School Staff 2020/2021
Sarah FitzPatrick
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.
Deirdre Murphy
I am delighted to take-on the position of Junior Room teacher at Brannoxtown CNS in September 2021.
I have been teaching for 12 years both in Dublin and abroad. I spent five years living in Santiago, Chile where I was lucky enough to work in a progressive British School teaching English and music. I am passionate about music and I love to play the piano and sing whenever possible. I also love sports and I play tennis and hockey. I recently completed a Masters in Educational Leadership and my research topic focused on the idea of Ethical Leadership.
I love teaching and I am very excited to welcome children to the Junior Room at Brannoxtown CNS. I know that together, we will enjoy a year filled with laughter, learning and lots of fun!
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.
Sinéad Leydon, Busy Finger’s Creche (Afterschool Club)
I am so much looking forward to taking-on the Afterschool Club in Brannoxtown CNS from September 2021.
I have been working in the Early Years and School Age sectors for 18 years. I currently manage and teach in a busy Dublin preschool. Prior to this, I spent four happy years working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in two different schools assisting children with a range of needs to access the curriculum and reach their potential. I have worked with varying age groups throughout my career from babies to teenagers and have always enjoyed watching them grow and learn. I really believe play is key for all children, it is how we learn best, through hands-on experiences. I am a firm believer in sensory play and its benefits and I am an advocate for outdoor activities and the outdoor classroom.
My values align closely with those of the school. I hope to be welcoming lots of families to Afterschool Club at Brannoxtown CNS. I promise it will be a place the children will always be welcomed, respected and so well cared for.
