About Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School
The school offers a child-centred education in which the teacher facilitates and guides the child’s learning through both formal and informal methods while encouraging the child to be an active participant in own their learning. Each child is encouraged to learn at their own pace and individual learning needs are met in so far as the class size allows. Interaction between the teacher, child and parent is actively encouraged.
Pádraig Conaty
Our Principal
Pádraig is the first principal of Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School. His vision is of a school which provides outstanding teaching in a learner-centred and equality-based environment; a school where students can engage with a broad curriculum as well as a wide range of sporting and cultural extra- curricular activities in an atmosphere where kindness, effort and creativity are recognised and celebrated.
Pádraig comes to us from North Wicklow ETSS where he was deputy principal since the school opened in 2016. Working alongside the principal, Pádraig oversaw the school’s growth from a student body of 34 to a diverse community of nearly 400 students, teachers and other staff in just four years.
Prior to this, Pádraig worked as Head of Third Year in St. Andrew’s College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin where he taught English and also coordinated School Self-Evaluation, Green Schools Committee and the College’s Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme.
Pádraig graduated with a BA in English and Economics in University College Dublin (UCD) in 2003. This was followed by a Masters of American Studies also in UCD. In 2006, Pádraig completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education in NUI Galway. He was awarded a Masters in Education in UCD and also studied in the Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
Pádraig is passionate about innovation and creativity in education and has completed a postgraduate diploma in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the Innovation Academy in UCD. More recently, Pádraig completed a coaching diploma accredited by the European Coaching and Mentoring Council.
Pádraig has also worked as a Junior Cycle for Teachers (JCT) English Associate supporting the provision of continuous professional development support for teachers of English and has supported the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) with their Junior Cycle English Quality Assurance process.
Pádraig is currently the Educate Together representative on the executive of the Principal and Deputy Principal Executive (PDA) and continues to engage with professional development and learning opportunities through Educate Together, the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) & the Joint Managerial Body.
Mick Heffernan
Our Deputy Principal
Michael is the first deputy principal of Harold’s Cross ETSS. He joined the school from North Wicklow ETSS where he spent four years as an assistant principal and teacher of History and Business Studies.
During this time, Michael led two successful School Self-Evaluation processes, coordinated a number of year groups and led staff teams to improvements in areas such as differentiation and literacy. Interested in growth strategy, Michael recently worked with Dublin City University and a number of Educate Together secondary schools in developing and embedding aspects of school ethos.
Prior to this, Michael spent eight years working at two schools in London where he was the head of the History department and developed a level two inclusion programme creating a pathway for a number of students from GCSE to A-level.
A law graduate with a passion for lifelong learning, Michael also has a Masters in World History from Birkbeck College-University of London and a postgraduate Diploma in Education from University College Cork. More recently, Michael has trained as a facilitator in the Parents Plus Programme.
Lorraine Galvin
Lorraine is the First Year Coordinator, teacher of Maths, Science and Home Economics.
A graduate of NUI, Galway and UCD, Lorraine has a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and a Higher Diploma in Education. She has 20 years' experience teaching Science, Biology, Physics, Maths and SPHE. She previously taught in St. Louis High School, Rathmines. Lorraine describes herself as a lifelong learner and has completed the practitioner diploma in coaching and the Berry Street Education Model Course. She has also recently trained in restorative practice, developing the role of the year team and encouraging student voice in schools.
As First Year coordinator, she works closely with the class tutors to support the academic, social and emotional development of every student in the year group and generates a positive year group spirit that celebrates the school ethos.
Lorraine is a passionate follower of Clare GAA and loves reading and walking.
Ciara Mealy
Ciara is the Business and CSPE teacher. Prior to training in education, she worked in the Not for Profit industry for 11 years in marketing, fundraising and campaign management. She is passionate about bringing her subjects out of a textbook and into the real world using practical examples from her own career and the wider world.
Amy Kerins
Amy teaches Science, Maths and Home Economics at our school. Amy graduated from NUIG with a both a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology and Microbiology and a Professional Masters of Education. Amy is passionate and enthusiastic to ensure her lessons are student orientated through active learning, ensuring each student feels encouraged to achieve their full potential. She has a keen interest in exploring science beyond the classroom. She recently took part in the STEM teacher internship programme with DCU, seeking to further enhance her continuous professional development as well as develop innovative and creative lessons for her students.
