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
With our second Catholic Life Pledge falling so close to Valentine’s Day, Year 4 decided to share the love ❤️ Linking to our school motto, Year 4 created cards filled with thoughtful prayers, kind words and colourful designs to brighten someone’s day.
They used scripture (John 13:34–35) “Love one another as I have loved you,” to spread messages of love and kindness to the residents of Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme incorporating the Belong Heritage Gallery.The children behaved impeccably and showed such compassion and respect throughout the visit. It was wonderful to see the smiling faces of the residents as they read their cards and chatted with the children.
A truly heartwarming way to live out our faith in action and share God’s love with others. #restm #catholiclifestm #catholiclifepledge … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌿 Half Term Holiday Project: Lenten Promise Tree 🌿
As we head into half term, we are also preparing our hearts for the season of Lent. Lent is a special time in the Church year when we try to grow closer to God by praying, giving and making small sacrifices to help others.
This year, Lent begins during the half term break, so we would love our children to start this journey at home with a simple, meaningful project.
We are inviting all children to take part in our Lenten Promise Tree project. This is a creative way to think about kindness, generosity and caring for others and for our world.
EYFS
Create some leaves and draw pictures of kind things you can do during Lent, for example sharing toys, helping to tidy up or being kind to others.
KS1
Make a Lent Tree and write a kind or generous act on each leaf or branch. These could be things you will try to do during Lent, such as helping at home or being a good friend.
KS2
Create a drawn or 3D Lenten Promise Tree showing ways to live simply and generously during Lent. This could include caring for others and caring for the planet, for example reusing plastic, donating to others, saving resources or showing gratitude.
Children can bring their Promise Trees back to school after half term so we can share and celebrate how we are all trying to live Lent together.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our children grow in kindness, faith and responsibility 🌱
#restm #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Here is this week's Wednesday Word to share at home with your families.
Please note this a bumper addition for the next three weeks.
– Wednesday 11th Febraury
-Wednesday 18th February
– Wednesday 25th February
#catholiclifestm
… See MoreSee Less
Half Term Holiday Special – Magazine – Page 1
wednesday-word.paperturn-view.com
Wednesday Word0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🎉✨ Confirmation Celebration ✨🎉
The whole of Year 6 came together to celebrate our confirmands with a personalised cake and a fantastic dance party in the hall! It was a lovely way for their friends to honour this special milestone and the afternoon was filled with laughter, music and joy.
We are so proud of our confirmands and grateful for the kindness and support shown by the entire year group. Congratulations to you all! 💛🙏
#year6stm #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Please follow the link below to find this week's Wednesday Word to share at home with your families.
wednesday-word.paperturn-view.com/goodness?pid=MTA101634&v=201.6
#catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
Goodness – Magazine – Page 1
wednesday-word.paperturn-view.com
Wednesday Word0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🙏✨ Sacrament of Confirmation ✨🙏
With great joy, we celebrate our Year 6 confirmands who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Trinity Catholic Church Newcastle with Bishop Timothy and Canon Paul. It was a deeply prayerful and holy celebration and we were incredibly proud of the reverence and faith shown by every child.
Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to walk in the light of the Holy Spirit. 🕊️
#catholiclifestm #year6stm … See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Well done to Sophia in Year 3 who has been using her prayer card and candle from today’s Candlemas Celebration of the Word to pray at home with her family.
#year3stm #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Parishioners of Holy Trinity Catholic Church Newcastle – please look out for our display in church this weekend. Our Year 6 children will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday and would love it if you could keep them in your prayers. 🙏✝️
#year6stm #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
Today, our Year 6 confirmands were truly blessed to welcome Bishop Timothy Menezes into our school. He spoke about his vocation, listened as the children shared their chosen saints’ names and answered thoughtful questions to help them prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was a prayerful and inspiring visit and we are very grateful for his time and guidance. 🙏✨
#catholiclifestm #year6stm … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook