Garlinge and Parkside Primary Schools and Nurseries Federation
Membership 2025 2026

Martina Graham - Chair

I have two sons at opposite ends of their Garlinge journey, and my daughter is in the nursery class. My eldest son joined Garlinge in reception, a year after we moved to Margate from North London. Our time at the school has been overwhelmingly positive. We have been incredibly grateful for the excellent teaching and many opportunities that our son has had - from forest school in the early years, to performing as part of the school’s Young Voices choir at the O2. His little brother and sister have much to look forward to at Garlinge. I have a degree in Psychology, which included studying child development and mental health. After university, I managed a CQC-regulated community health and social care service for adults in London, commissioned by three local authorities and NHS bodies. After maternity leave, I moved into a more strategic position and continue to work in this role. I look forward to giving back to the school and supporting Garlinge’s bright future, as a Co-opted Governor.

Sue Collins

My name is Sue Collins and I have over 40 years of experience working in Primary education. From 2016 I was a National Leader of Education and St. Mildreds a National Support School. During this time I worked closely with James Williams and The Chairs of Governors from our respective schools to form the Thanet Endeavour Learning Trust (TELT) which is part of the Co-operative Schools Network. We did this because as a group of schools with the same vision and values for children we believed we were stronger together.

I retired at the end of 2020 from my position as Executive Headteacher of St.Mildred’s Primary Infant School and Bromstone Primary School. I have always been passionate about education and the importance of developing a love of learning in all children.

I am delighted to be joining the governing body of Garlinge Primary School and Nursery and Parkside Community Primary School as it is an exciting opportunity for me to be able to use my skills and expertise to contribute to the further development of two very successful schools.

Ollie Donohoe 

My name is Ollie Donohoe. I am excited about joining the Governing Body as a Parent Governor for Garlinge and Parkside Primary Schools & Nurseries Federation. I have a daughter and son who both attend Garlinge. They both really enjoy school, are developing well and making wonderful friends and memories. 

I am a qualified secondary school teacher with over 10 year’s teaching experience. I recently left my position as Head of Sixth Form and now work for Twenty4Seven Education as their Head of Education Support. This role involves providing candidates with continuous professional development and education support. This role has given me the opportunity to upskill and learn more about education. It has also provided more flexibility to undertake the role of a Parent Governor and have a greater involvement within my children’s education. 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to support Garlinge and Parkside Schools. I want to contribute and am interested in the Primary Curriculum and Personal Development of young learners.

In my spare time, I like to keep active and spend time with family and friends.

Rebecca Holmes 

My name is Rebecca Holmes. I work at Royal Harbour Academy School as the ITT and ECF Lead as well as teaching science. I am interested in teaching and learning, curriculum, assessment and teacher development. I am currently studying for a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NQPLTD) I have previously been a staff governor and was keen to become a governor again. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to support Garlinge and Parkside Schools.  I have two young sons who attend Garlinge and I have been thoroughly impressed by the support and education provided.

In my spare time I play netball and sing in a local choir. I also love to travel, read and cook. 

Alex Jones

I joined as a governor of Parkside and Garlinge in 2024. I have two children enrolled at Garlinge with the youngest in the nursery. I hope that, as a governor, I can play my part in adding to their experiences and that of their fellow students. I am looking forward to understanding the journey that Parkside has been on and what is planned for the future of both schools. We spend our spare time trying to wear the kids out with walks along the sea front, cheering on Margate FC and shepherding them to various clubs. A familiar feeling, I am sure! Any babysitting credits are spent seeing live music at the revived Dreamland. 

Jacqui Messenger 

I qualified as a teacher in 2011 and also hold a number of qualifications in relation to school leadership.  

I have been a teacher for over 14 years and during that time have been part of a senior leadership team in a Church of England primary school. I am currently a class teacher and English lead at Parkside Community Foundation Primary School in Canterbury. I work closely with the SLT to improve standards of English and early reading across the school. As well as teaching in primary schools, I have also taught in a Secondary Special School with children with complex ASD, PMLD and behaviour needs. I have also travelled to India and taught large groups of river children as well as delivering talks about the English Education system to trainee teachers in Thiruvananthapuram. I remain in contact with a number of former pupils, to this day.

 Throughout my career, I have always been committed to ensuring young people achieve their full potential. I believe that successful schools are the ones who put children at the heart of everything they do and passionately believe in an education system for all, regardless of need.

I enjoy long distance walking and have two very energetic dogs. I am taking up golf in the New Year as part of a personal challenge that I have set myself for 2026.

Ian Millership 

I became a Teacher Governor in July 2017, having joined the school in September 2016. I wanted to join the school governing body to gain a greater insight into the strategic leadership of the school and to create further opportunities for me to make a difference.

I have been in teaching since 2009 and have experience of teaching across all of Key Stage 2. I feel that this knowledge and experience in teaching will be of great benefit to the school governing body. I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and am passionate about high quality education and each and every child reaching their full potential.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling, attending sporting events and spending time with friends and family.

Chris Pataky 

My name is Chris Pataky and I have four children that attend Garlinge Primary School. 

I share the school’s strong commitment to inclusivity within the learning environment - this was a key element for wanting them to be able to attend the school, particularly as one of my children has a physical disability. 

Outside of my co-opted governor role, I am a self-employed lawyer in independent practice and also a former healthcare practitioner within the field of mental health – whilst my career experience is outside of education, I’m committed (and really excited) to be able to assist and support each of the schools and their wonderful staff going forward! In my spare time I like to spend time with my young family and exploring all that Kent has to offer.

Hannah Perry 

I am part of the office team at Parkside Community Foundation Primary School having worked at the school since 2016. My role in the school office has encompassed different aspects of school administration including admissions, HR, policies and attendance. I also have a degree in Business Management which included studying organisational strategy. At Parkside, I enjoy being in the school community and working closely with staff, parents and pupils to ensure the smooth running of the school day. I joined the Governing Body in January 2020 when the Federation was first formed. I was keen to be involved in the continued growth and development of Parkside and see how the collaboration between Parkside and Garlinge benefits both communities. 

In my spare time, I am busy raising my two young children. As a family, we love trips to the cinema and making the most of our English Heritage membership. I also love to read, listen to podcasts and long walks.