A Day @ WETNS

A Day @ WETNS

Welcome to Waterford Educate Together National School (WETNS)!
Here’s a look at what a typical day in our school feels like — from morning arrival to home time, with all the little routines that help our day run smoothly and happily.

Morning Routine

Arrival & Supervision

  • Supervision begins at 8:40am — this is the earliest safe arrival time for all pupils.

  • School starts at 8:50am sharp. Pupils are expected to be settled and ready to learn by this time.

Entering the School

  • All children enter through the front door.

  • Junior & Senior Infants go straight to their classrooms.

  • 1st–6th Class pupils head to their designated yard areas, fully supervised by staff.

  • No access through rear gates in the morning.

Travel to School

We encourage pupils to walk, cycle, or scoot whenever possible.
Bike and scooter parking is available.

Reminder: Please avoid parking in the school car park or parking on zigzags or paths.

Learning & Fun Throughout the Day

Hub Classes

Learning begins at 9:00am.

Restorative Practice

WETNS follows a Restorative Practice approach, with four core values:

  • Be Kind

  • Be Safe

  • Be Honest

  • Be Ready to Learn

Clothing & Equipment

  • Pupils wear their own clothes — comfortable, practical, and suitable for active learning.

  • On PE days, tracksuits and runners are needed.

  • Schoolbooks and copies are provided under the Free Schoolbooks Scheme.
    (Parents only supply stationery — lists are on our website.)

Lunch & Meals

  • We encourage Healthy Lunches — strictly no nuts or nut products.

  • Each child should bring:

    • A snack for first break

    • A drink

Hot School Meals

Provided daily through the Carambola app:

  • Meals are reheated on-site.

  • Remember to update your child’s meal preferences or the system will default.

  • Queries? Contact Carambola directly.

Health & Wellbeing

  • If your child is sick, please keep them at home.

  • For vomiting or diarrhoea, wait 48 hours after the last episode before returning.

  • We use Aladdin Connect to record absences.

Child Protection

  • Designated Liaison Person (DLP): Patrick Pender

  • Deputy DLP: Dearbhail Ivin

Communication with the School

We use Aladdin Connect for:

  • School updates and alerts

  • Messaging teachers

  • Payments (we are a cash-free school)

  • Booking meetings

Contact Details

Home Time

Collection Times

  • Junior & Senior Infants: 1:30pm

  • 1st–6th Class: 2:30pm

Collection Points

  • Junior–3rd Class: Front entrance

  • 4th–6th Class: Rear gate (metal gate)

  • Hub Students: Hub gate

Helpful Tips

  • Collect younger siblings first.

  • Junior Infants–1st Class: handed directly to a known adult.

  • 2nd–6th Class: walk to meet their grown-up or begin their journey home.

Extra Tips for New Parents (Especially Junior Infants)

  • Pack bags the night before.

  • Practise putting on coats and shoes.

  • Build independence with small daily tasks.

  • Talk about school positively.

  • Make sure your child knows who is collecting them and from where.

Get Involved!

Our Parent Association is active, welcoming, and a great way to support school events or meet other families.
If you’re interested in getting involved — we’d love to have you!

If you ever need support or have a question, please get in touch.
Full details and updates are available at wetns.ie or through Aladdin Connect.

Our mission

Empowering Children Through Inclusion

Positive Learning Environment

Creating Confidence & Competence

  • Supports each child’s personal growth

  • Encourages confidence & skill development

  • Helps every child realise their unique potential

Multi-Denominational Ethos

Respect for All Beliefs & Identities

  • Promotes appreciation of self & others

  • Nurtures understanding across diverse backgrounds

  • Encourages learning in an inclusive atmosphere

Child-Centred Approach

Encouraging Curiosity & Challenge

  • Fosters independence and resilience

  • Supports learning in a multi-cultural society

  • Helps children embrace change with confidence

Co-Educational Community

Learning Together in Partnership

  • Provides a caring, exciting environment

  • Encourages collaboration between home & school

  • Supports every child through strong teacher–parent partnerships

Learn Together to Live Together

why choose us for your A Day @ WETNS

Our ethos is the spirit and character of our school. At Waterford Educate Together National School, we place respect, equality, and inclusivity at the heart of everything we do.

A positive learning environment

Where each child grows in confidence and competence, realising their unique potential.

A multi-denominational school

Where children learn appreciation, understanding, and respect for themselves and others.

A child-centred approach

Encouraging students to embrace challenge and change in a multicultural society.

A co-educational experience

Promoting partnership between teachers, parents, and children in a caring and exciting environment.

Our ethos reflects the policies of the Department of Education and the charter of our patron, Educate Together. All teachers adhere to professional standards and follow the national primary curriculum.

award winning school

we are extremely proud of the awards that we have earned throughout our years