Nigel Patterson – Community Governor – Chair Person
I've been a school Governor for the past 14 years in primary schools in Abergavenny, working with 4 different Head teachers. I started as a Parent Governor with Park Street Infants School and within 2 years we were fighting to retain the Primary School. The school was amalgamated with Harold Road Junior School to form Cantref Primary School in the remodelled Junior School. I worked on the transition Board of Governors and was retained as a Community Governor using my professional skills as an Architect to assist with the redevelopment of the Primary School. In 2009 I was elected as Chair of Governors and we have achieved the Bronze Award for Governors as part of the pilot scheme. Last year we appointed a new Head of School and this year have taken part in the pilot scheme for the Silver/Gold Award for Governors.
Teslin Davies - Vice Chair Person
Veronica Ruth - LEA Governor
Now retired, Veronica Ruth has worked in education as a primary school teacher, local authority adviser and inspector. Her children attended Park Street and Harold Road schools. By supporting and challenging the school, she hopes to help Cantref provide the best possible education for all the children.
Richard Brunsdon - Head Teacher
I graduated from the University of Wales, Newport in 1999 following a career spanning some sixteen years with the Royal Air Force. I have been very fortunate in my teaching career, working in wonderful schools and learning from many talented colleagues. My ‘apprenticeship’ for Headship was at Cross Ash Primary under the inspirational Head teacher Isobel Busby. I spent two years at Cwmffrwdoer Primary School, Torfaen as head teacher and was delighted to take up my current role as Head Teacher of Cantref Primary School in September 2012. I consider myself very fortunate to be working with incredibly talented children and a dedicated and hard working staff.
Lara Kennedy – Teacher Governor
Donna Lane – Support Staff Governor
Paul Wadsworth - Commumity Governor
My name is Paul Wadsworth, I have lived in Abergavenny since I was 7 years old. My wife, Leanne, and I have five girls between us, Yasmina 18, Amy 13, Jenny 12, Suzie 10 and Betsy 2. Yes, all girls! Betsy is due to start our Nursery in Autumn 2015 and will be our third child to go through the school. I now run our family firm, F R Ball (Insurance) Ltd, having joined my father in 1994.
Leanne is a Learning Support Assistant at our school and I have been an Authority appointed Governor here since my election to Abergavenny Town Council in 2008. I have also Chaired our PTA, Friends of Cantref, stepping down 2 years ago to make way for fresh people, who are doing a fantastic job.
One of my Governor functions is Chair of Finance, where along with a few Governors, I work closely with Richard Brunsdon, Carol Pitt and the Local Authority to ensure as best as we can, that our school continues to meet the needs of our children.
At times the role is challenging but immensely rewarding, working for our children to start their education and preparing them for their futures.