tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post4803156059187055485..comments2024-01-25T09:28:56.610+00:00Comments on Confessions of a skeptic: No Governors at St. Augustine'sJonathan Westhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00527063732905729010noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-46630131277008147162011-11-20T15:21:27.829+00:002011-11-20T15:21:27.829+00:00The worst will be over soon.We will have a New Hea...The worst will be over soon.We will have a New Head who will bring fresh hope to the school teachers and parents.Let's look forward to a positive start with the excellent work of the governors.I attended the meeting last friday and was impressed we have such a caring and professional group of parent governors.They spoke of how to move ahead and had such as a positive outlook.I commend their efforts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-51886256803669986772011-11-19T10:57:25.636+00:002011-11-19T10:57:25.636+00:00I agree with anonymous 17th November 20.21. As a ...I agree with anonymous 17th November 20.21. As a parent with girls who have been at the school for several years I feel I have to comment.<br /><br />The current teachers are hard working and committed. I have asked my girls if they want to change schools, the response is a definitive no. We only have 4 weeks to wait before Mrs Wilson can take over the role. And I have, after last nights meeting, absolute confidence in the Board of Governors and staff to do the right thing for our girls and the school when the current head leaves.<br /><br />With this foundation to build on I am confident that the right person will look on the Head Teacher Vacancy as a desirable position.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-19786911084659678872011-11-17T23:29:58.736+00:002011-11-17T23:29:58.736+00:0021:29
There are quite a few new governors, for ins...21:29<br />There are quite a few new governors, for instance Prof Bennett, Deacon Clark and the two elected parent governors. They were in no way responsible for the decisions about the lawsuit, because they weren't governors at the time.<br /><br />We don't know who made that decision or who knew about it at the time. It is a question that would be worth asking.Jonathan Westhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00527063732905729010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-82012652462437846962011-11-17T23:27:23.465+00:002011-11-17T23:27:23.465+00:00Sorry if this has been answered in the last half o...Sorry if this has been answered in the last half of the above comments, but...<br /><br />Is this Murphy the same chap who used to teach R.E. at St B's ?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-57317663371291392582011-11-17T21:29:07.624+00:002011-11-17T21:29:07.624+00:00The concern is that the existing governors and tru...The concern is that the existing governors and trustees are not cabable of implementing the correct checks , balances and procedures. If they were we would not be here now! They have the legal authority to run the school, the headteacher reports to them. Everything that has gone wrong should have been dealt with by them. They chose not to act. Do you really want to give them another chance?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-54146726145282213502011-11-17T21:13:55.356+00:002011-11-17T21:13:55.356+00:00We are allowed to write as we find. The school ha...We are allowed to write as we find. The school has a head teacher who seems totally incapable of telling the truth. Who squanders our school fees on frivolous lawsuits and unless you are a sycophant, treats us with contempt! Very few of us are members of the glee club so<br />Don't tell us how we must feel, thank you very much!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-19476941223810903432011-11-17T20:59:10.011+00:002011-11-17T20:59:10.011+00:0020:28
Retiring?! We heard that she was pushed and ...20:28<br />Retiring?! We heard that she was pushed and he was suspended (on full pay)!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-50906614531288820462011-11-17T20:43:42.779+00:002011-11-17T20:43:42.779+00:001936, I am not defending FGM, and I agree with you...1936, I am not defending FGM, and I agree with you that this blog is performing a useful service.<br /><br />My point is that at this time it would be better to be clear-headed and practical. <br /><br />It would be really useful to find some informed suggestions on how things might develop from here.<br /><br />Are there known better models for school Trust / Governor relationships to be structured?<br /><br />Are there precedents for parent power being translated into constitutional reform, or influencing the appointment of a new head?<br /><br />Is there, frankly, any point at this stage in agitating, or would it be wiser to let the dust settle?<br /><br />If the Trustees are legally and practically immoveable, then perhaps we'd better get used to them.<br /><br />If they can be moved and reformed, it would be good to hear some ideas about how.<br /><br />I don't believe this is a news story, and I think it very important that the poor staff of the school have a chance to recover and get on with the largely very good job they do of educating our daughters.<br /><br />FGM is going. Rather than wasting time on the rights and wrongs of that, we should be focusing on the future, and how we strike a balance between shaping it, and living with it.<br /><br /><br /><br />(1855)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-89110184802735084442011-11-17T20:28:11.940+00:002011-11-17T20:28:11.940+00:00What we may be sure of is that Mrs Gumley Mason is...What we may be sure of is that Mrs Gumley Mason is retiring. That seems to be a 'sensible decision' on her part.<br />What we are not sure of is who will be the next permanent head.<br />What we need to be sure of is that this whole sorry mess can never happen again.<br />What we need is to know that our newly reinstated governors have put in place proper checks and balanced to ensure it cannot.<br />Mrs Gumley Mason is not the problem, she is the manifestation of it. She is not the disease, she is the symptom.<br /> <br />Governors - put in place those checks and balances for the sake of the future of the school. <br /><br />Parents and staff - support your governors in this task.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-18083676243314536922011-11-17T20:22:05.607+00:002011-11-17T20:22:05.607+00:0018:55
