My name is Sharon Farnley and I am Chair of the Governing Board at Holbeach.
I have been involved in the school since my son Sam joined Nursery in 2005, firstly as part of the PTA (Friends of Holbeach) and then as a Parent Governor, having been successful in an election for the position in 2009. I am now a Community Governor.
Outside school I work for the telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, in their internal comms department.
I became governor in September 2019 and have particular responsibility for health and safety.
I retired after a long career with Lewisham Libraries, during which I was a Children’s Librarian and later a member of the Senior Management Team.
As a librarian I always placed great emphasis on developing and promoting learning opportunities for children and adults as a way of overcoming disadvantage and inequality. Also I volunteered as a youth worker, and served on management committees for a community bookshop, a literacy centre and the Lewisham Early Years Alliance.
I was co-opted as a Local Authority Governor in 2020 after serving as a Parent Governor from 2016. I am currently co-Vice Chair and Link Governor for the Curriculum and for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I am working with the school to embed diversity and equality to ensure that all of Holbeach’s children are reflected in its curriculum.
My professional background is in Higher Education, and I bring to Holbeach my experience of using teaching and learning to challenge social inequalities.
I am a parent governor, elected in November 2019, and am currently a Link Governor for Finance and Pupil Premium.
I’ve lived around the corner from Holbeach for 15 years. My son is in Year 3, but even before he started school here I felt a strong connection to Holbeach as a key part of our local community.
As a child, I had a somewhat antagonistic relationship with education and left school at 16. In later life I soon realised that it was not education in itself that my problem was with, but with the institutionalised forms in which that education took place. Those structures tended to prevent children from certain socio-economic and minority backgrounds from flourishing and achieving their full potential. This in turn gave rise to antagonism and reaction from children against education and learning in general.
I hope that this perspective and experience will help me to play a small part in ensuring Holbeach continues to be even more inclusive, supportive and facilitating to children from all backgrounds and walks of life.
I was co-opted to the Holbeach Governing Body in March 2017. I grew up in Catford and continue to love living here. I have been involved in the school since my son joined the Nursery in 2007. My daughters went on to join subsequently and my youngest daughter moved to Sedgehill Academy with her brother and sister in September 2021.
I have worked part time at the school since 2018, and I also continue to work part time in community engagement and development.
I am proud to have worked in Lewisham since the age of 17, having a career in libraries for many years with roles including Children & Young Person’s Librarian and Community Engagement Manager. More recently, I worked as part of the bid-winning team to bring the London Borough of Culture to Lewisham in 2022, and I am currently working with Lewisham communities to develop local democracy and ensure residents voices are heard when developing services.
Emma-Jane Boyd has been a Holbeach parent for fifteen years which she describes as " having gone all too quickly". Having worked at the Irish Community Centre for 14 years as Children and Youth/Volunteer Program coordinator Emma-Jane has been involved in various social action projects in the Local Community to which she has strong ties.
Currently employed in Public Protection, including Safeguarding and investigation, Emma -Jane is hoping to bring her considerable knowledge of Lewisham Additional Needs Education and Social Care to the benefit of the School Community in her role as Parent Governor.
I have been a Parent Governor since December 2022 and am currently a Link Governor for English. My daughters are in Years 6 and 3 and have thrived due to the care and support of staff in the school and the myriad of opportunities offered to them through trips, visits and extracurricular opportunities.
Having taught English in Secondary Schools across London, I wanted to be involved in working with staff and governors to continue to bring out the best in our children. Being a Governor has allowed me to be a ‘critical friend’ and ask key questions alongside celebrating our successes. I am also passionate about Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and keep this in mind when thinking and talking about our school.
To follow
I became a Parent Governor in January 2025 and have two children at Holbeach. I’ve lived in Catford for almost ten years and love being part of this community. I work as a civil servant in the criminal justice system and have over 18 years’ experience in policy and strategy, skills I hope will help me support the school. I’m also the resident DJ at Holbeach events, which is a great way to stay connected with the school community. I’m passionate about making sure Holbeach is the best it can be for every child and family.
I became a Staff Governor in March 2023 and am currently a link governor for Maths. I have been involved with Holbeach for 7 years as my son attended the school from Reception, recently leaving for Secondary School.
I have worked at the school for more than 5 years as a Teaching Assistant, supporting in Early Years and KS1 and have over 20 years experience of working in child care and education.
I have lived in Catford all my life and am proud to be a part of the Holbeach community.