Meet the Governors

Maria Parker Foundation Governor

Chair of Governors

My name is Maria Parker and I am delighted to have been appointed Chair of Governors at our parish primary school.  I am an "old girl" of Our Lady of Lourdes, I left to go to Christ the King in 1975!

I returned to Christ the King as Chaplain where I worked for 25 years before leaving to take on 2 roles - Parish Administrator for Birkdale Catholics and Catholic Chaplain at Southport and Ormskirk Hospitals and Queenscourt Hospice.  My hobbies include knitting and, more recently, cake decorating.  I am really looking forward to continue working with Governors, Staff and Parents.

Rob Ball

Foundation Governor

It was an honour to be asked to be a Foundation Governor at Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), an offer that I accepted in January 2023. I have a strong connection with the school from being a former pupil, and both of my children have recently attended so I know first hand what a happy, welcoming and nurturing school OLOL was and still is.       

I am a chartered building surveyor by profession and bring a wealth of experience, having previously worked on a range of education capital projects whilst in private practice. In recent years I have worked clientside at the Archdiocese of Liverpool, looking after their estate and overseeing the implementation of capital works. I am hoping that my knowledge in construction, property and facilities management will assist the school and staff to achieve their aims and objectives.  

Angela Baron

Foundation Governor

I was educated at Notre Dame School in Birkdale and Digby Stuart Teacher Training College in Roehampton.

I started my teaching career in Reception in a Catholic Primary School in East London and after two years went to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) to teach in a Catholic mission school in the south of the country for eighteen months.

On returning to the UK I worked in a base for hearing impaired pupils within a Primary School in West London. During this time I was seconded for a year to train as a teacher for H.I. children in Twickenham. The remainder of my career was spent teaching in Units for H.I. in W. London and Hillingdon, the School for H.I. Children in Birkdale and as a peripatetic teacher in W. London.

I moved back to Southport on my retirement and live in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

My interests include playing tennis, travel and gardening (incl. gardening on Rotten Row!)

Ann Broe

LA Governor

I have been a Governor at Our Lady of Lourdes for 6 years.  I began as a Parent Governor and am now the LA Governor.  My son Henry is currently at OLOL and my two eldest children attended OLOL and also St Teresa’s infant school.  As a mum I am very interested in education, especially making sure it is inclusive to all children.  I am a Literacy & Reading Intervention teacher at Christ the King High School and previously had a career in business.  I serve on both the Curriculum and Finance committees.

Faye Dreher

Parent Governor

Hello, I’m Faye and I am delighted to have recently been elected as parent governor at our wonderful school. 

I have two daughters who currently attend the school in year 6 and year 1.

Professionally I am a chartered accountant and have worked in the finance industry for the past 10 years, I have recently moved into the education sector as a School Business Manager for a local primary school. 

I hope to apply my skills and experience within finance and the education sector to the Governor role to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of our children.

​​​​​​Simon Grilli

Foundation Governor

I was delighted to be appointed in February 2021 as a Foundation Governor for Our Lady of Lourdes RC Primary School. It is some years ago that both my daughters attended OLOL where they spent many happy years. As a Birkdale resident and a long time parishioner of St Teresa’s, the community is justifiably proud of the Catholic schools in the area.

My interest in Education, particularly between Early Years and age 11, stems not only from being a proud father and Grandfather but also from having a career in schools. As a teacher and later as a School Leader, I worked in a number of diverse communities, initially on the Wirral but in the main in Sefton. My particular interests have always been around how children learn best, the provision of an exciting and broad curriculum and parental involvement.

I have been retired since 2014 and along with my wife, have been keeping fit, supporting the family and pursuing our interests, although we are generally ‘ joined at the hip’.

Bruce Peter Hicks

Foundation Governor

I recently retired as Assistant Headteacher and Director of Music at Archbishop Beck Catholic College, Liverpool.

Prior to my appointment at Archbishop Beck Catholic College, I taught in the private and state sector of education in the UK and before that was Director of Music at Christian Brothers High School, Lewisham, NSW, Australia. Under my leadership the school ensemble was the most honoured wind ensemble in the state. I relocated to the UK in 1988, and have taught in three schools.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts from the Open University,Master of Arts, (OU), Master of Educational Management, Sheffield University, ALCM from London College of Music and an NPQH from the National College of School Leadership. I play piano, trombone and Euphonium. My professional affiliations include, member of the Executive Board of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (BASBWE), a committee member of the English Speaking Union, (ESU) and a member of the TMEA, Texas, USA. I am also Editor of the Winds Magazine for BASWBE. I havevadjudicated in Australia and have been guest conductor for numerous wind ensembles in the UK.

I am a strong advocate that young people need to be involved in live music making, and not to become passive listeners, but take the joy, skill and motivation throughout their lives.

I am also a member of a Governing Board of a Liverpool Primary school and a member of the local Catholic community here in Southport.

Father Atli Jonsson

Vice Chair and Foundation Governor

I was appointed parish priest of Our Lady of Lourdes and St Joseph in September 2004, and to St Teresa in April 2017. It goes with the territory of being parish priest to serve the parish school. I am committed, with the other foundation governors, to the Catholic ethos of our School and support staff and pupils in living and sharing the faith.

Originally from Iceland I have lived in the Archdiocese of Liverpool since 2000 after finishing my training for the priesthood in Rome. Unlike many priests I have never played golf but am good at cooking pasta!

Sam Gallagher

Staff Governor

With over a decade of teaching experience at Our Lady of Lourdes, both the school and its community hold a special place in my heart. 

Although I spent the majority of my teaching career in Key Stage 2, presently, I lead Key Stage One while teaching Year 2. As an educator and leader, I prioritise instilling our school’s Core Values in our children, fostering resilience, tolerance, love, and compassion, inspired by the teachings of Jesus.

Additionally, I contribute to leadership teams focused on Maths, PE & School Sport, and Mental Health. PE & School Sport holds a particular passion for me. I believe we have a unique opportunity to introduce children to various activities, fostering enduring healthy habits and a love for being active!

Away from school, I enjoy exploring the local area with my wife and daughter. My leisure time is often spent playing or watching a variety of sports, including squash, golf, and following the endeavours of Liverpool FC!