“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own and my own know me”. John 10:14"
Solidarity means recognising others as our brothers and sisters and actively working towards their well-being. We are all connected, with people and communities around the world.
A wonderful example of solidarity was shown when a Year 3 pupil visited Reception to share his learning from his trip to the Travelling Crib. He shared the objects he collected in his purple bag, connecting them to the Christmas story, and taught the younger children how to sign "angel" in sign language. This act of sharing and teaching reflects the unity and care that builds our community in faith. Moments like this, where children teach and explain to one another, are a regular part of life at The Good Shepherd, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support.
In commemoration of Remembrance Day, our school community came together to pray the Rosary in a spirit of unity and reflection. At 11 am, on 11th November, we gathered via Zoom as Mrs. Lavelle and the chaplaincy team led us through this meaningful prayer, offering solidarity and remembrance for those who have sacrificed in times of conflict. This shared moment allowed us to honour their memory and hold in our hearts a collective wish for peace.
For two years, during their time in Years 5 and 6, pupils worked alongside the London Heritage Trust to support the restoration of the Leaning Woman, a Grade II listed statue created by refugee artist Karel Vogel in the 1950s. The pupils designed informative leaflets and canvassed in Hammersmith to raise awareness and funds. Thanks to their efforts, enough money was raised to restore this important piece of history. Earlier this year, the children were invited to attend the relaunch and unveiling of the statue, alongside the London Heritage Trust and the Duke of Gloucester. This project was a true example of solidarity, as the pupils worked together to preserve cultural heritage and support their local community.
Every year, we celebrate International Week, with each class exploring a different country or region. During this week, we host International Day, a special event where everyone can share foods, drinks, and unique aspects of their cultures. This vibrant celebration brings our community together to explore global traditions, deepen our understanding of diverse cultures, and foster a sense of respect and appreciation for our worldwide connections. We also dedicate time to learn about our pupils' own heritages, making this a truly meaningful celebration of the rich diversity within our school.