Welcome to P1. I have been teaching for 25 years; 16 of those in St Andrews College, prior to that, I taught in the Teresian School and Miss Milmos’s Junior School. I started in K1 in St Andrews and also worked in learning support for a couple of years. This is my 5th year in P1 and I am excited for the year ahead. I enjoy doing CPD every summer most recently in the new primary school literacy curriculum and a middle management course. 

P1 is a very important year; the children take a big leap from the infant classes and there are lots of firsts! In the classroom they learn to work much more independently from mental maths to writing their own stories and poems. I cultivate a happy focussed classroom to ensure each student feels safe to achieve and reach their full potential. I welcome every child’s individuality and enjoy creating an exciting stimulating environment to reflect the identity of the children. Outside the classroom the P1’s start hockey and learn the violin. I understand that a strong relationship and a shared partnership with children and parents are the forefront of an inclusive classroom environment.  

I love sport and actively play tennis and padel. I love to spend the weekend with my family, walking, hiking, watching their hockey and football matches; having two teenage girls keeps me busy! 

I strongly believe in open and positive communication between home and school. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything you would like to discuss or ask.  

Jenny O’Brien
jobrien@st-andrews.ie