We promote equality of access and parity of esteem for all learners. We promote a participative and democratically run school. We are a co-educational and child-centred school. Our school opened in August 2020 and we are one of 19 Educate Together secondary schools in Ireland.
We prepare students for responsible global citizenship and help them to contribute to sustainable development and to challenge social injustice. Our aim is to be an exceptional school which values highly effective teaching and learning. We place great store in a positive partnership between home, school and the wider community ensuring that we can be alert and responsive to the changing needs of our students.
Jonathan Browner, Principal
Jonathan is the first principal of Goatstown 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 celebrated.
Jonathan comes to us from North Wicklow ETSS where he was principal since the school opened in 2016. Under Jonathan’s leadership, the school has grown from a student body of 34 to a diverse community of nearly 400 students, teachers and other staff in just four years.
Previously Jonathan taught Music, History, CSPE and SPHE at Sandford Park School, Ranelagh for 24 years. He was Transition Year Coordinator, School Self Evaluation (SSE) Coordinator, yearbook editor, form teacher, musical director and conductor of many award–winning choirs and music ensembles, amongst other roles at Sandford.
Jonathan also lectured in teacher training at Trinity College Dublin and at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for nearly a decade. He taught at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and was an external examiner for a number of years there. Jonathan remains an accomplished conductor and accompanist.
Jonathan has also collaborated with the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and has worked with the State Examinations Commission (SEC). He holds a Bachelor in Music education degree from Trinity College Dublin (1992), a variety of performance and teaching diplomas from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music in London and Trinity College London. He also achieved a First-Class Honours Master’s Degree in Education from Trinity College Dublin (2002). He has continued to engage in a myriad of training opportunities and professional development provided by Educate Together, the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD), the Centre for School Leadership (CSL) and the Joint Managerial Body (JMB).
Matthew Quinn, Deputy Principal, Music, Artistic Performance
Matthew has taught Music at Primary, Post-Primary and Third level across a variety of educational settings. A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, Matthew graduated with first class honours and received a commendation for his final teaching placement on the B.Mus.Ed. degree. Matthew also holds a Master’s Degree in Education (2011) and a Post Graduate Certificate in school leadership (2020). A keen guitarist, Matthew was awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in music performance from the Royal Scottish Conservatoire (2007).
Speaking on his appointment at Goatstown, Matthew said...“I am delighted and privileged to take up the post of Deputy Principal at Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School. I want to play my part in creating a school where everyone can experience academic success in whatever shape or form that may take for the individual; a school where everyone is valued and respected, and most importantly a school that offers opportunities for all learners to discover and explore their interests - as I was lucky enough to do with music during my school years.”
Email: mquinn@goatstownetss.ie
Eamon Wallace, First Year Coordinator, Teacher of Maths, Business Studies, Artistic Performance & Learning Support
Eamon qualified from Maynooth University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business and Geography and completed his Professional Master of Education in 2017. Since then he has completed a Higher Diploma in Theology Studies with St Patricks College, Maynooth and is currently completing a Higher Diploma in Maths with Limerick University.
In his teaching, his main goal is to motivate students to achieve their best and extend their own personal limits. He strives to instil a love of learning and to make learning exciting and interesting for every student in his class.
Outside the classroom he has a strong interest in fitness which has been the root to his success in running and completing the Dublin Marathon. He also enjoys spending his free time listening to music, creating art and spending time with family and friends.
Email: ewallace@goatstownetss.ie
Niamh Hyland, Assistant Principal I, Second Year Coordinator, Teacher of History & English
Niamh is head of the history department here at Goatstown and is also one of our English teachers. Niamh graduated with a Joint Arts degree in 2018 and a Professional Masters of Education in 2020, both awarded by DCU. Niamh has been a teacher here since the school opened in 2020 and holds an Assistant Principal position. She has continued to engage in professional development through the completion of a Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education, graduating in 2022. Niamh has become one of the leading teachers of Restorative Practice at Goatstown and is a CDI qualified RP trainer which is most beneficial to our school and strongly aligns with the Educate Together ethos.
