Our Governors

Welcome to the governor page of our website. I hope that you find it informative and useful.

The purpose of having a governing body is to:

help the school to set high standards by planning for the school's future and setting targets for school improvement
be a critical friend to the school, offering support and advice
help the school respond to the needs of parents and the community
make the school accountable to the public for what it does
work with the school on planning, developing policies and keeping the school under review
exercise its responsibilities and powers in partnership with the headteacher and staff

We recruit governors from parents, staff and the wider community, giving us a broad range of skills and viewpoints enabling us to be effective in performing our Governing Body responsibilities.

The full Governing Body meets at least once per term to receive reports and school updates from the headteacher and his senior managers. We meet in smaller committees to discuss, in detail, finance and staffing, the school curriculum, premises, health and safety aspects of the school.

Becoming a governor is a rewarding and fulfilling way to ‘give back’ to the community. If you feel that you would like the opportunity to become a school governor please contact Ms Savage, who will provide you with more information.

If you would like to ask any questions please do not hesitate to contact of our governors.

Meet the Governors

Reverend Dorothy Snowball

I am co-opted governor and enjoy very much being involved with the school and follow the amazing work that goes on at the school. It is not only the children who work very hard but also all of the staff who help to make learning an exciting and interesting experience. I am a priest in the Church of England and it is good to be among the children, staff and parents who work together to develop a strong learning environment to bring a round education for all. The governing body gives an opportunity to spend time in school and to feel very much apart of the development and learning experience.

Husnain Zamaan

Guy Brown

Guy has been a Governor at Fell Dyke since 2017. Guy is Campus Director at Northumbria University and previously Head of Department and Principal Lecturer at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University. He has previously held roles in the public and private sector in the areas of strategic marketing and economic development. Having lived in Gateshead all of his life, Guy is an active member of the local community alongside being a committee member and contributor for a range of national organisations including the Association of Business Executives and National Association of School Business Managers.

Karen Strassheim

My name is Karen Strassheim and I am delighted to be a newly appointed governor. Following a career as a Civil Servant for 23 years I decided to change career path and become a teaching assistant, getting my first job here at Fell Dyke nine years ago and can honestly say I have never looked back. I am currently working across year 5/6 and thoroughly enjoy working with all staff and the amazing children to help them reach their full potential and be the best they can be. I’m looking forward to working with the governing body to continue supporting the children in every aspect of their learning and wellbeing.

Alex Storey

My name is Alex Storey and I am thrilled to be apart of Fell Dyke’s governing body. I am currently teaching in Year 5 (Jade Class) and I am now in my 5th year teaching at Fell Dyke. I have a very keen interest in maths, sports and technology. Being a teacher at Fell Dyke is the best job in the world, I absolutely love working with our amazing and hardworking children everyday and helping them learn and achieve. I am looking forward to working with the governors to continue the progression, development and achievements of the children and staff at Fell Dyke.

Christine Smurthwaite

Hi, I’m Christine Smurthwaite newly appointed to the board of governors. I look forward to working with my fellow governors, the teachers and the children to help to deliver the school vision statement ensuring that all of the children reach their full potential by becoming content, confident and competent learners.

I am recently retired with a background in the financial sector as a business change manager and I believe I have many skills which are transferable and will support me in my role as a governor.