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The Good Shepherd
Catholic Primary School
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know me”. John 10:14"
Preferential Option for the Poor
“Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”
Isaiah 1:17
A preferential option for the poor means prioritising the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. Jesus taught that by feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick, we are serving Him.
The Good Shepherd Advent Giving Calendar
TimeGivers: Year 6 Visit the Local Community Centre
Year 6 had the opportunity to live out the CST principle of the Preferential Option for the Poor by partnering with the charity TimeGivers. We visited a local community centre, a space that brings together members of our local community, including some who may experience isolation or challenges. During our visit, we spent time connecting with the people there, engaging in conversations, and working together to create beautiful Christmas decorations. Through these interactions, we sought to bring joy, foster community spirit, and recognise the dignity of each person we met.
This activity reminded us of the importance of prioritising the needs of others, especially those who may feel lonely or overlooked. By sharing our time and creativity, we followed our school mission statement, John 13:34 -35: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Department for Peace & Justice- Mary's Meals
Christmas Shoebox Project: Sharing Joy with Children in Need
As part of the Christmas Shoebox Project, we gathered new or gently used toys, stationery, and hygiene items from home—things we no longer need but that could bring joy to children in difficult circumstances. With so many unused toys at home, this project gave us a chance to share our blessings with children who have so little.
These simple gifts will reach children in countries affected by poverty, bringing smiles to faces who may never have received a gift before. This experience reminded us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and helping those in need. By participating, we embraced the values of compassion and "option for the poor," showing that even small acts of giving can make a big difference in the lives of others.
Messages for Elders
, we wrote heartfelt messages for the elders living in the Upper Room, which will be delivered alongside the cakes made by the nursery. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the principles of Option for the Poor and Vulnerable and Solidarity, we took time to think about what would brighten their day and shared our kindness through these notes. It was a special way to show love and care for the elders in our community, reflecting our commitment to serving others with compassion and respect.
Local Litter Pick
Year 4 pupils took part in a litter-picking activity in collaboration with the local charity, TimeGivers. Through this hands-on experience, pupils learned about the importance of caring for our community and environment. By working to keep public spaces clean and safe, they contributed to creating healthier surroundings for everyone, especially in areas more affected by pollution.
This activity reflects our commitment to supporting and uplifting all members of our local community, fostering a sense of responsibility and service among pupils.
Sessions with Racha
Each year group takes part in whole-class sessions with Racha, our school counsellor, focusing on themes like empathy and understanding. These sessions help pupils learn the importance of caring for and supporting one another, especially those who might be facing challenges. Pupils truly enjoy the engaging activities, which encourage them to put kindness and compassion into action. Aligning with our school’s mission statement to "love one another," this emphasises the importance of creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported, especially those who need it most.
Supporting Our Local Community - Food Bank Donations
We are proud to continue our annual Christmas support for local food banks through donations at Christmas made in partnership with the Trussell Trust and the Catholic Church. Each year, as part of our 12 Days of Advent appeal, our school community comes together to provide essential items that make a significant difference for those in need within our local area. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to compassion and social responsibility, helping us to support our neighbours and wider community.
Reception Explore Fair Trade
Our Reception children have been learning all about fair trade and its importance in supporting communities in need. They even took a trip to the local supermarket to search for fair trade labels, discovering how everyday choices can help improve the lives of farmers, who don't always get paid fairly for the work the do, and workers globally. After completing their research, they proudly shared their findings with Year 6 pupils, raising awareness of how fair trade promotes fairness and opportunity for the poor and vulnerable.