Our Staff

Sarah Ruggeri – Head Teacher

On behalf of our school community, I wish to welcome you to our family. Our school is far more than just a school – it is a family, where every individual is valued and respected for the unique person that they are. At St. Mary’s we are guided in all that we do by our Mission Statement – ‘Love one another as I have loved you, then everyone will know that you are my disciples’ (John 13:34-35). In doing so, each and every child is nurtured as we provide an education that centers around developing the whole person – socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically.

In helping our pupils to thrive as they embark upon their educational journey, we aim to provide every child with the firm foundations of confidence, ambition, creativity and compassion which will guide them through life in the 21st Century. We all look forward to working with you and your child throughout this exciting journey of their learning, supporting each other to ensure your child flourishes in their time with us.

Jo Whittington – School Administrator 

Hello, I have worked as School Administrator at St Mary’s for almost seventeen years now. My role is a very sociable one, hugely varied, extremely busy, sometimes challenging but mostly rewarding.

You will find me in the school office just inside Reception, if I can be of help to you then please do call in or email me: office@st-marys.powys.sch.uk

Gemma Mann – Class Teacher

Having worked in this school for over seven years, I have found great joy in working in such a nurturing and inclusive environment, where every child is valued for who they are and provided with the opportunities they need to flourish.

In keeping with this, my aim is always to provide a positive learning environment, developing the self-esteem and independence of each and every child under my care, enabling them to engage with all aspects of the curriculum and ultimately thrive in their learning.

Debbie Luke – Class Teacher 

With twenty-five years of teaching experience, twenty-two of which have been here at St. Mary’s, I feel fortunate to be part of this friendly community, where our child-centred approach encourages pupils to live life to the full.

I am committed to creating a happy and supportive learning environment for each child to fulfil their academic potential. In addition, I believe in providing opportunities for each child in my care to develop self-confidence, empathy and a greater readiness to explore their skills and talents, as this will provide a firm base for the next stage of their learning journey.

Emma Marriott – Class Teacher

As a teacher of over 14 years experience, I have a true passion for working with our learners. My aim is to provide the stimulus to interest and engage every child, to enable them to learn new skills, knowledge and experiences, which can be transferred across the curriculum.

To do this, I strive to create a happy, caring and safe environment that nurtures growth, where each child will thrive in every way possible.

Lynne Austin – Learning Support Assistant

Working as a Teaching Assistant at St. Mary’s is such a rewarding vocation. With a great emphasis on having fun, I work hard to enhance the wellbeing of all children, encouraging positive attitudes towards their learning and to each other.

As a Forest School Leader and an ELSA, I am privileged to work closely with all of the children in our school, as I strive to foster resilience and positive wellbeing.

Paulina Jurkiewicz-Davies – Learning Support Assistant 

I have been working at St. Mary’s since 2016 and in this time, I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience, which has helped me to support the learning of our pupils.

I truly enjoy being a Forest School Leader and an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), through which I am able to foster positive wellbeing throughout our school community.

Harry Austin – Learning Support Assistant

I find that working at St. Mary’s is such a rewarding experience. After being privileged to work with children with Additional Learning Needs for the past four years, I find that every day holds something new, exciting and fun.

I appreciate the value of working in such a calm and caring environment, which promotes positive learning for the children and staff at our school. I find great rewards in helping children develop their social and emotional skills, as we work together to ensure their educational journey is always enjoyable.

Sonia Harris – Learning Support Assistant

As an ALN Teaching Assistant, I have over a decade of experience working with learners with complex needs. The wellbeing of every child is at the forefront of everything I do, as I ensure that they always feel valued.

I am so very lucky to be able to do a job that I love, knowing that I am supporting the needs of our learners, in helping them to grow in every way possible so that they can have a happy future.

Joyce Brown – Midday Supervisor

I have been the Midday Supervisor for the past two years, having worked with children for the past thirty-five years. I really enjoy looking after children, something I have done all of my working life.

Clovis Phillips – Music Teacher 

As a professional musician with over 20 years experience in performing, composing and producing music, I feel privileged to work with the learners at St Mary’s to enhance their engagement with music and creativity. In a mixture of group sessions and individual instrumental lessons, I balance elements of music theory and technique with an open-ended approach that fosters creativity, confidence and fun.

I believe music has the ability to impact upon many areas of a child’s education and self-confidence, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the fantastic pupils at St Mary’s.