My name is Victoria Watson and I am Chair of Governors at Carrickfergus Model Primary School.

I am proud that my family have a long-standing association with Carrick Model; my dad, mum and sisters all attended. My sons also attended from 2002 until 2012 and absolutely thrived during their time in the school. I was initially a Parent Governor and am currently an Education Authority Transferor Representative. Having a career in Education, I strive to support the entire school community to progress and develop under the pressures of the current climate in Education.

My name is Mark Bell.  Both my child attended Carrickfergus Model, leaving in 2023 & 2025.  I previously served as Parent Governor and now server as Transferor Governor.

I wanted to become a governor as I believed my experience in consulting could assist the school achieve its strategic aims.  I also believe in an active school community.  Becoming a governor was the next opportunity after being an active PTA member and volunteer on school projects.

My vision is to continue the great work of the school in cultivating a safe, healthy and fun environment that provides opportunities for all children; allowing them to love learning, build confidence and realise their fullest potential.

My name is Carly Oliver-Marno. I am one of the parent representatives on the Board of Govenors and I am the Govenor responsible for Emotional Health & Wellbeing within the school. I am a past pupil and my daughter is currently in Primary 4. I am a paediatric nurse by profession and my entire 15 year career to date has been spent working in Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). Positive mental health & emotional wellbeing for both staff and pupils is a key priority for me. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends when I am not with my daughter at an Irish Dancing Feis and going on holiday to relax and unwind in the sunshine. 

My name is Leigh Jackson-Moore. I have served as a school governor at Carrickfergus Model since 2017, and I am dedicated to promoting the best interests and wellbeing of both staff and pupils.  I am committed to working collaboratively with the principal to strengthen and sustain the school performance, ensuring that resources are used effectively so that every child receives the highest quality education possible.

My name is Neil Buchanan. I am a dad to three daughters, two of whom currently attend the school, and my wife is also a member of the teaching staff, so it’s fair to say this school is close to my heart. That connection is precisely what motivated me to join the Board of Governors and contribute to a school that means so much to our family.

Professionally, I am Chief Operating Officer of a financial technology company based in Belfast, and am a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, having qualified as a Chartered Actuary. I also serve as Chair of the Board of Governors at another local primary school, so I bring direct governance experience to this role alongside my professional background.

Outside of work – when I’m not fulfilling my most important role as family chauffeur – I enjoy getting out on the golf course, cycling, and watching sport whenever I can.

After leaving Ballyclare High School,  I studied at Queen’s University Belfast where I obtained a degree in Psychology.

I later joined the RUC/PSNI where amongst other roles I worked for a period with disadvantaged children who were  E.O.T.A.S (Education Other than at school). 

I later returned to study and having obtained a law degree, was called to the Northern Ireland Bar in 2005, where I currently specialise in criminal law and proceeds of crime. 

I am married with two young children aged 11 and 9 and have lived in Greenisland since 2012.

My name is Nicola Curry. I initially joined the Board of Governors as a parent representative in 2021 and now serve as a Transferor Governor. I am a Human Resources Director and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Since joining the Board of Governors, I have been committed to supporting the continued success of Carrickfergus Model and promoting a positive, supportive environment for both pupils and staff. Having seen first-hand the excellent education, care and opportunities the school provided for my son during his time at the school, I wanted to give something back by helping the school community continue to thrive.

I am also a governor at another local secondary school, which allows me to bring additional governance experience and insight to my role.

Mrs McCullough is Head of Key Stage 1, a Primary 4 teacher and co-ordinates all things sport and extra-curricular in school. Mrs McCullough has taught in various year groups so brings a wealth of teaching experience to the Governing body. Mrs McCullough serves on the Board of Governors as a teacher rep so that she can represent the priorities and views of all school staff when decisions or plans are being made at Governor level.