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The Team

The team at Dean Gibson will go above and beyond to help your child achieve their full potential both academically and emotionally.

  • Dean Gibson Catholic Primary School

    • Lindsey Stephenson - Parent Governor, Community and Welfare Committee

      I joined the Governing body in September 2012, so I am also a newcomer, however I was a governor at Kendal Nursery for 4 years, so had a good idea of what I was letting myself in for! About me - I am married to Dan and we have 2 children at Dean Gibson, we also have a cat, 2 goldfish and a hamster (not at Dean Gibson!).

      I currently work as a Commissioning officer for Children's services with a focus on Emotional Health and Wellbeing and previously have been involved in Healthy Schools. I have a strong belief that a happy, healthy child is an achieving child in every sense. I obviously have a vested interest as a Parent Governor as my children are here, but think that every child has the right to a nurturing and positive school experience that builds a their self esteem and a belief in themselves, enabling them to be the best they can be. As a parent governor and as a member of the community and welfare committee I see my role as ensuring that we look at the whole child and work in partnership with the whole school community to make a difference to all the children and families in our school.

  • Teaching Staff

    • Mrs Emily Martin

      Mrs Emily Martin - Reception Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I love spending time with children and want to help educate and mold the next generation.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Vaughan - she really inspired me to have a love of learning.

    • Mrs Clare Ritchie

      Mrs Clare Ritchie - Year 1 Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I'm proud to say that my interest in, and love of, working with children comes from my Mum. She showed me that you can make a difference in the life of all children by nurturing their enthusiasm for learning.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        As a proud past pupil of DG, my favourite teacher was Miss Dobson, she inspired a love of reading and books in me.

    • Ms Louise Mahon - Y2 Class Teacher

    • Mrs Rachel Battersby

      Mrs Rachel Battersby - Assistant Head, SENCo and Year 3 Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        My Mum taught all her life in the primary setting and my Grandfather was a Primary Headteacher.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "My Dad lived in the olden days!"

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My favourite teacher was Mrs Wilkinson (she had a fairy who watched us from behind the blackboard - honest!)

    • Mr Mark Ashburn

      Mr Mark Ashburn - Year 4 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        During year eleven work experience I was placed in a primary school and enjoyed every minute of it so decided to pursue a career in teaching. Having some great teachers during my school years inspired me to become a teacher.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        “Mr Ashburn, watch out it’s going to fall….!”
        (seconds before a Science experiment went wrong.)

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My primary school teacher Mrs Bates was my favourite teacher because she brought topics to life and inspired a love of learning. She was also cheerful and caring, two key attributes a teacher must have.

    • Mr James Duffin - Year 5 Class Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        My teachers at primary school really inspired me. I have wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember and I think it is because of their enthusiasm and how much I enjoyed being at school.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        At the end of one of my teaching practises, I told the children I would be going home to spend Christmas with my family.

        Child A: Do you have a wife Mr Duffin?
        Me: No I don’t.
        Child B: Aww. You just need to find somebody to love

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mr Prescott. He was my Head teacher and my teacher in year 6. He was always really energetic and made all my lessons really fun to be in.

    • Mrs Janet Thorn

      Mrs Janet Thorn - Year 6 Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I found school hard. I couldn't read and that made everything difficult. When I went into Junior 2 (Year 4) I had Mrs Bamber as a teacher. She diagnosed me with dyslexia. After that I was given special teacher who helped me develop strategies so I could learn to read. All of a sudden things started to become clear to me. School became easier and I caught up with those around me. I want to be like Mrs Bamber, to help all children enjoy school.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        I thought Year 6 would be hard, but it's also quite fun.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Bamber

    • Mrs Laura Marshall - PPA Cover Teacher

      I have been at Dean Gibson since 2008 and I taught in Year 5 and Year 2 before taking on the role as a ppa cover teacher.

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        I have always been interested in teaching and spent a lot of time volunteering in primary schools when I was doing my GCSE’s and A-levels. At university I was asked to help design and run workshops for the Liverpool children’s library service linking with ancient history for primary schools. I loved it so much I instantly knew that that was what I wanted to do.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Kirk who by coincidence did teach at Dean Gibson in the past. She was energetic, passionate and I am still in contact with her now.

    • Norah Mercer

      Norah Mercer - Head Teacher

    • Miss Stephanie Whitby - Year 3 Class Teacher

  • School Management

    • Norah Mercer

      Norah Mercer - Head Teacher

    • Mrs Rachel Battersby

      Mrs Rachel Battersby - Assistant Head, SENCo and Year 3 Teacher

      • I was Inspired to become a teacher because ...

