School Staff 2020/2021

 

Sarah FitzPatrick

I am a teaching principal, currently teaching in the Senior Room. I began my teaching career in Cork and taught at primary and middle school (lower second-level) in the US. Before returning to school, I led the Early Childhood and Primary Team in the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), developing curriculum and assessment initiatives based on research and work with schools to find out what works best for children.

While getting our new school set-up, I’ve led our work in science. We received the national Primary Science Award in 2019 and 2020, following innovative research with Teagasc to find out if fruit and vegetable juices are good at cleaning hands and if spices are good at cleaning your mouth! I have particular interest and background in art, craft, music and technology. At NCCA, I led development of the national Primary Language Curriculum (English and Irish) and at our school, we prioritise supporting children to develop a love of languages and strong communication skills.

I am passionate about promoting children’s well-being. I enjoy working with and learning from others. I am very fortunate to be part of a strong, growing team here at our school.

Dawn Heffernan

My name is Dawn Heffernan. I am the Junior Room Teacher and the Assistant Principal at Brannoxtown Community National School. I have worked as a primary school teacher in Ireland and abroad for the past eight years.

I lead the Creative Schools initiative and the Green Schools initiative at our school. I have a particular interest in our patron’s programme, Goodness Me, Goodness you! (GMGY) and am the GMGY coordinator. I also have an interest in child-centred, play-based learning and look forward to continuing to support this at our school.

Anne Marie Roche

I am delighted to be working as a Special Education Teacher in Brannoxtown CNS, having worked in a number of schools in Dublin and Cork since 2006. I have particular interests in literacy, sport and music and lead the Active Schools initiative here in Brannoxtown CNS.

I currently work as an associate on the Write to Read Project, which aims to support communities to create powerful literacy environments that motivate and engage children as readers, writers and thinkers. I also work part-time as an adjunct lecturer in the School of Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education in DCU. I have completed a Master of Education on Literacy Professional Practice (MEdLPP) and enjoyed researching the integration of creative dance and literacy through children’s story.

I look forward to continuing to develop a child-centred learning environment where children are self-motivated to engage in, extend and enjoy their learning through meaningful learning experiences in Brannoxtown CNS.

Liz Kavanagh

I am the School Secretary at Brannoxtown CNS, working part-time since September 2019.  I have previously worked in the Telecommunications and Financial industries.

I am delighted to be working at Brannoxtown Community National School.  I joined Brannoxtown CNS at a very exciting time where the school is developing, growing and expanding on an on-going basis. It is a lovely environment to work in and to see the children thriving under the guidance of their Teachers.

Suzanne Dowling, Busy Finger’s Creche (Afterschool Club)

My name is Suzanne Dowling and I am delighted to lead the Busy Fingers Afterschool Club at Brannoxtown CNS from 1:30 to 4:30, Monday to Thursday.  I am very much looking forward to meeting all the children and parents.

My interest is in indoor/outdoor active fun-filled activities. I am very excited to support all children in the Club to enjoy the new outdoor spaces to play and to grow flowers and vegetables (and of course, to complete their homework!) at Brannoxtown CNS.

 

Tom Fennessy

I am the School Janitor at Brannoxtown CNS, working part-time since September 2019.