Who's Who | St Mary's Church of England Primary School

Our Leadership Team

	Miss Naomi Tottle Executive Head Teacher	I became Executive Headteacher in September 2019 splitting my time between St Mary’s C of E Primary and Hartland Primary each week. After finishing my teaching degree in Bath in 2000, I started my teaching career working in a variety of Portsmouth Schools and the Hampshire Outdoor Education Service. I held a number of roles within these schools and was always determined to become a headteacher. I thrive on supporting other teachers to grow and develop to provide the best for their pupils. In 2010 following encouragement and support from headteachers I have worked with I completed my Masters’ degree in Education from the University of Chichester. I moved to Devon in 2010 to take up a leadership role in a primary school before taking the substantive headship of Hartland Primary in January 2016. Outside of school I enjoy walking my two dogs, eating out and spending time with friends and family.
	Mrs Rachael O'Dell Assistant Head Teacher SENDCo Senior Designated Safeguarding Officer	I gained my Music Degree and PGCE in Essex, then having taught in Somerset for 3 years I moved to St. Mary’s in 2003. Music is a great passion of mine, I love singing, playing the piano, clarinet and bassoon (not all at the same time). I also love walking with my family and my two dogs. Children and some staff will say that I can often be found in my office talking to myself!
	Miss Zoe Bailey Assistant Head Teacher for Teaching and Learning Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer	I’m originally from Plymouth and wanted to be a teacher from when I was very young. I studied to become a teacher at the University of Winchester and then worked in Salisbury in various leadership roles. I moved to North Devon in July 2019 and love being by the sea! I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking (particularly along the coastal paths), eating out and watching box sets on Netflix.
	Miss Catherine Whitehouse Team Leader for Phase 3 (Years 4,5 and 6)	I studied Psychology (BSC Hons) at Aston University in Birmingham, graduating in 1995. I then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Swansea in 1998, and I have been teaching ever since - apart from taking a year out to travel the world. I love exploring different countries, discovering many wonders, including historical and natural wonders and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I have taught in London, Reading and Bangkok, and I am now currently teaching in Bideford! I love the outdoors, enjoying walking, camping and just being outdoors. I am a qualified scuba diver, trying to dive whenever I have the opportunity, though only in warm waters! Being passionate about English, I also love reading and writing.
	Miss Michelle Jackson Team Leader for Phase 2 (Years 2 and 3) Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer	I joined the school in 2016, prior to that I was Primary lead within Holsworthy Federation. I have a music degree and studied at Cardiff University. I play clarinet, piano and saxophone. I enjoy listening to music, reading, going for walks and running.
	Mrs Suzie Strutt Team Leader for Phase 1 (Foundation Stage and Year 1)	I joined St Mary’s in January 2019 after moving to Devon with my family. Prior to St Mary’s, I have taught in Brighton and Hertfordshire and lived and taught in Portugal for six years. I love spending time with family and friends camping and can often be found at the beach, especially when the sun is shining! I am passionate about children enjoying school and embracing their own uniqueness.

Our Classes, their Teachers and Teaching Assistants

Foundation Stage

Bramblings	Mr Billy Buckingham Class Teacher	Mr Buckingham gained a degree in Theatre and Performance from Plymouth University before undertaking 3 years as a teaching assistant at Pathfield School. Mr Buckingham did his teacher training with us through the Teach Direct program with Marjon in 2018. Since then Mr Buckingham has joined us as a full time teacher. Mr Buckingham runs the Drama Club through his passion for performing arts. He is frequently seen onstage in local productions and occasionally directs his own shows.
Puffins	Miss Vicki Phillips Class Teacher
Puffins	Mrs Kate Taylor-Short Class Teacher	I did a degree in Ancient History and Civilisation at Swansea University followed by a PGCE. I then taught at a Primary School in Thailand before moving to North Devon.
Working across Foundation Stage are: Mrs Claire Doodson - Foundation Stage Practitioner Mrs Bev Trapnell - Higher Level Teaching Assistant Mrs Karen Potter - Teaching Assistant and Forest Schools Lead Mrs Cath Douse - Teaching Assistant Mrs Debra Barrett - Teaching Assistant Mrs Roz Sweeney - Teaching Assistant

Year 1

Starlings

Mrs Suzie Strutt

Class Teacher

I joined St Mary’s in January 2019 after moving to Devon with my family. Prior to St Mary’s, I have taught in Brighton and Hertfordshire and lived and taught in Portugal for six years. I love spending time with family and friends camping and can often be found at the beach, especially when the sun is shining! I am passionate about children enjoying school and embracing their own uniqueness.

Kingfishers

Mrs Karen Thurlow

Class Teacher

During my career I worked in several local schools as a Nursery Nurse and Teaching Assistant before qualifying as a teacher in 2017. I have worked at St Mary’s since September 2018. I am passionate about learning and development in the early years and hold a BA (hons) Early Years. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to music and spending time with my grandchildren.

Working across Year 1 are:

Mrs Clare Townshend - Teaching Assistant

Miss Zoe Mills - Cover Supervisor

Mrs Victoria Watson - Teaching Assistant

Mr Jon Wines - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Jess Bazell - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Claire Nast - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Year 2

Jays

Miss Michelle Jackson

Class Teacher

I joined the school in 2016, prior to that I was Primary lead within Holsworthy Federation. I have a music degree and studied at Cardiff University. I play clarinet, piano and saxophone. I enjoy listening to music, reading, going for walks and running.

