ISM Team 2025 - 2026
Hannah O’Connor
Deputy Principal
My name is Hannah O'Connor and I am delighted to be continuing in my role as Deputy Principal of St. Patrick's NS this year. As I continued to work closely with Ms Harper, some of my duties and responsibilities include leading the ongoing work of embedding Bí Cineálta into our school culture, overseeing child protection and safeguarding—including the implementation of the new Child Protection Procedures for 2025—and acting as the School Safety Officer. I am also the lead for the curriculum area of SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education). I look after assessment across the school, including our standardised testing, and serve as the Droichead Coordinator, a role I truly enjoy as it allows me to mentor and support newly qualified teachers. I also have the pleasure of being Year Head for 6th Class this year. I look forward to working alongside all members of the school community to strengthen our partnerships and ensure the best education and overall school experience for our pupils.
Caragh Miller
AP1
My name is Caragh Miller, and I’m so excited to be rejoining the wonderful community at St. Patrick’s NS. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in several international schools and have held senior leadership roles, including here at St. Patrick’s. I’m passionate about creating a holistic learning environment where every child feels valued, confident, and supported to reach their full potential. One of my favourite parts of teaching is getting to know each student’s unique journey and supporting their growth both socially and academically. St. Patrick’s is such a special place — a community that fosters self-belief, independence, and a genuine love of learning — and I’m thrilled to be part of it once again. This year in my role as AP1, I’ll be leading STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and supporting the implementation of the new Maths Curriculum. I’ll also be coordinating resources as the school's Resources Coordinator, updating policies related to STEM-focused weeks, and working closely with Ms. Harper on the school’s 5-year plan. In addition, I’ll be involved in SNA training and meetings with Ms. Van Rooy and supporting school communications such as Instagram and the website alongside Ms. Dodd. I’ll also be taking on the role of Year Head for 4th Class and contributing to our SSE (School Self Evaluation) process in collaboration with the Principal and Deputy Principal. I’m really looking forward to working together and contributing to another inspiring and productive year at St. Patrick’s.
Emma Van Rooy
Acting Up AP1
My name is Emma Van Rooy. I am a caring and enthusiastic primary teacher who loves helping every child reach their full potential in a happy and inclusive classroom. As Head of Learning Support, I work with Ms Harper, teachers and families to make sure every child feels supported and confident in their learning. I’m also a Droichead Mentor, and I really enjoy guiding and encouraging new teachers as they begin their careers. I currently teach 4th Class Beech and serve as Year Head for 1st Class, helping to create positive, engaging learning experiences across the school. Building connections, nurturing confidence, and inspiring a love of learning are at the heart of all I do.
Alizia Gisler
AP2
My name is Alizia Gisler, and I have been teaching for 25 years, primarily in the senior classes of the school. Most recently, I stepped into the role of Deputy Principal, where I supported Ms. Harper in the day-to-day running of the school. I am also proud to serve as the staff representative on the Board of Management. As the school’s lead for the Creative Clusters Programme, I coordinate a collaborative initiative with Transition Year students from Temple Carrig, delivering a digital wellbeing and online safety programme to 6th Class pupils. This project builds on a successful pilot myself and Ms Harper launched last year and reflects my strong commitment to supporting students in their transition to secondary school. I ensure all Educational Passports are completed thoroughly and that comprehensive handovers take place with receiving schools. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed supporting and mentoring newly qualified teachers. I recently completed Droichead PST (Professional Support Team) training, which enables me to guide and encourage NQTs as they begin their professional journey. In my AP2 role, I have been actively involved in the development and review of the school’s literacy policy. I also promote whole-school engagement in the annual “Write a Book” competition, helping to foster a love for writing among pupils. To further support Gaeilge in the school, I introduced the weekly “Frása na Seachtaine”, which encourages conversational Irish across all classes. I have also led the Junior Entrepreneur Programme for many years. This exciting initiative allows students to explore creativity, teamwork, and business skills as they develop and market their own products. It’s always inspiring to see the enthusiasm, collaboration, and friendships that grow during the programme. In addition to these roles, I am Year Head for 5th Class, providing ongoing support to the teaching team in the areas of planning, curriculum, and pastoral care. As I continued to work closely with Ms Harper, some of my duties and responsibilities include leading the ongoing work of embedding Bí Cineálta into our school culture, overseeing child protection and safeguarding—including the implementation of the new Child Protection Procedures for 2025—and acting as the School Safety Officer. I am also the lead for the curriculum area of SPHE (Social, Personal and Health Education). I look after assessment across the school, including our standardised testing, and serve as the Droichead Coordinator, a role I truly enjoy as it allows me to mentor and support newly qualified teachers. I also have the pleasure of being Year Head for 6th Class this year. I look forward to working alongside all members of the school community to strengthen our partnerships and ensure the best education and overall school experience for our pupils.
