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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"
The Common Good
‘'All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would... distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.’'
Acts 2:44-45
The common good is about honouring the rights and responsibilities of every individual, ensuring no one is left behind. Our actions affect everyone, so when making decisions, we should always consider what benefits the collective well-being of all.
In the context of the Good Shepherd School, the concept of the common good translates into a community where our pupils, staff, and families work together to support each person’s growth and well-being.
Dignity of the Person: At Good Shepherd, every pupil is valued as a unique individual created in the image of God. This respect for each person’s dignity means fostering an inclusive and caring environment where all pupils feel safe, supported, and respected.
Community and Participation: We emphasise the importance of working together as a school family. Pupils are encouraged to participate in our School Parliament, school fundraising events, and activities that promote teamwork, ensuring that each child has a voice and can contribute meaningfully to the school community.
Solidarity with Others: Pupils participate in activities that promote empathy and understanding, such as outreach programs, buddy reading systems, and fundraising efforts for those in need. By fostering solidarity, Good Shepherd helps pupils to look beyond themselves and care for others, especially those who might be vulnerable.
Promotion of Social Justice: We aim to raise awareness about fairness and justice, encouraging pupils to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Anti-bullying week, lessons on diversity and inclusion, and discussions on social issues are an integral part of the curriculum, helping pupils understand and advocate for a fair and just world.
Formation of Conscience and Morals: Our pupils are taught to make ethical choices grounded in Catholic values and virtues. The school incorporates moral education and collective worship, guiding pupils to develop their consciences and make decisions that reflect compassion and responsibility toward others.
Service to the Community: Service is a cornerstone of the Good Shepherd School’s approach. Pupils participate in community service activities, fundraisers, and outreach projects that benefit both local and global communities. Working with local and international charities such as Timegivers and Mary's Meals. This commitment to service reflects the school’s mission to instill in pupils a lifelong dedication to helping others.
Mental Health Week – "Know Yourself, Grow Yourself" and the Common Good
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For Mental Health Week, we focused on understanding our emotions and discovering what makes us feel happy and strong, highlighting how taking care of ourselves contributes to the common good. We watched an animation about a child who helps others but absorbs their sadness along the way. As he becomes sad, he eventually finds his own source of happiness and learns how to feel better. This journey showed us how our emotional well-being is not only important for us as individuals but also for the well-being of our community.
After watching the animation, we wrote and recorded voiceovers, explaining the boy’s emotional journey and the importance of understanding our feelings. We discussed how being self-aware allows us to better support ourselves and others, creating a positive impact on the common good. By nurturing our own happiness, we can contribute to a stronger, more compassionate community. The animation was played during the assembly, and the key message was clear: taking care of ourselves emotionally helps everyone around us, making our community healthier and happier for all.