STAFF

Helena Trench – Principal

Helena is the Principal of Powerstown ETNS. Helena is the Leader of Learning within the school and promotes a positive learning environment that encourages communication and respect between staff, parents and pupils. Helena ensures that all staff and parents have high expectations of the pupils and that students’ progress is continuously monitored. Helena promotes the involvement of students in decision making process and ensures they have the opportunity to take on positions of responsibility and leadership within the school. Helena emphasises the need for parental involvement in the school and encourages parents to participate in parent and child workshops, shared reading, maths for fun, science for fun, adult education and any other skill or interest set that parents would like to share.

Helena has a Bachelor in Education and a Masters of Science in Technology and Education from Trinity College Dublin. She worked in all class from Junior Infants to 6th class and also worked as Home School Liaison Officer in Dublin City Centre. Helena then worked as Deputy Principal in Swords before commencing employment in Powerstown ETNS in June 2011.

Helena can be contacted at principal@powerstownet.com or on 018272018

Cróna Glynn – Deputy Principal

Cróna is the Deputy Principal of the school and also provides support to 2nd class. She is the coordinator of Special Education within the school – she completed a masters in Special Education with a particular focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cróna comes from an Irish speaking family and has a particular love of Irish culture, particularly music and language. She helps to promote the teaching and learning of Gaeilge within the school. This year, Cróna has taken on the role of teacher rep on the Parent Teacher association and is really enjoying getting to know lots more of the parents within our school community! In her spare time, Cróna loves getting into the outdoors walking or hiking and she also loves all types of craft!

If you need to contact Cróna you can email her at crona@powerstownet.com

Eoin Mernagh – Chestnut Class Teacher

Eoin is the ICT co-ordinator for the school.

Eoin has a big interest in technology and studied software development before returning to college for his Bachelor of Education.

He likes to bring creative and fun uses for technology into his classroom! He also loves to read and cook!

Eoin can be contacted at eoin@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Anita Woods – EAL Teacher

Anita Studied Equine Science at the University of Limerick. She went on to work in a number of Laboratories before deciding to return to education. Anita has just completed a Professional Masters in Primary Education.

Anita has a specific interest in Science and enjoys travelling.

Anita can be contacted at anita@powerstownet.com or 01 8272018

Brónagh Clarke
Ash Class Teacher

Brónagh is from county Meath and has a Bachelor of Education from Froebel in Maynooth University. . Brónagh is excited to work with junior infants this year after working with senior infants last year. Brónagh loves teaching infants, particularly learning through play and all the learning that occurs while playing. 

Brónagh has a passion for dogs and in her free time enjoys walking her 2 dogs at the park and the beach. Brónagh also enjoys reading and baking in her spare time. 

Brónagh can be contacted at bronagh@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Sam McGrath – ANA

Oana Ometita – ANA

Linzi is the Sycamore Senior Infants Class Teacher. She graduated from the University of Chester in 2006 with a Bachelor of Education First Class Honours degree. She worked as an infant teacher in Northern Ireland for 10 years before moving to Powerstown Educate Together in 2016. She has a particular love for teaching infants, especially learning through play, music and drama. 

Marta Nadales – EAL Teacher

Hi, my name is Marta! I graduated from the University of Malaga, Spain in 2014 with a Bachelors of Education in Primary School Teaching specialising in Special and Inclusive Education. I enjoy travelling and learning different languages and cultures. After graduating I moved to London for a year, then I went to Belfast to work as an ANA for two years and now I am very excited to join Powerstown ETNS! Some of my hobbies include music and dance, I studied ballet for a few years.

I recently completed a course to teach Spanish as a foreign language so don´t be afraid to say Hola!

Marta can be contacted at marta@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Maeve Grant – Oak Class Teacher

Maeve is our Oak Class Teacher for Senior Infants this year. Maeve is really looking forward to working in class this year. Maeve is interested in infant education, and has special interests and training in pupil wellbeing. Maeve enjoys yoga, walking in nature and reading in her spare time.