At school, Niamh is dedicated to fostering positive relationships with her students and nurturing a supportive environment among them. She firmly believes that these relationships are essential to a thriving classroom and serve as the bedrock of effective teaching. In her roles as a learning support specialist and Year Coordinator, Niamh finds great motivation and fulfilment in witnessing the incremental yet significant breakthroughs her students make. These moments of progress, achieved through careful guidance and support, contribute to the immense rewards she finds in her profession.
Niamh is an avid reader and has curated an impressive library that offers a vast selection of texts, catering to both staff and students. Outside of school life, Niamh devotes her free time to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She finds solace in physical activities like gym workouts, running, and practising yoga to unwind.
Email: nhyland@goatstownetss.ie
Bridget Cody, Third Year Coordinator, Teacher of English and Learning Support
Bridget completed her teacher training at the University of Edinburgh in 2018. She graduated from Maynooth University in 2016 with a master’s degree in Irish Literature and Culture, having previously received her bachelor’s degree from the same university.
Bridget is a folk musician and songwriter, with a passion for reading, writing and creativity in all its forms. Her teaching is influenced by a desire to allow young people to learn in a creative environment that encourages expression, confidence and freedom of thought.
In her role as Learning Support teacher, Bridget is committed to valuing the individuality of each learner, enabling them to learn in a positive and self-affirming environment.
Email: bcody@goatstownetss.ie
John Toomey, Transition Year, Year Coordinator, Guidance & Learning Support
John completed his teacher training at the Institute of Education, University London, in 2000. In 2009 he completed a Graduate Diploma in Special Educational Needs at UCD. He is currently completing a Masters in Guidance Counselling in DCU and will graduate from DCU in 2024.
John has taught EAL for five years at Primary level and been teaching English, Creative Writing, Careers and Learning Support, at Secondary level, since 2006. Since 2009, he was also the ASN Coordinator at his previous school and is now moving into Guidance Counselling.
John is the author of three novels, SLEEPWALKER (2008), HUDDLESTON ROAD (2012) and SLIPPING (2017). SLIPPING won the International Rubery Award for Fiction in 2017. All his novels are published by Dalkey Archive Press. He also had a short story published in Dalkey Archive Press’s BEST EUROPEAN FICTION 2015.
His passion for writing and books has led him to create a range of literary projects that aim to foster in his students a love for writing and telling stories. These initiatives have been student-led and have resulted in the publication of anthologies of student writing, a website dedicated to publishing student writing, a podcast that provides students with opportunities to interview each other and speak about their writing.
John also has a love of sports and has been involved in sports throughout his career. He has been a mentor for soccer teams in school and has also coached and managed teams in the local community. He is a long-suffering fan of Everton FC - the People’s Club! - and makes no bones about it.
Respectful relationships and collaboration are at the core of John’s approach to teaching.
Email: jtoomey@goatstownetss.ie
Caolan Beehan, Assistant Principal I, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Music
A Graduate of University College Dublin, Caolan received a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours, later completing a Professional Masters of Education from Trinity College Dublin. He joins Goatstown ETSS from his previous school where he was Head of Music for the past six years, as well as an Assistant Principal responsible for First and Transition Year students. He has previously worked as a practical examiner for the State Examinations Commission as well as with the NCCA and JCT regarding the new Junior Cycle.
He is very passionate about Music and Education and strongly believes in allowing every student the opportunity to engage in musical activities regardless of their previous musical experiences.
Outside of the classroom he is highly involved with Dublin GAA, playing hurling with his own club but also in his role as a coach with the Dublin Development Squads."
Email: cbeehan@goatstownetss.ie
Donna Kelly, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Science & Maths
Donna graduated from the University of Limerick as a Biology and Agricultural Science teacher. She worked in Our Lady's College Drogheda before joining the staff at Goatstown ETSS. Donna is extremely passionate about her subjects. In the classroom she uses inquiry-based learning and problem solving activities to allow students to work together to explore different scientific concepts.
