Peter Hills Church of England School

 

 Senior Leadership Team

 

  • Charli Burness
    Interim Headteacher

    Charli Burness

    Charli joined Peter Hills in 2016 and has worked in various roles at Peter Hills. From September 2023, she has taken on the Interim Headteacher position. Charli is a Trauma Informed Practitioner, with additional interests in PSHCE and cooperative learning. She also leads History, Geography and Maths across the partnership.

    What is your educational background?
    I studied International Development at the University of Liverpool. After graduating, I undertook a CertTESOL to allow me to teach English overseas. I spent two years in SE Asia, teaching English to primary school aged children. I returned to London and completed my PGCE with a specialism in Early Years at Goldsmiths. I have since worked in London based, Church of England primary schools.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills?
    I've been interested in geography, history and global issues since I was at school and I love to share these interests with the children at Peter Hills. I have been fortunate enough to teach the majority of year groups across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 - this has given me a broad understanding of progression of skills across the school.

    When you're not at school, what do you enjoy doing?

    At the weekends, you'll generally find me chasing my toddler around the park. I love to cook, be creative and travel!

    headteacher@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Ben Gorner Patel
    DSL/SENDCo/Acting Deputy Head Teacher

    Ben Gorner Patel

    Ben has 15 years of experience in education. He has been a member of SLT for the last six years, and SENDCo for five. He is passionate about inclusive, progressive education. Ben believes in the power of pupil voice, and how each educator can take their lead from this.

    What is your educational background
    I arrived in London, from York, in 2002, to do a 4 year degree, in Spanish and Latin-American studies, with an Erasmus year, at the University of Seville. I went on to gain a masters, at King's College London, in the same subject. I got a secondary PGCE, at the University of Education, in MFL, but much preferred the dynamism and variety of skills needed in the primary setting. Three years ago, I gained my NASENCo (National SENCo Award), again at the Institute of Education.

    What skills and talents do you bring to the Federation
    I love people and I am fascinated by culture. I am multilingual; Hindi was my first taste of a foreign language, and I have kept this language up, by practising regularly. Across any federation, you are going to get a beautiful range of people from different walks of life, and this enthuses me. I hope my gift for communication, and people skills make me a good leader across our family of schools.

    When you're not at school, what do you enjoy doing
    I love reading, travelling and cooking. Any opportunity to practise my languages is considered a blessing. However, you're most likely to catch me practising yoga, or experimenting with Ayurverdic cooking, and health practises.

    bgornerpatel@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Fiona De Souza
    EYFS Lead

    Fiona De Souza

    Fiona has over 12 years experience working in primary education. She is passionate about Early Years Education and since joining Peter Hills in 2010, her role has developed and she is now Early Years Lead and a member of the senior leadership team.

    What is your educational background
    I was educated in Scotland and graduated from Stirling University with a degree in Marketing. I then moved to London and spent several years working in the Finance sector, before studying for my PGCE.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills
    My career in finance equipped me with many of the skills required in teaching, which include planning, data analysis, meeting deadlines and working well within a large team. These are all part of my daily routine at Peter Hills. I love being creative and enjoy creating exciting learning environments that stimulate children's imagination and curiosity.
    I enjoy getting to really know all the children and families at Peter Hills and as a mother myself, I can really empathise with them and the various situations they may find themselves in.

    When you're not at school, what do you enjoy doing
    I love to travel with my family and explore new countries. I especially enjoy exploring local flea markets (in this country and abroad) and finding exciting treasures and curiosities for my home. I enjoy going to new restaurants and tasting a variety of different cuisines and I love all aspects of live theatre which stems back to when I was at secondary school and worked part-time back-stage.

    fdesouza@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

Early Years Teaching Teams

 

  • Fiona De Souza
    Nursery and Reception - Class Teacher

    Fiona De Souza

  • Sian Bunclark
    Nursery and Reception - Early Years Educator

    Sian Bunclark

    Sian has over 29 years experience working in Early Years at Peter Hills. Having worked with numerous families over the years, Sian now finds herself supporting the children of the first pupils she taught.

    What is your educational background

    I went to Blackheath High Girls Secondary School. I really enjoyed art and history. I managed to get a few O'levels as I wanted to become a paediatric nurse, but changed my mind halfway through the training and decided to become a nursery nurse, getting my NNEB. It wasn't until much later I did the Early Years foundation degree at Lewisham College, then went on to do my BA Hons Education at Southbank University.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills'

    Having enjoyed art at school, I think and hope I share this with the children, encouraging them not to be afraid to 'have a go' and using various materials. Â

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love spending time with my grandchildren (when I can). I have continued with my love of art looking for new ideas for the children.

  • Fauzia Sheikh
    Nursery and Reception - Teaching Assistant

    Fauzia Sheikh

  • Valda Petruziene
    Nursery and Reception - Teaching Assistant

    Valda Petruziene

 

Key Stage One Teaching Teams

 

  • Melek Souleiman
    Resource Base - Class Teacher

    Melek Souleiman

  • Yettie Balogun
    Resource Base - Teaching Assistant

    Yettie Balogun

  • Wanda Esterhuizen
    Year 1/2 - Class Teacher

    Wanda Esterhuizen


    Wanda has over 20 years experience working in primary education. She joined Peter Hills in 2018 and is passionate about arts, breakfast and looking after the well being of children and staff.

