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.
✝️Palm Sunday Reflection✝️
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week: the most important week in our liturgical year.
On Palm Sunday, we remember when Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem and the crowds celebrated by waving palm branches and shouting, “Hosanna!”
Palm Sunday reminds us of Jesus’ humility and the joy of His arrival, even though it foreshadowed his sacrifice.
By reflecting on the story of Palm Sunday and its meaning, we can understand Jesus' love and learn how to welcome him into our lives and show love to others.
Jesus, thank you that you came to die for our sins. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, help us to remember that your sacrifice is for each one of us, and—though we may be small—we are important to you. Help us to see past appearances and love each person the way you do. Amen
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Thank you
✝️The Stations of the Cross✝️
Thank you to all parents and parishioners who joined us for our Stations of the Cross Assembly. Year 6’s performance was a reflective depiction of Jesus’ last days on earth and a reminder of the torture that Jesus suffered to save us from our sins… “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they’ve done…” Luke 23:34.
Their performance received high praise from parents and parishioners alike:
‘I have been to station every week during Lent but this was the most moving experience. The children were so reverent.’
‘Thank you for teaching our kids the way of the Lord, forgiveness and compassion.’
‘It brought tears to my eyes.’
‘What a wonderful, powerful and emotional performance!!’
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So powerful, I am still pulling myself together! Well done everyone!!
Yes it is. So emotional, well done everyone ❤️
Amazing Well done everyone
Thank you to KS2 who have led us so reverently in our Holy Week assemblies this week. The children took us on a profound journey of the last week of Jesus' life and carried this responsibility with the upmost respect. Thank you to all of our parents, families and parishioners who came to support the children.
As Holy Week begins, the Church reminds us, especially in this Jubilee Year, to have the sure and certain hope that God never abandons us, to be loyal and courageous and generous in using our talents as His servants in the world, and to be extravagant in our response to his love and to His call, resisting our own selfish desires and not fearing the judgement or threats of the powerful.
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Thank you to all the children and families who participated in the Big Lent Walk this year! We have raised an amazing £362 for CAFOD! We really appreciate all your support. #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
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Nursery did extremely well completing their 1 mile walk for CAFOD as part of their catholic life pledge. We were blown away by their effort and determination. Together Nursery walked a combined total of 30 miles. We are so proud of them!
Thank you all for your generosity in donations!
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Well done, Nursery! 🎉👏 What an incredible achievement, walking a combined total of 30 miles for CAFOD! Your effort and determination are truly inspiring, and we couldn't be prouder of each and every one of you. 🌟 A big thank you to all the families, you are making a big difference! 💙💛 Keep up the fantastic work! 🙌
Well done all
Well done all of you 👏
Today, the Minnie Vinnies attended mass and went to have a drink, biscuit and chat with the parishioners. As always, they represented the school beautifully. The children wanted to give some of their time during this season of Lent as a reminder that we can offer ourselves as well as material things. #missiongroupsstm #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
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Well done Minnie Vinnies xxxx
Today, our Laudato Si group have been designing beautiful posters for our garden area! #catholiclifestm #misiongroupsstm … See MoreSee Less
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Wonderful concentration 😊
Thank you to Joanna from Father Hudson's Caritas who came in to tell us all about the fantastic work that the charity do within our diocese. This Jubilee Year, we are working with Father Hudson's as part of our Jubilee Pledge. We will keep you informed on our fundraising initiatives to support this. #catholiclifestm Father Hudson's Caritas … See MoreSee Less
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A huge congratulations to everyone involved in working with Father Hudson's Caritas this Jubilee Year! 🙌 What an amazing opportunity to support such a wonderful charity and learn about the incredible work they do within our dioceses. It’s inspiring to see our community come together for such a meaningful cause. We look forward to hearing more about the fundraising initiatives and all the positive impact we can make together! Keep up the great work! 💙🙏
Thank you for your support – we can't wait to hear all about your fundraising ideas ❤️💛💚💙 #pilgrimsofhope #jubileeyear
Father Hudson's Caritas
Congratulations to the children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday. They were all very proud to receive their certificates in assembly this morning. #catholiclifestm … See MoreSee Less
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A big congratulations to all the children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Saturday! What an important and special moment for each of you. It’s wonderful to hear that you were all so proud to receive your certificates in assembly today. Well done on this meaningful step in your faith journey! 😊🙏🌟
Congratulations everyone 👏👏👏