Welcome from Ms Rachael Blennerhassett
School Principal & Special Educational Needs Teacher
I began working in St. Peter's National School in 2018. I had been working as a  teacher in a bigger national school in South Co. Dublin and so the transition to the position of Principal of a small school setting was quite a change! It soon became clear that it was a great move as I realised that St. Peter's National School really is a special place with a wonderful community spirit.

The strong commitment of the Board of Management, In School Management team, teaching staff, SNAs and parents in providing a holistic education for every child is apparent in every aspect of school life.  It is this collaborative effort and dedication from all school stakeholders that effectively leads the children in St. Peter's National School onto a path where a love for life long learning can develop and grow. 
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It is a privilege to lead the teaching and learning of St. Peter's National School. The warm, welcoming and intimate teaching and learning environment ensures all children's needs are met and all talents are encouraged.

When not teaching my passion is swimming. I am very lucky to live beside the sea to go for a dip as often as I can!

MANAGING A MULTI-GRADE SCHOOL

A PRINCIPAL'S PERSCPECTIVE
Being Teaching Principal of St. Peter's National School means that I have both an administrative role and a teaching role. Currently I am working in the role of Special Educational Needs Teacher (SET). This means that I am in all classes throughout the school and work closely with all class levels. This has many benefits and advantages.
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The role of the Principal is to lead the teaching and learning in school. Being Principal of a small school enables me to do this efficiently and effectively as I am teaching and working collaboratively with all members of staff throughout the school day. By working closely with all teachers, the strengths and needs of the school are continuously discussed and responded to. It is wonderful to harness the many talents of the staff in St. Peter's and to encourage the sharing of knowledge and skills throughout the school, which benefits all children. These natural conversations also enable us to easily identify areas for CPD and keep us up to date on curricular developments.
​As an SET, I distribute our school resources to meet the needs in our school. Interacting with the children on a day to day basis, in their classroom, in the SET room and in the playground enables me to respond to the evolving needs throughout the school. I can act quickly to meet the needs of all children. As both Principal and SET, I also am in a position to support parents and their children as I have a deep understanding of every child in the school, their strengths and their social, emotional and academic needs.
Working with all class groups enables me to get to know every child within the school. I love getting to know each child and their interests and hobbies. Having the opportunity to chat to the children regularly enables me to have a deep understanding of all interests throughout the school. This provides me with greater opportunities to engage the children in school initiatives, organise school trips, as well as facilitate talks from visitors, which greatly enhances their overall school experience. 
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Although the position of teaching Principal can be challenging and is always busy, it is extremely rewarding as you are very much a part of all aspects of school life. ​

MEET OUR TEAM

Our teachers

Marianne Coyle

Teacher of Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st Class
Deputy Principal
Graduated: St. Mary's College, Belfast
Years Experience: > 15years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 16 years
Hometown: Derry
Interesting fact: Most of the children know I am a Manchester United fan and always look forward to Jersey Day when I can show my allegiance to my team. 
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Learn more about Ms. Coyle here.

Laura McGovern

Teacher of 2nd, 3rd and 4th Class
​Assistant Principal
Graduated: UCD and Marino Institute
Years Experience: 7+ years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 6 years
Interesting fact: When my head is not in a book, I love to go for walks especially around the magnificent metropolis that is Mullingar. I love spending time with my family, friends and my adorable cat, Marty. In my spare time I love to go to concerts and spend time body-boarding in West Clare. One day I hope to learn how to surf!

​Learn more about Ms. McGovern here.

Katie Mason

Teacher of 5th and 6th Class
Graduated: UCD and Marino Institute
Years Experience: 15 years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 11 years
Hometown: Co. Meath
Interesting fact: When I am not in school, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and working in the garden. I also love bringing my dog Holly for walks, especially to the beach. An interesting fact about me is that I support Leicester City Football Club! If Leicester win the Premier League again, I’ve promised my class a whole week of no homework!

​Learn more about Ms. Mason here.
Stay up to date with with our class activities on our class news pages which are updated regularly:

Our support team

Emma Flynn

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher
Years Experience: >15 years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 3 years
Hometown: Co. Meath
​Interesting fact:  Before qualifying as a Primary Teacher I spent a year teaching English in a huge secondary school in France, after I studied French in university.  I much prefer teaching in a primary school!

Winifred Morrin (known as Winnie or Win)

Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
Years Experience: > 15years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 15 years
Hometown: Co. Kildare
Interesting fact: I’m a very creative person and always up to something. Not many people know that I’m part of a Dramatic Society in my local area for a number of years now. I’m currently in the middle of writing my own Biography book. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I went on a long lost family journey. You are all invited to my book launch in the near future. ​​

Karen Dunne

Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
Years Experience: > 15years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 12 years
Hometown: Dunboyne
Interesting fact: I was a young Ballroom dancer and my passion for performing continued on into my adult life when I joined the O’Connell Musical Society. I’ve since retired my dancing shoes and now my Saturday nights from late September to December are filled with watching Strictly Come Dancing.​​​

Ger McGuinness

Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
Years Experience: 5 years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 2 years
Hometown: Co. Kildare
Interesting fact:  My absolute favourite thing to do is to hang out with my horses and dogs. I also enjoy having a chat with our hens and checking to see if they laid any eggs - even though I really don’t like eggs!!!
For more information on our support team please follow the below link:

Our ancillary team

Linda Murray

School Secretary
Years Experience: > 15years
​Years with St. Peter's National School: 17 years
Interesting fact: I have been school secretary with St. Peter's National School from when it first opened its doors in 2004.

St. Peter's National School, Maynooth Road, Dunboyne, Co. Meath