Winifred Morrin (known as Winnie or Win in School) - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
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I have been an SNA in St. Peter’s since 2006. Before that I was working in the Creche business as Manager to a number of creches over the years. The hours were long and I was ready for a change. A friend encouraged me to apply for the job and I haven’t looked backed since. A few weeks into my new job at St. Peter’s, I was helping out on yard duty one day when I noticed a couple of children kicking a ball around down in our small garden area at the end of the school yard. Soon, arguments occurred over captaincy and I intervened and explained about the key points in playing fair, turn taking and the basic rules in football. I had played football for years and had a lot of knowledge in this area. More children became involved and I realized I nearly had a full team playing at this stage So I asked the former Principal at the time, Joy Smith, could I set up a football team. The football teams were moved to an area on the yard due to its popularity. Over time, Goals were bought by the PTA and lines were drawn out on the yard. Bibs were worn to distinguish the teams.
I organized the juniors to play against each on first break and the seniors to play on second break. I made sure that everybody got a turn to be captain each day which was a big deal for the children. More and more children took part on our football School team each year. I kept a record of all events, such as Captains and scores in my football book and I coached and supervised the children everyday while on yard duty. It became a great success. In 2017, the senior team got into the finals of the FAI Football Tournaments in Navan. I was very proud to be part of this great moment in St. Peter’s. |
I’m a keen and passionate gardener at home so I also got involved in setting up a kitchen garden in our School garden. Joy who loves gardening too, helped me out. We dug out a number of drills and made up raised beds. I set up a Garden Committee and got some children from each classroom who liked gardening to get involved planting some fruit bushes, Apple trees and a Plum tree. The children also enjoyed weeding and maintaining the garden which is ongoing. The children have also done indoor planting which they have brought home. In the Spring, I teach the children from all classes, how to plant potatoes, onions, vegetables, herbs and any other crops we can plant in our garden. The children still love planting today. When the garden matured, we signed up to do a garden Competition called ‘Pride of Place’. There were five levels over five years. There was a certain criteria to follow and complete along with a Scrapbook which was presented at the end of each year. It was wonderful when we were rewarded our Certificates for each level. Our School garden has taught the children important life skills, teamwork, responsibility and communication skills.
I love working in St. Peter’s for many reasons. it’s a small school so you get to know each child individually and are able to give them your experience and time. There is also a close bond between all the staff members and the school has a lovely working atmosphere. We have a wonderful Principal who is very warm, kind and approachable when needed which makes a big difference for staff and children. I hope to continue to work in St. Peter’s until I retire.
I love working in St. Peter’s for many reasons. it’s a small school so you get to know each child individually and are able to give them your experience and time. There is also a close bond between all the staff members and the school has a lovely working atmosphere. We have a wonderful Principal who is very warm, kind and approachable when needed which makes a big difference for staff and children. I hope to continue to work in St. Peter’s until I retire.
Karen Dunne - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
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My name is Karen and I have been working as an SNA at St Peter’s National School since 2009. Prior to my work as an SNA, I previously worked at Bord Gais for over 20 years. I then decided to change my career after I had 3 children, especially with the experience of raising my son, who was diagnosed with ASD in the late 1990’s. From my own personal involvement I knew the importance of the role of an SNA in a child’s life. After my experience as a parent seeking and accessing appropriate professional support for my son, I made the decision to become an SNA. I became a qualified SNA in 2003, after completing my Diploma, and then secured a position in Gaelscoil Scoil Uí Dhalaigh, Leixlip Co Kildare where I worked for 7 years.
In 2009 I started working in St Peter’s N.S, Dunboyne and I have been here ever since. St Peter’s has empowered me to further develop additional skills over time. Over the last 12 years at St Peter’s I have thoroughly enjoyed working here. There has always been a warm and welcoming atmosphere and it is a school where all children and staff are valued. |
