At St. Mary’s, Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is woven into the fabric of our school life, guiding both our curriculum and the way we live as a faith community. Rooted in the principles of justice, compassion, and service to others, CST informs the way we approach education, relationships, and actions, helping our students to live out the values of our faith both in and out of the classroom.
Across the curriculum, Catholic Social Teaching is integrated into a wide range of subjects. In Religious Education, students explore the seven key themes of CST—dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, the common good, care for creation, the preferential option for the poor, and participation. These themes are not only studied as concepts but are also brought to life through practical activities and real-world examples that encourage students to reflect on how they can live out these teachings in their daily lives.
Our students are challenged to see themselves as part of a larger global community, with a responsibility to act with justice, kindness, and respect toward others. This is reflected in the projects and initiatives we undertake, such as fundraising for charitable causes, supporting those in need, and working together to create an inclusive and supportive school environment. These actions are a natural extension of the values they learn through Catholic Social Teaching and demonstrate how we are called to be instruments of change in the world.
Through practical applications in the classroom, such as group work, debates, and service learning projects, students are encouraged to think critically about issues of social justice and to seek solutions that reflect the dignity and worth of every person. This not only strengthens their academic learning but also deepens their understanding of what it means to be a global citizen with a heart for service.
The children live out Catholic Social Teaching in their interactions with each other and the wider community. They are taught to treat others with respect, to support and care for the most vulnerable, and to take responsibility for the world around them. Whether it’s standing up for a friend in need, organizing charity drives, or participating in environmental initiatives, our students are active in living out the principles of CST in their everyday actions.
By embedding Catholic Social Teaching across the curriculum and fostering a school environment that prioritizes service, compassion, and justice, St. Mary’s helps our children become not only knowledgeable students but also faithful and active members of the Church and society, living out the message of hope and love that Christ calls us to share with the world.