For a more comprehensive list of information about our school please the welcome pack here:

School Welcome Pack

1. Where is the school located?

Waterford Educate Together NS is on: Carrickphierish Road Waterford City Roll No: 20160K

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The entrance is via the front office located off the Paráid na bPaistí slip road.

2. What are the school start and finish times?

  • School starts at 8:50am. Supervision begins from 8:40am.
  • Pupils should not be dropped off earlier than 8:40am.
  • Hub Classes start at 9:00am.
  • Infant Classes finish at 1:30pm.
  • 1st to 6th Classes finish at 2:30pm.
  • Junior Infant times may differ in September.

3. What is the situation with parking?

  • No parent parking in the school car park.
  • Additional disabled spaces are available on the slip road (permit holders only).
  • Do not double park, block footpaths or park on yellow/zigzag lines.
  • Active travel (walk, cycle, scoot) is encouraged. Bike/scooter parking provided.

4. How does the school communicate with parents?

  • Aladdin Connect is our main communication tool.
  • Download the app to receive updates, book meetings, message teachers, and make payments.
  • No cash is accepted — all payments via Aladdin.
  • Contact Office: admin@wetns.ie
  • Contact Principal: principal@wetns.ie
  • Office hours: 8:50 – 10:20, 10:40 – 12:20, 12:20 – 2:40.

5. What is the Positive Behaviour approach?

  • The school is a Restorative Practice school.
  • Our core values:
    • Be Kind
    • Be Safe
    • Be Honest
    • Be Ready to Learn

6. What should my child wear to school?

  • No school uniform.
  • Comfortable clothing for active days.
  • PE days: tracksuit and runners.
  • Long hair should be tied back.

7. What should my child bring for lunch?

  • We encourage Healthy Lunches.
  • No nuts or products containing nuts.
  • Reusable containers only.
  • Hot meals available daily via Carambola app.
  • Children still need to bring a snack for first break and a drink.

8. How does the Hot School Meals Programme work?

  • Order via Carambola app.
  • Meals are reheated on site.
  • If not updated, default meal will be provided.
  • For queries, contact Carambola.

9. School Books & Stationery

  • All books/copies provided under Free Schoolbooks scheme.
  • Parents purchase stationery items (see school list).
  • Voluntary contribution welcomed via Aladdin.

10. Child Protection

  • DLP: Patrick Pender
  • DDLP: Dearbhaill Ivin
  • Report concerns to the DLP.

11. If my child is unwell?

  • Keep them home if sick.
  • Vomiting/diarrhoea: stay home for 48 hours after last episode.
  • Inform school of infectious illnesses.
  • Record absences on Aladdin.

12. How do I contact my child’s teacher?

  • Message through Aladdin Connect.
  • For concerns, email the school office to arrange a meeting.

13. Parent & Guardian Association (PA)

  • Waterford ETNS has an active PA.
  • Parents encouraged to get involved in events and activities.

14. School Readiness Tips (for Junior Infants)

  • Pack school bag the night before.
  • Practice independence (coats, shoes, bag packing).
  • Develop fine/gross motor skills.
  • Talk positively about school.
  • Ensure child knows who is collecting them.

15. Traffic Management Summary

Morning drop-off:
All children enter through the front door from 8:40am.

Junior & Senior Infants go straight to classrooms.

1st to 6th Classes proceed to their usual yard positions (staff supervised).

Rear gates remain closed in the mornings.

Collection points:

Hub pupils: Hub gate.

Junior & Senior Infants, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Classes: Front entrance.

4th, 5th, 6th Classes: Rear entrance (metal gate).

Collection tips:

If collecting siblings at different exits, collect the youngest child first.

Junior & Senior Infants and 1st Class will be handed to a known adult.

2nd to 6th Class pupils will be excused at 2:30pm to meet their parent/guardian or make their way home.

If you have any further questions:

This FAQ is intended to help parents navigate school life at Waterford ETNS. Full details on school policies, calendar and updates are available at wetns.ie or via Aladdin Connect.