Teacher Sheenagh is in a class of her own, say pupils

“WHAT a wonderful way to begin a new school year,” Sheenagh Brennan said yesterday after learning she’s top of the class with her pupils.

Voted the Best Teacher in Ireland, Sheenagh got full marks from her young charges at St Laurence O’Toole’s special school for children in Dublin’s North Strand.

“I am utterly shocked and delighted to win the award and want to say a huge thank you to my class,” she said. “It really has made my day.”

Over the last few weeks a search has been taking place between Irish schoolchildren, sponsors Ribena and organisers National Children’s Day (NCD) to discover the country’s top teacher and hundreds of nominations were received.

At St Laurence’s, where children have been given a second chance to learn, each class has a mixture of children who range in age and ability. Students work towards their own specific goals and receive individual help to aid them in achieving these goals.

With the unique care and attention she lavishes on her pupils, Sheenagh’s class agree with fellow student Alan Maher: “Sheenagh has given us a second chance to learn. We have all been excluded from other schools. She’s like a ma to us; we love her.”

“Every teacher deserves an award for all their work,” said Ribena brand manager Liz Rowen. “Education is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children, and this award is just one small way of saying thank you.”

Mrs Brennan’s prize is a 3,000 holiday and 500 spending money. There’s a fun-filled day out for Alan Maher and his five pupil colleagues. It includes skating at the new Dublin City on Ice rink in Smithfield; the winter wonderland trail at the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History; an educational tour of Collins Barrack - and a trip to meet Santa.

“There are a lot of superb teachers in Ireland and this is one small way to acknowledge their tremendous work,” said NCD managing director Sally Keaveney.

National Children’s Day celebrates Ireland’s one million kids as well as helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals.