St Jude's Church of England Primary School

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalms 32:8 

 

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

  • Matt Jones
    Interim Headteacher

    Matt Jones

    Matt joined St Jude's in 2018 having worked in schools in Lambeth, Southwark and Newham. He now looks after Reading across St Jude's and Peter Hills within the Federation.

    What is your educational background

    I studied Politics and Social History at Swansea University, and completed a PGCE at the University of Roehampton in Primary Education.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St Jude's

    I spent 20 years as a correspondent and editor at the Reuters news agency, before beginning my PGCE and training to become a teacher, so I have a keen eye for detail and thoroughly promote giving children the opportunity to understand the wider world.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I am a keen cyclist and enthusiastic skier and my guilty pleasure is watching other people being creative with The Great British Bake Off , The Great British Sewing Bee . The Great Pottery Throwdown  and .. Portrait Artist of the Year . (At some stage I might do some of it myself, some day!)

  • Leila Abbassy
    Assistant Headteacher

    Leila Abbassy

    Leila has almost 10 years experience working in primary schools in the boroughs of Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth and Southwark. She joined St. Jude's in 2013 and now leads in Geography and Maths.

    What is your educational background

    I graduated from Plymouth University in 2004 with a degree in Media Arts with American Studies. I then spent seven years in branding and event management, working for blue chip companies before studying for my PGCE at London South Bank University.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St. Jude's

    My corporate career has equipped me with a number of transferable skills which have been really useful in my teaching career. Setting goals, meeting deadlines and working well within a team are just some of the basics that are called upon daily. Every day at school is like planning for a corporate event: plan every aspect of the day and expect the unexpected - be flexible! When I lived in South Africa, I was involved with putting sporting events on in the local townships as well as larger national sports events. This exposed me to working with people from all walks of life, including children. I discovered that I loved working with children and perhaps a teaching career would be more fulfilling for me. And I was right!

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    With my National Trust membership, I love nothing more than exploring the best of Britain with my family.

    labbassy@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Kate Pakthyiendra
    Acting Assistant Head

    Kate Pakthyiendra

EARLY LEARNING & KEY STAGE 1 GROUP

KEY STAGE 2 TEAM

  • Leila Abbassy
    Year 5 & 6 Teacher

    Leila Abbassy

    Leila has almost 10 years experience working in primary schools in the boroughs of Croydon, Tower Hamlets, Lambeth and Southwark. She joined St. Jude's in 2013 and now leads in Geography and Maths.

    What is your educational background

    I graduated from Plymouth University in 2004 with a degree in Media Arts with American Studies. I then spent seven years in branding and event management, working for blue chip companies before studying for my PGCE at London South Bank University.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St. Jude's

    My corporate career has equipped me with a number of transferable skills which have been really useful in my teaching career. Setting goals, meeting deadlines and working well within a team are just some of the basics that are called upon daily. Every day at school is like planning for a corporate event: plan every aspect of the day and expect the unexpected - be flexible! When I lived in South Africa, I was involved with putting sporting events on in the local townships as well as larger national sports events. This exposed me to working with people from all walks of life, including children. I discovered that I loved working with children and perhaps a teaching career would be more fulfilling for me. And I was right!

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    With my National Trust membership, I love nothing more than exploring the best of Britain with my family.

    labbassy@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Maisie Brewer
    Year 3 & 4 Teacher

    Maisie Brewer

  • Jelani Kamara
    Support Staff

    Jelani Kamara

INCLUSION TEAM

  • Ben Gorner-Patel
    SENDCo

    Ben Gorner-Patel

    Ben has 15 years of experience in education. He has been a member of SLT for the last 5 years, and SENDCo for 4. He is passionate about inclusive, progressive education. Ben believes in the power of pupil voice, and how each educator can take their lead from this.

    What is your educational background

    I arrived in London, from York, in 2002, to do a 4 year degree, in Spanish and Latin-American studies, with an Erasmus year, at the University of Seville. I went on to gain a masters, at King's College London, in the same subject. I got a secondary PGCE, at the University of Education, in MFL, but much preferred the dynamism and variety of skills needed in the primary setting. Three years ago, I gained my NASENCo (National SENCo Award), again at the Institute of Education.

