staff.svg

Our Teachers 2022-23

Please see below our teaching staff.

IMG_2129.jpg

Mr D Whittle - Headteacher

I feel enormously privileged to have become headteacher at the school where I began my teaching career over twenty years ago. In serving this community for so long I feel I have become part of it, and within it have developed strong bonds and a mutual respect.  I love our school - it is a special, happy place which the children are proud of, and it is they that make the job so rewarding for all who work here.  The school's ethos, grounded in Christian values, is very often commented on positively by visitors and staff new to the school.  The strong link with S. Margaret's church and its priest, Father Tom Davis, benefit school enormously in maintaining and developing this vital element of any school - the 'feel' of it.

Mrs Rachel Whittle.jpg

Mrs R Whittle - Deputy Headteacher 

I started at St Margaret’s as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2006 in the Reception class and have known from that moment that St Margaret’s is blessed with something magical about it. Throughout my time here I have taken every opportunity to develop myself as both a teacher, and leader: I have held an increasing range of roles in the school, taught across all key stages and studied for a number of postgraduate qualifications including the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and a Masters degree. I am deeply committed to strengthening links with parents, St. Margaret’s Church and the wider community; I have lead on initiatives such as FAST (Families and Schools Together) set up a 'Messy Church' in collaboration with St. Margaret’s Church. In addition to leading on English and maths, I am also the Designated Safeguarding Lead and have responsibilities for further developing the wider curriculum as well as specific responsibilities for Religious Education, collective worship and the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of the school. I worship at St Chad’s church in Saddleworth, where I live with my husband and two children.

Miss Kelly Jones.jpg

Mrs K Jones - Assistant Headteacher and SENco

I am Assistant Headteacher at St Margaret’s; I have been teaching for 18 years and have worked in two Oldham primary schools. I have a love for Early Years and this is where I have spent most of my career. I have been teaching here for 6 years, the children are amazing and I love supporting them through their learning journey.  I have been married for 12 years and have two children. I spend my weekends watching my children play netball and rugby. I am a rugby league fan and long-time supporter of the Leeds Rhinos.

Miss Vicky Thompson.jpg

Mrs V Thompson - Nursery Teacher

I teach in the Nursery Class and am the subject leader for phonics. After studying a 4 year Primary Education degree in my late twenties I began working at St Margaret’s in 2012. The children here are hardworking and love to learn and I really enjoy the community spirit at St Margaret’s.  I enjoy running and take part in park runs at the weekends. When I am not teaching my daughter year old likes to keep me busy! We like to go swimming and dancing.

Mrs Laura Van Houplines.jpg

Mrs L Van Houplines - Reception Teacher

I am one of the class teachers in Reception. I have taught at St Margaret's for 10 years (since being an NQT) and I absolutely love the school and all of our children! I have previously taught in year 3/4 and 5/6, as well as being a specialist Computing teacher for two years. I thoroughly enjoy working with our youngest pupils and watching them develop into confident little people. I have two young children myself, and when I'm not in school I can usually be found in my back garden playing football with the kids. 

Mrs H Duffy - Reception Teacher

I teach in Reception 2 and am the subject leader for Music. After gaining lots of experience working with children in private nurseries, as a children’s host on board cruise ships and then as a teaching assistant, I trained to be a teacher later on in life. I began teaching at St Margaret’s in 2018. I love working at St Margaret’s, the children are so eager to learn and the community spirit is amazing. In my spare time I love anything to do with music. I sing, play the guitar and the saxophone and thoroughly enjoy going to see musicals. My favourite musical is Wicked! 

Miss Slater - Reception Teacher

Coming soon....

Mrs A Yarwood - Chamber Class Teacher

I joined the staff team at St Margaret's over three years ago and I am currently the class teacher in Chamber Class. I have worked at a primary school in Salford prior to joining St Margaret's where I taught in Key Stages 1 and 2. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone at St Margaret's and have been made to feel very welcome. I am married with a 7-year-old daughter and we love to spend time together as a family, visiting local parks and eating out. We especially look forward to our holiday abroad every summer.

Ms Bano - Fox Class Teacher

Coming soon...

Mrs Claire Turner.jpg

Mrs C Turner - Brook Class Teacher

Since qualifying as a teacher in 2000 I have worked as a class teacher in reception, year 1 and year 2.  I arrived at St Margaret’s on secondment from Coppice Primary School six years ago and immediately loved both the staff and children.  The first class I taught when I arrived here have just left to begin high school and it has been fantastic seeing the progress all the children have made.  No day is ever the same and every child has their own unique qualities.  I especially like teaching in KS1 watching their school journey begin and reading and writing skills flourish.   St Margaret’s continues to play an important part in shaping our children’s future and one which I can say I am proud to be part of.  Outside of school I really enjoy walking and socialising with friends. I am a very proud mum to my two children and have been happily married for 15 years. 

Miss H Toal - Twist Class Teacher

I have been at St Margaret's for three years and have previously taught in Brook Class.  I’m very much looking forward to the year ahead. I love working as part of a team as I feel it is really important to feel supported and be able to offer others support too. I really enjoy working with children in the classroom environment and seeing how much the children progress over the year. Outside of school I enjoy ballet and tap dancing, reading, walking my two dogs and spending time with my friends and family.

Mrs J Warren.jpg

Mrs J Warren - Devon Class Teacher

I am the class teacher in Devon Class which is a KS2 class of mixed Year 4 and Year 5 children. I am originally from New York and began teaching US History in 2002. I have been at St Margaret’s since September 2016. I am enjoying working with the children and amazing friendly staff. It is lovely to see the children grow and achieve their goals.  I enjoy planning lessons, cooking, skiing, playing basketball and watching Liverpool Football Club win their matches!

Miss R Yaftaly - Durban Class Teacher

I am a new teacher at St Margaret’s and I am currently the Durban class teacher. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and working with all of the children and members of staff. I am proud to be part of this community and I can’t wait to see the children flourish throughout their school journey. Outside of school I enjoy playing sports and spending time with friends and family.

Miss G Dunks.jpg

Miss G Dunks - Heron Class Teacher

I started teaching at St Margaret’s in September 2013 and am actually a former pupil! I enjoy working with a supportive team and the new challenges and experiences that each day at St Margaret’s brings. In the school holidays I love to travel and visit new places!

Mrs C Campbell - Heron Class Teacher

I joined St Margaret’s in 2005 and have enjoyed teaching in all year groups throughout my time here. I currently teach Year 5 / 6 and thoroughly enjoy supporting our older children to gain a greater independence and confidence in their learning. Outside of school, I am busy raising my two year old twins. I enjoy spending time outside, cooking and exercising.

Miss R Goodwin -  Oak Class Teacher

TBA

Mrs C Strangwood.jpg

Mrs C Strangwood - Year 6 Booster

I am fortunate enough to work with our Year 6 children. I teach them Maths. I live with my husband, two little boys and our cat and dog. When I am not at school, I love watching films, sewing and reading books.

Miss H Jackson.jpg

Mrs H Adamson - Reading Recovery and Catch-up Teacher

I have worked at St Margaret’s since September 2012 and currently teach Fox Class, starting here I was a supply teacher, working in lots of different schools across Greater Manchester. I enjoy working at St Margaret’s because it is a friendly and enjoyable place to be. In my spare time I like to watch most sports and am a massive Manchester United fan. My favourite food is spaghetti bolognese with cheese!