Our Catholic Social Teaching
Catholic Life and Mission at St William of Perth
At St William of Perth Catholic Primary School, our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do. We strive to live out our mission through prayer, learning, service and love following the example of Jesus Christ and recognising the dignity of every person as made in the image and likeness of God.
Through prayer, worship, charitable action and daily life, our pupils learn to care for others, stand up for justice and recognise the dignity of every person. Catholic Social Teaching guides our community, inspiring children to value family, respect creation, serve the vulnerable and act with integrity.
Our school community works in partnership with parents and parish to ensure that children grow in faith, confidence, and compassion. At St William of Perth, every child is encouraged to “Grow in Love, Live in Faith, and Learn for Life.”
Our mission calls us to be a community where all are valued, nurtured, and inspired to grow in faith and achieve their God-given potential.
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
(John 13:34)
Our Catholic Mission
Our mission statement- “Grow in Love, Live in Faith, and Learn for Life” - guides all aspects of school life. It reminds us that education is both academic and spiritual, preparing children to become compassionate, responsible citizens who make a positive difference in the world.
We aim to ensure that:
The Gospel values of love, respect and forgiveness shape every relationship in our school.
Children encounter Christ through prayer, liturgy, and the example of others.
Pupils develop spiritually, morally, and socially through the living witness of our school community.
Faith is not just taught but experienced — in how we treat one another, care for creation.
Catholic Social Teaching in Action
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) inspires our pupils to see faith as action — to live out the Gospel through care, justice, and compassion. The seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching are woven through our curriculum, collective worship, and daily life:
1. Dignity of the Human Person
Every person is precious and loved by God. We celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, ensuring that each child knows they are valued and respected. Our PSHE, RSE, and RE curriculum support pupils in understanding their own worth and the importance of respecting others.
2. Parish, Family and Community
We see our school as an extension of the family — a community of faith, learning, and love. We work closely with parents, carers, and our parish of St John Fisher to create a strong partnership rooted in shared values and mutual support.
3. Solidarity and the Common Good
We teach pupils that we are part of one global family, called to stand alongside others and seek justice. Through fundraising, charitable work, and social action, pupils learn to serve their local and global communities.
Our school supports a range of causes including CAFOD, The Medway Foodbank, Missio, and ‘Love in a Box’ for Mustard Seed.
4. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
We follow Jesus’ example in giving special care to those in need. Our ‘Prayer Pilgrims’ lead projects that support vulnerable groups through collections, awareness campaigns, and acts of kindness, including our Big Lent Walk.
We ensure that every child in our school is supported to thrive, regardless of background or circumstance.
5. Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Pupils learn that work has value and dignity when it contributes to the good of others. We encourage children to take pride in their efforts, to recognise their gifts, and to use them for the benefit of the community. We learn about Saint Oscar Romero and use his example to help promote teamwork, perseverance and gratitude for those who serve us in daily life.
6. Stewardship of God’s Creation
We care for God’s world through practical action and learning. Our Eco-Warriors lead initiatives to protect the environment, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.
Through science, geography, and outdoor learning, pupils grow to appreciate the beauty of creation and their responsibility to protect it.
7. Rights and Responsibilities
We help children understand that every right comes with a responsibility — to care for others, act with integrity, and make fair choices. Our School Council helps pupils to engage with democracy, fairness, and collective decision-making.
Prayer, Worship and Celebration
Prayer is woven into the fabric of daily life at St William of Perth.
Our day is punctuated with prayer both planned and spontaneous.
Our ‘Celebration of the Word’ allows a deeper understanding of the Gospel message and helps to punctuate key times in the liturgical year.
Mass is celebrated regularly with our parish community, giving pupils the opportunity to experience and participate in Catholic worship.
Pupils help plan and lead worship, developing their understanding of faith and confidence in public prayer.
Our chaplaincy team and ‘Prayer Pilgrims’ play a vital role in nurturing the school’s spiritual life, leading the Celebration of the Word. Fr Neil and Fr David visit our school weekly to help enrich our religious learning and helps us respond to the big questions.
Living Out Our Mission
The Catholic Life of our school is evident not only in worship but in our words, actions, and relationships. We encourage pupils to live the Gospel every day by:
Showing kindness, honesty, and forgiveness.
Standing up for what is right and fair.
Supporting one another through prayer and friendship.
Taking part in projects that promote justice, peace, and sustainability.
Through these experiences, our children learn to see God in others and understand that they can be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.
Prayer Club
Prayer Club is a special time in our school week, offering children a peaceful and welcoming space to reflect, pray, and grow in faith together. We meet every Friday before school in the hall, and everyone is warmly invited to join us.
Each week, we explore a different aspect of the liturgical year, helping the children deepen their understanding of the Church’s seasons, celebrations, and symbols. Whether it is Advent, Lent, Easter, or Ordinary Time, we take a moment to reflect on what these special times mean for us as a community and as individuals. Children are encouraged to share their thoughts, prayers, and reflections, creating a truly inclusive and thoughtful environment. Sharing solidarity with our school, parish and the wider world.
Mrs Tong leads the worship alongside the school’s dedicated Prayer Pilgrims, who guide the group in prayer and help support the spiritual life of the whole school. Together, we offer up our thanks for the week we have just had, recognising the blessings—big and small—that have shaped our days. Prayer Club continues to be a cherished part of our school community, rooted in gratitude, reflection, and shared faith.
Bible Studies
Every Thursday our Bible Studies group offers the children a meaningful opportunity to engage deeply with Scripture in a calm and reflective setting. Led by our school governor, Mrs Redmond, the group provides a welcoming space where participants can explore the stories, messages, and teachings of the Bible at a thoughtful pace. Through guided reading and open discussion, children are encouraged to ask questions, share insights, and develop their understanding of God’s word.
Each session focuses on unpicking the meaning behind the passages we read, helping everyone see how Scripture connects to daily life, faith, and personal growth. The supportive atmosphere allows participants to reflect on their beliefs, strengthen their spiritual journey, and learn from one another’s perspectives.
Bible Studies not only builds knowledge but nurtures a deeper appreciation of faith, helping all who attend grow in confidence when speaking about Scripture and its place in our school community.
What are SWOP Prayer Pilgrims?
At St William of Perth, our Prayer Pilgrims play a vital role in nurturing the school’s spiritual and moral heart. This dedicated group of pupils helps to guide and strengthen the Catholic identity of the school, ensuring that Gospel values are lived out in everyday school life. Their mission supports our whole community in growing closer to God through prayer, reflection, and service.
A key part of their work is promoting Catholic Social Teaching (CST). The Prayer Pilgrims help ensure that the core principles—such as dignity of the human person, care for creation, solidarity, the common good, and the option for the poor and vulnerable—are clearly understood by all pupils. They help bring these values to life through assemblies, class reflections, charity initiatives, and wider school activities.
Working alongside staff, the Prayer Pilgrims also support the spiritual well-being of the whole school by helping to prepare liturgies, leading prayer opportunities, and encouraging others to take part in acts of faith. Their presence is felt not only within the school but also in the wider parish and community, where they help represent the values we aim to live by.
Through their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment, the Prayer Pilgrims help ensure that St William of Perth remains a community rooted in faith, compassion, and service.