OUTSTANDING – CSI Report 5th May 2023
Diocesan inspection report said:
“Leaders and governors are inspirational in promoting the school’s mission. They are deeply committed and passionate and constantly support everyone. The school seeks to work well with the local parish and show a commitment to its mission. The school promotes parental engagement; they are highly supportive of developing their child’s vocation.
One parent commented, ‘The school’s ethos supports and reflects the Catholic faith. Christ is at the centre of everything that they do.’
Staff speak highly of the care and love that leaders demonstrate and told inspectors, ‘Our school promotes a love of faith which is engaging and inspiring for all our children. Our Catholic ethos is intrinsic in all that we say and do.’ There is an open-door well-being policy, and staff feel confident they can readily access support. One staff commented, ‘St Mary’s is a wonderful place where strong relationships are formed, and everyone is respected.’ Governors make highly significant contributions, effectively evaluating with rigour, analysis, and targeted improvement.”
OFSTED report said:
“There is a strong sense of pastoral care across the school, which reflects the school’s Catholic values.
Leaders promote pupils’ personal development well. They teach them how to be responsible, active citizens. Pupils raise money for charity or make donations to organisations in the local community.
Parents and carers value the opportunities available to their children. A comment made by a parent reflects the views of many others: ‘My child is not just learning academically, but also spiritually and how to be a kind and caring person.” OFSTED December 2022
Our Mission at St. Mary’s
The Catholic Life of the school is given the highest priority where the development of an authentic Catholic ethos is actively sought by all. Children are empowered to have a thorough understanding of the Church’s liturgical year, its seasons, rites and symbols. Within the school community, prayer has a profound and visible effect on the development of all pupils and staff irrespective of ability or faith background. As a school, we promote a love of faith; engaging and inspiring our children to take responsibility for promoting the Catholic ethos of our community whilst seeking to lead and develop this further. Developing a greater understanding of vocation is fundamental in giving our children a meaningful reason to live out their faith. Teachers ensure that children are provided with opportunities to develop their thinking and respond to questions of faith. Our school celebrates, develops and enhances the Catholic Life of our children and ensures our Catholic ethos underpins all that we do and strive to achieve.
Christ has no body on earth but ours.
Ours are the hands with which He heals.
Ours are His eyes, His feet, His lips.
Ours are the hearts through which He loves.
Teresa of Avila
Our Curriculum – Catholic Social Teaching Coverage
Our whole school curriculum is centred around the principles of Building the Kingdom and Catholic Social Teaching. In principle, this means bringing the unchangeable values of the Gospel into an everchanging modern society. Our curriculum and pedagogical approach provides our children with a foundation to make the world a better place. Our children realise that they are not too young to make a difference and that each individual’s unique vocation is not for the future but for now. All of the children’s learning leads them towards answering one of these Big Questions at the end of each learning block. Please see our ‘Curriculum’ page to view our overviews and find more information.
Catholic Life Gallery
Here is this week's Wednesday Word – this is a bumper additon, including for the Christmas holidays.
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Christmas Holiday Special – Magazine – Page 1
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Please find below the link to The Wednesday Word to share at home as a family.
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Preparations – Magazine – Page 1
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This evening we joined St John Fisher Catholic College in a beautiful carols by candlelight service. It was the perfect way to begin our Advent journey as a community, moving forward together in hope through this holy season.
Thank you to our staff and Year 3/4 children along with their families for supporting this. The children sang beautifully and really did us proud!
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We have had a wonderful time learning about our class Saint – St. Andrew, whose feast day is celebrated on 30th November. From fact finding, to freeze-framing, making flags and cards and even tasting Scottish shortbread!
We reflected upon what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus and how we can follow in the footsteps of St. Andrew.
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Advent Light Journey 2025
Yesterday, we received the St Gabriel the Archangel Advent Candle from our friends at SJFCC. Our Catholic Life Leader and Student Leaders led a prayer service to welcome the light of Advent into our lives. We prayed to ask the light to guide us, prepare our heart for Jesus by showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. We promised to be people of light.
Today, the journey of the Advent candle continued as we presented the calendar to the third school along the route – St Thomas Aquinas.
May God Bless us and keep us safe.
May his light guide us in all we do.
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Advent – Magazine – Page 1
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This morning, Year 5 children took part in a beautiful Fan the Flame pilgrimage at Our Lady and St Werburgh’s, joining together in faith as part of our Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope.
The children reflected on what it means to walk in hope, shared prayers and joined other schools in a special time of worship. They also enjoyed a few activities along the way – including the lively Jubilee Jumble game – before gathering to pray a peaceful decade of the Rosary.
We are so proud of the reverence, enthusiasm and joy they brought to this spiritual journey. 🙏💙
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Please find below information for our Advent stay and prays each Tuesday during Advent. It would be lovely to see as many children, families and parishoners as possible and to join together in preparation for the holy season of Christmas. #catholiclifestm #prayerandliturgystm #celebrationofthewordstm … See MoreSee Less
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✝️ Year 6 Catholic Life Pledge ✝️
Today, Year 6 took part in their Catholic life pledge and served as stewards at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Newcastle. Their roles included counting attendance, handing out prayer books, serving on the piety stall, distributing collection plates and serving on the altar. They were very reverent and were praised for how helpful they were.
“Serve one another with love.” Galatians 5:13
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