Principal - Niall Quinn
Niall holds a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Master’s Degree in Additional Support Needs. His Master’s research focused on the impact of a literacy intervention on children in upper primary classes. Niall began his teaching career in Finglas, Dublin, in 2003 and was principal of Holy Family NS, Dún Laoghaire, from 2017 - 2019.
“I consider myself a highly inclusive individual and teacher and encourage those around me to share my commitment to inclusive practices,” said Niall. “I am extremely excited by the challenge of leading a new school in Westport and look forward to building strong relationships with the children, families and wider community.”
Niall relocated from Dublin with his wife Fiona and 2 children
Deputy Principal - Kirsten O'Dwyer
Kirsten is very excited to have joined the Westport Educate Together team. She has a Masters in Primary Education and has been teaching in primary schools in Dublin and Mayo for the last five years. She also has a Masters Degree in Sustainable Development and has been working in environmental and outdoor education for over ten years. She loves all things outdoors (especially getting in the sea and rock climbing), as well as music, yoga and being with family and friends.
1st and 2nd Class Teacher - Gráinne Gavin
Gráinne joined the Westport ETNS team in January 2024. She is from Castlebar. She has a masters in Education and an undergraduate degree in Health and Sociology. She have been teaching in the Mayo/Galway area for the last number of years. She is passionate about Gaeilge, playful learning and teaching through Drama. Outside of the classroom she plays rounders for Breaffy GAA club, She is a Mayo football supporter and loves farming.
3rd and 4th Class Teacher - Laura O'Meara
Laura is a very passionate teacher who strives to bring out the best in her pupils, in all facets of their lives. Having just returned from abroad after twelve years in Australia. Laura was very excited to begin working at Westport Educate Together NS in Third and Fourth class, and finishing last year teaching First and Second Class. She has taught in Melbourne for the past eleven years and prios to this, worked in Ireland as a Montessori teacher. A motivated and committed Senior Team Leader and Numeracy Specialist in Melbourne, she has specialist expertise in the Year 3-6 curriculum. In addition to having an Honours Degree in Primary Teaching and a BA Degree in Childhood and Social Institutions, Laura has completed an Emerging Leaders Course, a two year Numeracy Specialist Degree.
Additional Needs Assistant - Elisa Toner
Elisa was delighted to join Westport Educate Together in September 2021. She is so excited to work with the children and staff, especially as it’s a growing school with lots of exciting prospects ahead. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from NUI Galway. She has worked in several schools here in Ireland, and abroad. She lived and worked in a school in Argentina for a year. She loves animals and being outdoors. She has only recently moved to Mayo, and is loving getting to know the West. She enjoys kayaking, cycling and yoga.
Secretary - Stephanie McSweeney
Stephanie joined Westport Educate Together in August 2023. She has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Child and Family Studies. She has worked as an Educational Assistant in several Interational primary schools in The Netherlands. She is excited about her new role as secretary and being part of small school community. Of Dutch nationality, but originally from Westport, she moved away to study and only returned in the summer of 2022 with her family. She enjoys being outdoors, especially in the garden, being creative and spending time with her family.