About the Governors

Each of our school Governors is shown below. If you would like to find out more about the Governor's Business interests or would like to bring something to the Governors attention please contact clerk@canadahill.org

Amy Keene - Chair

I was elected as a parent governor in 2021 and am very honoured to have taken on the role of Vice Chair this year (2023).  

My daughter joined Canada Hill in Reception in 2020 and I was instantly struck by the warmth and care with which she was received. I believe that the Canada Hill family ethos is very special and it is this that made me want to be more involved in the school and contribute to its success. 

Having been a secondary school teacher for nearly 20 years I am extremely passionate about the role that education takes in shaping young people and their futures. In my role as a governor at Canada Hill I strive to use my experience to make a positive contribution to all its pupils by supporting the staff and families in any way I can to make every child’s journey through the school as inspiring and enriching as it can possibly be. 

Samantha Simmons

I joined the Board as a Parent Governor in Autumn 2018, whilst my two boys were still at Canada Hill. Although they are both now at secondary school, I remain committed to positively contributing to work of the Board of Governors and supporting the Head Teacher and school team to ensure that each and every pupil at Canada Hill receives a high quality of education in an inspiring, caring and safe environment. I also recognise the importance of staff well-being to enable them to deliver this high standard and representing a parent perspective.

I have worked as a Procurement and Project Management specialist for over 30 years, live in Ogwell with my family and am an active member of St. Bartholomew’s Church and Newton Abbot and Ogwell Parish Parochial Church Council. I also serve as Assistant Secretary for Ogwell Youth Football Club. In my spare time, I like to spend time with family and friends and when possible curl up with a book. I am passionate about the positive impact of reading regularly with children, encouraging them to read independently and the sheer joy that can be found from a good story!

Delphine Knott

I have been the Headteacher at Canada Hill Primary School for the last 17 years and have seen the school go from strength to strength. I work with a fantastic staff team in the school and we have the support of a dedicated and committed governing body. I’ve also had the privilege of working with several children and their families and one of the special qualities of Canada Hill, is the family feel we have maintained as part of our ethos. As well as being the Headteacher, I have experienced Canada Hill as a parent, with my son having come to the school – he’s now at Secondary school. He used to delight in telling me about “Miss Knott said this…in assembly” and I wondered if I had made the distinction between me as Mum and me as the Headteacher a little too much!

I have the strategic overview as well as the day to day running of the school and I love the challenge of always looking to see how we can make the school even better. I also work with the school’s PTA, Friends of Canada Hill and never fail to be wowed by their passion for supporting the school in raising much needed funds. The support of the parents in schools is fundamental for children’s success, this is a partnership between school and parents and I most definitely see it as a privilege to be working with the parents and children.

In my spare time I like to go out walking with our two dogs, I enjoy being on the water, be it in a canoe, on a paddleboard or boat and I most definitely enjoy a great book.

Emma Cully

I am new to Canada Hill as a Governor but I was a staff governor at my previous school. I enjoy being a part of the governing body as it makes sure that I am informed about the wider issues affecting school, not just the things I experience every day, as part of my teaching role.  I am the SENDCo and being a governor also allows me the opportunity to share what is happening at school with the governors, as stakeholders in the school.

I work closely with the governor responsible for SEND and together, we make sure that policies and procedures are in place and are adhered to, to support all of the children within the school but especially those with additional needs. Many of the important decisions affecting our school are made by the governors and I feel privileged to be able to share my 15 years of educational knowledge and experience with the team making these decisions. It is an honour to be a part of this team, working hard to ensure that everyone in our school community is valued, in our mission to support the children of Canada Hill to reach their full potential.  

In my spare time, I enjoy walking, visiting places I have never been before and reading    

Denise Smith

I joined Canada Hill in September 2004 as a Year 5/6 teacher and became a school governor in 2010. Aside from my role as Year 5/6 Team Leader and History Co-ordinator,  I also run the School Council. Over an academic year, the School Council will meet with members of the Governing body and will attend a Governors meeting to discuss and review what the School Council have achieved. It is a real pleasure to be part of the School Council when working alongside the Governing Body, to ensure the children’s voices are heard and acted upon. For many years I have enjoyed working alongside the teaching staff and governing body to ensure all who are involved in the Canada Hill family, are valued and the children are given the opportunity to fulfil their true potential. Outside of school I am a keen baker, which is handy for the School Council Bake Off! I also love spending time with my family and friends, exploring new and exciting places!  

Jonny Kirkham

I joined Canada Hill as a year 3/4 class teacher in 2013 and became staff governor in 2014. Previously, I worked as an English teacher in Japan before teaching at a primary school in London for 4 years. Currently, I am the geography curriculum lead, have introduced the Philosophy for Children to the school which has been integrated into the curriculum, and I coordinate the annual Year 3/4 Christmas production. I have enjoyed working as part of a committed governing body representing the views of the staff, as well as supporting Miss Knott in the strategic direction of this fantastic school. I will continue to strive for excellence, for all our children, in my role as governor.

Stephen Hobbs

I was proud to be elected as a parent governor in October 2022, soon after my eldest son started at the school. As a student transferring into the school from another area, I was struck by how warmly he was welcomed by both his classmates and Canada Hill’s staff and felt strongly that I wanted to contribute to the ongoing strength and success of this wonderful local school.

 A writer, editor and communications specialist, I look forward to working closely with the school team and PTA, helping to ensure that every child continues to receive the care and attention my son has enjoyed, while supporting the Headteacher and school team with the great work they do every day.

 In my spare time I can be found either reading and writing or playing music with other local musicians. I am also a keen swimmer and walker and love to take advantage of all that our local area provides.

Adam Worth 

I joined as governor at the end of 2018.

Having two children who attend Canada Hill Primary School I became a governor to get more involved with the local school and help support them with my professional skills.

Working as a health and safety professional with a keen interest in mental health training and services, I feel I can help the school in developing a positive safety culture and continue to improve mental health provisions for staff, students and parents

I work for an employer who supports my work as a governor and assists where they can, by allowing time and resources.

Siri White

 I became a Parent Governor in Autumn 2021. Both of my children attend Canada Hill and I wanted to become more involved in the school day while also bringing new ideas and a valuable parent perspective to the team.