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.
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Roland HallChair 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 CrossVice 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!
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Linda SarrHeadteacher
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.
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Swinder SinghAssociate 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.
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Josh MiddletonCo-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!
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Priya VeerasamiParent 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.
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Diane BellParent 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.
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Sandra YoungCo-Opted Governor
Sandra Young
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Angelo KarvelasCo-Opted Governor
Angelo Karvelas
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Sarah ThomasCo-Opted Governor
Sarah Thomas
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Beverley TreasureAssociate Governor
Beverley Treasure
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Natalie CareyParent Governor
Natalie Carey
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Mervin ArmoogumAssociate Governor
Mervin Armoogum
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Ann WatersCo-Opted Governor
Ann Waters
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Deka HashiParent Governor
Deka Hashi