fantastic team.

I live in Spennymoor, worship at Tudhoe St Charles and my children attended St Charles’ School.I taught primary age children in schools across Durham before taking up a primary headship in Stockton. In August 2014, I retired from this post where I had been for the previous eleven years.

Since then, I have continued to work independently as a Primary Link Tutor to trainee teachers, who are part of Carmel School-based Initial Teacher Training programme. In addition, I work as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle’s Inspection team undertaking RE Inspections in Catholic Primary Schools.

As I have a background in Business Administration and accounting and also undertake some consultancy work in this field.

From my roots and my background in education, many of which have been in areas of high deprivation, I know how important it is for youngsters to be exposed to as many opportunities as possible to become independent, self-assured and well-rounded citizens.

St Charles offers this, every member embracing their mission. Children are our future and I passionately support any activities that help in their success.

My name is Bernadette Hill. I am the Deputy Head Teacher at St Charles. I have worked at St Charles for 16 years. I have experience in EYFS, KS1 and KS2.

St Charles has a very special place in my heart. It is where I attended as a child and where my children now attend. I have seen so many changes in the school over my long association, going from the old Victorian building to the ‘new’ building.

Witnessed several Head teachers and Deputy Heads making their mark and taking the school from strength to strength. As a Deputy Head and a Governor I hope to help support the continued success and development of a beloved school.