    What skills and talents do you bring to the Federation

    I love people and I am fascinated by culture. I am multilingual; Hindi was my first taste of a foreign language, and I have kept this language up, by practising regularly. Across any federation, you are going to get a beautiful range of people from different walks of life, and this enthuses me. I hope my gift for communication, and people skills make me a good leader across our family of schools.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love reading, travelling and cooking. Any opportunity to practise my languages is considered a blessing. However, you're most likely to catch me practising yoga, or experimenting with Ayurvedic cooking, and health practises.

    bgornerpatel@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

    bgorner@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Naomi Palmer
    Community Liaison

    Naomi Palmer

    Naomi joined our Federation in 2017 and is a valued member of the Inclusion Team. She also provides support to the St Jude's parents and pupils. She has strong links with our community and goes above and beyond to support families connecting with local services. Her tenacity is an asset to be admired.

    What is your educational background

    I Studied at Blackheath Bluecoats C of E School and left with VERY average grades (work hard at school kids!). I diligently set about undoing my misspent youth, reentering education and eventually retraining as a Psychodynamic therapist.

    What skills and talents do you bring to the federation

    I'm good at solving problems, an empowerer, a great listener, with a deep desire to help make a difference to the lives of others. I can help you with any worries you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing. I am a great advocate for parents, I'm tenacious and dig deep and offer practical, and emotional support to help children and families reach their full potential. I will work with you in order to work through any barriers to getting your children to school on time and regularly! œChildren should be seen and not heard  Not on your nelly! My therapeutic core is always at the heart of what I do and I offer a safe space for children to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences, no matter how big or small, my door is always open

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I'm a real fan of music and festivals and given the time and opportunity I would spend most of my free time at one!

    npalmer@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Lashana Brookes
    Attendance (& PE lead)

    Lashana Brookes

    Lashana has 6 years experience working in primary education. She has worked in various schools across South London and joined St Jude's in 2017, now leading Wellbeing and PE.

    What is your educational background

    I did not go onto university after studying business studies and Physical education. I went on to working in the retail industry then decided I would like to work with children and followed on to do an apprenticeship working in the borough of Waltham Forest where I gained valuable experience and key skills. I am able to demonstrate the skills to teach children and motivate them through life. I know what I was like at school and physical education had its own positive impact on my life. Being patient allows children to see sports not just as a competition but to enjoy and find the sport they love. Various work experiences helped me to adapt to different situations.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love spending time with friends and family attending concerts and festivals, creating the best memories. When I'm not dancing to the sound of some good music, catch me for a good game of Badminton.

    lbrookes@st-judesschool.co.uk

INTERVENTION TEAM

  • Fay O'Neill
    ELSA Lead and Intervention TA

    Fay O'Neill

    Fay Joined St Jude's in 2019. She works in class and runs intervention groups, focussing on Emotional Literacy support across the school.

    What is your educational background

    I studied at CEBS in Camberwell. And went on to gain an A level in Business studies.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St. Jude's

    Fashion was my passion and I ended up managing a number of very successful fashion boutiques in London, but after having my first son, it soon became apparent that retail didn't hold the same appeal, it had become a bit tedious. Becoming a mother In 2008 I had a career evaluation and decided to start my career in child care. I became a registered Sennie (SEND Nanny) in 2010 . As a SEND parent I am deeply passionate about helping young people of all abilities to become more independent within society, promoting positive behaviours and how, given the right support and understanding, all children can really thrive and flourish.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I adore flowers and plants, and take great pride and pleasure in my garden at home. Most of my family have relocated to the Kent coast and we spend most of our free time there, exploring the beaches, coastal walks and searching out quaint family pubs. I enjoy holidays abroad, normally with a large group of friends and their children. A favourite pastime is having an early morning mooch around a market, looking for additions to my wardrobe and furniture to upcycle. We Love animals so we adopted a French Bulldog last year and he is a massive part of our family. He goes everywhere with us.

    foneill@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Terri Skates
    High Level Teaching Assistant

    Terri Skates

    Terri has over 20 years experience of working in education. She joined St Judes' in 2001 and has worked in all classes and carried out many interventions with a variety of Year groups as well as after school clubs.