Maeve can be contacted by the schools phone number, or email maeve@powerstownet.com

Tatiana Moura – ANA

Ronán Bennett – Maple Class Teacher

Ronan is from a little village called Conna in Co. Cork! He has a Bachelor of Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Literacy and Visual Art are two of his biggest interests in both his professional and personal life and he can’t wait to share them with his class at Powerstown to bring some life and colour to their day!

Acting is also something he is passionate about and when he is not rehearsing for a production, he is in the audience watching other actors do their thing. Being dramatic can be a good thing sometimes!

Over that past few years, he has spent time volunteering in The Philippines and The United States and he hopes the contact he keeps with the organisations he is involved with can benefit the children in his class for the coming year.

Ronan can be reached at ronan@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Louise Heffernan – ANA

Hi, my name is Louise. I joined the team here in 2016 after receiving a distinction in Fetec 5 and 6 in special needs assisting. I studied Visual Education at Limerick Art college and ceramics at NCAD. I’ve worked in a primary school in Hong Kong for three years.

I have trained and continue to foster dogs for Irish Guide Dogs. I love gardening and with our wonderful outdoor space and new eco dome, look forward to sharing my interest with the children.

Julie Dorrity – Elm Class Teacher

I’m from Dublin. I graduated from Maynooth University in 2017 with a double honours degree in Geography and Gaeilge. This year, I graduated from Froebel with a masters in Primary Teaching. I’m a tennis and rugby fan, also really enjoy travelling, baking, reading and personal fitness.

Julie can be reached at julie@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Siobhán Maunsell – EAL Teacher

Siobhán is very excited to work as a language teacher with the First Class team this year. She has worked with a wide range of class levels since she joined Powerstown in 2016. She has a degree in Visual Communication and worked as a graphic designer for 7 years before becoming a primary school teacher. Siobhán is passionate about valuing creativity and loves teaching the Arts subjects, along with literacy and environmental topics. She loves creating art, running, yoga, travel and learning about different cultures. Siobhán can be found running after her two small children when she’s not in work! She can be contacted via email at siobhan@powerstownet.com or by phoning the school on 01 8272018.

Diarmaid Elliffe – Lime Class Teacher

Diarmaid is a sports fanatic with a particular love of GAA and Swimming. In his youth he was part of the Swim Ireland National Squad, however he now just competes in sea swims and triathlons. He also have a love of childrens’ literature with David Walliams becoming his favourite author.

He completed a Commerce degree in NUI Galway before completing a Post Graduate Masters in Education. He has worked as a Business Anaylst in the financial sector before deciding that teaching was the right career choice for him. He is very excited about joining Powerstown ETNS and is looking forward to a great year ahead.

Diarmaid can be contacted at diarmaid@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Gráinne Ryan – COS Teacher

Gráinne is a dedicated sports lady, who plays Camogie for Na Fianna GAA club and for the Dublin Ladies Camogie team. She has also worked as a GAA Development Officer.

Gráinne completed and Arts Degree in St. Patrick’s College and continued on to complete Post Graduate Degree in Teaching. Gráinne worked in numerous schools in Dublin before joining our staff in August 2012.

Gráinne can be contacted via email: grainne@powerstownet.com or 01 8272018.

Cliodhna Gallagher – Hazel Class Teacher

Clíodhna is originally from Donegal but has been living and teaching in Dublin since she graduated from Coláiste Mhuire Marino a number of years ago. This is her first year in PETNS and is really looking forward to the exciting, fun year ahead. She will be the support teacher for both Beech and Laurel class this school year. Clíodhna loves sport and is a big Donegal GAA supporter (Tír Chonaill Abú!!). She also loves to travel and has previously spent nine months backpacking around Central and South America.

Clíodhna can be contacted by email at cliodhna@powerstownet.com or at the school on 018272018.

