Clare Donnelly

First job: St. Mary's Secondary School, Clady, teaching Music.

What it taught me: St. Mary's Clady gave me a passion for teaching children music. I learned how important music was in the curriculum and how vital it was for the mental health of the student, something that is more important than ever during the current climate. While learning to differentiate work for all abilities I began to develop an interest in Special Needs and realised that this was something I wanted to include more in my teaching. Under the guidance of Fiona Boyd in Holy Trinity I was able to pursue this eventually as a career.

Family/status: Single.

Best advice anyone ever gave you: The best advice anyone ever gave me was that it was easier to be nice to people than to be rotten. I've tried to stand by this when supporting parents and children that are experiencing great stress in their lives. We have to make school a non-threatening, enjoyable place for students, parents and visitors alike. Our doors are always open for a cup of tea and chat!

Best advice you could give someone thinking of a teaching career: Teaching is without a doubt one of the most rewarding jobs. It is hard work, but getting your own class is one of the best feelings in the world! Surround yourself with enthusiastic people with the same passion for teaching and you'll never work a day in your life.

Clare trained in St Mary's University College and graduated in 1999 with a B.Ed. Hons with Music. Outside of school she works as a busy choreographer and stage manager all over Ireland. She enjoys working in musical theatre and opera. Her biggest achievement to date was managing to get Van Morrison on stage when he wasn’t in the mood. Clare started her career teaching in secondary as a teacher of music. In 2007 she began working in Holy Trinity Primary School as a Music and Special Needs teacher and hasn't looked back. Holy Trinity has been the perfect place for her to mix her passion for music and supporting the needs of children and parents equally as the SENCO. Clare considers herself lucky to work under the leadership of Fiona Boyd. Without Mrs Boyd, Holy Trinity would not be the nurturing school that it is. We pride ourselves on being a staff that work hard and play hard, remaining good-humoured during these difficult times. Clare is delighted to be nominated for this award, however she feels that she can only accept it on behalf of all the staff in Holy Trinity as we are a close knit team!