John O’Leary – Headteacher

My name is John O'Leary and I am the Headteacher at Asterdale Primary School 

I am excited to work alongside the Senior Leadership Team and Governing Body to further improve Asterdale through fostering our shared 'Together we can' vision and supporting all stakeholders to uphold excellence in all that we do.

I have experience in curriculum development, assessment analysis and an interest in using recent research to further improve teaching and learning strategies including metacognition in the classroom so that all learners achieve their absolute best.

My teaching passions including reading for pleasure, being active and outdoor learning to enrich experiences wherever possible.

I have taught across all year groups and believe that all children can achieve personal and academic success in a welcoming and supportive environment. Asterdale's ethos and vision for education matches my own beliefs that all learners can strive for success.

I look forward to working in partnership to bring further successes to Asterdale in the future.

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Gabrielle Hulse – Chair of Governors

My name is Gabrielle, I am a Parent Governor at Asterdale Primary School. I work as a hair stylist and have been in the profession for over 15 years in numerous roles including Salon Management and mentor to apprentices, now successfully running my own small business.

Since my two children began attending Asterdale, I have become an active member and now treasurer to the PTFA, having a large part in organising events and fundraising for the school. It’s a role I thoroughly enjoy and find the impact that it has on the school and the children very rewarding.

Being on the Governing Board I hope to help our children and staff excel and succeed throughout their journey here at Asterdale by helping and supporting them to achieve their goals, and by being an approachable member of our school community.

 

Karen Bilsby - Parent Governor

As a parent of an Asterdale child, I am proud and delighted to have recently joined the Board of Governors.

Originally from the North West, I settled in Derby over 20 years ago.  My working background is in the world of charities, having worked in fundraising for Cancer Research UK and 3 hospices during a career spanning over 20 years. In my last role in this sector, I was responsible for managing a chain of hospice shops across the East Midlands – a role as complex as it was rewarding. 3 years ago I made the move across to the NHS where I now work in one of the country’s largest NHS trusts. 

When I am not at work, you will usually find me with my head in a book, singing along to country music, or trying my best not to lose at board games.

I know I am joining Asterdale’s Governing board at an exciting time, when the school is on a journey of improvement and helping all our children reach their full potential – not just educationally, but as individuals with unique talents and attributes.  I look forward to joining my fellow parent governor in bringing the voice of our children, their parents, carers & families to the board. 

 

Maxine Bull - Governor

I am proud to be a governor at Asterdale that has a vison for ‘Everyday Excellence’ and high expectations for all. I strongly believe in the right for all children to access high quality education in a setting where they can thrive and develop a passion for lifelong learning

I bring extensive experience working in education for more than 45 years. I have worked across a wide age range from early years to secondary within Derby schools and Local Authority and beyond. Examples of roles have included SENCo, executive headteacher, school improvement adviser and lead, governor and as a National Leader of Education. I am currently an independent Education Consultant working with both maintained schools and academies.

I have a variety of specialisms and interests to include the development of early reading and writing, English as an additional language, early years foundation stage, SEND and dance. I value the importance of research based led practice and projects, working collaboratively with other professionals locally and abroad. I have maintained links with a small nursery school in a fishing village in Sri Lanka for 20 years and with Creative Artists explored Early Years settings in Italy. I am learning Spanish in my spare time and love dance shows and musicals.

 

Joshua Seaman - Staff Governor

I am a primary school teacher and Governor at Asterdale Primary School, where I currently teach in Year 6. Alongside my role as a class teacher, I am the school’s Personal Development Lead and PSHE Lead, helping to shape opportunities that support children’s personal, social and emotional development and prepare them for life beyond primary school.

I am passionate about creating a school where every child feels valued, supported and encouraged to develop their confidence, aspirations and understanding of the wider world. My work focuses on promoting wellbeing and a holistic approach to each child, recognising the importance of supporting their emotional, social, physical and personal development. I believe that when children feel happy, safe and confident, they are better able to learn, grow and achieve their potential.

I am excited to delve further into supporting Asterdale from a governor’s point of view, bringing my experience as a teacher and school leader to help contribute to the continued development of our school. I am particularly proud to represent our staff, children and wider community, ensuring their voices and interests are reflected with pride as we continue to make Asterdale the best possible place for our children.