Brendan Daly
Brendan graduated from UCD with a BA in Maths and Geography, and recently returned to education to complete his Master’s of Education in Hibernia College.
Having previously worked as an SNA and as a training coordinator in AsIAm, Brendan is passionate about creating an inclusive classroom atmosphere and tailoring his lessons to match his student’s needs. Brendan is a big sports fan, loves cooking and fosters cats with the DSPCA.
Claudia Murtagh
Claudia graduated from Maynooth University with a BA in Geography and Sociology, followed by Professional Master of Education in Geography and CSPE, which she completed in DCU. Claudia love to incorporate active learning in the classroom and has a great interest in Global Citizenship.
Leonna Condron
Leonna currently holds an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, and has recently graduated from the University of Limerick with a Professional Masters of Education in Music. She is now undergoing the Associate Diploma of Musical Theatre with the Victoria College of Music and Drama, London. Leonna has studied a wide range of genres including Theatre, Classical performance, Popular singing, Gregorian Chant and Jazz. Her studies in vocal performance have awarded her with Distinctions and Honours from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin. Leonna has completed several courses in SPHE, Mindfulness, Wellness and Working with Autism and Additional Needs.
Daniel Clark
Daniel is one of our teachers of English and CSPE. Both his undergraduate degree in English Literature and Professional Master of Education postgraduate were awarded by University College Dublin. As a teacher, Daniel is enthusiastic about keeping lessons student centred and encouraging students to participate in class. His recent teaching experience includes time with Loreto College Crumlin.
Gráinne McInerney
Gráinne teaches Visual Art and Ethical Education. She holds a BA in Visual Communications from DIT and a Professional Master of Education from the National College of Art and Design. She has taught overseas where her passion for teaching and equality in education was realized. Gráinne approaches education as a lived curriculum, looking to expand her students' ways of knowing beyond the classroom. She has carried out research on how the art and design curriculum can be used to disrupt traditional narratives with inclusivity underpinning her pedagogy. In 2021, she was jointly awarded the NUI Scholarship and Prize in Education and the ASTI prize for outstanding student performance in initial teacher education.
Gerard Vickery
Gerard has over ten years of experience in teaching Mathematics and a track record of encouraging and supporting students. He has a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mathematical Science, a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Medical Mechanical Engineering and a Professional Diploma in Education. He has taught students at all levels and age groups at 2nd level as well as mathematics to third level students studying engineering.
Áine Burns
Áine teaches Spanish at HCETSS. She graduated from UCD with a BA International Modern Languages majoring in Spanish and German. During this time, she studied for a year in the University of Salamanca in Spain. She also holds an MSc International Business and Management from Liverpool John Moores University. Áine is passionate about languages and the opportunities it brings. In the classroom she believes in using active methodologies and cultural input to increase student engagement and interest in language-learning.
Laura Power
Laura is the first-year coordinator. She has a BA in International Relations from Dublin City University and graduated as a teacher from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. Laura is passionate about inclusive education, and bringing language, culture and history to life for her students. Prior to becoming a teacher, Laura worked as a Programme Director working on humanitarian and educational projects in the Philippines, El Salvador, and Ethiopia. Laura is extremely passionate about bringing her experience, and authentic learning to the classroom.
Emily O’Dwyer
Emily is an English teacher here at HCETSS. She graduated from Maynooth University with both a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Music and a Professional Masters of Education. In her classroom, inspiring a love of literature is her desire. Emily believes in equity in education and encourages students to produce their work in creative and individual ways. She has a love of the performing arts and music, both classical and Irish traditional. As a result of this her lessons are student centered and often theatrical where students can flourish and express themselves in a safe space.
Caoimhe McHugh
Caoimhe teaches Spanish, Business and Accounting. Prior to becoming a teaching professional, Caoimhe worked in the financial services industry. Caoimhe graduated from the University of Galway with a Bachelor of Commerce International with Spanish and a Professional Master of Education. During her studies, she had the opportunity to study in Spain at the University of Valencia. Caoimhe is passionate about instilling the principles of Global Citizenship Education into her teaching methodology, aiming to make it an engaging part of the everyday classroom experience.
Niamh Hogan
Niamh graduated from UCD with a Bachelor of Commerce, followed by a postgraduate qualification in Mathematics and a Professional Masters of Education. Niamh teaches maths, coding and applied technology. In the classroom she is passionate about making learning engaging for students through active participation and integrating technology in the learning process.
