
‘Love one another, as I have loved you’

The Governors at St Nicholas work closely with the school to fulfill their statutory role and to shape the school’s policy, curriculum, accountability and ethos. The Governors, all volunteers, are from a variety of backgrounds, and contribute to the work of the Governing Body through a number of committees.
Mr Stratis Koutsoukos
“I am privileged and humbled to serve as Chair of Governors at our Catholic Primary School in the heart of the vibrant community of Gipton. I have a passion for education for all peoples and ages, having worked in Higher Education for over 20 years in the UK, Europe and Africa. I am a Post Graduate course director for eight Masters (MSc) programmes with over 700 students in one of England’s largest Business Schools. I am an external examiner for two other universities, I advise a number of businesses and have lead many UK & international assignments as a Government Policy evaluator, researcher and strategy consultant. I enjoy working with culturally diverse groups and pride myself for supporting multiple stakeholder interests in a constructive, effective and respectful manner. I try every day to be a good father to my daughter and serve all others as best I can guided by Christian values.”

Mrs Jane Burns
I am very proud to have been a Head Teacher at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School since 2014. The school motto is ‘Love one another’ and this is felt every day within school. The children come first in all that we set out to do and this is supported by the staff, parents, parish and governors.

Mrs Nicky Fox
My whole career has been in Catholic education and I have been privileged to teach at St. Nicholas Catholic Primary School since 1996. My two children attend Catholic schools within the Diocese of Leeds and both have had very happy and positive experiences in their schools. I always try as a teacher and a school governor to ensure that all the children at this school will also have this experience. I have been Deputy Head at St. Nicholas since September 2015 and look forward to ensuring that the children in our care see their years at this school as very positive.

I am proud to serve as Staff Governor at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, where I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Assistant Headteacher.
Having worked at St Nicholas for a number of years, I am deeply committed to our school community and to ensuring that every child is given the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. I am passionate about providing the very best education for our pupils and creating an inclusive, nurturing environment in which children feel safe, valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
As part of my leadership role, I have experience across a range of areas of school improvement, including teaching and learning, Early Years, staff development and supporting colleagues. This gives me a strong understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing our school and enables me to contribute knowledgeably to the work of the Governing Body.
As Staff Governor, I bring the perspective of those working within school each day while recognising my wider responsibility as a governor to support and challenge school leaders in the best interests of all pupils. I value the opportunity to work alongside fellow governors, staff, parents and the wider school community to help shape the continued development of St Nicholas.
Above all, I am proud to be part of our St Nicholas family and committed to supporting the school in living out its Catholic values and providing the highest possible standard of education and care for every child.

Mrs Deidre Jones
After a career spanning some 40 years in Financial Services I am now retired and am a relatively new Governor but have been delighted and grateful for the support given to me by my fellow Governors, the school itself and the Diocese. My interest in education dates back to my cradle, as my mother was a teacher for over 40 years and I grew up sharing in the triumphs and challenges of this most important area in the lives of our young people. I have 2 grown up children, now living and working in London and the South East neither of whom have favoured me with grandchildren yet! I am a parishioner and Catechist at the church of St Nicholas and my interests include the theatre, ancient and biblical history and travel.

Mrs Jenny Stuart - Collins
I am delighted to be a member of the Governing Body of St Nicholas Catholic Primary School. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at Leeds Trinity University and have held that role for 13 years. Prior to Lecturing, I taught in a number of Primary Schools across Leeds. Having had a Catholic Education myself, I feel privileged to be a Governor in one of our Catholic Schools. I enjoy music and am one of the organists at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Leeds.

Father Saji Kurian
I am the Parish Priest of St Nicholas Church and the Chaplain of St Nicholas Primary School. I am privileged and happy to be part of the Staff ,Parents and Governors who work hard to make the school excel at all levels. I believe that ''the Education of the Heart is the Heart of Education' 'I assure my prayers and support to the school. May every effort of this institution, help to spread the love Christ to the Children and the society.

Mr Dave Kagai
I am a parent governor. I feel privileged and proud to be a parent and a governor in the same school. My background is strategic business management and I have worked in five different countries. I have a passion for education and motivating to make a difference especially to the next generation. I am currently working part-time as a Tutor with WEA teaching different groups of adults in the community. I am also a board member of the NHS: Clinical Commissioning group (CCG) Leeds. I am humbled and very grateful to have this opportunity to team up with great people to work for a noble cause for the school and the community.

Miss Lynsey Casey - Coming soon