Catholic Mission and Ethos
Southwark Catholic Education Services -
https://www.rcaoseducation.org.uk/catholic-life-of-the-school/
MISSION STATEMENT
Learning, playing,and growing together in the love of Jesus
“Love one another “John 1.
St Mary’s is a welcoming school based on our shared Gospel values where we give witness to God’s love, knowing that every child is embraced with the love of Jesus as they pray, play and grow together as friends.
Every child is unique and we are proud of our inclusive and supportive learning environment, where we celebrate each other’s’ achievements. Children have the opportunity to reach their full potential as we guide them to become lifelong learners.
We all aspire to do the best we can within God’s family, living our Christian mission and sharing spiritual links with those in our home, parish and wider community.
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is for life long ‘learning’ to be at the heart of St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton;
A school where there are high expectations and a striving for excellence in all that we do.
A community where every child, member of staff, parent, governor and visitor is treated with respect and valued as a unique individual in the image of Christ.
A place, which maintains a high level of creativity, enquiry and challenge with a sense of adventure and enjoyment.
Promoting Fundamental British Values at St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton
The DfE promote the need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs".
At St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton these values are reinforced regularly through our Mission Statement and in the following ways to include the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching:
Democracy
Democracy is evident throughout our school. Pupils have the opportunity to have their voices heard through the pupil questionnaires and School Council whose members are elected annually. Our school’s Behaviour Policy involves reinforcement of positive behaviours.
The Rule of Law
The importance of laws and rules, whether they are those that govern the class, the school, or the country, are consistently reinforced, particularly during school and class, PSHE and topic work. Pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws; that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and consequences when laws and rules are broken.
Individual Liberty
Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. Pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely, for example through our E-Safety and PSHE lessons.
Mutual Respect
Part of our school ethos and behaviour policy has revolved around core values such as ‘Respect’, and pupils have been part of discussions and assemblies related to what this means and how it is shown.
Respect for those of all faiths, no faith, different cultures and lifestyles
This is achieved through enhancing pupils’ understanding of their place in a culturally diverse society and by giving them opportunities to experience such diversity. Discussions involving prejudices and prejudice-based issues have been followed and supported by learning in RE and PSHE.
Prevent
At St Mary’s Catholic Federation, Carshalton we see protecting children from the risk of radicalisation as part of our school’s wider safeguarding duty whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences.
We promote fundamental British Values and provide a safe space in which children and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism; assisting their personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world.
Liturgical Calendar 2024 - 2025
/docs/Liturgical-Calendar-2024-2025__1_.pdf
The Pope's Monthly Intentions
January
For the right to an education
Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
February
For vocations to the priesthood and religious life
Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ's mission in the priesthood and religious life.
March
For families in crisis
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other's gifts, even in their differences.
April
For the use of the new technologies
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
May
For working conditions
Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
June
That the world might grow in compassion
Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
July
For formation in discernment
Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
August
For mutual coexistence
Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
September
For our relationship with all of creation
Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
October
For collaboration between different religious traditions
Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
November
For the prevention of suicide
Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
December
For Christians in areas of conflict
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.
Catholic Ethos
