St Mary's Catholic Primary School

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we believe wholeheartedly that parents are the first and most important educators of their children. This belief is woven into our vision, which is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and lived out each day through prayer, love, and service in close partnership with St Mary’s Parish. Our mission statement, Love One Another, sits at the heart of this calling and reminds us that every act of teaching, guiding, supporting, and nurturing a child begins in love. Long before a child enters school, families shape their earliest experiences of faith, hope, forgiveness, belonging, and identity. The home is the domestic church, the place where children first come to know God and experience His love through the daily witness of their parents and carers. Everything we do at St Mary’s seeks to honour this sacred responsibility and strengthen it through the support of our school and parish community.

When families choose St Mary’s, they enter a partnership grounded in shared faith and shared purpose. We work closely with Father Michael and the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Madeley, Telford, to ensure that children experience a living connection between home, school, and parish life. Through parish liturgies, sacramental preparation, and opportunities for prayer and celebration, children learn that the faith they encounter in school is part of a much wider and richer community. This partnership helps children grow as young disciples who recognise Christ at the centre of their daily lives and who take joy in belonging to both a school family and a parish family.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to creating a Christ centred, nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and loved. Serving a community that experiences social and economic deprivation, we aim to be a visible sign of hope, stability, and compassion. Parents play a vital role in shaping this environment. By supporting routines, communicating openly with staff, celebrating progress, sharing concerns, and modelling the values of Love One Another at home, families help children flourish academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Guided by Gospel values and Catholic Social Teaching, we work together to remove barriers so that every child may grow confidently in dignity and reach their God given potential.

Prayer and worship form the heartbeat of life at St Mary’s. Daily prayer, weekly liturgies, and participation in the seasons of the Church year help children grow closer to God in meaningful and age‑appropriate ways. At home, parents strengthen this by praying with their children, attending Sunday Mass, making time for reflection, and living the liturgical seasons as a family. The strong relationship between the school and the Parish of the Good Shepherd, supported by Father Michael’s pastoral presence, helps children understand that their faith is lived not only in school but throughout the wider Church community. As children develop confidence and begin to lead prayer and liturgy themselves, they grow into responsible and active contributors to the spiritual life of both school and parish.

Religious Education holds a central place within our curriculum, helping children to know and understand the teachings of the Catholic faith while respecting the beliefs and experiences of others. To support parents in this essential area, we provide termly newsletters that outline what children will be learning in RE in the coming weeks. These newsletters help families understand the key themes, Scripture passages, saints, and liturgical events that will shape the new term, enabling parents to reinforce this learning at home. Families can refer to the newsletter for guidance on what is coming up in the life of the Church and for suggestions on how to intervene and support their child’s developing faith at the right moments.

Parents who wish to explore ways they can further support their child’s faith formation are warmly encouraged to speak with our RE Coordinator, Mrs Rushton, who is always happy to offer advice, resources, and guidance. Our Head Teacher, Mrs Griffiths, also welcomes discussions with parents and families about how we can work together in living out our mission of Love One Another. Whether a family is deeply rooted in their faith, exploring it anew, or simply seeking guidance, this open partnership ensures that every parent feels supported and confident in their role as first educator.

Family and community form a vital part of our school’s vision. Our strong relationships with parents, carers, Father Michael, parishioners, and the wider local community support every child’s faith journey, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. This shared responsibility ensures that children experience continuity, encouragement, and stability as they grow in faith and character.

Leadership at St Mary’s is grounded in service, shaped by faith, and committed to nurturing the spiritual and academic development of all. Our leaders ensure that the Catholic identity of the school remains vibrant and authentic and that the mission of Love One Another is lived out in all aspects of school life. Parents embody this same spirit through the example they set at home, showing love, compassion, humility, and integrity in everyday family life.

Ultimately, our shared mission is to ensure that every child at St Mary’s knows they are loved by God, that they belong to a caring school and parish family, and that they are equipped with the faith, knowledge, and confidence to live out the Gospel in their daily lives. Together, as parents, school staff, parish community, and parish priest, we accompany children as they grow into compassionate, thoughtful, faith filled young people who are ready to love one another, serve others, and make a positive contribution to the Church and the wider world. Through this partnership, rooted in the Gospel and strengthened through prayer, love, and service, we help every child discover who God is calling them to be and support them with joy as they step into their God given potential.