Teachers
Headteacher
Our Head teacher is Mrs Wasyliw. She has a degree in geography from Durham University together with over 20 years primary teaching experience. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and pets!
Mrs Kowal (Class 1)
Mrs Kowal came to us in 2008 to teach Class 4; having previously worked in Lancashire. Since 2010, she has been teaching Class 1 and welcoming the new Reception children to St John’s. Mrs Kowal is responsible for R.E. and Collective Worship in school, developing our Christian ethos and education. In her spare time, she is a leader at a Guide unit, enjoys reading and loves to spend time with her young family.
Mrs Haigh (Class 2- EYFS and KS1 manager and SENCo)
Mrs Haigh joined the staff in 2013. At St John’s she is responsible for the co-ordination of key stage 1 and the Early Years Foundation Stage as well as being our SENCo. She teachers Class 2 (year 1 and year 2). She lives locally and her interests centre around her family who are all keen cyclists and swimmers.
Ms Meadows (Class 3)
Ms Meadows is the Class 3 teacher at St John’s. Her favourite subject is maths and she loves planning active lessons. Prior to teaching, she spent many years working in the outdoor education sector in the UK and abroad. She loves long distance running, playing badminton and going camping with her Guide group.
Mrs Boyd (Year 4)
Miss Rhodes joined St John's in 2022 and currently teaches Year 4. Previously, Miss Rhodes has 10 years experience teaching Nursery all the way to Year 6 at a school in Bradford. Most of her career has been in Key Stage 2 and her favourite subjects to teach are Maths and English. Miss Rhodes enjoys spending time with her young twin daughters, exploring the outdoors and watching films. .
Mr Dewick (Class 4)
Mr Dewick has been at St John’s since September 2010 and teaches year 5 and Class 4. He has taught all year groups across key stage 2. He also enjoys teaching sport especially cricket and football. In his spare time he plays for a local football team – Ellandians FC.
Miss Bell (Class 5- KS2 Manager and Assistant Headteacher)
Miss Bell has taught across key stage 2 and currently teaches year 6 and Class 5. She is also key stage 2 manager and the assistant head teacher. Miss Bell loves drama, dance and being creative – she is often planning an exciting curriculum day or trip for the children. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks, keeping fit and spending time with her family.
CLASS ORGANISATION
St John's has 5 classes - 2 in EYFS and Key Stage 1 and 3 in Key Stage 2.
Children are split into their year groups of approximately 20 children for key teaching in maths and English.
Miss Rhodes teaches every morning to enable Key Stage 2 to be taught in year groups of approximately 20 pupils.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Wasyliw
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Miss Bell
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator: Mrs Haigh
Mental health first aider: Mrs Wasyliw
Support staff
Our invaluable Support Staff include:-
Mrs Gorrill
Mrs Gorrill is a higher-level teaching assistant, working in Class 1. She is involved in special needs provision for our children and has been at St John’s for many years.
Miss Adamson
Miss Adamson has a background in teaching and working with children and young adults with additional learning needs. In her spare time she enjoys listening to music, reading, baking, travelling and spending time with her daughter.
Mrs John
Sensei Matt Handley
Matt teaches karate to our KS2 children each Friday afternoon. He is a former British karate champion, runs a successful local martial arts club as well as being a National paralympic coach!
Mrs Worthington
Mrs Worthington works as a TA in KS1 and an admin assistant in the afternoon. She is also a mid-day supervisor and first aider. Her permanent smile makes her very popular with the children!
Mrs Bruce
Mrs Bruce is a mid-day supervisor and first aider. She can be found busily setting up the dining hall ready for the children's lunch.
SCHOOL OFFICE TEAM
Mr Benson is our Office Manager. He joined St John’s in January 2019. His previous role was Finance & Operations Manager within education, having also worked in Banking for 12 and a half years. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family and playing cricket during the summer months.
Mrs Worthington and Ms Mellor are the office administrative assistants. They are both cheerful and always happy to help. They also help at lunch time as part of our lunch time team.
CARETAKER
Mr Denton
Mr Denton, our site manager, is a real Mr Fix-it! He turns his hand to everything to ensure our school is a safe and clean place to learn. He can be found in and around the school, the grounds and even on the roof!
KITCHEN STAFF
School Cook : Mrs Statham-Drake
Mrs Statham-Drake is our school cook who enjoys cooking healthy, tasty meals and seeing the children's smiling faces.
Outside of work she likes to spend time with her family and dogs. Her hobbies include running (especially long distance) and going to the gym.
Favourite School Lunch: Homemade Lasagne and garlic bread.
Assistant Cook: Mrs McPartling
She has been Assistant Cook many years. She is Mrs Statham Drake’s glamorous assistant! She loves cooking and really enjoys making the children laugh at lunchtime.
Favourite School Lunch: Roast Dinner and Fruit, Jelly & Ice cream or Treacle & Banana Tart for pudding!