Outside the classroom, Donna has a huge interest in GAA and both plays and coaches with her home team St. Peter's Ladies in Co.Cork. She enjoys going to the gym, reading and going for walks along the beach.
Email: dkelly@goatstownetss.ie
Caitlin Maher, Second Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Home Economics and Irish
Caitlin teaches Home Economics and Irish in Goatstown ETSS. Caitlin’s teaching journey spans across various educational environments. Caitlin has worked as a written examiner for the new junior cycle examinations. At the core of Caitlin’s teaching is the commitment to inclusivity. She believes every student should have an equal opportunity to learn and grow. Caitlin’s passion for inclusive education led her to explore the inclusion of autistic learners in mainstream home economics classes for her master’s dissertation. Her research insights continue to inform her classroom practices. Caitlin has cultivated her love for the Irish language through immersion experiences in the Gaeltacht, making her a dedicated advocate for promoting Irish culture and language.
Caitlin enjoys listening to music, crocheting, and rock climbing in her free time.
Email: cmaher@goatstownetss.ie
Ronan Reddy, Third Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Geography & English
Ronan graduated from University College Dublin with his Professional Masters of Education in Geography and English. He has a passion for sustainability and climate action, which is a huge part of Geography. In the classroom, he uses methodologies that allow students to collaborate and lead activities to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Outside of the classroom, Ronan enjoys reading, being active and sea swimming.
Email: rreddy@goatstownetss.ie
Eddie McGinn, Third Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Spanish, CSPE, Ethical Education and Learning Support
Eddie is a teacher of Spanish, CSPE and Ethical Education. He graduated with a Joint Arts degree in Spanish & Sociology and a Professional Master in Education from UCD. He has a passionate interest in Hispanic popular culture and art, having lived and studied in South America. He likes to incorporate culture into lessons and uses task based learning as a way to motivate students.
In his spare time, he is an active musician and music facilitator in the National Concert Hall. He enjoys travelling, reading, and participating in language exchanges with Spanish speakers.
Email: emcginn@goatstownetss.ie
Michelle Coules, Transition Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Mathematics
Michelle is a recent graduate of UCD's Masters in Mathematics and Science Education degree and has experience working in a variety of school contexts, including leading a Higher Level Leaving Certificate Maths class. She also has a background in working in Science outreach programmes with the National Concert Hall and Explorium and so has fostered an appreciation for hands-on learning both in and outside the classroom.
Outside of school, Michelle enjoys learning about building computers, cooking and painting.
Email: mcoules@goatstownetss.ie
Dan Aylmer, Teacher of Applied Technology, Graphics and Coding
Dan graduated from the University of Limerick and has since been teaching the Technology subjects including Wood Technology, Applied Technology and Graphics. Dan joins Goatstown ETSS from Kishoge Community College where the Educate Together ethos shaped the lessons. Focus is put onto sparking interest in areas that students might not have thought of before. The classroom environment is a priority ensuring everyone feels welcome and equally challenged.
Dan’s personal interests include robotics, making different projects and sports especially GAA and tag rugby.
Email: daylmer@goatstownetss.ie
Marie Taylor, First Year Clan Tutor & Teacher of Science, Biology & Chemistry
Marie completed her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with French at Queen’s University Belfast and obtained her PGCE from King’s College London. Marie has taught in inner city London schools, Dublin schools and an international school in Kenya. She completed a Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation in Trinity College Dublin and as part of her Masters she spent time researching conservation and education issues in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa.
Email: mtaylor@goatstownetss.ie
Máire Toomey, First Year Clan Tutor, Teacher of Spanish & Learning Support
Following the completion of a BA in Spanish and Sociology at UCD, Máire lived and worked in Spain for several years, where her love for the language, the culture and all things Spanish flourished.
She worked in financial services here in Ireland for eight years and was then self-employed as the owner and manager of a children’s fitness and nutrition franchise. More recently, she worked as a Programme Manager with a global development agency, managing volunteer programmes to the Caribbean and Africa. Her work in sustainable development played a significant role in developing her passion for working with young people and for her commitment to development education.
