Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Benfleet

Holy Family Catholic Primary School

School Staff

Headteacher: Mr Peter O’Kane

I'm the older one in the picture above - the other four are my sons; Thomas, Joseph, Dominic and Patrick. Behind us is Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, the ancestoral home from my mother's side of the family (or so she likes to tell us!). I think having a family of my own helps me better understand the worries, pressures and concerns of children and their parents.

I’ve been at Holy Family for the past ten years; eight of those spent as Deputy Headteacher and Class teacher. I’m very proud of Holy Family School, especially its children - there seems to be no end to their talent and innovation. It's a pleasure and an honour to be the Headteacher of such a wonderful place.

Deputy Headteacher:

Miss Jacqueline Walker

I am a former pupil of Holy Family and now in my eleventh year of working here. For this year I am non-class based with different projects, roles and responsiblities to enjoy and to challenge me.

When not at school I love to travel the world, recording the images of my journeys through my love of photography.

Class Teachers

Reception: Miss Helen Duckers

This is my second year at Holy Family and I enjoy being part of the team here.

I enjoy shopping and going to the gym. I have two ducks, three chickens and a dog called Poppy.

Year 1: Mrs Debra Mangham

I have been teaching here at Holy Family for six years, and have been the Year 1 teacher for the last five years. I enjoy coaching the school netball team and helping out with athletics during the Summer Term. I love Lindy hop and ballroom dancing as well as sailing.

Year 2: Mrs Lucy Moon

I am an ex-pupil of Holy Family School, and enjoyed teaching Reception for nine years but fancied a change, and this will be my second year in the “dizzy” heights of Year 2!

I enjoy socialising and going to the gym.

Year 3: Miss Charmaine Wheeler

Bonjour and Aloha! This will be my first year at Holy Family but my fourth year as a teacher.

I have competed for the amateur Great Britain Squad for Triathalon and Aquathlon. I run for Basildon and really love History, particularly The Tudors and Elizabeth I.

Year 4: Mr Charlie McLaughlin

I was born in London and have lived in the Parish of Benfleet for the past thirty years. Both my children attended Holy Family School.

I enjoy clay pigeon shooting and watching football.

Year 5: Mrs Noreen Hurley

Hi there, my name is Noreen Hurley and you can currently find me in Year 5. I joined Holy Family ten years ago and since then, I have had the pleasure of teaching in Reception, KS1 and KS2. Both of my children have attended this school and my son is currently in Year 6.

I originally hail from Donegal (Ireland) with its breath-taking views of the Atlantic and this is where I like to spend “me” time during the summer break

Year 6: Mr Ian Watson

I have joined the happy team here at Holy Family in September 2008 and as well as teaching Year 6, I love to coach football and rugby and will be running an after-school football club soon in the new term.

Miss Anna Duff

I have been a teacher here at Holy Family for four years, although was on maternity leave for most of last year after giving birth to my wonderful daughter, Maryse.

I will be teaching music to the children in KS1 and will be teaching the children in Year 2 every Wednesday morning and Reception on Wednesday afternoons.

KS2 Music/Orchestra: Mrs J Lilley

I have been involved with music for most of my life and have been teaching since 1982. I enjoy making music and play regularly with my string quartet. I enjoy spending time with my family, I like to read and I also enjoy gardening.

I have two cats and two pet chickens who keep me company in the garden and I have a large pond which is home to goldfish and frogs.

Learning Support Assistants

Mrs Rebecca Clark

I have been working at Holy Family for the past five years and teach ICT to all children from Year 1 to Year 6. I love animals and have a variety of pets from the pony you can see in the above picture to my corn snake, Malika!

Mrs Laura Hawkins

I have two children, both of whom have been lucky enough to be educated here at Holy Family. This is a lovely school and I feel privileged to be part of this wonderful place!

Mrs Alison Willmott

This is my sixth year at Holy Family. I am the Year 5 LSA and also teach Art to all children from Year 1 to Year 6.

I enjoy using my creative skills when at home!

Mrs Sarah Williams

This is my third year at Holy Family, where I am currently working in Reception Class. I have two children and one dog!

I enjoy socialising with my family and friends.

Mrs Jackie Davies

I’ve worked at Holy Family for two years but have helped out for many years (I’m finally getting paid for all my hard work!!!!)

I have four cats and a dog called CoCo. I love cooking, reading and going on holiday.

Mrs Cathy Calabria

I have worked at Holy Family for seven years and both my children attended the school.

I love to travel with my family, particularly to the United States.

Mrs Karen Clifton

I joined Holy Family in January 2010 and have over three years experience as an LSA.

I am a member of a local running club and also enjoy spending time with my two children aged ten and seven.

Mrs Ruth Impey

I have been involved with Holy Family for a number of years now, having had four children attend the school. I have worked here for two years and enjoy working with the children.

Mrs Helen Duxbury

I can’t believe I’m in my ninth year working at Holy Family. I am the class LSA for Year 6 and work with children throughout the school in my role as SEN Learning Support Assistant. Both my sons attended the school. I enjoy spending time with my family, shopping and going on holiday!

Mrs Tracy Murphy

This is my second year at Holy Family. One of my daughters has just left the school and already misses being part of Holy Family!

Mrs Moya Strutt

My first contact with Holy Family School came in 2002. At this time I was working in Special Needs as an LSA. I was offered the challenge of integrating a child into maintstream schooling, which proved to be very successful. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, reading, meals out

and shows. Not forgetting, of course, the company of my four grandchildren!

Mrs Lisa Bewers

My name is Lisa Bewers and I have worked here since Easter 2009. I have been an LSA for four years but have always wanted to work at Holy Family as I attended the school as a young girl(a very, very, very long time ago)! I was in the St Joseph's team so "Come on the Yellows"!

My two eldest children now attend here in Year 2 and Year 5. My third child is a year old.

I enjoy keeping fit, especially running and I have my name down for the 2010 London Marathon but will not find out if I have a place until October, so watch this space!

Site Manager

Mrs Mary Green

I have been involved with Holy Family for over twenty three years

and am now employed as Site Manager.

I enjoy being part of such a family orientated school and parish.

Office Staff

The Office Angels!

Hello, we are Susan, Lindsey and Maxine. Together we are responsible for the day to day running of this extremely busy school office, looking after the children, parents and staff. We all enjoy working here at Holy Family being part of a friendly vibrant community. Every day is different, with some days being very challenging but we are always happy to help!

Kitchen Staff & Midday Assistants

Mrs Tammy McAnulty

Hi, my name is Tammy and I have been the Cook at Holy Family for the past three and a half years. I really enjoy my job and seeing the children everyday.

Miss Shirley Saliba

Hello, my name is Shirley. I’ve been working at Holy Family for the past two years and my daughter is currently a pupil here in Year Three.

Mrs Sue O’Connor

My name is Sue O’Connor. I have been involved with Holy Family School for twelve years, having had three children go through the school. I have worked as an Assistant in the kitchen and also a school cleaner for six happy years.

Mrs Debbie Van Mellaerts

I have been a Midday Assistant for approximately five years now. I am proud to say that my two sons came to Holy Family and that my husband was part of the first intake when the school was new!

Mrs Pat Bates

Hello, I'm a Midday Assistant. I have been here for six and a half years and enjoy working with the staff and children!

Mrs Karen Hogan

I am a Midday Assistant to all the children, and have been working within the school for over five and a half years.

In my spare time I enjoy socialising and going to the gym.

Our other Midday Assistants are:

Helen Herman, Carol Webster, Elizabeth Cattrall and Angela Bradford

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