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.

Deirdre Murphy

I am delighted to take-on the position of Deputy Principal at Brannoxtown CNS in September 2022, along with my role as Junior Room teacher.

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!

Lyndsey Regan

I am so delighted to be joining the team here at Brannoxtown CNS as mainstream teacher for children in 2nd, 3rd and 4th class. I have worked as a teacher in Dublin City Center for the past six years after moving to Dublin to complete my Professional Masters in Education. 

During my time teaching, I have developed a great interest in extracurricular activities and I love exploring Art, Science and Drama with my class. I am excited to get involved in whole school projects and I can’t wait to contribute to the school here, in a variety of ways. 

I love the atmosphere and enthusiasm of the students here in Brannoxtown CNS and I’m truly enjoying  creating fun learning experiences for my students!

Peadar Mac an tSionnaigh

Hello there! My name is Peadar Mac an tSionnaigh and I am delighted to be taking on the role of Special Education Teacher (SET) here at Brannoxtown Community National School.

I qualified in 2019 with a Professional Masters in Education from Hibernia College. As you can tell by my name, I am a fluent Gaeilge speaker and I encourage children to use the language every day in my classroom. I also have a degree in music from Maynooth University, so music is another subject close to my heart.

I love working with children, either in group settings, or on a 1-to-1 basis. I encourage the ‘give it a go’ attitude in my classroom and hope that everyone with whom I work will experience an inclusive and child-centred learning environment.

Suzanne Dowling

SNA at Brannoxtown CNS since January 2022. More information will follow!

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, School Services Manager (The Learning Tree)

I began the Afterschool Club in Brannoxtown CNS in September 2021. Responding to parents’ needs, I began additional school services in September 2022, including a Breakfast Club and Preschool. Working with Múinteoir Deirdre, our first Summer Camp began in 2022.

I have been working in the Early Years and School Age sectors for 18 years, most recently teaching in and managing a busy Dublin preschool. Prior to this, I spent four happy years working as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) 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 The Learning Tree School Services at Brannoxtown CNS.  I promise it will be a place the children will always be welcomed, respected and so-well cared for.