Meet The Governors

Risley Avenue Primary School provides an excellent education and a fantastic range of ex-curricula activities to all its pupils.

The school is a focal point for the diverse local community and is supported by an active and engaged Governing body. 

There is an excellent working relationship between the governors, parents and staff who all share an ambitious vision for the school and are committed to achieving it.  For all of us the children are our greatest assets and we all share the view that the education of our children should enrich the lives of our pupils not just academically but in all respects. We strive to meet the needs of all our children so that when they leave Risley they can look forward with confidence to develop themselves and others as they advance to the next stage of their lives.   

• Roland Hall
  Chair of Governors
  Roland Hall

  I work as the Editorial Director of the Entertainment department in a busy publishing house in central London. The fundamental skills of my job are based on literacy and numeracy, and I have worked in the publishing industry for more than 20 years. I was self-employed for a number of years and I worked and lived in the United States and France as well.
  
  Outside of work, I love reading and try to instil a love of it in both of my children. Also, I believe in the benefits of physical exercise: I really like cycling and I have studied (and now teach) a martial art for 15 years. I am a big football fan too. My household is multi-cultural, my wife came to England from France and my children are exposed to French language and culture on a daily basis. I love the lively atmosphere at Risley and I want to help the staff give the pupils here the best teaching and opportunities - they possibly can.

• Jamie Cross
  Vice Chair of Governors
  Jamie Cross

  I grew up in London attending local authority schools in Islington, Hackney and Camden before moving to Bristol to study for a degree in Mathematics. I was then elected into a two year term as a leader of my students' union representing all 23,000 Bristol University students to the University and government on issues relating to equal access to education. During my term I served as a trustee and company director of the charity, and a trustee of the University. I now currently work at the Local Government Association which acts as the collective voice of local government. In my spare time I am a keen runner and during the summer I volunteer for an LGBT+ Leadership summer camp in the USA. I am thrilled to have been asked to join the Board of Governors and am excited to get involved in this great school!

• Linda Sarr
  Headteacher
  Linda Sarr

  My name is Mrs Linda Sarr and I am currently the Headteacher of Risley Avenue Primary School. I previously worked as Executive Headteacher of St Ann's Primary School in South Tottenham and St Michael's Primary School in Wood Green. I live in Wood Green with my husband and two sons who both attend Haringey Schools. My hobbies include cooking, swimming, travelling and walking. I'm absolutely passionate about improving the life chances of our young people in Haringey. As a youngster, growing up in a Nottinghamshire mining town, I encountered many barriers to moving forward with my own learning and personal development. I strive to ensure that all pupils in my care reach their full potential through exposure to exciting and engaging opportunities, brought about through good and outstanding teaching and learning.

• Marion Makonnen
  Parent Governor
  Marion Makonnen

  I am a parent governor of two boys, one whom is still a student at Risley Avenue School. I have been a governor here since 2010 and have fully enjoyed my years of Governorship - learning alongside my children. Four years ago after completing a Community leadership programme with Living Under One Sun (LUOS), I set up a food growing project in the school garden where every pupil between years 1-6 have the opportunity to grow and harvest vegetables. This year they were able to hold harvest day using their own produce. Watching the children plant seeds, water them, watch these seeds grow through the different seasons then seeing the joy on the children's faces as they reap the fruits of their labour is truly a wonderful thing to behold a true lesson about life!

  I run my own business and practice out of a local Medical Centre as a Holistic Health Consultant specialising in Medical Herbalism for which I hold a BSc Hons. and am also a NLP Master Practitioner. I work alongside other local and national organisations to deliver health programmes to the wider community and am part of a community growing group in Tottenham Hale. I run health and nutrition workshops in schools and the wide community and also deliver lectures on Black history and culture including Rastafari, African Caribbean storytelling and drumming. The female cultural drumming and dance group which is run by myself and my husband has supported many initiatives including anti-gun and knife events in the local community as well as performing at events such as 'International Human Rights Day' held by the Commonwealth Secretariat in St James Palace. I am also regularly requested to do Jamaican Stories at the Jamaica High Commission for school children during their end of year Jamaica Christmas programmes. In 2011 I was honoured by Haringey's Mayors Office as an 'Unsung Hero' for services to the community.

• Cllr Anne Stennett
  Local Authority Governor
  Cllr Anne Stennett

  I was born in Stroud Green and have lived in Haringey most of my life. I attended Haringey schools as have two of my children. My first job was in the voluntary sector, but I later re-qualified and am now a Partner in a North London Law Practice. In 2010, I was elected on to Haringey Council for White Hart Lane Ward. I'm involved in local charities and am very proud to be a Governor at Risley Primary school.

• Cllr Anne Waters
  Co-opted Governor
  Cllr Anne Waters

  I have lived in Haringey for more than 30 years, I brought up my family here and my two grown up children still live in Haringey. I helped manage a community centre for many years and have been a labour councillor in Wood Green since 2010.