Aideen Kinsella
Aideen is an Irish teacher and 3rd Year class tutor. She has recently graduated from the Professional Master of Education programme in UCD and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree studying Irish and English in NUI Maynooth. She has taught English as a Foreign Language overseas and enjoys travelling, yoga and meditation. She uses both yoga and meditation in restorative circles within the classroom. She would like to continue her studies in a couple of years to become a Guidance Counsellor.
Lucia Kennedy
Lucia is an English teacher with special interests in Drama and SEN. She graduated with a Honours B.A in English with Drama in UCD and went on to acquire her PME from Hibernia College in English. Lucia’s many years of coaching debate means that her lessons are centred around students expressing their opinions, thoughts and feelings with eloquence and pride. She believes in understanding students as individuals and aims to incorporate student interests such as sports, drama and all types of literature in her lessons so that students have opportunities to explore their interests, engage deeply with the material and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Aodhan Clabby
Aodhan is a Business and Digital Media Technologies teacher at HCETSS. He recently completed a two-year Professional Masters of Education, bringing a fresh perspective to the classroom. Aodhan is passionate about integrating technology with business education, believing that digital literacy is essential for student success in today's world. He fosters a dynamic learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and engage creatively. Aodhan’s lessons are interactive, student-centered, and designed to equip students with practical skills for the future.
Niamh Small
Niamh has come late to the teaching profession having previously worked in St. James’s hospital as a Pharmaceutical Technician in the aseptic compounding unit. She graduated as a mature student from Dublin City University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in physical education with Biology. She will be teaching both Science and P.E in HCETSS. Outside the classroom Niamh has a huge interest in sport such as field hockey and soccer and also a keen interest in coaching.
Hannah Doyle
Hannah is an Art teacher at HCETSS.
Hannah's varied career in artistic practice, web design, user experience and product design led her to pursuing a Professional Master of Education from the NCAD. She also holds a BA in Fine Art from IADT, and an MA in Professional Design Practice from TUD. As an Art and Design educator Hannah focuses on creating an inclusive classroom, with flexibility, creativity, respect and experimentation at its roots. Hannah is excited to bring her experience and varied skills to the classroom.
Suzanne Byrne
Suzanne, a graduate of UCD, has a BA and H Dip Ed in History and Greek and Roman Civilisation. Having spent 16 years in Corporate Finance Suzanne has spent the last 12 years upskilling in education she has a strong personal and professional interest in additional education needs, in particular, ASD.
Suzanne has taught JTEFL and has ACELS accreditation. She holds a QQI Level 6 in Early Childhood Education and a QQI Level 5 &6 Certificate in Inclusive Education, a National SNA Training Programme. She has also completed Lamh Module One training.
Last year Suzanne completed Year One of the BASM programme in Child and Developmental Psychology, at DCU and is currently studying for the Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, also DCU.
Having worked in all educational settings, Early years, primary school, and post-primary settings Suzanne takes a holistic view of the education process. As an advocate for Additional educational needs, she believes in guiding and facilitating positive holistic learning experiences for all students especially students with additional educational needs.
Megan Brodie
Megan is a Physical Education and Science Teacher at HCETSS. She graduated from St. Mary's University, Twickenham with both a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Youth Development with Sports Science and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education in Physical Education. Megan's teaching philosophy centres on the beliefs that physical activity is crucial for the overall development and well-being of students. She strives to create a positive and inclusive environment where every student feels encouraged and motivated to participate.
Amie Hughes
Amie currently holds a Bachelor Degree in International Languages from Dublin City University and a Professional Masters in Education from Trinity College Dublin. Amie also had the opportunity of studying abroad at Bremen University, Germany. Amie is a passionate Irish teacher who aims to promote the language in a modern and fun way. Amie completed her primary and secondary education through Irish and frequently speaks Irish with her family and friends. Amie has completed training in Restorative Practice and believes in a holistic, child centred approach to both teaching and learning. Amie promotes inclusion, equity and respectful communication in her classroom.
Caoimhe Quigley
Caoimhe completed a degree in science in Trinity College Dublin, specialising in Environmental Science, before returning to study Home Economics and Biology at St. Angela's (NUIG).
She completed the BA and PME programme in St. Angela's which included placements across a wide variety of educational settings. Her dissertation focussed on teachers' understanding of the student voice.