    What is your educational background

    I studied in South Africa and went to University to get my BA, then continued my studies in the UK to receive my BA HONS at South Bank University.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I am great at being organised and NOT known for my tidiness (I like to squirrel things away for a rainy day in my cupboard). I love planning and delivering exciting lessons, motivating pupils to be the best they can be and to dream BIG!

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I do love a lovely walk in the forest, I have to confess I am a bit of a culture vulture and enjoy the arts of London over the weekends. I do enjoy a bit of cycling , spending time with my cat and with friends and I really have a passion for food- cooking and eating! I speak to my family in Africa everyday!

    westerhuizen@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Michelle Smith
    Year 1/2 - Teaching Assistant

    Michelle Smith

    Michelle has been working at Peter Hills since 1996. She began as a cleaner then worked as a  1:1 with a child from Year 3 to Year 6. When he left, she continued her work as a teaching assistant, and has worked at all year levels.

    What is your educational background

    I went to St Bartholomew's School in Sydenham then onto Sydenham Girls School My favourite subjects at school were Science, Maths, History and Dance. I left school at 16 to become a Dark room Technician at Guy's Dental Hospital. During my time at Guy's I taught dental students and nurses how to develop and read X-rays. Since joining Peter Hills I have completed various courses within Special Needs and the Restorative justice programme.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I am a patient and calm person and I hope that this helps the children in their learning. I am a good listener and approachable. My aim for the children is to bring out their full potential and for them to enjoy their time at school.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    Most weekends I spend time with my grandchildren. During the summer I enjoy long walks along the beach at Dymchurch and going for a bike ride. I also love gardening and I drive my husband mad because I am always moving plant pots and plants around the garden.

  • Alex Cole
    Year 1/2 - Teaching Assistant/ELSA

    Alex Cole

    Alex has been working at Peter Hills since 2001. She has worked across the federation, spending a term at St Judes and now as a 1:1 at St Peters. She has a strong sense of community and is well known with many families in the area. When she is not at St Peters, Alex supports the teaching in Year 3. She is also training to deliver ELSA sessions at Peter Hills.

    What is your educational background

    Having grown up in North West London, I attended Chamberlain Primary School and then went on to secondary education at John Kelly Girls School. I enjoyed learning home economics and art, but my biggest passion at school was PE, which I passed with an O level.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I am an organised person who likes to get jobs done as quickly and as efficiently as possible, I am a good listener.

    I am always ready to help wherever I am needed. I support the children in class with their work as well as doing breakfast clubs which I enjoy.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love nothing more than spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren. When I'm not with my family, I like to meet up with my friends for some drinks and dancing.

Key Stage Two Teaching Teams

  • Grace Aldridge
    Year 3/4 - Class Teacher

    Grace Aldridge

    Grace qualified as a primary school teacher in 2014. With experience teaching in London and Sussex, as a Music Leader, she joined Peter Hills in November, 2020.

    What is your educational background

    I studied for a BA in Primary Education at the University of Roehampton, London, graduating in 2014. I worked for a number of years as a teacher in Sussex before moving to supply teaching whilst I pursued a Masters in Museums Galleries and Contemporary Culture at the University of Westminster, London. This was with a view to expand my teaching across different institutions, and to benefit children I teach through using the amazing resources we have in Museums and Galleries, especially in London. I thoroughly look forward to sharing these with the children I teach.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I value getting to know each child and family individually, so we can create a classroom environment that best suits the childrens' needs. I am a calm and approachable person which, I hope, encourages the children to truly be themselves in school. I am very creative and love to have projects where the children can explore their own creativity, imagination and interests. Â

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I am creating something most of the time! Whether that be painting, baking or craft-making, there is always something arty going on! I also love to spend time at the gym, walking my dog, learning Farsi and visiting museums. Â Â

  • Jackie Norman
    Year 3/4 - Teaching Assistant

    Jackie Norman

    Jackie has been working at Peter Hills since 2010. She is a dedicated staff member who has worked extensively across KS2; implementing the Restorative Justice programme within the federation to support behaviour.

    What is your educational background

    As  a young child I attended Redriff Primary School, which I loved. I then went  on to study at Aylwin Girls School Bermondsey, where I achieved  GCSE passes, at a high level, in Maths, English, Science, French, Music, and Sport - however I wanted to go straight into employment, so did not continue my studies at college or Uni, instead choosing to train whilst in employment.  I love to learn, and continue to stretch my personal development  whilst working at Peter Hills, with my most recent courses being Kagan Cooperative Learning,  Restorative Justice For Schools and share the skills that I have learnt across the Schools with both colleagues and students.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    Having grown up in Rotherhithe, I know the warmth that this community brings, and it always amazes me. I've seen many parents of the children currently at Peter Hills grow up, and this gives me a sense of empathy and understanding to both them and the students. Â

    I'm very patient,  a great listener and want all children to succeed to the best of their ability, in a fun and friendly environment.  I like to help everyone at Peter Hills,  children, parents as well as colleagues, and they know that I'm somebody that they can  rely upon at any time. I'm very creative, fun but fair with a great sense of humour

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I'm married, with 2 wonderful, grown up sons, who I love to spend quality time with. Â I love to travel, and book holidays in the sunshine at every given opportunity. When catching a flight isn't possible, then we pack-up the tent and go camping, experiencing many delights of the English Coastline, with our beautiful Staffie in tow.

