This Week's WESPA Round-Up:
Introducing Trustees for 2025-26
Dear parents,
As Al Mobbs retired from the WESPA chair function, trustees met and redistributed the multiple roles he was covering (gosh, couldn’t he juggle!). Fairouz and Caroline will be acting as co-chairs, and Vicky, is our new secretary, Caroline is also treasurer.
We are very thankful to Al, who left a very organised WESPA folder full of step-by-step instructions for all events (and even more thankful he is still around for guidance and support).
Most of us have been trustees for a couple of years now, and we are keen to pass on the knowledge to future cohort of parents. We’ve had tremendous support from many parents on different occasions, from organising events and the uniform sale to running clubs and interviews for the boys, and we are ever so thankful for the united community that was created over the past 4 years. Let’s carry on!
We take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and hope to meet you soon, whether at our WESPA general meetings or at other school events. Every parent and carer at WES is automatically a member of WESPA, and everyone is welcome to volunteer their time in whatever way suits them. Becoming a volunteer trustee is also open to any parent or carer who wishes to support WESPA in this capacity. No specific skills or prior experience are required, just a willingness to help support WES and WESPA and to strengthen our school community. Please feel free to contact us at williamellispa@gmail.com should you have any questions or wanted to get involved. It’s a great way to make new friends!
This is us!
Fairouz Grzyb: My name is Fairouz, and I’m a parent of Jessim, who is currently in Year 10. Our family has been part of the school community for the past four years. I decided to step into the trustee/co-chair role because I’ve always enjoyed being involved in school life and supporting initiatives that benefit students and families. Becoming a trustee felt like the right next step and a meaningful way to give back to a community that has meant a lot to me. In this role, I’m looking forward to listening to parents, working closely with staff and school leadership, and supporting initiatives that strengthen communication and engagement across the school community. I’m always happy to connect and hear ideas, questions, or feedback.
Caroline Matute: I am Colin’s mum, and he is currently in Year 10. I work at the Royal Veterinary College as a researcher and lecturer. I became a trustee two years ago after my friend Alex, who was a trustee at the time, invited me to join at the AGM, and I just simply stepped into the role. I have truly enjoyed making new friends and feeling part of this wonderful community, while helping to raise much-needed funds for our boys. As Treasurer, I have a clear insight into the positive impact our fundraising has, from funding PE equipment and physics online subscriptions to supporting participation in extracurricular activities and rewarding students’ achievements. WESPA is making a real difference!
Vicky Lockwood: I am Vicky and now have two sons in Years 11 & 9. My eldest who is now in Year 13 also attended WES. My background is in primary education, chemistry and an enrichment science tutor. As part of the WESPA community I actively like to engage in volunteering my time to help in school and WESPA events. Volunteering to become a trustee has been a great experience and getting to know WES, staff and the parent community more and supporting initiatives. I hope to help facilitate and strengthen community engagement between WESPA, WES and the wider community which in turn helps all the WES students.
Fatima Abdikarim: I have two sons who are currently in Year 8 and Year 11. I am the supervisor of my family care agency. I am writing to formally introduce myself following my recent appointment as a Trustee. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this capacity and look forward to supporting the school community, its students, and staff. Previously, I served as a parent Trustee at my son's primary school, which was a fulfilling experience that demonstrated the positive impact of collaboration between staff and parents. I am eager to contribute in my role as a Trustee and to support the continued growth and success of this outstanding school.
Sibylle Erdmann: My name is Sibylle, I am a psychologist who works with organisations. I have two sons at William Ellis School, in Year 9 and in Year 11. I was a parent governor at our local primary school and I have some experience of SEND in the school system. I am a supporter of the role of parents in neonatal and paediatric care in the healthcare system and am working for a charity in Early Intervention, helping families with babies who are at risk of a developmental disadvantage. As a WESPA trustee, I am always interested in what we can do for this amazing school that is William Ellis.
Galit Ashkenazi-Golan: My name is Galit Ashkenazi-Golan and my son is Tamir in Year 11. I work in the academic faculty in the Math department at LSE where I am a professor. My research focus is in Game Theory, the mathematical modelling of strategic interactions When we joined the WES community, we encountered such caring, great teachers, and I wanted to become a Trustee to find a way to give back to school and community.
We are all looking forward to working with you to grow the WES community!
