The school was first opened in the late 1880s, although not on its present site. Eventually it became a Josephite School and the Sisters of St Joseph taught many generations of Waimate students here.

Waimate has a long, proud history of timber milling and farming and it was considered to be a highly desirable place to settle. Many family names in the school today can be traced back to those settler families.

In 2005, past and present students and staff celebrated the school's 125^th anniversary.

 Historically known as Te Waimatemate, the local Maori inhabitants also found the area useful, as local place names, cave drawings, relics and folklore indicate that the area abounded with wildlife and that Maori were resident here for many generations before European settlement.

The school is in a sheltered environment, both physically, because of the trees and location and literally, by nature of the community and the local parish community, making it a caring, pleasant and safe place.

 St Patrick's is a decile 3 school and participates in the Schools' Fruit Scheme and in the Duffy Books in Homes Scheme. The school draws from both the local, urban community and from the often transient, rural community.

Significant changes in land use in the district have caused a steady decline in the roll over recent years, but this now seems to have settled at a level that is likely to be maintained for the next few years. Approximately 25% of students are of Maori descent. 10% are of Chinese descent.

The parish hall is adjacent to the school. There are three classrooms and a larger, whare-hui and quiet area. The library/learning centre is well resourced. There is an adventure playground and a large shaded sandpit as well as shaded eating areas. The swimming pool is currently being re-developed and the large playing fields are also being reformatted to incorporate a bio-diversity area.

 Our pupils are receptive to learning and the parents value education and support the staff. The children are well cared for and they, along with their families and a hard working and committed staff, all contribute to the big picture of 'Working Together' to provide the best possible academic, emotional, physical, spiritual and cultural outcomes for our school community, based on Gospel values and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The school is well equipped with modern teaching equipment provided by a supportive PTA and Board of Trustees. The school is developing strengths and recognition for cultural achievement, winning the visual arts section of Ka Toi o Aoraki FLAVA Festival two years in a row. The school provides instruction in kapa haka and te reo Maori and tikanga are evident across all curriculum programmes and in the kaupapa of the school.