Sacred Heart Governing Body Pen Portraits
Mr Chris Degenhart Chair of Governors
Hi I’m Chris Degenhart and I am Foundation Governor and the English subject governor. I started as a Parent Governor having had 3 children go through the school in recent years and was keen to continue to support the school when Rachel (currently year 6) has left. Having seen Sacred Heart go from strength to strength over the years I believe we have a very special school that is a great place for children both to learn but also be supported and given the confidence and skills to be successful in the future.
Canon Christopher Cunningham
I have been a priest for 51 years, 26 of which have been spent as parish priest of Sacred Heart and Saint Alban, and throughout this time have been pleased to be a governor at Sacred Heart School. Until recently, I was also a governor at Saint Gregory’s High School but retired from that post when I reached the age of 75 years.
Prior to my life in Warrington I have always been involved in education, being a teacher of Science for 20 years and chaplain to a Sixth Form College. Music has always been a big part of my life – singing and playing instruments as well as choirmaster. In the midst of parish work I am also Catholic chaplain to Warrington hospital.
Mr Sam Rotchell
I knew from the minute I stepped foot in Sacred Heart that it was a school I wanted to be a part of. Our school is exciting, compassionate and aspirational for all pupils and I feel privelaged to be both a teacher and staff governor. I have taught here for four years having spent time in years 3, 2 and currently 1. I lead three foundation subject areas; history, geography and PSHE/RSHE all of which I love to teach and support other staff in their delivery of them. In a previous career I was a manager within a youthwork ministry on the Isle of Man as well as dabbling in work as a shepherd! I have been involved in education in various roles since 2008 and have previously served as a chair of governors in a primary school on the Isle of Man. I work hard to support the catholic life of our school and I know that as a part of a strong governing body we will continue to see our school make a huge difference in the lives of our pupils, their families and our local community.
Kathryn Berry
Currently, I am Headteacher of St Lewis’ Catholic primary school where I have been for the past two years.
Prior to this I have taught for in primary schools since 1997, firstly, at St. Anne’s Catholic primary school in Ormskirk for 16 years and then at St Teresa’s Catholic primary school in Upholland as Deputy Head until 2018. I live in Shevington near Wigan and am an active member of my parish of St Bernadette and St Marie’s as a leader of Children’s Liturgy and Eucharistic Minister.
My personal life revolves around my husband Steven and two children, Joseph and Claudia. We love city breaks, skiing and spending time in the Lake District with our large group of friends.
Mrs M Keenan
I am very pleased to be joining the Governing body of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School as a Parent Governor and I’m looking forward to contributing where I am able. Two of my three children currently attend the school and my third child is due to start school in September.
I am a Teaching Assistant at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school in Penketh and have worked in child care for over 16 years. I am involved in Sacred Heart and St Albans Parish and have been assisting with Children’s liturgy before the Covid 19 pandemic.
I am very passionate about music and art and always like to have creative projects on the go at home and at school. I also like to challenge myself through sports and running.
Mrs M Walker
I am delighted to have been appointed as a foundation governor at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School.
Although I am not a parent, I am not new to being a governor, having previously served as a Foundation Governor at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School. I currently work as a Headteacher’s Personal Assistant in a Warrington secondary school – a job which I love – and am a member of St Benedict’s parish community. I love singing, reading, and camping (even in the rain!).
I firmly believe that every single child, whatever their ability or needs, deserves to receive an excellent education in a kind and secure environment, and as a Roman Catholic, I am passionate about children receiving a faith education to provide a foundation and set of core beliefs to which they can always refer, and to support them through their life's journey.
I know for certain that Sacred Heart school is a very special place, where the Gospel values are firmly upheld, practised and taught, where the children are known and loved, and where they are supported to thrive and grow educationally, emotionally, and spiritually. I'm proud to have joined this community and really look forward to supporting the staff and the school.
Amanda King
I work as a senior executive for a technology firm and elected Cllr at Warrington Borough Council. I have lived in Warrington for 23 years and have a daughter at university. I originally trained in engineering and have a passion for community and charity work having set up and run Good Neighbours WA5 to relieve food poverty and loneliness for the elderly in the WA5 postcode area.
Sacred Heart School, for many years now has been consistent in their high standard of education along with a kind ethos towards its community and the wellbeing of all the Children. This is of great value and I would like to bring my experience, to the oversight and governance, thus helping be part of the continuing work and progress. I have known the school and many teachers for over 20 years. Being part of the community and giving back is important and hopefully I can add some value to many of the foundational subjects and various projects.
Mrs McGlinchey
I am honoured to join Sacred Heart as a parent Governor and I very much look forward to contributing to the work of the Governing Body and the wider school community. I work in education and I currently teach in a Further Education College having previously worked in primary and secondary school phases, improving PE and school sport opportunities for young people of all age ranges. I am very passionate about healthy lifestyles, physical activity and sport. I have two daughters, one of whom attends Sacred Heart and one who will attend in the near future. I am passionate for children to attend a school where they can thrive and develop in a friendly and safe family orientated environment like Sacred Heart.