Since then, Máire has completed her Professional Masters in Education (PME) from Hibernia College, for which she was awarded First Class Honours. Her work as a teacher is driven by her belief in the empowering capacity of education and her conviction that education can open up the world to students from every walk of life. She is committed to supporting students to reach their full potential and fostering positive relationships.
Outside the classroom, Máire enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is interested in current affairs, loves music, musicals and singing in choirs. She loves to take long walks with her dog, by the sea or in the mountains, and enjoys being outdoors and active.
Email: mtoomey@goatstownetss.ie
Lauren O’Murray, First Year Clan Tutor and Teacher of P.E.
Lauren graduated from St Mary’s in Twickenham with a B.A. in Physical Education with First Class Honours. After graduating, she gained two years experience in London, teaching P.E. as an exam subject and stepping into the role of Head of Girls P.E. at Aylward Academy. She returned to Ireland in 2016 to teach in St. Gerard’s, Bray, before settling in Celbridge Community School for the last five years, where the Educate Together ethos inspired her. Here, she introduced Leaving Certificate P.E. to the school while also enjoying the leadership role of Year Head for First Year and Second Years respectively.
Email: lomurray@goatstownetss.ie
Kate Warner, Teacher of Visual Art and other subjects
Kate graduated from NCAD in Fine Art & History of Art, and later completed an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art in London. A practising artist as well as a teacher, she has considerable experience of making and exhibiting her own work. She is an advocate for the importance of art in education and enabling a lifelong connection with the visual arts. After working in galleries and museums, she trained as a teacher at UCL Institute of Education and has taught for five years at Camden School for Girls in London.
Email: kwarner@goatstownetss.ie
Ailbhe Ryle, Teacher of Irish
Ailbhe completed her BA in Education, Gaeilge and Religious Studies in Mary Immaculate College. Having spent multiple summers in the Gaeltacht, Ailbhe developed a “grá” for the Irish language and culture, and she is very passionate about promoting both.
Her approach to teaching is centred on fostering an atmosphere of learning and excitement through the use of active learning methodologies. She believes that building strong relationships with each of her students with her methodologies will inspire them to reach their full potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Outside of the classroom, Ailbhe likes to spend time with her family and friends, walk her dogs, swim at the beach, and play classical and traditional music.
Máiréad Kennedy, Teacher of Learning Support
Máiréad graduated from NUIG with a B.A. in English and History and has a postgraduate qualification in Special Education. Mairead has previously worked as ASN Coordinator and teacher of English and History in St. Benildus College, Stillorgan and prior to that, St. Mark’s Community College in Tallaght.
Email: mkennedy@goatstownetss.ie
Suzin Staunton, Autism Support Class Teacher
Suzin is a dedicated and caring educator with a passion for inclusive education and for supporting those with additional educational needs. Her vision is to create a classroom that will provide support, compassion and understanding so that students can achieve their educational goals, as well as thrive and grow as individuals. Suzin graduated with Honours from NUI Maynooth with a degree in Biotechnology, she then completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Education in UCD, she has multiple certificates to support teaching children with additional needs and has completed multiple training seminars from the Middletown Centre for Autism.
Suzin has worked as a Biology, Chemistry and Science teacher. She also set up and facilitated a behaviour support program in the past and has recently completed an advanced certificate in Inclusive Education, Disability studies and Special Needs Assisting. She has training in Restorative Practice, REBT, Lámh module 1 and is FAR and Fire Safety and Fire Warden certified.
Email: sstaunton@goatstownetss.ie
Laura Maguire
Laura comes to Goatstown ETSS from a variety of not-for-profit agencies for supporting disadvantaged children and families.
She is a passionate advocate for children with additional needs and has significant training in childcare, and is a qualified ASN Assistant.
Laura Reid
Laura Reid is a qualified Additional Support Needs (ASN) Assistant.
Laura has been working in a school setting for 16 years and found her passion for supporting children in the classroom.
She has completed a QQ16 in Special Needs Assisting amongst other courses in ‘Behavioural and Special Education Needs.’
