Tony Gorton

Chair of Governors

My name is Tony Gorton and I was privileged to join the Governing Board of Our Lady school in November 2019. In my role as Chair of the Governing Board I am blessed to work with an incredibly dedicated group of governors who, along with senior leaders, help to shape the strategic vision for the school. In addition to Chairing Full Governing Body meetings, I am a member of the Operations Committee and have responsibility for overseeing the Headteacher's Appraisal. In terms of the curriculum, I act as subject link for Maths, History, Geography and Special Educational Needs.

Prior to becoming a governor at Our Lady I was the school’s RE Adviser for a period of time, including for its extremely successful RE Inspection in May 2019. Through this role, I quickly came to appreciate what a wonderful school community Our Lady is, one based on Gospel values in which every individual is valued for their unique talents and the contribution that they make to the ‘whole’. Hence, my decision to become a member of Our Lady’s ‘family’ in the role of a governor was a particularly easy one.

Before joining the Diocese of Westminster Education Service as an RE Adviser I had been in the teaching profession for 31 years in various roles, including leadership at a number of levels. Having spent the first 11 years of my career teaching in Birmingham, I moved to Hertfordshire in 1999 with two ‘toddlers’, the youngest of whom is currently completing her NQT year; time flies!

Fr Tom O'Brien

Foundation Governor

I have been a governor at the school since 2015 and am the Parish Priest at Our Lady Immaculate and St Andrews church. I have been involved in the recruitment of our new Head Teacher Mrs Nicholson and I work closely with the Senior Leadership Team providing support and a listening ear at all times. I am involved in leading masses, liturgys and enjoy attending assemblies as often as I can.

Fr Norbert Fernandes

Vice Chair

I am very happy to serve Our Lady's Catholic Primary School in Hitchin as a Foundation Governor. I have been Parish Priest of the three Catholic Parishes in Welwyn Garden City since October 2008 and am in my third term as Dean of Stevenage.  I am Foundation Governor of the two primary schools in WGC: Our Lady (where I am Vice-Chair) and Holy Family (where I am Chair). In my previous parish, I was a Foundation Governor of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Fulham for 10 years. My Mum was a Primary School teacher for 26 years in North London and so I grew up in a teaching family, offering help and support.  Here in Our Lady's, Hitchin I have responsibility as Safeguarding Governor. As Dean, I want the parishes and schools of the Deanery to feel closely connected and to be a beacon of all that is best about Catholic Education.  I am available for all that Our Lady's needs.

Anne Stevens

Parent Governor

My name is Anne Stevens and I joined the Governing Board in January 2020. I am a member of the Curriculum Committee and have responsibility for overseeing Spanish and Music provision. I have been a parent at the school since 2013 and currently have one child attending. 

I work in Design and Research for digital products and am also a keen STEM Ambassador. I volunteer my time across primary and secondary schools in London, Hertfordshire and Cambridge to inspire the next generation of tech professionals.

Sarah Snowball

Headteacher

I am the Head Teacher Our Lady Catholic School and have been since September 2022. I joined the school leadership in 2018 as the Assistant Head Teacher and had the joy and privilege of watching our school's growth and achievements in this time.  Our Lady is a wonderful school to work in and I feel very fortunate to be part of the journey of improvement that the whole community is working hard to continue.

Bryoney Hobbs

Observer

I have been an Assistant Headteacher at Our Lady School since September 2018. In my role as Assistant Headteacher and Key Stage Two Leader I help lead initiatives across the whole school whilst retaining a part-time teaching commitment. I currently sit on both Sub Committees and attend all Full Governing Body meetings. I work closely with the governors to ensure short term gains and long term targets are achieved. I really enjoy working within such a dedicated team and continuing to support the school community. 

Collette Evetts

Governor

My name is Colette Evetts and I am proud to serve as a Foundation Governor at Our Lady Catholic School, Hitchin. I joined the Governing Body in January 2022 and I am currently part of the School Curriculum Committee, acting as link governor for Early Career Teachers (ECTs), Literacy, PE and Sports Premium. 

I work as Subject Leader for Music at The St John Henry Newman Catholic School, Stevenage and I am committed to Catholic education, a unique education where young people are able to and encouraged to build and deepen their relationship with God. I am privileged to work with many Our Lady School leavers as they continue their Catholic education journey into secondary school. I hope to be able to use my experience of the secondary school curriculum to further strengthen the excellent practice at Our Lady School.  

Giulia Lorenzini

Foundation Governor

I joined the Governing Board of Our Lady School as a Foundation Governor in September 2022. I am currently the Chair of the Operations Committee. 

My background is in social sciences and politics. I work in the Research & Development field, specialising in grant funding and academic-industry partnerships. 

I’m committed to put my life and work experience to good use as a Governor in order to help the school thrive in its journey to excellence whilst ensuring all children receive the best possible learning experience in a nurturing and stimulating environment.