Governors

Welcome to Shaftesbury Junior School from the governors. We have a very active governing body, all of whom meet on a regular basis and work with school leaders to ensure the very best education for all pupils.  We are very proud to offer our support and challenge to the school leaders of Shaftesbury.  The total number of governors for the school currently stands at 10.

Our members are:

Ms Alex Buchanan-Smith, Co-chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

Mr Chirag Parmar, Co-chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

Reverend Bertin Hermo, Vice-chair, Co-opted Governor

Ms Kat Wujkowska, Parent Governor

Ms Gurninder Bhella, Co-opted Governor

Vacancy, Co-opted Governor

Mrs Anisha Kanji, Staff Governor

Mr Karl Stewart, Headteacher

Ms Zoe Warner, Parent Governor

Mrs Sarah Hughes, Co-opted Governor

Dates of full governing body meetings for 2023-24 are:

• Monday 25^th September
• Monday 13^th November 
• Monday 4^th December
• Monday 5^th February 2024
• Monday 4^th March 2024
• Monday 13^th May 2024 
• Monday 3^rd June 2024

Below you will find the attendance and training record for governors, the Instrument of Government and other helpful documents or links.  If you would like a paper copy of any of these documents, please contact the school office.

Meet the governors

Ms Alex Buchanan-Smith

Hi I'm Alex, I work as a Goldsmith and CAD Jewellery Designer. I am concerned about the environment (as a household we don't drive) we cycle and walk any time we can. I practice yoga, think green spaces and getting our doors is great. Reading is a joy (I personally love Fantasy, Sci-fi and Historical Fiction). In this Governing role I look forward to learning more about the education system, it will be great to be involved in shaping the way children learn.

My children tell me I have lots of good ideas and that I am sensible but creative (I think they are right). I believe creative industries are the future (something the robots may not take over) Britain has a good foundation, I think creative thinking should always be encouraged and that the cultural diversity in Leicester is a great inspiration and puts the local children at an advantage! I believe children should be given the tools to think critically about the world around them and understand the different agendas of the organisations and media they are surrounded by. I think a good understanding of the world coupled with a creative outlet (in whatever form) is helpful in supporting children's mental and emotional heath.

I loved School and I think everyone should!

Mr Chirag Parmar

Hi I’m Chirag Parmar and I am a co-opted School Governor. I work in risk and compliance working the banking sector and my hobbies include playing football and writing poetry. I am hoping that my being a school governor, I am able to help shape the future leaders, and in turn, increase my knowledge of the mechanics of how a school operates. 

Rev Bertin Hermo

I am Bertin,  the vicar at the Church of the Martyrs which is located opposite the school. I am originally from Norway but have lived in the UK for over 30 years. My wife and I moved to Leicester in June 2019 and love being here! Some of my hobbies are running, watching sports and playing music.

I have three daughters who are now all young adults. When they attended a local Christian primary school I was involved in helping with assemblies from time to time. It is great living across the road from SJS, hearing the chatter of excited children playing outside during their breaks. I am hoping I can serve our school well as a governor in the season ahead.  

Mrs Anisha Kanji

Hi, I’m Anisha and have worked at Shaftesbury Junior School for over 15 years as a class teacher and I am passionate about providing our children with the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential. I have worked in several year groups in Key Stage 2 and am currently based in Year 4. I am part of the Senior Management Team, an English Lead and the Year 3/4 co-ordinator. I am excited about my role as Staff Governor as I feel it will provide me with further opportunity to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum.

Ms Zoe Warner

Hello! My name is Zoe and I am part-time self-employed and I also do volunteer work. I have two children so therefore a full-time mum too. I have a wide range of interests that include some more general things such as mindfulness,  reading, studying new things, politics, yoga and gaming (this is the one that makes me a "cool mum" according to my kids!), but also things like card reading, collecting as a family, writing, cosmetics and I have a big love for watching F1 and drinking ludicrous amounts of tea. 

I am looking forward to seeing what I can learn from my role as a governor, but I am also excited to bring forth my skills/knowledge in the areas of mental health/mindfulness, SEND (a matter close to home within my family) and also the perspectives, thoughts and ideas of the other parents whom I enjoy communicating with.

Ms Gurninder Bhella

Hello, My name is Gunni Bhella, I work In Banking as a Business Manager. I attended this school when I was younger and my hope is to shape the future of current pupils to achieve their goals. I have a particular passion in STEM having studied Mathematics at University. I look forward to reviewing financials to ensure we can maximise budget to the benefit of the pupils and school overall.