Lorraine Kelly – ANA

Hi I’m Lorraine. I’m a Special Needs assistance and this year I will be working with 2nd class.

I have a number of years experience working with children in creches. I have a love and passion when it comes to working with children. Lorraine has completed FETAC level 6 in Special Needs Assistant this year.

I love sports music and horse riding.

I’m looking forward to a fun filled year at Powerstown.

Aoife O’Grady – Redwood Class Teacher

Aoife is from North County Dublin and graduated from St Patrick’s College DCU with a Bachelor in Education. Aoife is thrilled to be joining Powerstown ETNS this year! 

Aoife plays GAA and is a coach and member of the St. Margarets Ladies squad. Specializing in visual art in her degree, she loves sharing her passion for art by bringing it to the classroom, as well as illustrating in her free time. 

Aoife loves all things Gaeilge, spending all her summers in the Gaeltacht and loves to promote the language. 

Aoife is looking forward to the year ahead with the Redwood class! 

Aoife can be contacted at aoifeogrady@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Pamela McGrath – ANA

Pamela McGrath is a Special Needs Assistant in 3rd Class. She received a distinction in QQI (FETAC) Level 5 Special Needs Assisting. She has a wide range of experience in business and in childcare and is looking forward to spending time with the Redwood and Rowan classes! She is a big rugby fan and loves to attend as many Leinster Rugby games as possible!

Darragh Horgan – Rowan Class Teacher

Hi I’m Darragh, I’m a new teacher to the school this year 2020-2021. I’m the Rowan’s class teacher and am from Dublin on the other side of the M50. I graduated from the Professional Masters of Education in Marino. Previously I studied English, Sociology and Social Justice as a Bachelor of Arts and completed a Masters in Equality Studies. You can find me on the weekend, out in nature, reading a book or spending time with friends (when not in Covid times).

Darragh can be contacted at darragh@powerstownet.com or 01 8272018

Gráinne Ryan – COS Teacher

Gráinne is a dedicated sports lady, who plays Camogie for Na Fianna GAA club and for the Dublin Ladies Camogie team. She has also worked as a GAA Development Officer.

Gráinne completed and Arts Degree in St. Patrick’s College and continued on to complete Post Graduate Degree in Teaching. Gráinne worked in numerous schools in Dublin before joining our staff in August 2012.

Gráinne can be contacted via email: grainne@powerstownet.com or 01 8272018.

Sarah McLoughlin – Alder Class Teacher

Sarah is from Dublin and loves reading, baking, history and art. She’s studied art since she was 4 years old and has never let it go, and loves incorporating it into her teaching.

Sarah recently received her Bachelor of Education from St. Patrick’s College (DCU) with a major specialism in Special and Inclusive Education and is looking forward to the year ahead in the Laurel Class!

Sarah can be contacted at sarah@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Róisín Grimes – COS Teacher

Róisín has a Bachelor of Arts degree in European Studies from the University of Limerick where she studied Spanish, History, Law and Sociology. She worked in marketing and PR for Tourism Ireland in Canada before attending Marino Institute of Education. She received a post graduate degree in primary teaching.

Róisín loves to read, travel and cheer on her native Mayo in GAA. She enjoys the outdoors and is working towards achieving her blue belt in kick boxing.

Róisin can be reached at roisin@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Simon Judge – Kamilah Class Teacher

Simon is from Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Prior to becoming a teacher and completing his Masters in Education, he attained an MA in Journalism, working for 15 years, in both the newspaper and radio fields. As a former professional DJ, music is his passion and one he hopes he can share with his class. 

Simon can be contacted at simon@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Theresa O’Connor – ANA

Theresa has been working as an ANA in Powerstown Educate Together since 2014. She has enjoyed working in various class-rooms, and this year will support 4th class.

Theresa has a Diploma in Education Kinesiology and preschool Education. She has a certificate in Psychology with Maynooth University and a certificate for Behavioural Technician with Trinity college.

