ISM Team 2026 - 2027
Caragh Miller
Acting Deputy Principal
My name is Caragh Miller, and I am delighted to be Acting Deputy Principal for the academic year 2026/2027. 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 NS is a very special place, supported by a community that fosters self-belief, indepndence, and a genuine love of learning.
In my role as Acting Deputy Principal, I’m looking forward to working alongside Ms Harper, our staff, pupils and wider school community across the many different areas of school life. I will have a leading and guiding role across various aspects of school life, with a particular focus on supporting the school in the development and implementation of curriculum planning and policies, including new SEE curriculum, STEM.
I’m really looking forward to working with everyone throughout the year and contributing to another happy, inspiring and productive year at St. Patrick’s NS.
Emma Van Rooy
Acting 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. In the past I have stepped up to 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 two years ago 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”, along with Modern Language which encourages conversational Irish and Spanish 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 Junior Infants, providing ongoing support to the teaching team in the areas of planning, curriculum, and pastoral care.
Rachel Flynn
Acting AP1
My name is Rachel Flynn. This is my ninth-year teaching in St. Patrick’s, and I am currently with Junior Infants. I am delighted to continue working on the leadership team this year.
I am continuing the role of Year Head for Senior Infants, where I will support the teachers and students in their daily duties. I will also attend and support at relevant meetings.
I will lead the Bí Cineálta Wellbeing committees (both student and staff) which champion kindness in line with the DES guidelines on the new anti-bullying framework.
I support the coordination of both long- and short-term planning across the school, promoting consistency and high standards. I ensure that high-quality, engaging, and inclusive teaching and learning takes place in our school.
As part of my wider leadership duties, I 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 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. I'm really excited to continue in my role for the second year with the ISM team, I am also Head of 3rd Class. This role brings together two things I’m passionate about: creativity and supporting others.
As part of my post, I will be working closely with Ms Harper and I’ll be assisting staff with ICT throughout the school including laptops and printers to help keep teaching and learning running smoothly. I’ll also be lead for the curriculum area of Art and leading whole-school art projects and coordinating community displays—an area close to my heart, having spent the past few years developing creative initiatives throughout the school. In addition, I’ll be managing our art resources and supporting the school’s social media and website, helping to celebrate and share all the wonderful things happening at St. Patrick’s with the wider 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. In my role as AP2 I am the lead for Physical Education, Diversity and Inclusion. 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 am also the Year Head for both 6th Classes.
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.
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. In my role as AP2 I am the lead for Physical Education, Diversity and Inclusion. 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 am also the Year Head for both 6th Classes.
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.
Thomas Kealy
Acting AP 2
Thomas Kealy is ainm dom. I am delighted to be joining the ISM team this year. This is my second year as a teacher in St.Patrick’s N.S and I am looking forward to another exciting year! I am currently teaching 4th Class and will be the Year Head for 2nd Class. I am a caring and committed teacher who seeks to facilitate meaningful and worthwhile learning experiences for students as well as helping them to build confidence and explore their interests through learning. Allowing students to foster their potential in a respectful, caring and inclusive environment is what I try to do every day. My areas of focus include Drama, Gaeilge and co-ordinating school development and
Wendy Wood
Acting Up AP2
My name is Wendy Wood. As part of the In-School Management team at St. Patrick’s NS, I am privileged to coordinate An Cuan, our Autism classes, and to work closely with the pupils, parents, and staff who make this such a special part of our school community. I am a Special Education Teacher with Postgraduate qualifications in Autism Studies and in Special Education and Inclusion, and I am deeply passionate about supporting inclusive education for all and I am the lead person for the Autism Friendly School here at St Patrick’s. I am also the Year Head for 4th Class.
My role involves liaising with outside agencies such as NEPS and the NCSE to ensure we have the most up to date information, guidance, and resources to meet our students’ needs effectively. I am continuing to co-ordinate the very successful school bus transportation service which has made a wonderful difference for our pupils and their families.
Working alongside Ms Harper, I take great pride in helping to nurture a culture of inclusion, respect, and collaboration across the school. I believe that compassionate, proactive leadership helps create positive change, strengthens teamwork, and ensures that every decision we make places the wellbeing and development of our pupils at its centre. I value the strong sense of unity within our ISM team and look forward to another year of shared growth and continued progress for our school community.