School Staff

Donal - Principal

https://www.educatetogether.ie/news/principal-booterstown-etss/

Simon - Deputy Principal, Irish and English

https://www.educatetogether.ie/news/simon-rogers/

Katie - Science, Biology & Maths

Katie is from Dublin. She holds a bachelor's degree in Zoology and recently completed a PME to be a qualified Science and Biology teacher. She aims to make her classrooms fun and engaging where her students can also challenge themselves. Katie has coached basketball to students from 1^st to 6th year and currently plays club basketball as well.

Niamh - Music & Artistic Performance

Niamh is from Louth, and she has just finished teaching in St. Mary's College, Dundalk. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Maynooth University and a Professional Masters (PME) in Education from DCU. In her previous schools, Niamh has run ukulele clubs, bands, and school orchestras. She has also assisted with the junior and senior basketball teams.

Terry - Wood Technology, Construction Studies, DCG, and Graphics, TY Coordinator

Terry is from Wicklow, and he joined Blackrock ETSS in 2021/22. Terry holds an honours teaching degree from the University of Glasgow, and in 2019, he was awarded an honours Diploma in School Leadership by UCD. Terry has played and coached Gaelic Football, and he was the coordinator of the extra-curricular programme in his previous school.

Ciara - Science, Maths, Chemistry, Year Head First Year

Ciara is from Dublin. She has a science degree from Trinity College Dublin, completed the PME in UCD and has a diploma from the University of Limerick. Ciara has a keen interest in helping students find their place in the world, where they can excel. She has a passion for climate science and the natural world. Ciara ran a maths club and exercise classes in her previous school.

Nicole - Geography & History

Nicole is from Dublin and is a recent graduate from University College Dublin. Nicole also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and History from Maynooth University. In her previous schools, Nicole has coached junior hockey teams and set up successful ukulele groups. Nicole has a keen interest in all things music, as well as running and reading.

Jack - Science, Maths, Biology

Jack is from Dublin and is qualified in Biology, Maths and Science. Jack graduated from Maynooth University with an Honours Degree in Science (Biology and Chemistry) before completing his PME at University College Dublin. In his previous school, Jack was actively involved in all things sports, coaching many football teams through 1st year to 6th year. Jack has a passion for health, fitness and wellbeing and enjoys the gym and golfing in his spare time.

James - English, History

James is from Dublin. He holds a bachelor's degree in English and History from Maynooth University and recently completed his masters in education to be a qualified English and History teacher in UCD. He has a passion for poetry and creative writing and loves a fun, dynamic and inclusive classroom environment.

Miriam - English and History, Year Head for 2nd and 3rd Year

Miriam holds a BA degree in English Literature and History from Trinity College Dublin; an MSc in Politics of Developing Countries from UCD and a HDip in Education from Trinity College Dublin. Miriam has extensive experience in social justice/ development education and has written pedagogical resources for this sector and facilitated teacher trainings. She has a keen interest in the arts and is a qualified Royal Irish Academy of Music cello and piano teacher. She is passionate about extending the joy of reading to students and all things book related!

Daryl - Art & Home Economics, Senior Cycle Reform Coordinator

Daryl is from Dublin, and she comes to Blackrock ETSS from Santa Sabina Dominican College. Daryl holds an honours teaching and fashion design degree from the National College of Art and Design. Daryl worked as a textile's teacher in Sweden for three and a half years where she worked as a class mentor promoting healthy social and emotional growth. Daryl has run a sewing and embroidery club in her previous school. Daryl is committed to expanding the horizons of pupils through art, design, art history and textiles.

Dónal - History & Geography

Méadhbh - Irish & Spanish

Meadhbh completed her undergraduate studies at University College Cork, earning a Bachelor of Education in Irish and Spanish. A lifelong lover of sport, she has played camogie and enjoys running and racing in events across Ireland. Beyond sport, Meadhbh has a deep passion for music and performance — she Irish danced for many years and has also competed in the Fleadh Cheoil in traditional Irish singing.

Grace - English, CSPE

Grace is from Mayo, and comes to Blackrock from St Cyres School in Wales, UK where she taught English and Media Studies. Grace graduated from NUIG where she studied an International Arts degree in English and French before teaching in the UAE. She then completed her PGCE in English and History at Aberystwyth university. In her previous schools, Grace was actively involved in the debate club, the creative writing club, and started a Gaelic football club.

Orlaith is the lead teacher in the Connolly Class. She completed her Professional Master of Education at UCD and holds degrees in English Language and Literature and in Psychology, including an MSc in Psychology from Ulster University. She also holds a CELTA qualification. Orlaith is passionate about inclusive education and supporting students to build on their strengths, develop confidence and become increasingly independent.