Bullfinches

Miss Abbie Brailey

Class Teacher

Working across Year 2 are:

Mrs Claire Nast - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sarah Adnett - Cover Supervisor

Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Linda Stoneman - Teaching Asisstant

Mrs Rebecca Edwards - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Year 3

Dunlins

Miss Leaha Davey

Class Teacher

I joined St. Mary’s in 2016, prior to this I completed a degree in Education Studies in 2012, and later gained a PGCE in 2016. I have a passion for supporting children’s social and emotional needs, and I’m part of the school pastoral team. I ‘run’ the school’s cross country running club, and we represent the school in the Gliddon and Squire league. I enjoy swimming, cycling, running, reading and a good box set.

Barnowls

Mrs Denise Boyne

Class Teacher

I have been teaching at St Mary’s since moving to the area in 2012. I graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in art with QTS in the year 2000 and since then have taught in a range of settings around London and the South West. I have had a range of roles within my teaching career from being a Maths lead to Assistant Head Teacher whilst raising my 3 children. I am currently the Science lead for the school. When I get some me time I enjoy reading a good book, running, swimming and have recently taken up Paddle boarding which I am finding great fun.

Working across Year 3 are:

Mrs Debra Barrett - Teaching Assistant

Miss Zoe Mills - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Shirley Oke - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Wendy Maynard - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Victoria Watson - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Year 4

Blackbirds

Miss Emily Brend

Class Teacher

Miss Brend joined St Mary’s in 2017 straight from Plymouth University where she studied a Bachelor in Education (BEd Hons) specialising in Humanities. Miss Brend has been running the schools Eco club as she has a passion for farming and the countryside being a former Young Farmers member. Miss Brend also enjoy gymnastics, dancing and walks on the beach.

Nightingales

Miss Emily Naylor

Class Teacher

Working across Year 4 are:

Mrs Claire Runeckles - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sue Rowe - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Rebecca Edwards - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Linda Stoneman - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Debra Barrett - Teaching Assistant

Year 5

Razorbills

Mr Mike Robinson

Class Teacher

Wrens

Miss Cath Whitehouse

Class Teacher

I studied Psychology (BSC Hons) at Aston University in Birmingham, graduating in 1995. I then completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Swansea in 1998, and I have been teaching ever since - apart from taking a year out to travel the world. I love exploring different countries, discovering many wonders, including historical and natural wonders and experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I have taught in London, Reading and Bangkok, and I am now currently teaching in Bideford! I love the outdoors, enjoying walking, camping and just being outdoors. I am a qualified scuba diver, trying to dive whenever I have the opportunity, though only in warm waters! Being passionate about English, I also love reading and writing.

Working across Year 5 are:

Mrs Jess Bazell - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Michelle Burrows-Bryan - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Vicky Gibbons - Teaching Assistant

Mr Jon Wines - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Bev Trapnell - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Amanda May - Teaching Assistant

Year 6

Merlins

Miss Melisa Ashton

Class Teacher

After completing my Primary Education BEd degree at Gloucestershire University, I was keen to return home to Devon. In my free time, I enjoy walking along our local beaches and exploring different countries and cultures. I like different sports including running, swimming, yoga and as a team I have completed different walking challenges including the Three Peaks Challenge. I am passionate about each child achieving their personal goals and feeling proud to be themselves.

Mallards

Mrs Michelle Mead

Class Teacher

Mrs Mead studied in Reading, achieving a BA Hons degree in Children Development & Learning and then achieved a PGCE teaching qualification through the School Direct Programme.

Mrs Mead is a qualified yoga teacher and enjoys jogging with Just Jog running club in Bideford. Mrs Mead also has a passion for animals and has three Cocker Spaniels which she loves to walk on the local beaches.

Working across Year 6 are:

Mrs Rebecca Edwards - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs Vicky Gibbons - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Amanda May - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Sarah Adnett - Cover Supervisor

Mrs Debra Barrett - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Shirley Oke - Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Our Learning Mentor

Miss Claire Stacey
Learning Mentor

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer

Our Administrative and Site Team

	Mrs Sally Westlake School Business Manager Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer
	Mrs Sarah Clark Administrative Assistant
	Mr Timothy Miles IT Technician
	Mr Darren Cairns Caretaker

Our Catering Team and Mealtime Assistants

Miss Lisa Chrisopher - Catering Manager

Mrs Sarah Kelly - Catering Assistant

Mrs Vanessa Morne - Catering Assistant

Mrs Susan Jenkins - Catering Assistant

Mrs Linda Stoneman - Lead Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Sarah Adnett - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Debbie Barrett - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Julianna Cairns - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Ros Doble - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Marguerite Johnson - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Amanda May - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Wendy Maynard - Mealtime Assistant

Miss Zoe Mills - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Claire Runeckles - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Margaret Slocombe - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Sarah Morris - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Tracy Dwight - Mealtime Assistant

Miss Natalie Butler - Mealtime Assistant

Miss Melanie John - Mealtime Assistant

Mr Paul Tanton - Mealtime Assistant

Mrs Victoria Watson - Mealtime Assistant

Mr Jon Wines - Mealtime Assistant

Our Cleaning Team

Mrs Jo-Anne Wright - Cleaner Supervisor

Mrs Julianna Cairns - Cleaner

Mrs Christine Jackson - Cleaner

Mrs Linda Sargent - Cleaner

Mr Paul Tanton - Cleaner