Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ page. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Our Governors

The Governors of St David’s Catholic Primary School are a hard working group of volunteers made up from across our school community.

Governors Of St David’s Catholic Primary School

Please find below information about our Governors.

Chris Law - Chair of Governors (Local Authority Governor) 

I am passionate about St David's school - our children only get one chance, so we need to ensure it is the best it can possibly be. I have over 30 years experience in finance and senior management in the public sector, with significant experience in policy and procedures, process improvement, staff management (including Union negotiation, interviewing, and redundancy.) I am Health and Safety qualified (NEBOSH), and am particularly interested in child safeguarding and ensuring all children and those with additional learning needs are supported appropriately. I am one of the trustees of the Swansea Parent Carer Forum and I run the website for Our Lady Star of the Sea Mumbles. 

Steve Smith – Vice Chair, Foundation Governor (Parish of St Benedict)

Retired Bank Manager with 40 years Finance and senior management experience in the private sector. I have been a school governor in primary and secondary schools in Cardiff and Swansea over the last 25 years. I am also a member of Swansea University Finance and Strategy Committee and also Non-Executive Chairman of Swan Global, the University’s international student joint venture with Navitas.

My three children all attended St David’s and then Bishop Vaughan receiving excellent education and have all gone on to obtain University degrees and build successful careers.

I worship at St Benedicts in Sketty and am a lay reader at mass.

The only blot on my copybook is that I am a Bluebird rather than a Jack due to my early upbringing in Cardiff!

Luisa Sohal – Foundation Governor (Parish of St Benedict)

I am a former pupil of St David’s and now a mum to two children at the school, Luca  and Matteo. I have worked in finance for the last 15 years. 

I am pleased to be a Foundation Governor for St Benedict’s Parish, where I have been a parishioner since childhood and now help with the children’s liturgy on Sundays. 

I look forward to supporting our wonderful school as a Governor.

Elizabeth Wigley – Foundation Governor (Parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea)

I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered St David's Catholic Primary School for my children. From the outset, I have been impressed by the staff's  dedication to the pupils and the enthusiasm shown for the schools ethnic diversity. My husband and I quickly decided that our two children could thrive here academically and beyond. 
Raised within the catholic faith myself, I was so pleased to find a school that shared similar values.
I am an active parishioner of Our Lady Star Of The Sea.
I have been a healthcare professional for over 10 years and I am excited to bring some of my experiences to my role as a governor. I am excited and optimistic about the future and continued success of St David's.

Lucy Griffin – Foundation Governor (Parish of St Joachim & St Anne)

I have recently been appointed as Foundation Governor for St Joachim and St Anne’s Parish,in Dunvant. where I hope to join the Reading rota and become an active member of the Parish. Children: Aodhán and Oisín Griffin Barr, aged 24 and 20, went to St David’s and then to Bishop Vaughan School. I was an active FOSDA member and ran the book stall at our bazaars with my husband, Sean, for many years. I am Area Leader for Languages at Dylan Thomas Community School and have worked with the Local Authority to build capacity in MFL at Primary level. I was previously Head of Languages Department at St Joseph’s Catholic School, Port Talbot.

Fr Michael Tega Akpoghiran OP (Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea)

Father Michael is a foundation governor appointed by the Diocese. He is parish priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Mumbles, Swansea, and Director of the Diocese of Menevia School of Evangelisation and Catechetics (DOMSEC). Father Michael has postgraduate degrees in philosophy, theology, and computer science. He is privileged to be a governor and proud of the strong Catholic ethos which St David's School embodies. 

Karen Jones – Foundation Governor (Parish of St David’s)

My sons regularly served on the Altar at St David’s and attended St David’s school. I am the Safeguarding Representative for St David’s  parish and active in parish life, counting, cleaning and serving teas and coffee on Sunday. I am a solicitor by training and until recently worked for a large third sector organisation providing homes, care and support. I  volunteer with a number of Charities and am a keen, continuing and still struggling Welsh Learner.

David Cushion – Foundation Governor (Parish of St David's)

I have been associated with St David’s school for over twenty years as a parent. Our three children, Thomas, Bethan and Steffan spent several happy years at the school before transferring to Bishop Vaughan.

I spent thirty three years working in catholic education. I started teaching in  London and was Head of History in St Thomas More school before moving back to Wales as Head of History and Head of Sixth Form at Bishop Vaughan. I have experience as an Estyn Peer Assessor and school inspection nominee. In 1996 I become Deputy Head and subsequently acting Headteacher at Corpus Christi High school in Cardiff.

Following retirement in 2014 I worked as a consultant in Blaenau Gwent as part of the Schools Challenge Cymru programme. 

I attend St David’s Priory, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and I have recently become a Foundation Governor at Bishop Vaughan School.

Christy Kennedy – Parent Governor

Hello, everyone! I'm Christy, and I'm delighted to continue my journey as a Governor at St. David's, where my daughter Margot is thriving in Year 4. This school holds a special place in my heart, as I fondly remember my own days as a student here. With two decades of teaching experience in secondary schools under my belt, I bring a depth of knowledge and a passion for education to the table. From academic to pastoral leadership roles, I've been privileged to guide and inspire students on their educational journeys. Presently, I have the privilege of guiding young minds in Geography and Religion Values and Ethics at Pentrehafod. One thing I'm truly passionate about is Student Voice. As both a mum and a teacher, I understand the importance of creating a supportive and nurturing environment where children can thrive and learn at their best. I'm eagerly looking forward to being part of St. David's ongoing journey. With my dedication, experience, and shared values, I'm excited to contribute to our wonderful school community and help shape a brighter future for all our students.

Mrs S Chamberlain - Teacher Governor

Teacher governor for St David’s. As someone who has been educated exclusively in Catholic education, I am passionate about the Catholic faith. Both of my children attended St David’s (Max and Ava) and have many happy memories.  I have taught at the school for over 20 years and have always felt St David’s was a very special place with a special heart. 

I am currently ALNCo and have a personal interest and determination to create an education that works for all children. I am also passionate about creating an environment where all children are accepted and facilitated to be the best they can be! 

(VACANCY) - Staff Governor

Mrs R McKay – Clerk to the Governors 

I have worked in St David's since 2012, 6 years of which were in the Foundation phase Reception Class, followed by 3 years in P3 and I have loved seeing the children progress over the years. I have 2 boys who attend a Welsh speaking comprehensive school and I am passionate about the use of Welsh language in schools. It is my firm belief that children need to be happy in school in order to achieve their maximum potential.