  I have always believed that a good start in a good primary school is the best start to life.

  During my spare time I like to spend time with my grandchildren and work on my allotment.

• Luul Hamza
  Parent Governor
  Luul Hamza

  I have been a parent at Risley for the past 9 years and have been a Governor for 3 years. I am on the community, health and safety and premises committees. I am part of the FFR (Friends and Family of Risley) and am about to start volunteering to read with the children weekly.

• Swinder Singh
  Associate Governor
  Swinder Singh

  Shortly after my two sons started attending Risley in 2012, I became very aware of wanting to have more input into their daily lives here. I started doing some of the training courses that were on offer to Risley parents and then started volunteering as a Creche Worker and SMSA.

  I continued with my studies and am now working full time with children with special needs. The school has been fantastic at supporting me through my training.

  I became a parent governor in 2013 and have recently been promoted to Staff Governor. I am also on the health and safety and premises committee. Being a Governor has taught me a lot about the way schools are run and how the education system works. I feel being a Governor is a very important role. It's interesting getting to know the school and learning the way things work. I also really enjoy having contact with other parents and am always happy to listen and give advice where needed.

  It's been an honour to be so involved with the school and I'm really proud of the things I've achieved since being a parent here.

  When I'm not at school, I enjoy socialising with friends and keeping fit.

• Sandra Salazar D'eca
  Parent Governor
  Sandra Salazar D'eca

  I have a young son who attends the school and I joined the Governing Body in early 2018 as a parent governor. I am active in the school and the local community, as a community engagement horticulturist. At Risley I am known as the 'flower lady' by the children!My journey into horticulture began when I became a new mum and wanted to introduce a healthy and balanced life style to my family. My passion for all things Nature grew as I explored this symbiotic relationship and connection between Nature, the Environment and Life.I went on to development my skills in this field, working with some amazing and successful organisations before starting my own organisation, where I continue to promote Nature as a learning and educational tool. I wish to one day play a part in making outdoor learning as part of the National Curriculum.I have a degree in Interior Design and I have worked in the creative industry for over 15 years, mainly commercial, retail and tv/music.In my spare time I like to explore the countryside, gardening, listening to music and spending quality time with my family!

• Josh Middleton
  Co-Opted Governor
  Josh Middleton

  I grew up and attended university in Yorkshire, before moving to London in 2016 to complete the Teach First Leadership Development Programme at a school very similar to Risley Avenue in Enfield. I am now a Year 6 teacher and Maths Coordinator at a primary school in Stoke Newington, Hackney. I am passionate about ensuring all children, regardless of their background, are provided with a first-class education.

  Aside from teaching, I enjoy reading, cycling and keeping fit. I am a huge football fan and try and attend Liverpool home games whenever possible. Before beginning my career in education, I spent time travelling and have visited over twenty countries. I try and make the most of the school holidays and visit as many new places as possible.

  My wish is that I can put my experience and knowledge to use, to ensure all children at Risley Avenue are getting the best educational experience possible. I am very much looking forward to getting involved at this lovely school!

• Priya Veerasami
  Parent Governor
  Priya Veerasami

  My name is Priya Veerasami and I have been a Parent Governor at Risley Primary Avenue School since 2016. I have been a Secretary for the Friends & Family of Risley (FFR) since I became a member.

  I have enjoyed the involvement in school life and enjoy supporting and being engaged in fundraising for the school. I also enjoy working with other parents, teachers and staff to further improve the school.
  

  I am a Careers Adviser working at the Job Centre where I work with the public, my skills and knowledge enable me to work with other parents in promoting Risley and making it a successful and bright school.

• Diane Bell
  Parent Governor
  Diane Bell

  My name is Diane Bell and I'd like to start by saying I am an extremely proud mother of six beautiful daughters and two awesome granddaughters. I am a hard working, passionate and creative person with a keen eye for detail. I believe my parenting skills, previous involvement in the school with Family and Friends of Risley, being a member of the Parent/Staff Choir and a reading volunteer has prepared me to be an asset to the school community. Risley has been a big part of my life since 2013 and has done a tremendous job for my daughter, previously a student of Risley, helping her with her confidence and success, setting a solid foundation for her. I look forward to be a part of the progress in helping the success of all Risley students.

• Sandra Young
  Co-Opted Governor
  Sandra Young

• Angelo Karvelas
  Co-Opted Governor
  Angelo Karvelas

• Sarah Thomas
  Co-Opted Governor
  Sarah Thomas

• Beverley Treasure
  Associate Governor
  Beverley Treasure

• Deka Hashi
  Parent Governor
  Deka Hashi

• Mervin Armoogum
  Associate Governor
  Mervin Armoogum