Good to know that you are reading this...18:55<br /><br />Good to know that you are reading this...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-34277654148908881952011-11-17T20:21:56.734+00:002011-11-17T20:21:56.734+00:00.Don't get sucked in to many of these comments....Don't get sucked in to many of these comments made by people who don't have children at the school. If you are a genuine parent then you know the existing head has 4 weeks left at the school, in the meantime we have wonderful Mrs Wilson.<br /><br />St A's is a beautiful school and its run by dedicated deputy heads and commited teachers. My girls would not want to be anywhere else and they have a sibling else where very near by, with a different experience.<br />Yes there is change but isn't that a good thing. The school is a treasure to any prospective head to uncover. <br />If you are genuine parents posting please don't be short sighted, or negative, St Augustine's hasn't had much support from its local parish in ealing, who have their own agenda.<br /><br />Our strenght is us the parents and staff - That's what makes our school special.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-88459386647162229542011-11-17T20:16:55.152+00:002011-11-17T20:16:55.152+00:0018.55 please read the preceding post @ 18.52. Let&...18.55 please read the preceding post @ 18.52. Let's all reduce the volume to 3 and use future forums positively. Tempers are understandably charged but clear, calm and collected action and thinking is required.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-63598044130474190932011-11-17T20:02:53.572+00:002011-11-17T20:02:53.572+00:00How can anyone defend this woman, she has bought t...How can anyone defend this woman, she has bought this upon herself - you reap what you sow!<br /><br />Was she concerned about child protection issues? NO<br /><br />Was she concerned about her own reputation? YES<br /><br />That's why she sought judicial review regarding the ISI report rather than sort out the problems. Hence, when the second report was published months later the same issues were still unresolved. Is this the kind of person you want running the school, with your daughters going to it? NO<br /><br /><br />Is she fit to run the school? NO<br /><br />What of the trustees and governors to whom she reports and is accountable,they ran scared of her and are now scurrying around seeking legal advice. A little late I would suggest!!<br /><br />And we are supposed to feel sorry for this lot? NO, NO, NOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-42802657490633035892011-11-17T19:36:50.710+00:002011-11-17T19:36:50.710+00:0018.55
Aren't we defensive, I wonder why? The...18.55<br /><br />Aren't we defensive, I wonder why? The blog has done nothing but inform us of what has been happening at St. Augustine's, something Mrs GM should have done. If she had been honest from the start this blog would not have materialised, it's her own fault.<br />Your concern is overwhelming, don't read it if it so distressing, and I think you will find everything printed on the blog is the truth, which is obviously hard for to comprehend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-49732127770417883022011-11-17T18:55:44.255+00:002011-11-17T18:55:44.255+00:001657, It really isn't much use to post on this...1657, It really isn't much use to post on this blog that FGM and AM have 'extraordinary salaries' without saying what those salaries are.<br /><br />1622, don't you think you should be specific about what that 'pain and suffering' you claim FGM has caused are?<br /><br />1630, what is the point of your posting? <br /><br />I am concerned that at this potentially distressing time for parents and girls, this blog is generating more heat than light.<br /><br />Please, if you have useful information to share, then do so.<br /><br />But don't treat this valuable forum as an opportunity for unsubstantiated alarmism, which helps absolutely noone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-10074737883485540202011-11-17T18:52:47.476+00:002011-11-17T18:52:47.476+00:00Poisoned chalices present huge opportunities for a...Poisoned chalices present huge opportunities for ambitious people. Far better to go into a dispeptic school than takeover from a brilliant head, which we have certainly not had. <br /><br />Alleged "hysterical and venomous" comments have arisen as a result of the lies we have all been peddled, and which let's not forget, were revealed to us by this blog. People are angry and that anger is understandably being expressed.<br /><br />The problem has been identified and is in the process of being addressed, there may be secondary infections, but with the patient in intensive care the prognosis is improving.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-10286790054089679672011-11-17T18:37:37.448+00:002011-11-17T18:37:37.448+00:00Gumley Masons one supporter obviously commenting.Gumley Masons one supporter obviously commenting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-70268692657171009072011-11-17T18:36:32.039+00:002011-11-17T18:36:32.039+00:0016.57
I totally agree with everything you say.
