Governance

Stephen Pihlaja

Originally from Chicago, I have been lecturer in English Language at Newman University since 2014. I teach and research about the ways people use language to talk about their religious belief, particularly on the internet. I’ve written several books on the topic of inter-religious dialogue online and how people’s beliefs change over time.

As the Chair of Governors at St Michael’s, I am hopeful to work with people of different faiths and no faith to work together to find shared values and grow together as a community.

My partner, Yoko, and I have three daughters, and when I’m not researching or teaching, I enjoy long distance running, writing, and sitting quietly in coffee shops.

Jonathan Goll

I came to the Christian faith, in my teens, being deeply influenced by CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien (the latter I met). My faith has sustained me through many difficult years. In recent years I have used my trade union experience to be involved in local Church politics, so, for example, I am now on Birmingham Diocesan Synod – the central discussion body of the Church of England in Birmingham – and I am Lay Chairman of Edgbaston Deanery Synod (one level down from that, for south west Birmingham). I am on the Parochial Church Council (the PCC) which runs St Michael’s Church, and have been appointed by the PCC to be a Governor of St Michael’s school.

I have an adult education qualification, and have recently also qualified to teach English as a foreign language. I love Gospel I serve, and I would like the same joy I have experienced to be in the life of St Michael’s school.

Reverend Ruth Atkinson

I am Vicar of the St Michael and All Angels Church and visit school on a regular basis to help lead collective worship and as a Governor. The children often visit the church for the beginning and end of term services and as part of their curriculum.

I was born in West Yorkshire and I was a teacher for many years in Worcester. I grew up in the Christian faith; I was ordained in 2009 when I became curate at St Mary’s Church Old Swinford and then became Vicar here in October 2014.

I administer the church food bank which you can access through the school. We have a range of activities for children in church which you can find out about on the church website.

I enjoy working with the children and helping them explore issues of faith.

Elizabeth Flannagan

I have been a serving governor at St Michael’s for around 12 years.  I first took on the role of staff governor whilst working at the school, initially in the capacity of Teaching Assistant before developing my career into teaching. 

I had the pleasure of working at St Michael’s for 23 years; a place I often called ‘home’ due to the families and children within the school community.  During these years, I have worked alongside numerous staff who all hold the children at the heart of the school; strive to develop opportunities for the children to enjoy learning and flourish.  Currently I work as an Assistant Headteacher within an inner city school and hold a Diocese Trust governor post.

Dan Whisker

I’m originally from Chorley in Lancashire, in the catchment area for the mighty Preston North End, came to Birmingham to study and never left. I worked for several years in secondary schools around Birmingham and now lecture in ‘Working with Children, Young People and Families’ at Newman University. 

I have two children and spend a lot of time taking them to activities I’d rather be doing myself, and in my limited spare time, I enjoy making music, playing board games, reading and taking long solitary walks.

Saida Chowdhury

I grew up in West London and moved to Birmingham 15 years ago after getting married.

Currently I am a stay at home mother of two boys that both attended St Michael’s.  From a very young age both myself and my partner have encouraged our children to be inquisitive and develop a love of learning about the world around us.

I have worked in various administrative focused posts after completing my degree from Queen Mary, University of London.  I continued my learning after having children by taking part in child development focused courses.

Over the years I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at St Michael’s, listening to children read, helping in the classroom and during various school trips.  I am hopeful for children of all abilities to reach their full potential. 

I believe in creating friendships, as well as improving understanding across different faiths and communities.

I am an open minded, approachable individual who is always happy to have a chat.

I love exploring new places and cultures, running, hiking, cooking, writing poetry, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Phil Clifton

Christian, father, teacher and hockey player. 

Thirty years ago I moved from ‘Geordie land’ to study at Birmingham Uni, and have never really left the area.  My youngest, of three, went to St Michael’s and is thriving from their teaching and care. 

It is an honour to serve and support the school as a Governor; to give back, in some small way, for the time, care and attention that St Michael’s staff invested in her.

As a secondary teacher working close by I am able to “pop in” to help out, to share the successes that the school is producing, be it through external assessments, school productions, sports days, praise assemblies as well as to hear of the the many, many mini wins their staff achieve lesson by lesson day by day with their pupils.

Sally-Ann Roberts

I am Mrs Roberts, the Headteacher at St Michael’s CE Primary School. My passion lies in cultivating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every pupil can truly flourish. Guided by our vision of “Courage to Flourish in the Love of God,” I firmly believe in the power of collaboration among staff, pupils, and families to foster a vibrant and positive school culture.

I am dedicated to ensuring that our school not only meets educational standards but also prioritises the holistic development of each pupil. In my personal time, I enjoy reading and spending quality moments with my family and friends.

I am deeply committed to continuous improvement in education and look forward to collaborating with fellow governors and the wider school community to ensure that St Michael’s remains a place where every pupil is empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Together, we can create an atmosphere of hope, courage, and resilience, enabling our pupils to embrace challenges and celebrate their successes.

Rajan Bhatti

I am Mr Bhatti, the Deputy Headteacher at St Michael’s. In my role, I focus on enhancing the quality of teaching and learning throughout the school, ensuring that all pupils receive the tailored support they need to reach their full potential. With several years of senior leadership experience across BDMAT, I am deeply passionate about driving school improvement and fostering an environment where both pupils and staff can thrive.

Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places with friends. I also have a keen interest in baking and cooking, often experimenting with new recipes during the weekends.

I look forward to working closely with the governors and the wider school community to implement strategic initiatives that will not only elevate our educational standards but also create a nurturing and inclusive environment for all our pupils.

Kate Coe

Having moved back to Birmingham from London with my family two years ago, I am thoroughly enjoying working in this amazing school in my home city. St Michael’s have welcomed me as one of their own and I feel honoured to work in such a nurturing school; where learning, knowledge and aspirations go hand in hand with fun, friendship, and community.

As an early years trained teacher, and mum to a three year old, I am passionate about learning through play and child led learning. I bring this passion into my learning environment and teaching practice, diving in to the highs and challenges of nurturing our youngest school children. It is so rewarding to watch them grow and see the progress they make throughout the year and I feel privileged to be the nursery teacher at our lovely school.

I am excited to join the governing board of a school that has made me feel so valued as part of their teaching staff and I feel great pride in the fact that I will be able to represent my colleagues in order to have a positive impact on our school and community.

Rebecca Jones

I am Miss Jones – Year 6 class teacher and newly appointed governor at St Michael’s. I also lead Religious Education across the school, and I’m passionate about helping children explore faith, values, and spirituality in a way that’s deep, meaningful and inclusive. I’m proud to support our school’s vision: Courage to flourish in the love of God, and I’m committed to ensuring every child feels empowered to grow and succeed.

Outside of school, life is full of adventure! I love being a mum and spending time outdoors whether it’s outdoor adventurous activities or simply soaking up nature with my family. These moments remind me of the importance of curiosity, resilience, and joy. These are qualities I hope to nurture in our pupils too.

As a governor, I’m excited to contribute to the strategic direction of the school and work alongside staff, governors, and the wider community to create an environment where every child and member of our school community can thrive.