Catholic Life
Mission and Ethos
At St Peter and St Paul Catholic Primary School, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission statement, "With Christ as our guide, we love, aspire and serve," shapes how we learn, how we behave and how we treat one another.
We revisit our mission throughout the year in assemblies, in daily school life and on our annual Mission Day. Our Gospel values guide our relationships and our decisions. Every child is welcomed, valued and known as a unique person made in the image and likeness of God.
Pupil Leadership and Participation
Our pupils help to shape the Catholic life of our school. They take on roles including Head Boy and Girl, House Captains, School Councillors, Eco Team members, Digital Leaders, Reading Ambassadors, Librarians, Sports Captains and Playground Leaders. Older pupils set a good example for younger children and look out for those who need extra support.
Our Mini Vinnies team, inspired by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, has representatives from across Key Stage 2, with adapted roles in Key Stage 1. The group meets regularly to plan prayer, liturgies, charity work and social justice projects. Pupils also help to prepare our worship by choosing Scripture and planning the focus of prayer.
Service and Charity
We believe faith is lived out in action. Our children learn to notice the needs of others and to respond with generosity. Each year we support:
- CAFOD, including the Big Lent Walk
- Local foodbanks, especially at Harvest
- The annual Wellie Stomp
- Macmillan Coffee Morning
- Jeans for Genes Day
Our pupils also visit local care homes and take part in Fairtrade Fortnight, Refugee Week and Earth Day. These events help them understand justice, dignity and the common good, and see how they connect to our mission to love, aspire and serve.
Care for Creation
Our children are encouraged to look after God's creation. We are working towards the Live Simply Award, and our Eco Team leads recycling projects and litter-picking. Pupils enjoy caring for our school grounds through OPAL play. We are also developing a prayer garden, a quiet place for reflection and outdoor worship.
Parish and Community Links
We are proud of our close links with our parish, Holy Cross and St Helen. Our Parish Priest, Fr Jino, celebrates Mass in school each month, and parish catechists work with us to prepare children for the sacraments. Year 5 and Year 6 pupils take part in retreat days, and families are warmly invited to Stay and Pray sessions, class liturgies and Mass.
We also work with the SVP, Animate Youth and local community groups. These partnerships help our children see that their faith reaches far beyond the classroom.
Welcome, Care and Inclusion
Our school is a joyful, welcoming community where every child is supported to flourish in body, mind and spirit. We are an Autism-accredited school and a PATHS school, and we place great importance on wellbeing and pastoral care. Our Stay and Learn sessions and SEND coffee mornings help us work in partnership with parents as their children's first educators.
Growing in Faith
At St Peter and St Paul, we believe Catholic life is lived through prayer, service and everyday acts of kindness. Together with our parish and community, we help every child grow in their knowledge and love of God.