Caoimhe is passionate about Home Economics and promoting the subject both within the classroom and through extra-curricular extension. She is a member of the Association of Teachers of Home Economics as well as the International Federation for Home Economics, having attended the most recent IFHE World Congress in Galway.
Jenny Tynan
Jenny is a teacher of English, History, Learning and EAL support. Jenny has taught in a variety of different schools and settings which provided great insight into meeting the needs of all students in the classroom and beyond.
Jenny chose to move to the diverse school community in Harold's Cross ETSS due to the ethos of inclusion and equality, where there is a clear emphasis on kindness and respect for all.
Jenny believes there is no one size fits all education or system, and the focus of her lessons are on students creating meaningful connections with learning.
In her spare time, Jenny loves travelling, reading, playing music and spending time with her family
Paul Kavanagh
Paul completed a Bachelor’s of Science with Education, alongside a 1 year PME for post primary education in Maynooth University. He taught in St. Colmcilles Community School, CBC Monkstown and Ballinteer Community School as a Maths and Science Teacher. He is interested in a peer collaborative approach to learning, trying to integrate as much group work as possible.
Brian Fitzgerald
Brian is an economics and business teacher. He holds a BA (Mod.) in Economics and Politics from Trinity College Dublin and completed his PME recently through Hibernia College. He also holds an NFQ level 8 in International Business/ Project Management from the University of Limerick. He has received first class honours and a special commendation for his thesis on visual learning in Economics. In the classroom he likes to blend real world socio-economic and business issues with an ever-evolving curriculum.
Caoimhe Naughton
Caoimhe is a teacher of History, English, and Ethical Education at Harold's Cross Educate Together Secondary School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from Maynooth University, where she developed a particular interest in social history, with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices in both historical contexts and literature. Caoimhe earned her Professional Master's in Education from Trinity College Dublin, centering her thesis on media literacy in the digital age. This research has deepened her commitment to fostering critical thinking skills in her students. She is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to express their views and engage in thoughtful discussion.
Hazel Egan
Hazel is a teacher of history and classical studies at HCETSS.
Hazel holds a joint Bachelor of Arts in History and Classics from University College Dublin. She also has a Master of Arts in Classics from UCD. Before UCD, she studied engineering for two years at Carlow IT then deciding to pursue her passion and hobby of history. However, from that course she also strengthened her maths skills and has worked in her previous school in Terenure as both a maths teacher and numeracy support teacher at Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate levels. Hazel was also a tutor of mythology with the UCD School of Classics, which sparked her interest in teaching and decision to complete the Professional Master of Education through UCD. Hazel aims to teach history and classics in a modern and fun way. In her classroom, she promotes respect, kindness, and the idea that learning is a lifelong lesson.
Alannah Dunne
Alannah is a Maths, Gaeilge and SPHE teacher here at HCETSS. Alannah graduated from Mary Immaculate College with a BA in Education, Maths and Gaeilge. As a teacher, Alannah is passionate about collaboration and recognises the importance of peer interaction. She also aims to promote the Irish language in a modern and engaging way. Alannah actively strives to create a positive and respectful environment where students feel valued and appreciated.
In her spare time, Alannah loves reading and swimming.
Lottie Hughes
Lottie is a science teacher at HCETSS. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Science with Nanotechnology from TUDublin where she gained an appreciation for both chemistry and physics. Lottie is currently in her second year of the Professional Masters in Education in UCD where she is developing her pedagogy. Lottie strives to create an inclusive classroom where her students can discover the real-life manifestations of scientific theory.
In her spare time, Lottie enjoys music and crochet.
Caitríona Maher
Caitríona is a teacher of Classical Studies and Geography at HCETSS. She holds a B.A. in Ancient Greek and Roman Civilisation with Geography from UCD, an M.Phil. in Classics from Trinity College Dublin, and a Professional Master of Education from UCD. She has also undergone Cambridge English teaching qualifications in both Dublin and Athens. Before joining HCETSS in 2024, Caitríona worked as a Classical Studies teacher in Kildare and prior to that she had spent several years working with adult learners.
Nicola McCann
Nikki is an Assistant Principal I, the Inclusion Lead, Primary School Transition Coordinator and Inclusion Coordinator (1st & 3rd Year) as well as the Kindness Ambassador.
Nikki holds the titles of BA, PGCE, PGDSEN and MA. She has worked in the Education sector for nearly twenty years. She was awarded a BA Honours Degree in Geography & History from The National University of Ireland (NUI), Maynooth. Following this, she completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and taught Geography in the UK Education System for a two year period.
