Waterpark National School
School Details
Location
About
Waterpark National School is a co‑educational primary school situated in Waterford City under the patronage of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. The school embraces a values‑led ethos, nurturing kindness, courage, respect, fun and fairness while its Vision – ENCOURAGE, EMPOWER, ENJOY – underpins a learning environment where every child is respected and given the opportunity to thrive. Although rooted in Catholic tradition, daily prayer, Religious Education and sacramental preparation are core elements, yet children of all faiths are warmly welcomed and their backgrounds respected. The school provides modern, purpose‑built facilities following a major 2015 extension that added four state‑of‑the‑art classrooms and two dedicated Learning Support/Resource Rooms. Single‑grade classrooms are complemented by a team of Special Education Teachers and Special Needs Assistants, ensuring inclusive provision for pupils with additional needs. A strong emphasis is placed on holistic development: health‑promoting initiatives such as Green Schools, the Active School Flag and STEM programmes are integrated with a vibrant sporting programme (soccer, hurling, camogie, gymnastics, orienteering, basketball) and creative projects, exemplified by the whole‑school publication *We are Writers*. The school community is further enriched by an active Parents Association, a student council, and collaborative decision‑making processes that foster a supportive, caring atmosphere.
History
Waterpark National School opened on 3 September 2001 with 59 pupils and three teachers. Since then the enrolment has expanded to approximately 240 pupils and a staff of 13 teachers, reflecting substantial growth and development over the past two decades.