I joined the governing body in 2001 and have been chair since 2002. I am a member of all the governing body committees and currently chair the Learning and Achievement Committee. I also have curriculum responsibility for SEND.  Soon after taking on the role of chair, I successfully completed the BTEC Diploma for Chairs, which I have found invaluable.  I have lectured on governance at the Institute of Education in London, supporting aspiring headteachers to work successfully with governors to maximise the impact of their schools. I have a real passion for education and especially ensuring that children have the best possible opportunities available to them, so they can reach their fullest potential, whatever shape that may be.  Away from Conway, I am retired after 42 years working as a civil servant with a background in personnel, training and information management.  I’m married to Jo with two children, Ella and George (although they are not children any more!)  And for my sins, I am a season ticket holder at Charlton Athletic. 

Steve Piper (Chair of Governors – Co-opted Governor)

I have recently been appointed as the Local Authority Governor for Conway and will have curriculum responsibility for EYFS. I am the chair of the School & Community Development Committee.  I started working in Children’s Services at Royal Borough of Greenwich Council over five years ago. I performed administrative duties for one of the Assessment and Support safeguarding teams. I then moved into the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) where I triaged safeguarding phone referrals and those emailed to Children’s Services. I now work in the children’s commissioning team, where I monitor and recommission services provided by other organisations. My previous work experience includes providing financial support to small organisations, managing small shops, and teaching English conversation for two years in Japan. I live in the Borough with my partner and two young children, who are in Year 3 and Reception at a local school in Woolwich. 

Steve Wright  (Vice Chair - Co-opted Governor )

I have largely worked for an inner-city London borough as a consultant in schools in challenging circumstances. After deputy headship, I became Headteacher at Conway Primary School in November 2011. I have a degree in Management studies, completed my postgraduate certificate in education at the institute of education and hold the National professional qualification for head teachers. I am also a registered child protection officer. I am married with two boys and when I’m not working or with the family I enjoy swimming, Pilates and have a keen interest in aromatherapy.

Yalini Carlsson-Ruban (Headteacher)

I have been a member of the governing body since 2022 and currently serve as Vice Chair. I am a member of the School and Community Development Committee and the Finance and Personnel Committee, as well as being the link governor for personal, social, health and economic education. 

 

I chose to become a governor because I know that it was the teachers and staff of the primary school I attended that laid the groundwork for where I am today, and I want to ensure that children in the local community have the best opportunities to succeed as well. 

 

Originally from the Isle of South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, I hold an LL.B. in Scots Law from the University of Strathclyde and worked for a number of national political organisations in my early career. I am currently Head of Office to a Member of Parliament and have worked in the Houses of Parliament since 2016. Outside of work and my governing responsibilities, I am also the secretary of a residents' association and enjoy walks in local parks with my partner and our dark sable show cocker spaniels, Hobie and Ruairidh. 

Erik Cummins (Co-opted Governor )

 

Bob Biring (Parent Governor TO FOLLOW)

As a mum of 3 boys, who attended, attending and will be attending Conway Primary School, I am passionate about creating opportunity for children in the area to receive educational and wrap around care. I was delighted to join Conway’s Governing Body last summer. Now I have opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to school staff directly. 

I am a long-standing bookkeeper for a medium-sized business. I get involved in setting strategies and objectives to ensure robust control systems are in place, so that Shareholders (Directors) get maximum return on their capital while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships. I have BA in Finance, also worked in Banking for few years, then completed ACCA Professional Course. My knowledge of Russian language helped me to help few Ukrainian families when they arrived in UK. I try to help and give back to the local community as much as I can as I appreciate the support and help, I was given upon my arrival in the UK. I am from Central Asia and married to British-Bangladeshi man, who works for King’s College London as an IT Officer

I am a member of all the governing body committees and have monitoring responsibility for Maths.

 Mira Abdieva (Parent Governor)

 

 

 Kevin Brewster (Staff Governor)

As part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Governor Services Team, I have been the clerk to the Conway’s governing body for a number of years, where I provide a range of professional clerking services.  I also work with a number of other Greenwich schools.

Lucy Davis (Clerk to the Governing Body)

 

I joined the governing body in 2024 and currently serve on the School and Community Development Committee. I am also the link governor for Safeguarding. Originally from China, I came to the UK to study at university and have since made it my home. As a parent, I am very interested in understanding the UK education system and supporting the school community in which my child is growing up. Becoming a governor felt like a meaningful way to contribute while also learning more about how schools work. I have a background in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence and work as a Data Scientist. I enjoy using data and analytical thinking to help solve problems and support good decision-making. Outside of work and governance, I enjoy practising yoga, going for runs, and travelling with my partner and child. I value being part of a supportive school community and helping create the best possible environment for children to learn and thrive.

Nicole Wang (Co-Opted Governor - To Follow)