Packington Church Of England Primary School

My name is Cathy Carlisle and I was appointed as a Co-Opted Governor in September 2019 with responsibility for PE. Since then I have also acquired the roles of lead governor on provision for children with SEND and the Chairmanship of the Monitoring and Curriculum Committee. I have lived in Packington for more than 35 years with my husband Nigel who is a retired Chartered Surveyor. We have two grown up children, who had a wonderful time at Packington School, and three gorgeous grandchildren who keep us busy!

As a specialist Secondary PE teacher I took time away from my career while our children were young. Following some voluntary work at Packington I was asked to work on a supply basis with the Reception class, which served as my introduction to a change of career. As a result of this I worked at Willesley primary school, as a Year 5 class teacher with responsibility for PE, for 4 years.

In 2001 I returned to Secondary PE at Rawlins Academy (a large 11 to 18 academy in Quorn). During my 18 years there, prior to my retirement, I was promoted to part of the Senior Leadership Team and Head of Year 7. So now I have retired, but not yet hung up my trainers! I was keen to get involved in the village life and being a governor at Packington will enable me to give a little back to the school.

Hi, I’m Ceris O’Connor and live in Normanton Le Heath. I joined the team of Governors as a Parent Governor in November 2025. I am a mother to two boys, one of which attends Packington School and the other due to start in September 2026.

I have been teaching since 2010, mainly in secondary education with a specialism in DT and Art but moved into primary teaching in 2023. I love working with children and educating young minds to help shape their future. I have a wealth of experience and knowledge that I bring to this role and have a strong investment in Packington School and its community.

Hi, I'm Aimee Saunt and have been a Parent Governor since December 2022. My eldest daughter started at Packington in the same year, and I have a younger daughter who will join in 2026! As well as having a daughter at the school, I live in the village with my husband Karl, who also went to Packington as a boy.

I have been lucky enough to work across several sectors. In my early career as part of a University, leading on communications and marketing, to most recently working for global manufacturer - Kellogg's. In my most recent role for Kellogg's I have lead strategy for their food away from home business, with special emphasis on the nutritional benefit for children through snacking and cereal consumption. I'm excited to support the children, school and local community in my new role and share the skills I have developed, to enhance their learning journey.

I am married to Katherine, who worked in the school for over 15 years. Our two children both attended Packington and, having recently retired from a career in Logistics Management, I am looking forward to being able to help the school fulfil its potential.

Hi, I’m Loretta Kirk and was appointed as one of the foundation governors for Packington School in November 2025. I moved to Packington in 2024 after living in Ashby for nearly 30 years with my husband and two (now grown up) daughters.

After gaining a BSc in Maths & Economics at the University of Surrey, I became an IT professional and for over 30 years, I worked as a software developer / manager for several large organisations where I gained a strong interest in supporting and mentoring team members as well as being involved in graduate recruitment schemes.

Having finished working in 2024, I now spend my free time walking my dogs, gardening, making use of the local leisure centre facilities and travelling. I am also a member of Packington Community choir.

I am looking forward to working with the other school governors and staff to help Packington School and all its pupils reach their goals and potential based on the school values.

My wife and I retired to Normanton le Heath in early 2021, with our dog. We love the area and are enjoying making new friends. We have four children and seven grandchildren. This gives us regular child-minding opportunities!

In my career, after many years in the world of finance, I changed to my first love, teaching. Although hard work, I found this very rewarding, being able to impart my enjoyment of my subject, mathematics, to a new generation.

I attended my previous church for nearly 30 years. It was a large and very active Anglican church. In the early days, we ran the children’s work for the junior school age group. I went on to lead a Home Group for some years and later still was invited onto the leadership team of the church. In my role as a Foundation Governor, I believe that my church life experience and personal faith will be important.

Now I have more time, I should like to give something back to my community and became a governor in May 2023. Supporting a new generation of children in their education and journey of faith seems an ideal pursuit.

Hi, I’m Phil White, a recently retired Vicar (ordained in 1991) and honoured to serve this school as a Foundation Governor. I was in charge of a 7-parish rural Benefice in Southwell & Nottingham for 8 years prior to retirement, one of the highlights of which was to be ex officio governor and chair for 3.5 years. I loved being part of school life and rather than lose what I had been learning, I offered myself to the Diocese of Leicester who steered me towards Packington.

I grew up in Loughborough, trained as a secondary teacher in Durham and taught Geography for 9 years in a large comprehensive school in Hull. Following this I joined Scripture Union as the NE Regional Schools Worker, which involved running residential activities, supporting teachers and pupils and encouraging church-school relationships. After 5 years I heard the call to ordained ministry in the Church of England, studied in Nottingham before serving churches in York. Later I led a church in Scarborough (St James Church & Community Arts) whilst also operating as a Lay Training Advisor in the York Diocese. In all of these roles I have always focused on working with schools.

In retirement I am enjoying keeping fit, cycling, digging my allotment, keeping up with football and rugby, and long-distance walking (I’ve done 2 Camino de Santiago pilgrimages… so far). I live in Leicester with my wife Veronica. I have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

I am Sarah Marples and have been a resident of Packington for the past 6½ years, previously living north of Derby and born in Kidsgrove near Stoke on Trent.

I am passionate about education. I am a qualified teacher, focussing on adult learners, and have spent more than 30 years in the sector as a teacher, assessor, and leader of education related businesses. I have also been heavily involved in a number of Charities, including the Derbyshire Cricket Club Foundation where, as part of my role, I was involved in organising the Women’s World Cricket Cup visit to England.

I am a mother of two daughters and a grandmother to two boys and two girls. I am very interested in understanding and supporting local communities and ensuring young people have the best start in life, whatever their backgrounds.

Formerly the Chair of two primary schools, I have strong experience and an interest in all aspects of schoolwork including acting previously as a nominee for OFSTED and gaining a Grade 1 – Outstanding for the organisation I worked for in 2014.