Jane Eccles
Jane is a qualified ASN Assistant with 18 years’ experience working in school and community-based projects with children with mild to severe additional needs
Abbie Russell
Abbie graduated from UCD with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Politics and a masters degree in International Development with special interest in social justice and sustainable development. As a qualified ASN Abbie has worked with children with additional needs mainly in a sporting environment for the last number of years. With a keen interest in sport herself Abbie believes she can contribute within the classroom and beyond at Goatstown ETSS.
Clodagh Keher, School Administrator
Clodagh graduated from Trinity College with a BSc in Business & Information Technology and is a certified Project Manager from the Project Management Institute (PMI). She has worked in the financial services industry for many years managing key strategic IT development projects. She has been Treasurer on the Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School Board of Management for the past 7 years. She has a passion for hurling and loves to be in Croke Park during the summer months!
In Goatstown 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.
Information on the Junior Cycle Programme can be found here.
We offer a wide variety of sporting, musical, cultural, journalism, art, chess and scientific activities - both at lunchtime and after school. Being involved in activities outside of the classroom setting allows students to widen their social circles and develop lifelong skills. We encourage students to make the most of these amazing opportunities.
We offer a variety of sporting activities throughout the year.
Our main sports currently are
soccer, basketball, badminton, Olympic handball and athletics.
The Music Club gets together and informally learn to play a few songs as a group/band.
The direction of the group, such as the song choice and genre is directed by the students in the group with an emphasis on fun and enjoyment.
Our Green Committee looks at ways of improving the current space that Goatstown ETSS occupies.
Please click here to view the latest initiatives that our student led Green Committee have been working on.
Each term our school publishes a newsletter to inform the whole school community of the great things that have happened during that term in Goatstown ETSS.
The Journalism Club consists of a group of writers, editors and publishers.
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Science Club
is a fun opportunity for students to discuss, explore, research and investigate science.
There are also opportunities to enter exciting Science competitions during the year.
Our Art Club takes place every Friday in the Visual Art Studio. Learners are welcome to use the materials available in the art room for the purpose of their own artwork or to add to a project they are doing in class. The club is a great opportunity for students to meet like minded individuals from all year groups, and seek guidance on creating and selling their work outside of school.
Our Library Club recently launched our online library system which logs all the amazing books we have available for our
students and teachers.
Members can attend at lunch time to check-out/return loans and also read in a quiet, calm space.
Planning for the development of an 1,000-pupil school requires a concerted effort by the whole community to work towards a common purpose. The creation of staff teams, which help to activate student and parent voice, allows a strategic approach in the development of a fit-for-purpose 21st century urban secondary school.
By always putting teaching and learning to the fore, the school can plan for the needs of a diverse student population during its formative years.
This team supports the Senior Management Team in promoting highly effective learner experiences and learner outcomes. This is achieved through School Self Evaluation (SSE), advising the principal on matters related to the curriculum, and promoting the advancement of the best learning and teaching practices for all staff. The TLAR/Board of Studies team also oversees excellent assessment practices and have a role in the creation of a Transition Year and Leaving Certificate programme for our school.
The Student Support Team works proactively and reactively to support the wellbeing of the entire student body. Through initiatives like anti-bullying campaigns, LGBTQI week and the Amber Flag initiative, the team helps to create a resilience and contentedness at a time when so much in society is changing so fast. The Student Support Team also identifies students who need additional guidance or emotional support and puts scaffolding in place to allow students to feel safe and happy coming to school. In doing this, the SST ensures that the TLAR team can have the most impact possible.
The ASN team supports students who require additional support to access the curriculum. These students may have a diagnosed need like dyslexia or dyspraxia or may be identified as needing support for other reasons. Some students may need support in navigating social and emotional life at school and others may have primary care needs which can only be addressed by having SNA access. Support can be offered with team teaching or in small groups or sometimes in a one-to-one setting. While the classroom teacher remains responsible for all the students in their class, the ASN team can further support identified students to achieve the best that they can. The ASN team also supports the work of the TLAR/Board of Studies team and communicates with the SST.
