Edward Lowe - Special Education Teacher (SET)

Hi everyone, my name is Edward Lowe, but my friends all call me Eddie! I have been teaching for 11 years, in a few different schools and classes. Most of my teaching has been in 6th class but I have also taught 2nd class for two years and most recently have spent two years teaching grade 4 in Abu Dhabi in the UAE. 
​
Teaching in Abu Dhabi has been a life changing experience and I can’t wait to bring some of that experience back to the Irish classroom when I return after the summer of 2023. All of the learning there took place on Google chrome-books and the school was also a Google school so I’d love to bring some of my experience in this area back with me to St. Peter’s. I have been involved in coaching soccer, running school choirs, teaching guitar and even running chess clubs in the past in different schools. I have enjoyed every minute of it because it’s even more special than being in the classroom, as you witness the children participating in a hobby that they love! 
I have always been interested in sport and music from a young age. I played soccer, hurling and gaelic football growing up. I also participated in show jumping and have a passion for horses. I learned how to play the piano and guitar from an early age and have also had the privilege of teaching guitar in my previous schools. I love watching children sing! It’s one of my favourite things to see in a primary school. Teaching children a new song and allowing them opportunities to perform for others is a very fulfilling part of being a primary school teacher. 
​
I am really looking forward to teaching in St. Peter’s and getting to know all the children and parents alike. I am looking forward to working with the children and helping them make progress in their learning. One of my favourite parts of teaching is to witness the ‘lightbulb’ moment for a child in the classroom. It’s so rewarding to witness children grasping new concepts and to feel good about themselves in the process. As they say, ‘every day is a school day’ and that of course includes us teachers! 

Katie Mason - Special Education Teacher (SET)

Picture
My name is Katie Mason and I have been teaching for 17 years, 13 of which have been here in St. Peter’s N.S. I have taught all classes from Junior Infants up to 6th class along with EAL and SET. Each class and role has been memorable and unique. I love bumping into past pupils and their families to hear how they’re all getting on as they move through secondary school and into the wider world. I recently completed a postgraduate diploma in Educational Leadership and Management in Maynooth University. I enjoy engaging in further professional development courses in a range of different areas.
 
I love teaching all subjects in school in particular history and art which also reflect some of my interests outside of school. I also enjoy reading and spending time with my family, including my dog called Holly. A surprising fact about me is that I support Leicester City Football Club. I even had to give my 5th and 6th Class a week of no homework when we won the Premier League a few year’s ago!
 
I am so fortunate to work in an environment I enjoy everyday and to work alongside so many amazing colleagues. My hope is that the pupils in my care and who I teach also feel safe, happy and respected in our school environment so that they have the ability to learn and develop, not just academically but socially, emotionally and holistically too.

St. Peter’s N.S. is a very special place in my opinion as every teacher knows every pupil, and every pupil knows every teacher. It leads to a very cohesive, safe and supportive environment for pupils. It develops a really strong sense of belonging and a lovely community feel. The ethos and nature of our school is very child centred and all decisions are made based on what is best for the children. Our school has always had a very active Parent Teachers Association and it is wonderful to have so many families involved in school life which again solidifies that sense of belonging and community. St. Peter’s N.S. has also always been a very pro-active school with teachers engaging in regular professional development courses ensuring that we are using up to date methodologies and resources in our classrooms. It has a wonderful atmosphere to work in and I look forward to many more years ahead teaching in St. Peter’s N.S. and getting to know many more pupils and their families.

Winifred Morrin (known as Winnie or Win in School) - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
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. ​​

Karen Dunne - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
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.

Ger McGuinness - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
I started my full time position as a SNA in St. Peter’s National School in September 2019. Previous to that I subbed in St. Peter’s as well as many other schools in Meath and Kildare for a number of years.

When I started in St Peters the warm welcome I received was second to none.  Since then there hasn’t been one day that I didn’t want to go to work. I find working as an SNA very rewarding, although sometimes challenging.   I really enjoy interacting with the children and seeing them progress. My favourite part of the day is seeing them all coming through the gate in the morning!

Suzanne Carroll - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
My name is Suzanne Carroll and I am so delighted to be joining the team at St Peter's National School Dunboyne. After a long and varied career and many years at home rearing my two girls I decided to retrain as an SNA in 2020. The first school I subbed in was St Peter's and I knew from the start that it was a special place. It was so warm and friendly and everyone knew every child's name which was lovely.  I was always delighted to to be asked to come back and even more delighted to be given an opportunity to join the team on a full time basis. 

This is a really exciting time for the school with lots of new beginnings and I am very much looking forward to seeing all the faces, old and new alike. I love to see a child learn and grow a in a safe happy environment and I know that every day will be a learning one for me too. Bring on the adventure!

Derval McGlynn - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
My name is Derval and I'm an SNA. I have a background in Biology. While rearing my children, and having the pleasure of meeting a very special little girl who had special needs, I decided I'd love to change career and so I did!
I was born and reared in Dublin 15 and I still live in the area to this day. I have had the pleasure of working in Scoill Mhuire, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 and St Brigid's SGNS, Finglas, Dublin 11, along with subbing in various schools.
I have mainly worked in ASD units and have absolutely loved it. It is an absolute pleasure to get up every morning and head into work to meet the children and staff.
I am really looking forward to starting in St Peters's at this very exciting time with opening of the two new classes, Sonas agues Spraoi, and the growing staff members. The idea of working in a small school is uplifting as I know I'll be able to get to know all the students really well!

Avril Smyth-O'Brien - Special Needs Assistant (SNA)
My name is Avril Smyth-O’Brien. I ran my own small pre-school in Dunboyne for 11 years, before working as a substitute Special Needs Assistant (SNA) in a number of schools in and around the Dunboyne area. I was a substitute SNA on a number of occasions in St. Peters National School, Dunboyne and was delighted to be offered a full-time SNA position with them this year. I first obtained a QQI Level 5 Award in Childcare and Education in 2011, followed by a QQI Level 6 Major Award in 2016. I also hold a number of other lower level qualifications directly related to early childhood education and care. I am a mother of 5 children, and I have lived in Dunboyne with my husband and family for over 21 years. I was also a scout leader for over 12 years and have always enjoyed working and looking after children, and helping them to grow in confidence and reach their full potential. In my spare time, I enjoy my garden and spend much of my time in the outdoors (when the Irish weather permits) and I love tending to all our pets including dogs, cats, cockatiels and rescue hens!