Our Staff

Teachers

Headteacher

Our Head teacher is Mrs Wasyliw. She has a degree in geography from Durham University together with over 20 years primary teaching experience. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets!

Mrs Kowal (Class 1)

Mrs Kowal came to us in 2008 to teach Class 4; having previously worked in Lancashire. Since 2010, she has been teaching Class 1 and welcoming the new Reception children to St John’s. Mrs Kowal is responsible for R.E. and Collective Worship in school, developing our Christian ethos and education. In her spare time, she is a leader at a Guide unit, enjoys reading and loves to spend time with her young family.

Mrs Haigh (Class 2- EYFS and KS1 manager and SENCo)

Mrs Haigh joined the staff in 2013. At St John’s she is responsible for the co-ordination of key stage 1 and the Early Years Foundation Stage as well as being our SENCo. She teachers Class 2 (year 1 and year 2).  She lives locally and her interests centre around her family who are all keen cyclists and swimmers.

Miss Kersley (Class 3)

Miss Kersley is the Class 3 teacher at St John’s. She has previously worked as a Teaching Assistant across a range of years, although mainly in KS2. She enjoys teaching all primary subjects, particularly English and science. She likes to spend her free time reading and exploring the outdoors. She also has a passion for gymnastics as she trained as a gymnast for ten years.

Mrs Verry (Year 4)

Mrs Verry joined the St John's in 2015 and teaches Year 4. Most of her training and subsequent work has been in KS2. She enjoys teaching all the primary subjects but especially maths and French. In her spare time she enjoys making the most of the surrounding countryside by going on bike rides and long walks with her three children.

Mr Dewick (Class 4)

Mr Dewick has been at St John’s since September 2010 and teaches year 5 and Class 4. He has taught all year groups across key stage 2.  He also enjoys teaching sport especially cricket and football. In his spare time he plays for a local football team – Ellandians FC.

Miss Bell (Class 5- KS2 Manager and Assistant Headteacher)

Miss Bell has taught across key stage 2 and currently teaches year 6 and Class 5. She is also key stage 2 manager and the assistant head teacher. Miss Bell loves drama, dance and being creative – she is often planning an exciting curriculum day or trip for the children. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks, keeping fit and spending time with her family.

CLass organisation 

St John's has 5 classes - 2 in EYFS and Key Stage 1 and 3 in Key Stage 2. 

Children are split into their year groups of approximately 20 children for key teaching in maths and English. 

Mrs Verry teaches every morning to enable Key Stage 2 to be taught in year groups of approximately 20 pupils. 

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Wasyliw

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Miss Bell

Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator: Mrs Haigh

Mental health first aider: Mrs Wasyliw 

 Support staff

Our invaluable Support Staff include:-

Mrs Gorrill
Mrs Gorrill is a higher-level teaching assistant, working in Class 1. She is involved in special needs provision for our children and has been at St John’s for many years. 

Mrs Horner

Mrs Horner is our resident linguist and has a degree in Modern Foreign languages. She teaches French to KS2 children on Friday afternoons.

Sensei Matt Handley

Matt teaches karate to our KS2 children each Friday afternoon. He is a former British karate champion, runs a successful local martial arts club as well as being a National paralympic coach!

Mrs Worthington

Mrs Worthington works as a TA in KS1 and an admin assistant in the afternoon. She is also a mid-day supervisor and first aider. Her permanent smile makes her very popular with the children!

Mrs Lumb
Mrs Lumb is a KS1 TA, mid-day supervisor and first aider! She has been at St John’s for 19 years, initially coming in to help out when her children were here. In her spare time, she loves to listen to music.

Miss Hirst

Miss Hirst is a KS2 TA and mid-day supervisor. She is a former student of St John’s and has previously worked as a teaching assistant across a range of years. In her spare time, Miss Hirst loves to swim, spend time with her family and curl up with a good book.  

Mrs Bruce

Mrs Bruce is a mid-day supervisor and first aider. She can be found busily setting up the dining hall ready for the children's lunch.

School Office Team

Mr Benson is our Office Manager. He joined St John’s in January 2019. His previous role was Finance & Operations Manager within education, having also worked in Banking for 12 and a half years. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing cricket during the summer months.

Mrs Worthington and Mrs Hulme are the office administrative assistants. They are both cheerful and always happy to help. They also help at lunch time as part of our lunch time team.

Caretaker

Mr Denton

Mr Denton, our site manager, is a real Mr Fix-it! He turns his hand to everything to ensure our school is a safe and clean place to learn. He can be found in and around the school, the grounds and even on the roof!

Kitchen Staff