The DST supports and encourages teachers and students to make the best use of digital technology so that it supports and not distracts from the core work of the school - learning and teaching. On a practical level, the DST ensures that WIFI, internet, school hardware and other equipment are maintained to a high standard. In a strategic way, the DST advises the Board of Management and principal on appropriate spending of grants to support the overall needs and priorities of the school. The DST also promotes online safety and highlights the necessity of good sleep hygiene.
The Ethos/Patron Team is the main point of contact between the Educate Together Ethical Education national network and Goatstown ETSS. In doing this, the team aims to plan for global development education, the Ethical Education curriculum and for links to be made between the equality-based ethos of Educate Together and the learner experiences and outcomes for students. The PT also works to promote student voice in the day-to-day life of the school.
John Toomey and Bridget Cody are our two Guidance Counsellors here at Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School.
The role of the Guidance Team in the school is to support student decision-making in the areas of:
Personal and social guidance
Educational guidance
Career guidance
The Guidance Team work within a continuum of support model (NEPS, 2010) and are part of a whole-school approach to supporting Wellbeing in schools (NEPS, 2013). They are key members of the Student Support Team (SST) and through their involvement in the SST they provide for the educational, social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of students. They also contribute and collaborate with the ASN Team and may co-ordinate and support numerous other teams or initiatives in the school, as appropriate to the needs of the school community.
Referral of students for one-to-one Guidance comes mainly through Year Coordinators, who may refer students to the Student Support Team.
Students can also request one-to-one guidance themselves by either emailing John or Bridget or approaching them in-person.
Parents who feel their child may benefit from the support of the Guidance Counsellor should:
send a brief email to John and Bridget
copying-in the relevant Year Coordinator
and request a phone call from the Guidance Team
One of the Guidance Team will then be in contact to discuss the details of the referral. This approach is intended to protect the privacy of the student and the student’s family.
John: jtoomey@goatstownetss.ie
Bridget: bcody@goatstownetss.ie
Respect for student confidentiality in the one-to-one Guidance Counselling is central to creating a safe, trusting and supportive space for students. However, it is equally important that the limits of confidentiality are understood. In line with the Children First Act (2015), where the Guidance Counsellor has concerns for the safety of a student, these concerns over-ride the student’s entitlement to confidentiality. The statutory obligations of Guidance Counsellors in these circumstances are made clear to all students as they enter into the guidance setting.
Restorative practice is a value based philosophy rooted in fairness and respect for human beings. It aims to build relationships and promote empathy. Taking a restorative approach place high expectations on the community, but also offers high levels of support to ensure those expectations are reachable. A particular set of skills are taught to ensure the restorative approach is actively used in our school. Those skills include; the ability to listen, develop empathy between people, being fair and problem-solving skills. Such skills, alongside our emphasis on respect, allow us to build relationships which will reduce the possibility of conflict, however if conflict is to occur, restorative practice offers a way to resolve conflict and hold those responsible accountable, while allowing them to reintegrate into the school community in a restorative manner.
Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School provides training each year for returning and new staff. We have a qualified Restorative Practice Trainer on staff who, each year, trains new tutors to ensure the pastoral care of students is caried out in a respectful, empathetic manner. Our staff like to model this approach to students. Students are educated on Restorative Practice during tutor time, informing them of its purpose in our school and how they can use it in their own personal life also. Students may engage in restorative conversations if conflict occurs and are invited to take a no-blame approach, while focusing on their own experience in attempt to resolve the conflict.
These six questions help a facilitator work from past to present, while giving participants a chance to take ownership of their behaviours and actions and drawing on empathy, in attempt to ensure the behaviours and actions are not repeated. Participants are encouraged to use ‘I’ statements.
1. What happened? (past; factual account)
2. What were you thinking about at the time? (past)
3. What have you thought about since? (present)
4. Who has been affected and in what way? (present; encourages empathy)
5. How could have been done differently? (present)
6. What do you think needs to happen next? (future)
