Catholic Social Teaching at Stella Maris

At Stella Maris, Catholic Social Teaching is fully embedded into our curriculum and through our Gospel Values and Mission Statement. We invite pupils, staff, parents and governors to use scripture to live out their faith in our school, in our parish, in our community and in our wider world.

Our faith inspires us to help build God's Kingdom (just like our Mission Statement), helping us to create a world full of peace, love and justice. At times it can be challenging, however with God at our side, we can find the strength to preserve and help to make our world a wonderful place.

The Catholic Church has seven principles of Catholic Social Teaching which we share with our children through our curriculum (all subjects and not just RE), daily reflection, assemblies, masses, celebrations and special events, being good models and in our everyday actions.

“Our greatest and yet most fragile treasure is our shared humanity as brothers and sisters, children of God. None of us can be saved alone.” Pope Francis

The Nine Principles of Catholic Social Teaching

Human Dignity

We can recognise the human dignity of others by treating others equally, treating every human and creature with respect, understanding that each and everyone of us is made in God's image, thinking about civil rights.

Solidarity

We can show solidarity by praying for others, making responsible social choices, standing alongside one another, especially those in poverty, writing to our world leaders, and making connections.

The Common Good

We can work as a community by working together, working for the common good, being active role models within our community, including everyone and by participating and engaging.

Protecting the Poor

We canhelp the poor and vulnerable by supporting charities, raising awareness, sharing with others, giving others the respect and dignity that they deserve and by thinking of the needs of others and not just ourselves.

Peace

We can bring peace by turning away from conflict, using our School Gospel Values, being kind to one another, following our School rules and building positive relationships with others.

Creation and Environment

We can care for our environment by all taking a responsibility in looking after our beautiful world, asking questions about the awe and wonder around us, making sensible choices about the environment and respecting all parts of God's creation.

Dignity of Work

We can recognise the dignity of work by sharing all of our wonderful attributes and gifts from God with others, respecting all workers, helping with wellbeing, contributing to society and making sensible economic choices.

Subsidiarity

Subsidiarity is when you try and sort things out for yourself or with your friends. Your adults or bigger groups, only help when it is too difficult to do alone. We should respect the ideas and choices made by others.

Participation

Every person has a right and a duty to participate in society, contributing to the social, economic, political and cultural life of the community, in order to promote the common good.

Class Long Term Planning with Catholic Social Teaching Principles

EYFS Long Term Plan Year One Long Term Plan

Year Three Long Term Plan

Year Four Long Term Plan

Year Five Long Term Plan

Year Six Long Term Plan

Cafod visits Stella Maris

On Thursday 9th March, Maggie from Cafod visited Stella Maris to launch our Big Lent Walk and to share with us all, how the money we raise can help so many of our global neighbours. Maggie shared stories, videos and pictures of many families that have been helped so far. Did you know that five pounds can provide a farmer with enough seedlings to feed their family? It was a wonderful way to start our fundraising and to be reminded that our Catholic Social Teaching is so important in helping others.

Cafod Assembly

Cafod Workshops

Maggie also visited the Early Years Class, the Year One class and the Year Two class for some interactive workshops. The children loved learning all about the work of Cafod, how they can help and they all learnt a beautiful song. Maggie sent an email to say "Lovely to see you all today and a big thank you to all the staff and pupils for the wonderful work they are doing for Cafod. In Early Years the singing was beautiful and I loved the spontaneous prayer too - it's quite charming that they are so comfortable and confident to come up with a prayer for the class. It was very touching. In Year One were very engaged and there was a strong focus on making the world a better place through kindness and care for others."