Monks Eleigh CEVC Primary School

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a Parent Governor since October 2010, and Chair of Governors since 2011. My daughter is in Year 3 at Monks Eleigh and I joined the governing body because I have been so impressed by the warm atmosphere of the school and the dedication of the staff. I therefore wanted to give my full support to the continuing development of the school.

What do you like best about the school?

How every child seems so keen to help each other.  The older children are caring and nurturing towards the younger ones and they have genuine care and respect for one another.

What was your favourite school dinner?

I remember the fab puddings - Semolina with jam was lovely although the best treat was the chocolate crunch!

What’s your favourite children’s book?

Can I have two? I adored ‘Secret Water’ by Arthur Ransome. It is set in Essex, and my cousin and I did try to copy the book, we did both borrow a dinghy and set off out to sea to explore and draw our own map! Secondly, I defy anyone to not laugh out loud when they read the chapter about playing Pooh sticks in Winnie the Pooh by A A Milne. A great and timeless book.

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a governor at Monks Eleigh School for 14 years. My 3 children were all taught at Monks Eleigh and enjoyed a wonderful start in life. Since they left I have remained actively involved in the school and Chair the finance committee. The school has strong links with the Local Community and I think this is invaluable, especially in rural areas.

What was your favourite school dinner and what’s your favourite children’s book?

I enjoyed Shepherds Pie in my school days for lunch, and my favourite childhood book, was Stig of the Dump by Clive King, a timeless story about a unique friendship. The book has just enough mystery and adventure to still be a real page turner.

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a Governor since November 2012. I live with my family in Monks Eleigh and think it is important to support our local school. Prior to joining the ME board of Governors I was Vice Chair and parent governor at Boxford Primary School. I decided that I would like to support the staff and Governors at Monks Eleigh who I know are a dedicated and friendly team.

What do you like best about the school?

The school is lovely and light and in beautiful grounds which help to support the calm atmosphere which is created by staff and pupils.

What was your favourite school dinner?

I have to agree with Merle the Chocolate Crunch was a highlight and it really is only at school that you get strange coloured custard.

What’s your favourite children’s book?

I simply cannot pick one but here are some of my current favourites. Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson is great, Astrosaurs and Cows in Action by Steve Cole, Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan and of course all the Harry Potters. I may have to regualry update this section of my profile.

Why did you become a governor?

I am the staff representative on the governing body and have been a governor since joining the staff at Monks Eleigh Primary School in September 2002. It is a privilege to serve as a governor at the school and I have enjoyed learning more about the role and responsibilities during the last ten years.

What was your favourite school dinner?

When I was at primary school I went home to have lunch. Our favourite lunch was (and still is) cheese on toast!

What’s your favourite children’s book?

I have always loved reading and listening to stories. I was ill a lot as a young child and my Mum tells me that I was always asking for her to read to me, especially the Mary Plain stories about a Bear and my Nan used to tell her grandchildren amazing stories about Peter the dog. When I was old enough to read to myself, I read every Enid Blyton Book I could get my hands on, but especially loved the Famous Five Series.

Why did you become a governor?

I became the Executive Head following an approach from the Governors in 2010. I took on the role because I was very impressed with the Governors enthusiasm, commitment and support for the school. Monks Eleigh is a very special local village school that deserves a bright future and the opportunity to lead the school into a new era was too good to miss. Developing the relationship between Boxford and Monks Eleigh has been central to the development of the federation and is something that I am committed to developing further as we move into the future.

What was your favourite school dinner?

As far as school dinners go all I can remember is laughing at a friend who when offered custard said 'one lump please!' I am not sure but I think we ended up with a detention.

What’s your favourite children’s book?

My favourite books as a child were the children's classics. I particularly enjoyed Alice in Wonderland and the Wind in the Willows.

Why did you become a governor?

I became a governor of the school for two reasons; The first was that i had just retired from forty years in project management, have worked with children through gymnastic clubs for over thirty years and secondly as the Community Hall Project Manager I felt that it would be a very strong and useful link for the community and school. I was asked by Alison Russell, who I have the greatest respect for and wanted to ensure that the project succeeds. Anyone who knows me will understand my nick name of Grumpy!

