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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.

  • Teaching Staff

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Head Teacher and on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee and Community and Welfare Committee

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

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

    • Mrs Clare Ritchie

      Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

      • 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.

    • Mrs Emily Martin

      Mrs Emily Martin - Year 1 Class 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.

    • Mr Mark Ashburn

      Mr Mark Ashburn - Year 5 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.

    • Miss Stacey Hodgson - Year 3 Class teacher

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

        My insiration for teaching came from my own primary schooling and the teachers who taught me. I was lucky enough to be taught in a small, rural primary school where our love of teaching was inspired and nurtured and where our teachers shared their passion for teaching us new things.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "I've got it!" A lightbulb moment from a child after persevering with something they found a bit tricky.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Hendersdon, she taught us to always believe in ourselves and brought our learning to life through her creativity. She was a real inspiration.

    • Mrs Janet Thorn

      Mrs Janet Thorn - Year 2 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

    • Ms Shannon Pennington - Year 4 Class Teacher

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

        I have always loved working with children.  They allow you to see the world differently and amaze you with some of their thoughts and knowledge. There really is never a dull moment! As a teacher I enjoy being able to say I have played my part in helping the community of our future.

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        "Is it dinner time yet?" (3 minutes into the lesson!)

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        My Year 5/6 Teacher, Mr Lucas, he was a great laugh and made everything funny.  I remember having to keep showing him how to use the computer as he was not very technological.

    • Miss Louise Mahon

      Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

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

        I enjoy the company of children, they are miniature walking miracles, full of thoughts and ideas and laughter and, at times sadness; and all of that deserves attention, nurture and peace to grow. How amazing to be able to be the facilitator of that

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        Too numerous from which to choose just one. The most recent involved a discussion about the book 'Northern Lights' by Phillip Pullman.

        Me: Let's look at some images of the actual Northern Lights.

        Child: oooo! Aren't they in Blackpool?

        Me: No, not quite.

        Or;

        Me: I used to play this game when I was small.

        Child: Oh, it must be really old then.

        Me: Sigh.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        I don't have one, although I do know the kind of teacher I don't want to be. Effective teachers put the whole child first, whatever their strengths, whatever their challenges.

  • School Management

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Head Teacher and on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee and Community and Welfare Committee

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

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

    • Mrs Clare Ritchie

      Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

      • 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.

  • School Governors

    • Mrs Sarah Tansey

      Mrs Sarah Tansey - Head Teacher and on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee and Community and Welfare Committee

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

        all through my early professional life, when I had worked in a merchant bank, in an antiquarian bookshop and in the Head Office of the Burton Goup, I still had a nagging feeling that what I really wanted to do was teach. My first teaching practice, in a tiny church school, was exhilarating and gave me that light bulb moment when I knew teaching was for me!

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        Mrs Rough, my English teacher, who brought her lessons to life by using artefacts and whose teaching was mesmerising in its delivery. She was a great role model and lived and breathed literature. Her performance in The Shadow of a Gunman at the Neptune Theatre in Liverpool remains etched on my memory.

    • Mrs Maureen Calnan - Chair Person & member of the Staffing & Curriculum and Finance & Premises 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 and the Finance and Premises committee.

      As a retired Head Teacher I 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 also been appointed as a National Leader of Governance for several years.

    • Mrs 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.

    • Mr Fr Hugh Pollock - Parish Priest and Foundation Governor on the Finance and Premises Committee

      I arrived in the parish in September 2012. This was 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.

    • Mrs 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.

    • Miss Louise Mahon

      Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

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

        I enjoy the company of children, they are miniature walking miracles, full of thoughts and ideas and laughter and, at times sadness; and all of that deserves attention, nurture and peace to grow. How amazing to be able to be the facilitator of that

      • My favourite quote from a child ...

        Too numerous from which to choose just one. The most recent involved a discussion about the book 'Northern Lights' by Phillip Pullman.

        Me: Let's look at some images of the actual Northern Lights.

        Child: oooo! Aren't they in Blackpool?

        Me: No, not quite.

        Or;

        Me: I used to play this game when I was small.

        Child: Oh, it must be really old then.

        Me: Sigh.

      • My favourite teacher was ...

        I don't have one, although I do know the kind of teacher I don't want to be. Effective teachers put the whole child first, whatever their strengths, whatever their challenges.

    • Mrs Stella Kerigan

      Mrs Stella Kerigan - Foundation Governor, Staffing and Curriculum Committee

    • Mr Scott Cormack - LA Governor, Community & Welfare Committee

    • Mrs Ann-Marie White

      Mrs Ann-Marie White - Foundation Governor, Community and Welfare Committee

    • Mr Michael Dinneen - Foundation Governor, Finance & Premises Committee

    • Mrs Suzanne Edmunds - Foundation School Governor, Staffing & Curriculum Committee

      I am Suzanne Edmunds and have 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren, 2 of which are at Dean Gibson School. 

      I was a science graduate and worked in Immunology Research untill I had my children.

      I now work part time at the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and spend alot of time with my grand children.

    • Mrs Abi Garnett - Associate School Member, Community & Welfare Committee

      I'm originally from South Wales but moved to Kendal eleven years ago.

      I qualified as a Primary School teacher and taught Reception, Year 1 and Year 4  in Primary Schools in London and South Wales.

      I became interested in special education needs and spent the majority of my career working for Action for Children with looked after children, this led me to complete my Masters in Autism.

      I now work as the SENco in Lancaster Girls' Grammar School after qualifying as a SENco in 2014.

      In my spare time I love spending time with my two boys, keeping fit, socialising, floristry, supporting Liverpool Football Club and travelling.

    • Mrs Mary Wellock - Associate School Governor, Community & Welfare Committee

      After spending 12 years nursing at Royal Preston Hospital I moved back to Kendal about 12 years ago. I now still practice as a nurse whilst raising our 2 boys with my husband Ryan. 

      As a Catholic myself and an ex Dean Gibson pupil the School was always our first choice for the boys and we are thrilled they are benefiting from the same nuturing environment where Christian values are fundamental to the ethos of the School.

      My desire to take on the role of a Parent Governor is I guess my way of saying thank you. I hope my nursing background will enable me to become a productive member of the Community & Welfare Committee.

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Contact information

Ms Shannon Pennington - Year 4 Class Teacher

Emily Martin

Mrs Emily Martin - Year 1 Class Teacher

Janet Thorn

Mrs Janet Thorn - Year 2 Teacher

Clare Ritchie

Mrs Clare Ritchie - Reception Teacher, Deputy Head and Head of School

Mark Ashburn

Mr Mark Ashburn - Year 5 Class Teacher

Sarah Tansey

Mrs Sarah Tansey - Head Teacher and on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee and Community and Welfare Committee

Mrs Maureen Calnan - Chair Person & member of the Staffing & Curriculum and Finance & Premises Committee

Louise Mahon

Miss Louise Mahon - SENCo, Safeguarding Leader, Year 6 Class Teacher & on the Staffing and Curriculum Committee

Miss Stacey Hodgson - Year 3 Class teacher

Read more about the team

Additional Information

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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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