Theresa looks forward to the year ahead.

James Hawe – Rose Class Teacher

James is a big rugby and cricket fan and loves to cycle whenever he can. He is looking forward to getting involved in the after school sports fun! Outside the world of sport James loves art, music and reading.

James has a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Trinity College and has just completed a Professional Masters of Education.

James can be reached at james@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Otgonchimeg Dulam – ANA

Hi, my name is Chimgee, originally from Mongolia. I am very happy to call Ireland my second home. I have a passion to work with children and love to play games. I completed Teacher’s College in Mongolia and hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Mongolia. I’ve completed a Montessori teaching diploma and SNA FETAC level 5&6 course here in Ireland. I am very excited to working with Rose Class children this year! I’m looking forward to contributing my service to our school community and having lots of fun with children.

Sinead Downey – Willow Class Teacher

Sinead can be reached at sinead@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Róisín Grimes – COS Teacher

Róisín has a Bachelor of Arts degree in European Studies from the University of Limerick where she studied Spanish, History, Law and Sociology. She worked in marketing and PR for Tourism Ireland in Canada before attending Marino Institute of Education. She received a post graduate degree in primary teaching.

Róisín loves to read, travel and cheer on her native Mayo in GAA. She enjoys the outdoors and is working towards achieving her blue belt in kick boxing.

Róisin can be reached at roisin@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Lisa Woods – ANA

My name is Lisa Reilly and I am very excited to be working in Willow class. I over 10 years experience in Healthcare as a GP Practice Manager and phlebotomy. I have FETAC level 5 Special Needs Assisting. I love running, going to the theatre and spending time with my Family.

Patrick O Donnell- Beech Class Teacher

Hi! I’m Patrick from county Waterford and I’m looking forward to another great year in Powerstown! Outside of school I love running, music and having a project to work on (like growing vegetables in the garden or attempting to build a boat). I love teaching subjects like Music, Science, History and English. 

Patrick can be contacted at patrick@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018

Agnieszka Dolczak – ANA

Keara Glynn – Laurel Class Teacher

Hi, my name is Keara and I’m from County Meath! I have just graduated with a Bachelor of Education from Froebel College in Maynooth University. I love to bake, read and keep fit and healthy by playing sport in my freetime. My passions in the classroom include Science, Gaeilge and Drama. I also have a big interest in inquiry-based learning. This is my first year in Powerstown Educate Together as a mainstream class teacher and I am very excited for the year ahead with the Willow class!

Keara can be reached at keara@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Hazel Mhic Eachaidh – COS Teacher

Hello everyone 

I am delighted to begin another year with everyone at PETNS and looking forward to working with all our pupils. 

Hazel can be contacted at hazelmhic@powerstownet.com or 01 8272018

Gary McDermott Hawthorn Class Teacher

Gary completed his Bachelor of Education in St. Mary’s University, London and taught in England for a number of years. He then taught for a year in Co. Down before moving to Dublin to work in the Child Welfare Department of the FAI. Gary is delighted to have joined the Powerstown team.

Gary loves sports and music, spending his spare time cycling or watching GAA and soccer.

Gary can be contacted at gary@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Clive Donaldson – ANA

Clive works in the Holly Class.

Hi my name is Clive. I’m a Special Needs Assistant in the Holly Class. I’m from Northern Ireland and have just moved south this year. I have recently completed my NCFE Level 3 Teaching & Learning course (equivalent to FETAC Level 5). I previously worked at Enniskillen Royal Grammar School.

I like sports and eating out. I love working with children and I’m looking forward to being part of Powerstown ETNS.

Helena Wall – ANA

Hi my name is Helena, this is my second year in Powerstown Educate Together and my second year as the senior infant ANA. I completed my Fetec Level 5 with a distinction and hoping to build on that this year.I come from a background of retail management and I am loving my new and exciting change of career. I’m very much looking forward to the coming year and what it has to bring.