What was your favourite school dinner?

My favourite school meal was shepherds pie and greens followed by semolina with jam on top.

What’s your favourite children’s book?

My favourite book was Treasure Island. I believe in Dragons and Santa Claus as I have a very vivid imagination which often gets me into Trouble.

About Revd Carol Mansell

Carol Mansell has been appointed Priest-in-Charge Monks Eleigh with Chelsworth and Brent Eleigh with Milden and Kettlebaston. Carol was installed by the Bishop of Dunwich on 6th March 2013 at St Peter's Church Monks Eleigh.

Why did you become a governor?

I became a governor many years ago after so many years involvement with the school, which I had always enjoyed. I first came as a parent 40 years ago, and was involved with the school for seven years in this role. When I had retired from full-time teaching at Bildeston school, I was employed as a Supply Teacher at Monks Eleigh School, and it proved to be an extremely satisfying role. I had to resign from my first session as a Governor when I was unable to help in any way because of a back problem. However, I rejoined a few years later, and became Chair of Governors. At the time of the Federation, Merle and I swapped positions for the new era, so that Merle is now Chair of Governors, and I am Vice-Chair. I find the role of Governor rewarding, and enjoy being part of a dedicated team of both Staff and Governors.

What was your favourite school dinner?

This is a difficult choice, as I love my food! I think will go for quiche, salad and chips, as I can eat that at any time.

What’s your favourite book as a child?

You are talking about a long time ago! I do remember that I always loved reading and re-reading the Beatrix Potter books and The Wind in the Willows, and that love carried on through my own children and grandchildren.

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a Parent Governor since 2010. My son is in Year 4 at Monks Eleigh and I joined the governing body because I wanted to work to ensure the future of the school in our community. I see the role of the governor as supporting teachers, parents and pupils in creating an outstanding learning environment today and in the future...

What do you like best about the school?

The school has a fantastic community spirit that generates a tremendous sense of welcome and care for all children and parents. This spirit has seen us through some challenging times and enabled us to build a sustainable plan for the future.

What was your favourite school dinner?

All the dinners were so inspiring that I wanted to be a chef and create my own menu of burgers, chips and beans (well until I was 10!!)

What's your favourite children's book?

My earliest memories are of the AA Milne books “When we were very young” and “When we were six” before I graduated to Winnie the Pooh. These memories were special as I remember having the books read to me by my Grannie and my mum inspiring me to make reading and books a special thing for my children.

Why did you become a governor?

I have been a Parent Governor since 2011. My reason for becoming a Governor was because I wanted to help Monks Eleigh School with its federation and selection of a new Head Teacher. Since then I have become involved with the web site, and also developed a close relationship with Acorns Class, being the Governor for that area.

What do you like best about the school?

I like the fact that Monks Eleigh is a small school where we all know each other well. I believe that the level of education that this environment provides is of huge benefit to the pupils. The federation with Boxford is important to me as well, because it gives my son (in year 4) the opportunity to play and learn with a bigger peer group, helping him gain the confidence and experience that will be invaluable when starting senior school.

What was your favourite school dinner?

School dinners were not the best in the 1970’s but I do remember chocolate sponge and pink custard! Yum.

What's your favourite children's book?

I love ‘Stick Man’ by Julia Donaldson; I love the illustrations and adore the story. It makes me very emotional.

Why did you become a governor?

I have worked in schools for the last fifteen years and was very impressed with Monks Eleigh School. I was delighted to be asked to become a Governor to help the Head teacher and staff provide the best education for all the pupils.

What do you like best about the school?

The way it encourages the children to develop the skills and self-confidence that will enable them to be caring members of our school family and the wider community.

What was your favourite school dinner?

Sorry I can only remember the horrible spam fritters!

What's your favourite children's book?

Heidi by Johanna Spyri, I cried buckets reading this lovely classic story.