St Mary's Catholic Primary School

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, our mission statement, Love One Another, is much more than a short phrase or a set of words chosen for display. It expresses the heart of our identity as a Catholic community. These words come directly from the command of Jesus in the Gospel of John, where he says, I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another (John 13:34, Catholic Edition). This is the foundation upon which we build all relationships, decisions, and actions within our school.

When we were discerning a mission statement, we wanted something rooted firmly in Scripture and central to the teachings of Jesus. Love One Another was chosen because it captures, in the simplest and clearest way, what Christ asks of every one of us. It is a call that children can understand and live out even from their earliest years, and it reflects the very essence of our Catholic faith. Jesus does not merely suggest love; he commands it. This Gospel command shapes who we are and who we strive to become.

Our school vision reflects this Gospel call. At St Mary’s, our life 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. Love One Another sits at the heart of this vision because love is the thread that unites prayer and service, the bridge between home and school, and the foundation of the relationships that form our community. When children experience patience, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion from those around them, they see the Gospel lived out in real and meaningful ways. This mission statement reminds us that love is not only to be spoken about but practiced daily.

Our vision also affirms that every child is a unique gift from God, created in His image and called to grow in dignity, faith, and hope. To Love One Another is to recognise this truth in every pupil. It means that each child is treated with respect, understanding, and care. In a community facing social and economic challenges, love becomes a powerful sign of hope. When we welcome children warmly, celebrate their gifts, remove barriers, and support them through difficulties, we are living out the commandment Jesus gave us.

Prayer and worship sit at the centre of our school life because they help us open our hearts to God’s love so that we can share it with others. Through collective worship, liturgy, and links with the sacramental life of the parish, especially through our partnership with Father Michael and the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Madeley, Telford, children discover that faith is something lived in community. When children lead prayer, proclaim Scripture, or participate in worship, they learn that they, too, are called to reflect Christ’s love to others.

Religious Education further deepens this understanding. Children learn about the teachings of Jesus, the lives of the saints, and the moral choices that faith asks of us. Through high quality teaching, pupils are encouraged to reflect on how they can Love One Another in everyday situations: in the classroom, on the playground, at home, and in the parish. This helps them connect belief with action and shapes them into compassionate, thoughtful individuals.

Family and community are central to our vision, and our mission statement extends naturally to our partnerships with parents, carers, and parishioners. We recognise parents as the first educators of their children, especially in faith. When families model love, forgiveness, and patience at home, they reinforce the same message children hear in school. By working closely with Father Michael, our parish community, and our families, we build a consistent and nurturing environment where the Gospel is lived out visibly.

Leadership at St Mary’s is rooted in service, guided by faith, and shaped by Christ’s example. Love One Another influences how leaders support staff, welcome families, set expectations, and respond to the needs of our community. When adults model Christ’s love, children learn not only from lessons but from the daily witness of those around them.

Ultimately, we chose Love One Another because it expresses the core of who we are called to be. It reflects the command of Jesus, aligns perfectly with our school vision, and reminds us that every interaction is an opportunity to share God’s love. Our mission is to ensure that every child knows they are loved by God, belongs to a caring school and parish family, and is equipped with the faith and confidence to bring the Gospel to life in the world. By living out this mission together, we help form children who are not only successful learners but faith filled, compassionate young people ready to serve others and make a positive difference in the Church and the wider community.