Governors

Molly Allen

It is a great honour to be a Governor at Saint Benedict School and the communities that it serves. The school has a special place in my heart due to the fact I attended as a student myself and was lucky to have wonderful teachers who nurtured me into the person I am today, whilst also offering me a fantastic quality of education and many experiences. As a result of this, I love to be able to give something back. Not only does being a Governor enable me to offer expertise I have through being a Headteacher, myself, it also has enabled me to learn about how I can make positive changes for our Infant and Nursery School and the community that we serve. People often describe me as being determined and I agree that I am determined to pursue excellence not just for children in one or two schools, but to work collaboratively to help children and families far and wide to be the best that they can be. In addition to my Governor role, I have my own Phonics Business, am part of the Executive Partnership Board and the University of Derby and I am in the process of setting up a sister partnership with a school in Kenya.  In my free time, I enjoy playing netball, running and going to the gym. 

Leonida Bandura

My name is Leonida (Lesia) Bandura I am from Warwickshire and moved to Derby 19 years ago after getting married. I am of Polish heritage and my husband Tom, our four boys, and I all speak fluent Polish. We are part of the Catholic parish of St. Maximillian Kolbe in Derby. 

I have a background in Law and Business Management and have worked in policy and contract management, strategy and regulation during the course of my career in the energy industry. 

I became a parent governor at St Benedict in 2022, have been a foundation (previously parent) governor at St Mary’s CVA for the last few years and am Chair of Trustees of Derby Polish Supplementary School. 

In my spare time, I enjoy reading, sports, going for walks and bike rides with the family and exploring National Trust locations. 

Joe Connolly

I am both a practicing Catholic and a parent of one student at the school with another due to start in September. With my wife, Rosemary, we have had an interesting time together in the UK, Sweden and until recently in the south of New Zealand in the parish of St Mary Star of the Sea in Port Chalmers. I had a Catholic education, leaving school at 16 for an apprenticeship, and went to university ‘late’ gaining a science teaching degree, B.Sc. in Physics and Masters in Business what seems like a long time ago! I taught secondary science, worked at CERN in Switzerland and then industrial research and development which took Rosemary and I to Sweden and then back to the UK managing tenders for major construction projects. When our first son was born we took a holiday in New Zealand and accidentally stayed for 12 years with me working in civil engineering (although my qualifications are more physics related). Returning to Derbyshire in late 2021 to look after elderly parents I am working once more in construction. Away from the office, I still enjoy running and playing competitive hockey although its a bit slower these days.

When we were looking for schools for our eldest son, St Benedict’s welcomed him. I am now looking forward to giving something back working with the rest of the Governance team to help where needed.

Justine Lane

My name is Justine Lane and I am a foundation governor at St Benedict CVA and am serving my 4^th year in office.  I am the link governor for Year 10, SEND and Pupil Premium.  Within this role I get to meet with the SEND staff, Mrs Groom, Mrs Gash and the Year 10 team and children.  This is a great honour and insight into the running of the school.

I am a teacher and currently work in Nursery at St Mary’s CVA in Derby.  My passion is education and ensuring that every child gets the best education available to them.

I  believe in the Catholic ethos of the school and that the children really can set the world on fire if they do what God wants them to do! (St Catherine of Siena)

I am a Mum of three and they all currently attend St Benedict. They are in year 9, 11 and 13.

Jonathon Ralphs

I have been a Saint Benedict parent since 2012 with two boys – the youngest now in the Sixth Form studying for his A-levels and the oldest is currently studying for his Masters degree in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Plymouth.

I am the chief executive of an IT company and enjoy being a member of E4E (Employers for Education) conducting CV workshops and mock interviews across Derby secondary schools which are important skills for young people to gain confidence.  I am a member of a Baptist church and a Sunday School youth teacher.  My wife and I wanted our children to attend Saint Benedict’s to ensure they received a Christian-based education.

Link-governor for the Sixth Form and the Personal Development curriculum and a panel governor for staff interviews and pupil exclusions.