Donagh - Business, Maths, Accountancy, Year Head for Transition Year & 5th Year

Ciara - English and Special Education, IEN Coordinator

Ciara is from Dublin and comes to Blackrock ETSS from Old Bawn Community School. Ciara holds an honours degree from Maynooth University, a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Masters in Education from Hibernia College. Ciara has helped coordinate school musical productions in her previous school and worked closely with Trinity College on programmes developed to help secondary school students progress into college.

Gary - PE and Maths, Year Head 6th Year

Gary is from Kildare and is a recent graduate from DCU in 2022 where he was awarded the outstanding student award in the PE programmes. He holds a Bachelor of Science - Physical Education and Maths and Bachelors of Business Studies - Business and Management from Maynooth University. Gary spent some time working at Newbridge College in Kildare where he led the after-school Evening Study Programme for two years. His passions and interests are sports, wellbeing, travelling, lighthouses and anything outdoors.

Amaya - Spanish, EAL, Erasmus Coordinator

Hello, my name is Amaya Corres, and I’m originally from Spain. Three years ago, I moved to Ireland. I am a Spanish and English teacher, having previously taught at Sancta Maria College and Woodbrook College. I hold a Bachelor's degree in English Studies from the University of the Basque Country, as well as a Master's degree in Secondary School Teacher Education and another Master's in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. I have a deep passion for languages and cultures.

Michele - Maths

Michele is from Dublin and is qualified in Physics and Mathematics. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from TUD and a PME from Trinity College Dublin. Michele is passionate about making STEM subjects accessible and enjoyable for all students, he believes every student can thrive with the right support and a bit of enthusiasm. Outside the classroom, Michele is a dedicated martial arts student, currently working toward his black belt in Bushi Kenpo Karate.

Sheila - Guidance Counsellor & Wellbeing Coordinator

Sheila has a degree in French and Economics. She has taught French at second and third level. She completed a Masters in Guidance and Counselling in Trinity College and comes from Newpark Comprehensive School. She is an accredited psychotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, having been trained in various counselling modalities both at home and abroad. Sheila is also a qualified Guidance Counsellor mentor. She is a member of many professional networks such as the Institute of Guidance Counsellors and the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She is also a Generation Apprenticeship Partner (of the National Apprenticeship Office) and a member of the Child and Family Support Network. Sheila is passionate about supporting the development of agency and gratitude in young people. She is an avid believer in the power of volunteering and how volunteering can help young people learn about themselves.

Jade - Gaeilge, SPHE

Jade is from Mullingar. She holds a degree in Irish and Human Development from St.Pats DCU and a professional master in education from DCU. In her previous schools Jade has been involved in Irish debating and school musicals. She has a keen interest in music, travelling and wellbeing.

Caelan - Maths, Coding, Computer Science

Caelan is originally from Cavan and graduated from the University of Galway in 2024 with a bachelors degree in Education, specialising in Mathematics and Computer Science. He has previously coached soccer in schools and brings a strong passion for all things sport to his teaching. Outside of the classroom, Caelan enjoys training in soccer, MMA, and spending time in the gym.

Jayne - Gaeilge & IEN Coordinator

Jayne is from Dublin. She holds a B.A. in French and Modern Irish from Trinity College Dublin and a Professional Diploma in Education from Hibernia College. She recently completed a Diploma in Autism Studies with UCC and a Diploma in Education Law with The Law Society of Ireland. She is currently embarking on a Diploma in Special and Inclusive Education with Hibernia College and the Institute of Child Education and Psychology. Jayne has taught Irish and French in several Dublin schools, with a particular focus on DEIS settings.

While teaching in Lucan Community College, she helped co-coordinate a Wellbeing Pilot Programme, later complementing this with the HSE’s Healthy Food Made Easy course. She has a keen interest in cookery, having spent time in St. Angela’s College for Home Economics in Sligo. She enjoys French culture and film, having worked as an au pair in France during her time abroad at university. She has run cookery, French Food and Film clubs in several schools.

Paula - Spanish, English

Paula is a native speaker from Spain. She moved to Ireland two years ago, where she has taught Spanish and English. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English Studies from the University of Seville and a Master's degree in Secondary School Teacher Education. She is passionate about languages and music.

Anne, Secretary

Anne holds an honours arts degree from UCD and she has worked in different roles in the private and public sectors including positions in the EBS and DLR County Council. Anne is a volunteer in her local rugby club where she helps with administration, first aid and Covid safety duties.

Irene, SNA

Irene worked in Blackrock ETSS in 2021/22. Irene has worked in both mainstream and special class settings as a SNA. Irene has qualifications from Carlow College and Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education, and before becoming a SNA, Irene worked in the private sector.