To contact a member of the Academy Council please email office@devjunacademy.org.uk or write a letter addressed C/o Devonshire Junior School Office, Auckland Road, Smethwick B67 7AT.
If you have questions for the Academy Council you can also contact your parent representative – see below.
Mrs Harpal Tiwana, Chair
I am an Assistant Service Manager for Community Medicine at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust. I have good leadership skills through managing a variety of specialities and am also employed as a Freedom to Speak up Guardian that allows me to listen and take action where necessary to ensure good outcomes for all. Contact Mrs. Tiwana via the school office at office@devjunacademy.org.uk
Date appointed: 07/11/2017
Appointed by: Governing Body/Board
Gurinder Josan
I have significant school governance, business and community experience. I am currently a Director of Victoria Academies Trust, a Governor at a local secondary school, and for a short time Chair of Governors at a Sikh faith free school in Leicester. I have also previously chaired an Interim Executive Board and been a management committee member of a Pupil Referral Unit. I am a Director of a long established family business - a plumbers merchants - and amongst my community interests include chairing Sandwell Police Independent Advisory Group, and being a national executive member of Sikh Council UK.
Date appointed: 01/09/2014
Appointed by: Foundation/Trust
Ms. Kathryn Lamb
I became an Academy Councillor at Devonshire Academies in September 2017 having visited the school in my professional capacity as a university lecturer. Previous to my current role, I was a primary school teacher and have taught in the Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage two as well as being part of my then school’s Senior Leadership Team. I was also a Staff Governor, so have previous experience of working on a board of councillors, albeit in a different capacity. I currently teach on a Primary PGCE programme, training postgraduates to become primary school teachers. My particular areas of interest are mathematics and science so I am hoping that these interests, in addition to my experience of schools and teaching, will be valuable in supporting the school to continue on its successful journey.
Date appointed: 02/10/2017
Appointed by: Governing Body/Board
Date appointed: 09/12/2019
Appointed By: Ex-officio by virtue of office as Head Teacher/Principal
Mrs Elise Waldron Headteacher (Juniors)
I have been teaching for 16 years and prior to working here I was at a primary school leading and teaching Year 5 and Year 6. I joined Devonshire Junior as Assistant Head Teacher and Head of English in 2014 when the school became an Academy. I have always been passionate about reading and writing and have been English lead in the schools where I have taught. In 2018 I became Head of School and in 2020 I became Head Teacher. I am totally committed to providing the best opportunities for our children, equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to be the best they can be; thus, I am dedicated to ensuring that my colleagues are developed professionally in their roles so they are happy and being the best they can be too. Outside of school, to help me relax, I enjoy reading and taking long walks with my dogs. I am a member of a large choir that performs at various events locally.
Ritu Sharma Parent Councillor
To follow.
Date appointed: 08/01/2018
Appointed By: Elected by parents
Deborah Hunt Staff Councillor
To follow.
Fareh Javed Staff Councillor
Information and photo to follow.