    What is your educational background

    I did not go onto university after doing 'O' levels and 'A' levels at Addey and Stanhope Grammar School in Deptford, instead I went straight into working in banking. I came to St Judes' in 2001 initially as a Teaching Assistant until I studied for my Higher Level Teaching Assistant position and passed in 2009.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St Judes'

    Banking introduced me to people from all walks of life and each person had to be dealt with in an individual way, something I have tried to carry with me throughout my life and fall upon when working with the children at St Jude's. I am also a mother to 3 children and 2 (With another due anyday!) grandchildren and they are invaluable to bounce ideas off when trying to find interesting and innovative ways to help all of our wonderful St Jude's community.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I like being with my family , when we can, even if now it is just zoom quiz nights! I also enjoy doing some gardening (except the weeds!) Walking is also a pastime of mine, but then it is good to sit down with a cup of tea and watch the Soaps!

    tskates@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Phoenix
    Therapy Dog

    Phoenix

    Phoenix joined the federation in 2019. She loves being at school with the children and has helped support many with their emotional needs, teaching them the importance of caring for animals and showing kindness.

    What skills and talents do you bring to the federation

    I am really fast and my very best talent is chasing squirrels and foxes. Although I haven â„¢t caught one yet, I do get very close. I â„¢m also very good at cheering people up, especially those children, who may be having a tough day. I am a great listener and love reading with the children. Â

    When you â„¢re not at school what do you enjoy doing I

    n my spare time I go walkies in the forest, I must confess I do love chasing birds and the local cats. I like to get my paws wet at the park pond and chase the swans back into the water. I enjoy travelling and my favourite place in the world is Annecy. Oui! Oui!

HEALTH AND WELLBEING TEAM

  • Lashana Brookes
    PE & Wellbeing Lead

    Lashana Brookes

    Lashana has 6 years experience working in primary education. She has worked in various schools across South London and joined St Jude „s in 2017, now leading Wellbeing and PE.

    What is your educational background

    I did not go onto university after studying business studies and Physical education. I went on to working in the retail industry then decided I would like to work with children and followed on to do an apprenticeship working in the borough of Waltham Forest where I gained valuable experience and key skills. I am able to demonstrate the skills to teach children and motivate them through life. I know what I was like at school and physical education had its own positive impact on my life. Being patient allows children to see sports not just as a competition but to enjoy and find the sport they love. Various work experiences helped me to adapt to different situations.

    When you „re not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love spending time with friends and family attending concerts and festivals, creating the best memories. When I'm not dancing to the sound of some good music, catch me for a good game of Badminton.

    lbrookes@st-judesschool.co.uk

ADMIN AND PREMISES TEAM

  • Lauren Scoot
    School Business Manager

    Lauren Scoot

    Lauren has been working in the St Jude â„¢s office since 2016, dealing with all the aspects involved in the running of a busy primary in a vibrant part of London. She â„¢s often the first contact people have with the school, so her friendly, efficient demeanour is especially useful. She is a font of knowledge and very approachable.

    What skills and talents do you bring to St Judes â„¢

    Being based in the school office, I get to know pupils and families very well. I â„¢m normally the first person you will speak to if you call the office. I like to be able to support our families and pupils as much as I can. Being an ex-pupil, I hold St Jude â„¢s very close to my heart. I had a wonderful experience of being a pupil at this school, I feel privileged to be a part of building so many children â„¢s futures.

    When you â„¢re not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I have 3 children, so when I â„¢m not doing mum things I like to upcycle old furniture, and have a mild obsession with Game of Thrones. I really want my own Dragon.

    lscoot@st-judesschool.co.uk

  • Aman Haque
    Admin Officer

    Aman Haque

    What skills and talents do you bring to St Jude's?

    When you are not at school what do you enjoy doing?

  • James Brenson
    Premises Manager

    James Brenson

    James join the team in 2021 and works across both St Jude's and Peter Hills. Before joining the team he worked as a London bus driver, so working in schools is very different. Â

    What skills and talents do you bring to St Judes â„¢

    I can turn my hand to almost anything and love to find money saving ways to fix things around school. Before starting my previous job as a bus driver, I worked as a carpenter, and now I love using these skills building and creating items for school. Â

    jbrenson@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Erica Owusu
    Premises Assistant

    Erica Owusu

THE ARTS TEAM

THE KITCHEN TEAM

 

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