Governors

Martina Graham - Chair

I have two sons at opposite ends of their Garlinge journey, and my daughter is in the nursery class. My eldest son joined Garlinge in reception, a year after we moved to Margate from North London. Our time at the school has been overwhelmingly positive. We have been incredibly grateful for the excellent teaching and many opportunities that our son has had - from forest school in the early years, to performing as part of the school’s Young Voices choir at the O2. His little brother and sister have much to look forward to at Garlinge. I have a degree in Psychology, which included studying child development and mental health. After university, I managed a CQC-regulated community health and social care service for adults in London, commissioned by three local authorities and NHS bodies. After maternity leave, I moved into a more strategic position and continue to work in this role. I look forward to giving back to the school and supporting Garlinge’s bright future, as a Co-opted Governor.

Sue Collins

My name is Sue Collins and I have over 40 years of experience working in Primary education. From 2016 I was a National Leader of Education and St. Mildreds a National Support School. During this time I worked closely with James Williams and The Chairs of Governors from our respective schools to form the Thanet Endeavour Learning Trust (TELT) which is part of the Co-operative Schools Network. We did this because as a group of schools with the same vision and values for children we believed we were stronger together.

I retired at the end of 2020 from my position as Executive Headteacher of St.Mildred’s Primary Infant School and Bromstone Primary School. I have always been passionate about education and the importance of developing a love of learning in all children.

I am delighted to be joining the governing body of Garlinge Primary School and Nursery and Parkside Community Primary School as it is an exciting opportunity for me to be able to use my skills and expertise to contribute to the further development of two very successful schools.

Ollie Donohoe 

My name is Ollie Donohoe. I am excited about joining the Governing Body as a Parent Governor for Garlinge and Parkside Primary Schools & Nurseries Federation. I have a daughter and son who both attend Garlinge. They both really enjoy school, are developing well and making wonderful friends and memories. 

I am a qualified secondary school teacher with over 10 year’s teaching experience. I recently left my position as Head of Sixth Form and now work for Twenty4Seven Education as their Head of Education Support. This role involves providing candidates with continuous professional development and education support. This role has given me the opportunity to upskill and learn more about education. It has also provided more flexibility to undertake the role of a Parent Governor and have a greater involvement within my children’s education. 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to support Garlinge and Parkside Schools. I want to contribute and am interested in the Primary Curriculum and Personal Development of young learners.

In my spare time, I like to keep active and spend time with family and friends.

Rebecca Holmes 

My name is Rebecca Holmes. I work at Royal Harbour Academy School as the ITT and ECF Lead as well as teaching science. I am interested in teaching and learning, curriculum, assessment and teacher development. I am currently studying for a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NQPLTD) I have previously been a staff governor and was keen to become a governor again. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support Garlinge and Parkside Schools.  I have two young sons who attend Garlinge and I have been thoroughly impressed by the support and education provided.

In my spare time I play netball and sing in a local choir. I also love to travel, read and cook. 

Alex Jones

I joined as a governor of Parkside and Garlinge in 2024. I have two children enrolled at Garlinge with the youngest in the nursery. I hope that, as a governor, I can play my part in adding to their experiences and that of their fellow students. I am looking forward to understanding the journey that Parkside has been on and what is planned for the future of both schools. We spend our spare time trying to wear the kids out with walks along the sea front, cheering on Margate FC and shepherding them to various clubs. A familiar feeling, I am sure! Any babysitting credits are spent seeing live music at the revived Dreamland. 

Firoz Malayandavide

My name is Firoz. I am an experienced professional with a diverse background in IT project management and operations management within the software  and banking industry. With over 13 years of experience, I have worked on international projects in New York, Dubai and India. In my spare time I like to travel locally, read and meditate. 

Jacqui Messenger 

My name is Jacqueline Messenger and I am a Class Teacher, Literacy and EYFS Lead at Parkside Community Primary School. Since qualifying in 2011, I have gained extensive skills in communication, training and management, alongside working directly with children in EYFS and KS1, as a teacher and Senior Leader. I have undertaken regular academic study and professional training and have successfully completed both the NPQSL and NPQML, leading whole school improvement in English and SEN (SLCN). This additional study, enabled me to develop a range of leadership skills and create a shared vision for school improvement with a robust focus on developing and improving whole school systems.

After joining Parkside Community Primary School in September 2019 after a brief period on supply, I was keen to become more involved in the growth and development of the school, as part of the Governing Body. The Federation alongside Garlinge Primary School and Nursery provides a wonderful opportunity for further collaboration and expertise sharing and I am genuinely excited to be part of this venture.

My spare time consists of walking with my two grownup sons and two very energetic dogs in the local countryside. I love to read adult and children's literature and enjoy listening to my music on vinyl LPS which I am starting to collect (again). To relax I enjoy eating out and attending my local gym as well as going to the movies and gardening.

Ian Millership 

I became a Teacher Governor in July 2017, having joined the school in September 2016. I wanted to join the school governing body to gain a greater insight into the strategic leadership of the school and to create further opportunities for me to make a difference.

I have been in teaching since 2009 and have experience of teaching across all of Key Stage 2. I feel that this knowledge and experience in teaching will be of great benefit to the school governing body. I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and am passionate about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling, attending sporting events and spending time with friends and family.

Chris Pataky 

My name is Chris Pataky and I have four children that attend Garlinge Primary School. 

I share the school’s strong commitment to inclusivity within the learning environment - this was a key element for wanting them to be able to attend the school, particularly as one of my children has a physical disability. 

Outside of my co-opted governor role, I am a self-employed lawyer in independent practice and also a former healthcare practitioner within the field of mental health – whilst my career experience is outside of education, I’m committed (and really excited) to be able to assist and support each of the schools and their wonderful staff going forward! In my spare time I like to spend time with my young family and exploring all that Kent has to offer.

Hannah Perry 

My name is Hannah Perry and I am part of the office team at Parkside Community Primary School. I have worked at the school since 2016 and undertaken roles within the classroom and the office. I enjoy working with the staff, children and the parents to ensure the smooth running of the school day. I was keen to become part of the Governing Body to support the growth and development of Parkside Community Primary School further and am excited about the Federation with Garlinge Primary School and Nursery and how the two schools working together will benefit both primary schools.

My spare time is mainly spent raising my two young children and making sure we have quality family time. We enjoy being out and about and exploring our local environment. To relax and unwind I enjoy a good book and variety of Podcasts.

Andy Waller

My name is Andy Waller and I have been a parent governor since January 2020. I have five children and the two youngest are in year 4 at Garlinge. We have watched them flourish at the school and feel genuinely blessed to have found a school with such an inclusive culture and ethos.

I sit on the finance committee and have an interest in Special Educational Needs. I have spent my working life in operational leadership roles and I have been a board member of an international agency. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to help support the excellent staff at both schools.