  • Grace Houston
    Year 5/6 - Class Teacher

    Grace Houston

  • Jackie Taylor
    Year 5/6 - Teaching Assistant

    Jackie Taylor

  • Janie Curtis
    KS2 - Teaching Assistant

    Janie Curtis

    Janie has been working at Peter Hills since 1998. She is also a member of our governing body, where she represents the staff as our staff governor. Janie heads up the Personal Development team - researching and organising opportunities for our children that are outside the usual curriculum. Â

    What is your educational background

    Having grown up in Rotherhithe, I attended Albion Primary School and then went on to be secondary educated at Aylwin's Girls School. I enjoyed learning history and maths, but my biggest passion at school was art, in which I passed with an 'O' level qualification. During my years at Peter Hills, I have attended many different courses and training sessions. My favourite training over the years has got to be Cooperative Learning (Kagan) and Restorative Justice 4 schools. Both these I feel have benefited the children the most.

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I am an organised person who likes to get jobs done as quickly and as efficiently as possible, I can put my hands to almost anything. I consider myself to be a good listener and the wellbeing of the children is my priority. Being trained in Restorative Justice 4 Schools; I will always listen to both sides of a story when problems arise between children, which means conflict gets sorted quickly, calmly and fairly and the children feel they have a voice and are listened to and are valued. I often let my creative side surface and enjoy all types of art lessons, making them fun and rewarding for the children. Â

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I love nothing more than spending time with my family, especially my three granddaughters. When I'm not with my family, I like to catch up with my friends for some laughter, drinks and dancing. I love travelling to hot, sunny countries, but my favourite place to visit is New York; I go there  as often as possible.

Inclusion Team

  • Ben Gorner Patel
    DSL/SENDCo/Acting Deputy Headteacher

    Ben Gorner Patel

    bgornerpatel@peterhillssouthwark.co.uk

  • Naomi Palmer
    Community Liaison Officer and DDSL

    Naomi Palmer

    Naomi joined Peter Hills in 2017 and is a valued member of the Inclusion Team. She has strong links with our community and goes above and beyond to support families connecting with local services. Her tenacity is an asset to be admired.

    What is your educational background

    I studied at Blackheath Bluecoats C of E School and left with VERY average grades (work hard at school kids!). I diligently set about undoing my misspent youth, reentering education and eventually retraining as a Psychodynamic Therapist. Â

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills
    I'm good at solving problems, an empowerer, a great listener, with a deep desire to help make a difference to the lives of others. I can help you with any worries you may have in relation to your child's education, behaviour and wellbeing. I am a great advocate for parents, I'm tenacious and dig deep and offer practical, and emotional support to help children and families reach their full potential. I will work with you in order to work through any barriers to getting your children to school on time and regularly! Â

    Children should be seen and not heard  Not on your nelly! My therapeutic core is always at the heart of what I do and I offer a safe space for children to explore their thoughts, feelings and experiences, no matter how big or small,  my door is always open

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    I'm a real fan of music and festivals and given the time and opportunity I would spend most of my free time at one!

  • Jackie Taylor
    Maths Interventions

    Jackie Taylor

  • Alex Cole
    ELSA

    Alex Cole

Health and Wellbeing Team

  • Wanda Esterhuizen
    Healthy Schools/Mental Health Lead

    Wanda Esterhuizen

  • Sian Bunclark
    Mental Health First Aider

    Sian Bunclark

  • Michelle Smith
    Mental Health First Aider

    Michelle Smith

  • Phoenix Longman
    Therapy Dog

    Phoenix Longman

    Phoenix joined Peter Hills in 2020. She loves being at school with the children and has helped support many with their emotional needs, teaching them the importance of caring for animals and showing kindness. She splits her time across the Federation, but she likes being at Peter Hills the most!

    What skills and talents do you bring to Peter Hills

    I am really fast and my very best talent is chasing squirrels and foxes. Although I haven't caught one yet, I do get very close. I'm also very good at cheering people up, especially those children, who may be having a tough day.

    When you're not at school what do you enjoy doing

    In my spare time I go walkies in the forest, I must confess I do love chasing birds and the local cats. I like to get my paws wet at the park pond and chase the swans back into the water. I enjoy travelling and my favourite place in the world is Annecy. Oui! Oui!

 Admin Staff & Premises Team

 

Small Cross set of 4 Temporary Tattoo / Small Cross - Etsy UKPsalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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