        My Mum taught all her life in the primary setting and my Grandfather was a Primary Headteacher.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "My Dad lived in the olden days!"

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My favourite teacher was Mrs Wilkinson (she had a fairy who watched us from behind the blackboard - honest!)

  • School Governors

    • Norah Mercer

      Norah Mercer - Head Teacher

    • Maureen Calnan - Chair Person and also a member of the Staffing Curriculum Committee

      I have been a school governor for approximately 20 years. At the present time I am Chair person of Dean Gibson as well as serving on the staffing and curriculum committee.

      As a retired head Teacher one would suppose that I had had enough of education and all the political changes that go with it, but I am passionate about Catholic schools and the ethos that they pass on to each generation of children. My children and grand children have had and have the privilege of attending Roman Catholic schools.

      I continue to keep up to date with educational change and trend by working for the Diocese ( when they call me)! On a voluntary basis. I have recently been appointed as a National Leader of Governance.

    • Gill Scanlan - Parent Governor, Community and Welfare Committee

      I was born and brought up in Central Scotland and moved south of the border back in 1996. Soon after, I met my husband and after a few years back in my homeland we settled with our 2 (at the time) children in Kendal, Des’s territory.

      I now have 3 children all at Dean Gibson and lead, as many of us do, a busy life juggling work, school and play! When not in either ‘work’ or ‘mum’ mode, I enjoy a good run, a good book and a good glass of wine (although not all at the same time!).

      My role is as a Parent Governor and so I understand the concerns that other parents might have. As my children all attend the school I have a vested interest in helping to make the school run well and offer my enthusiasm and commitment to the team. I’m well suited to my position on the Community and Welfare committee as I work in a healthcare profession which gives me insight and empathy when people need help and I try to always offer a balanced viewpoint.

    • Fr Hugh Pollock - Parish Priest, Finance and Premises Committee

      I am a relatively new member of the Governing Body as I only arrived in the parish in September 2012. This is also my first experience of Primary School for many years and has been very interesting in the fast-changing life of education at the moment.

      So much is happening at the moment that it is an exciting time to be in education, perhaps that should be challenging. I have certainly come to see what a dedicated staff we have, and how very dedicated they are to the children.

    • Rachel Battersby - Staff Governor, Staffing and Curriculum Committee

      I am currently Assistant Headteacher, SENCo and Class 2 Teacher. These strategic roles enable me to contribute to Governing Body matters due to the ‘in house’ insight I have of both staff and curriculum areas. With a history in theatre, strong communication skills mean I am able to liaise with a wide variety of people in differing situations. This has proved useful in my roles in school in order to facilitate conversations with staff, parents and outside agencies alike.

      Having previously worked in a wide variety of roles prior to teaching; such as recruitment, PA, sales and in running my own business, I have found many of the skills developed in such employment are transferable to teaching and leadership within the school setting.

    • Catherine Rumney - Foundation Governor, Finance and Premises Chair Person

      I moved to Kendal fifteen years ago with my Husband Tim and we now have three beautiful girls (two currently at Dean Gibson and one on the way!).

      Since completing a degree in Fine Art Painting at Newcastle University I have had a varied career in commercial design and have enjoyed exploring all of the new media opportunities that have arrisen as a result of the changing technology landscape. In the past ten years I have built up a creative agency of my own and employ a team of talented people, delivering services to businesses across the UK.

      It is my experience in running this business that I beleive allows me to contribute to the Finance and Premesis Committee. As MD of a small business and an employer I need practial skills in negotiation, budget management, people development and strategic planning.

      Like so many parents I lead a hectic life so I enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine and good book and growing my own veg.

    • Nicola Ready - Foundation and Link Governor, Chair of Community and Welfare with responsibility for Safeguarding & Protecting Children

      I have been on the Governing Body since September 2010 as a Foundation Governor.

      Currently, I chair the Community & Welfare Committee, and have the roles of Link Governor and Safeguarding & Protecting Children. I have two children; both have attended Dean Gibson School, as did I!

      I am employed by Adult Social Care, South Lakes and previously worked for Kendal College. My experience as a parent, together with my employment skills have allowed me to contribute to our conscientious Governing Body.

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Additional Information

Our customers say...

  • “My Children have been so happy since joining Dean Gibson. The School recognises that every child is individual and has different needs. I love the way the school tailors its teaching to both encourage and challenge every child in different ways. ”

     (March 2013)
Read more testimonials

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Dean Gibson Primary School, Hawesmead Avenue, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5HB
Telephone: 01539 723363. Email: admin@deangibson.cumbria.sch.uk
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