Meet the Governors
Joanna Aunon
I’m Joanna and I’m mum to two children, one is currently a pupil in the school. I’ve lived in Highbury for 17 years and love being part of the St John’s community.
At work, I’m the Director of Women in Hospitality (WIHTL) and Diversity in Retail, which are two organisations dedicated to helping businesses become more diverse, equitable and inclusive. My earlier career has been in Human Resources, heading up recruitment and talent development for several household brand names. I’m also on the Advisory Board of a Scholarship fund that helps hospitality students from disadvantaged backgrounds cover the cost of their equipment and fees so they can pursue their chosen career.
My passion though is inclusion. I believe that if we enable an environment where staff and pupils feel they belong and feel included then we help to build and strengthen their confidence and support them to reach their potential. As a Parent Governor I aim to champion these important subjects, and help support the StJHV leadership team to continue and progress even further the great work being done at our school.
I am the link governor for Equality.
Andy Chrich
Hi, my name’s Andy, and I serve on the Governing Body representing the clergy of the three churches that have special links to St John’s Highbury Vale – St Thomas’, St Augustine’s and Christ Church. I have been vicar of Christ Church Highbury for five years. Before that I have served in parishes and a college in Cambridge, the Yorkshire Dales and Buckinghamshire.​
I have been a governor at different schools for 20 years, and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to support local schools in the amazing work they do educating our children and enriching community life.
I am the link governor for RE and Worship.
Nicola Duncan
I am a foundation governor appointed through the Islington Deanery Synod.
Both my children attended St John’s and loved it.
I was working in Camden Children’s Centres on a vulnerable families project when I started as a governor, and my work with social services gave me the relevant experience to become the safeguarding governor. I’m passionate about building strong communities – which I believe is a core strength of St John’s. I am excited to be part of a school which fosters a sense of community that the children take beyond the school gates into the wider world.
I hope to continue to be able to support the school to be a safe and welcoming environment for all children, families and staff.
Sandra Hall
I’m Sandra. A Foundation Governor with a link to St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Finsbury Park as a church leader/trustee with a special focus as a pastoral assistant.
I joined St. John’s as a governor in May 2021 and am the link governor for Early Years. I work with other governors and staff to review the teaching and learning provision and access for all the children in this area.
Sarah Hinton (Chair)
I became a foundation governor at St John’s in 2021 and have been the Chair of Governors since September 2022. I am also the link governor for Curriculum.
I have a background of teaching in primary schools in London and Botswana. I also worked with pre-schools in South Africa, where I had the exciting experience of being involved in the Mandela elections in 1994. I have always worked to ensure that every child be given a safe and happy environment where they have the opportunity to fulfil their potential… and I am enjoying continuing that focus at St John’s.
I live locally and attend Christ Church, Highbury.
If you see me around do come and chat.
Martin Hornbuckle
I am a co-opted Governor with Finance link responsibilities. I’ve lived in Highbury and have attended one of the churches linked to the school, St Augustine’s, for nearly 30 years, including stints serving as Treasurer and church warden. My three, now adult, children all attended St John’s for their Primary education.
For the last four years I’ve worked for the Diocese of London helping local parishes in Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets with finance and administration-related matters. Previously I held various roles in the financial services industry after originally training as an accountant.
 Jessica Lister
Hello, I’m Jessica Lister, one of the Foundation Governors for the school and also mother to two children who have been St John’s pupils – my daughter is in Year 5 and my son is now at secondary school. I’m a communications director and former journalist and I’ve been a Governor since 2018. My current focus is as the link governor for Wellbeing.
Like all schools, in recent years, St John’s had to navigate Coronavirus and other challenges. It has done so with an unwavering focus on the school community, including its partner churches and a committed parent group, Friends of St John’s. Alongside the teachers, these partners help nurture an inclusive, caring environment for children and parents.  This pastoral focus has long been a huge strength of St John’s and my children have been very happy at the school.
 Alex Macfarlane
Hi, I’m Alex. I’ve been a parent governor since the beginning of 2022 and an active part of the school community since my eldest joined the school in 2016 (he’s now at secondary school). My younger two are going into Years 2 and 5 (written Aug ’23).
As a school governor at St John’s I Chair the Admissions Committee, am on the Pay Committee and am Link governor for Health and Safety. I’d like to help ensure St John’s remains a popular school, continuing to attract the best teachers and staff ensuring we give our children a happy, fulfilling and enriching school experience.
In addition to being a governor I am Head of Maritime & Supply Chain Analysis for the Department for Transport, a senior economist role within central Government.
Please feel free to contact me/talk to me at any time, I am around at drop off some mornings.
Miss Powder
Hello, I’m Miss Powder and I am a staff governor at St. Johns Highbury Vale. I have been a teacher here for 2 years so far ​and became a staff governor this year.
I am very passionate about our school and making sure that all of the children have the best opportunities and experiences whilst they are here. One of the reasons I love working at St. Johns is the community around the school and the people that work hard to make our school an inclusive and exciting place to be, from our participation in sporting events to our connections with our churches, we work hard to make memories alongside our learning.
Please feel free to come and have a chat in the playground whenever you see me out there! ​
 Patrick Robinson (Vice-Chair)
Hi, I’m Paddy and am Vice-Chair, Chair of the Pay Committee as well as one of the two Finance link governors. I’ve been a member of the Governing Board at St John’s since 2018. I have lived in the area for 10 years but have particularly enjoyed working with the wonderful group of people involved with the school as well participating in the wider community through this role.   In my day job I trade shares on European stock markets, but nothing can prepare you for the complexities of education finance. I have a grand plan to lobby Parliament one day on the historical inequalities of school funding, but am happy to discuss it with you all in the interim.
Nikki Thompson
I am a Foundation governor and have been involved with the St John’s community since our three children were pupils here. I am a member of the Admissions committee and am link governor for SEND.
I am a secondary school teacher, previously of French and Spanish and following a Masters in Literacy and Dyslexia, I now work within the Learning Enhancement team, mostly supporting students one to one.
I am passionate about establishing a love of learning in these primary school years and feel privileged to be able to contribute to the governance of St John’s, at the heart of our Highbury community.
