Our Governors

Co-chair: Rod Hodgson – Local Authority

"My name is Rod Hodgson, I am a Master Mariner and currently employed as Marine Pilot for the Port of Southampton. Isle of Wight born and bred I enjoyed a seagoing career with BP and P&O Cruises before moving into Port Management and Pilotage. I have two children at St Thomas’s and volunteer as a governor to lend support to the Federation to ensure the best outcomes possible for our pupils."

Co-chair: Alex Pettitt – Co-opted
"I became a Governor in 2017 and have been co-chair since Summer 2020. Initially as a parent governor but more recently I have become the co-opted governor. I have 2 children, one in Year 5 at St Thomas of Canterbury. I work part-time as a secondary school teacher at The Bay teaching mostly Geography. Despite being a teacher for over 15 years I have found being a Governor a learning curve - one which I have thoroughly enjoyed."

Vice-Chair Maureen Etheridge - Foundation

I am a retired headteacher, living in Freshwater.  I have spent most of my career working in schools in Kent and Suffolk and took up my final post here on the Isle of Wight. Since I retired, I continue to fulfil my interest in education by volunteering at St Saviour's Catholic Primary School. I very much enjoy being a member of the Governing Body and relish the opportunity of being involved in education and working as part of the team to serve the federation of St Mary's and St Thomas's.

Katie Giannotta - Foundation

Katie has been appointed as a Foundation Governor. She has recently moved to the Island from Surrey with her husband and two young boys.  “When I’m not mothering, I am a keen gardener and enjoy many crafts. I look forward to becoming more involved in the community at St Thomas of Canterbury when my boys start school and getting to know St Marys through Governance. 

Angela Hewkin - Foundation

Sian Hitchcock - Staff

Fr Joe McNerney - Foundation

Alice Malia - Associate Member 

Catherine Ouston - Parent

Maggie Sanderson – Executive Headteacher of the Federation of St Mary's and St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic primary schools

Rebecca Tucker - Parent

Rebecca is a parent governor. “Having grown up in Cardiff, I studied English Literature at Bristol University before entering a career in teaching. I then taught in two different London primary schools and really enjoyed my time teaching Early Years, KS1 and KS2. In 2017, we moved to the Island to be part of Grace Church, Ryde, where my husband Oli is the Associate Pastor. I now volunteer regularly at our church Sunday school and toddler group and spend my ‘free’ time exploring the Island with our three children.”

Juan Vicente - Foundation