Rachel Flynn
AP2
My name is Rachel Flynn. This is my eighth year working at St. Patrick’s, and I am currently teaching Junior Infants. It has been a pleasure to join the leadership team, and I am excited to work alongside Ms. Harper and my wonderful colleagues in continuing to support our school community. This year, I am taking on the role of Year Head for Senior Infants, where I will support the teachers and classes through collaborative planning and by attending relevant meetings. I am also on the Bí Cineálta Wellbeing committee which champions kindness and supports our updated anti-bullying policy. As part of this work, I will continue to lead the Bí Cineálta Student Wellbeing Committee, encouraging the student voice and promote a positive, inclusive school environment. In addition to my teaching and wellbeing roles, I share leadership of the curricular areas of Literacy and Gaeilge alongside Ms. Gisler. Together, we support the development, monitoring, and implementation of whole-school strategies to ensure high-quality, engaging, and inclusive teaching and learning. As part of my wider leadership duties, I help monitor key policy review dates with Ms Harper and support staff in staying up to date with relevant documentation. I will also work closely with the PTA to help maintain and update our school noticeboards, ensuring the school environment remains informative, welcoming, and student-centred. I support the coordination of both long- and short-term planning across the school to promote consistency and high standards. I am passionate about early childhood education, student wellbeing, and collaborative school leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with parents, staff, and students to ensure a happy, safe, and supportive school experience for every child at St. Patrick’s.
Sian Dodd
AP2
My name is Sian Dodd and I am delighted to be joining the ISM team this year as AP2 and Head of 3rd Class. Having worked as a teacher for the past five years, I am passionate about creating engaging, creative and meaningful learning experiences that inspire children to develop a genuine love of learning. I have a particular interest in History and Visual Arts, and I strongly believe in the value of hands-on, enjoyable learning experiences that allow every child to thrive both academically and personally.
As part of my role within the ISM team, I will be working closely with Ms Harper while also supporting staff with ICT throughout the school, including the day-to-day management of devices and digital resources to help ensure teaching and learning run smoothly across the school community. I am also proud to take on the role of Head of Art, leading and coordinating whole-school creative initiatives, art projects and community displays. Alongside the Art Committee, I was involved in the creation of our school mosaic, a project that reflects the creativity, collaboration and strong sense of community within St. Patrick’s. Over the past number of years, I have greatly enjoyed developing creative opportunities throughout the school and encouraging children to express themselves through art in meaningful and imaginative ways.
In addition, I oversee the management of the school’s Instagram and website, helping to celebrate and share the many wonderful achievements, activities and experiences taking place across St. Patrick’s with our wider school community.
Sam Donohoe
AP2
My name is Sam Donohoe, and I’ve been teaching in St. Patrick’s for the past six years. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work across Junior classes, Early Intervention Autism, and Autism classes, which has been really important in shaping how I teach and how I support children with a wide range of needs. Alongside my teaching role, I’ve taken on a number of wider responsibilities across the school. I’ve overseen sport in the school, including helping to plan and organise trips to different sporting events, Sports Day, Active Week, and coordinating external coaches and teachers coming in to work with classes. I really enjoy this part of my role, as it gives children the chance to try new activities, build confidence, and experience the enjoyment of being active together as a school community.I’ve also been involved in leading and supporting wellbeing across the school. This has included helping to develop and write school policies, as well as supporting the implementation of procedures that promote a positive, safe, and caring environment for all pupils and staff. Wellbeing is something I feel very strongly about, and I try to bring that focus into both my classroom practice and wider school work. More recently, I have taken on a role supporting diversity and inclusion within the school. This involves helping to promote an inclusive school culture where every child feels valued, respected, and represented. I am passionate about making sure that all children feel they belong and can fully participate in school life.In the classroom, out on the pitch or in the everyday moments of school life, I’m always focused on creating experiences where children feel excited to take part, feel proud of what they can do and are encouraged to keep going.
