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.