And...16.57<br />I totally agree with everything you say.<br />And 17.26 How dare you judge us we are speaking the truth, if you don't like it, Tough.<br />Anyone applying for the job will do their research and realise they will have a challenge on their hands after the Mess Gumley has left, they will also realise us the parents really care about St.Augustine's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-39161552960874884662011-11-17T17:26:43.150+00:002011-11-17T17:26:43.150+00:00What reputable candidate for the headmistress'...What reputable candidate for the headmistress' job would apply for it after reading some of the hysterical and venomous comments on here? Talk about a poisoned chalice!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-68049295987363034682011-11-17T16:57:30.713+00:002011-11-17T16:57:30.713+00:0014:59
FGM has consistently lied to the parents and...14:59<br />FGM has consistently lied to the parents and staff. She paid herself and her husband extraordinary salaries from the parents purses for the last 17 years! <br />So for you to say " To be honest there is not much difference between what the likes of GM are being accused of and the behaviour of some of the contributors here." .......Is totally outrageous!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-53955114790186999752011-11-17T16:44:14.786+00:002011-11-17T16:44:14.786+00:00Mr West Sorry, I posted the blog at 15:53 and forg...Mr West Sorry, I posted the blog at 15:53 and forgot to put quotation marks on 14:59's posting.It should have read <br /> 14:59<br /> "It is rather annoying when the remarks are so personal at times and am sure rather hurtful to the likes of GM, who after all has devoted a large chunk of her life to this school.. To be honest there is not much difference between what the likes of GM are being accused of and the behaviour of some of the contributors here". <br />Personally I think You're nuts!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-32099400611739268922011-11-17T16:30:56.090+00:002011-11-17T16:30:56.090+00:00Heard that GM IS going to the ball and has spread ...Heard that GM IS going to the ball and has spread a rumour to the contrary. Wonder why? Maybe she's worried that 14:59 will turn up in a hoodie!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-64413954783348655812011-11-17T16:22:34.275+00:002011-11-17T16:22:34.275+00:00It's a shame that we actually NEED a parents m...It's a shame that we actually NEED a parents meeting! Mrs GM and her Trustees have created this need! It is a shame that we need to go elsewhere to air our views and be listened to!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-14385645928316922392011-11-17T16:22:21.618+00:002011-11-17T16:22:21.618+00:0015.53
I have no sympathy at all for Gumley Mason ...15.53<br /><br />I have no sympathy at all for Gumley Mason and if these remarks hurt her so be it, you obviously do not understand the pain and suffering she has caused.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518202135348193859.post-50399362603157626772011-11-17T16:21:49.494+00:002011-11-17T16:21:49.494+00:0015:53
I also think 14:59 has got it so wrong. Is s...15:53<br />I also think 14:59 has got it so wrong. Is s/he<br />really a parent at the school or is this just another sidelining exercise to keep us from discussing the real issues?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com