Anne Marie Ward – ANA

Anne-Marie is a Special Needs Assitant in The Holly Class. 

After fifteen years working in Finance, Anne-Marie chose to pursue her passion of working with children with Additional Needs. 

She holds a distinction in QQ1 Level 5 in ‘Children with Additional Needs’, and a distinction in both Level 5 and Level 6 in ‘Special Needs Assisting’.

She has worked as a Special Needs Assistant since receiving her qualifications in 2018. 

Anne-Marie is from Wexford, and enjoys G.A.A, reading, walking and spending time with her family. 

Rory Scanlon – ANA

My name is Rory and this is my first year as an ANA in Powerstown Educate Together. I have a QQI level 5 in childcare and special needs assisting and prior to working in Powerstown, I was an AIM worker in a pre-school.     

I enjoy boxing, playing guitar and watching movies. I am very passionate about working with children and I plan on furthering my college education next year.

Lesley Shakeshaft – ANA

Sonia Comiskey – Hornbeam Class Teacher

Sonia can be contacted at sonia@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Siobhán O’Haire – Holly Class Teacher

Siobhan is Ash Class Junior Class Teacher from Mayo. She graduated with a Masters in Additional Support Needs in 2018. Siobhán spent some time teaching in Early Years in the UK before moving home to Ireland. Siobhán has a keen interest in Lámh and enjoys incorporating it into her lessons throughout the day. Siobhán loves running, yoga and travelling. Siobhán can be contacted at siobhanoh@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018

Sharon Carr – ANA

Sharon is our most senior Special Needs Assistant. She joined our team in September 2011 and has worked with all children and pupils in the school. Sharon can regularly be seen in the office and the yard or cataloguing our books and resources for our libraries.

This year, Sharon works primarily with Hawthorn Class, however she will also be seen regularly in Junior Classes

Gemma Cregg – ANA

Hi my name is Gemma. I started my ANA journey subbing last September and have enjoyed every minute of it. I’m looking forward to amazing year ahead at Powerstown. 

Daniel Culloty – Birch Class Teacher

Daniel is from County Kerry and trained to be a primary teacher in Wales. After he graduated in 2012, Daniel decided to pursue his career of primary teaching, along with his love of different cul-tures and travel, by moving to Kuwait for three years. There he taught children from a range of different nationalities using the National Curriculum of England. Daniel then made the move to Russia where he taught using the International Baccalaureate sys-tem. Last year Daniel returned to Ireland and taught as a Learn-ing Support teacher, so he is excited to further enhance his teach-ing skills in this area this year.

He has a keen interest in the outdoors, art and music which he integrates into his teaching. He is excited to become more involved in school initiatives and promoting a positive learning environment both inside and out of the classroom. He is very excited to be joining the team this year!

Daniel can be contacted at daniel@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Eimear Greene – Speech and Language Therapist 

Eimear is the Speech and Language Therapist appointed to the Birch Class.

Eimear can be contacted at slt@powerstownet.com or at the school on 01 8272018.

Margaret O’Ceallaigh – ANA

Having completed Fetac Level 6 ANA with a distinction in 2018, this is Margaret’s second year in Powerstown and is loving the challenge and fun with the fabulous children in the Birch DLD class.

Margaret is from Co. Sligo. She enjoys lots of walking, baking/cooking and music.

Ann Dunne – Secretary

Ann is our secretary and the first face you meet when you come to our school. Ann works in the school office from 9am – 3pm Monday – Thursday and until 2.30pm on Friday daily. If you want to make an appointment with a teacher or the principal Ann can schedule this for you. Ann can give messages to class teachers for you and is there to answer any queries you may have. Ann can be contacted in the office via email info@powerstownet.com or by calling 01 8272018.

Alex Calin – Caretaker

Alex is our caretaker and you’ll often see him out helping take care of our school building and grounds!