On returning to Ireland, Nikki completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Special Education from Trinity College and more recently, in 2022, she accomplished a Master of Educational Leadership and Inclusion from University College Dublin, (UCD). She has engaged in leadership training such as Comhar and ‘Leading Inclusion in Post Primary Schools, NCSE’, currently, she is responsible for Leading Inclusion in HCETSS.
Additionally, Nikki is Droichead trained and has vast experience in mentoring newly qualified teachers (NQTs). She has a keen interest in inclusion, learning, teaching and differentiation.
In her spare time, Nikki enjoys ballroom dancing, pilates, spa days, listening to music and going for coffee.
Joanna Brooks
Joanna holds a BA (Hons) in Psychology and a QQI Level 6 in Special Needs Assisting, Therapeutic Play Skills, Life & Workplace Coaching and is TEFL trained. Having worked as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator and a Therapeutic Riding Coach for kids and adults with various disabilities, Joanna's experience is in holding a space for social and emotional development and promoting and supporting young people's mental health.
Miriam Quinn
Miriam has over 20 years’ experience working within the private sector and 15 years’ experience of volunteering with Dundrum Arch Club and Special Olympics. She has completed a Level 5 & 6 QQI awards in Childcare with SNA, is LAMH & Autism in Sport certified and is a Gaisce President’s Award Leader for TY students. Miriam holds a Bachelor of Financial Services from UCD.
Michele Gilmore
Michele holds QQI Level 5 and 6 Component Certificates in Special Needs Assisting and QQI Level 5 Certificate in Children with Additional Needs. She worked as a Customer Services Support and Sales Administrator before training as an SNA. Michele is excited to start in Harold’s Cross ETSS and believes that each student will bring their own set of attributes with them into the classroom.
Luke Hickey
Luke Hickey is a special needs assistant in Harold's Cross Educate Together Secondary School. He attained a level 5 QQI SNA qualification in the Progressive College. He has had this qualification since January 2023, before his current role he worked as substitute SNA and bus escort in Kildare as well as working July provision in 2023. Luke has a strong belief that all children should have equal opportunities regarding education and that proper support should be given to children who need it. Luke continues to study and upskill in his field whenever possible.
Orla Brazil
Orla joined HCETSS in February 2023. Having worked in the Financial Services Industry for close to twenty years, she changed career paths and has since been awarded both QQI Level 5 & 6 awards as a Special Needs Assistant. She also holds a Diploma in Psychology from Dublin Business School and last year completed a Diploma in Inclusive School Support from University College Dublin.
Creeda Mahon
Having completed her QQI level 6 in Special Needs Assisting, Creeda joined HCETSS as a SNA in September 2023. Since joining the school, Creeda has completed the ADHD Friendly School Programme with ADHD Ireland and is now a Kindness Ambassador at the school. Prior to joining the SNA Team at HCETSS, Creeda worked in the private sector for over 25 years, primarily in Human Resources. She holds a BA in History, Politics and Irish from UCD. Creeda is also a qualified Life Coach and promotes meditation in order to manage stress and to promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.
Aleksandra Dempsey
Aleksandra is our school administrator. She holds a Master’s Diploma in International Business from Poland. Aleksandra has been working in the secondary school administration for the last 14 years, originally in Sandford Park School and most recently in Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School.
JUNIOR CYCLE PROGRAMME
In Harold’s Cross Educate Together Secondary School our students study a broad range of subjects with a focus on developing key skills. Students study nine subjects for certification and two short courses. Students will also encounter a range of learning experiences in other areas of learning.
We offer a wide variety of porting, musical, cultural, linguistic and scientific activities – both at lunchtime and after school. Being involved in activities outside of the classroom enables students to widen their social skills, build lifelong skills and develop a sense of belonging to our school community. We encourage all students to make the most of these amazing opportunities.
The Learning Community is our own in-house professional learning community where staff members work together to share good practice and theory in relation to learning and teaching.
This takes place through a structured programme which involves research, teachmeet style presentations and classroom observations of good teaching practice. Currently our staff are working with some of the methods encouraged by Tom Sherrington and Oliver Caviglioli in their publication 'Walkthrus'.
At the heart of the learning community is an understanding of our ongoing commitment to achieving better outcomes for the students of Harold's Cross Educate Together Secondary School.
