At St. Mary’s, our school community is divided into five houses, each named after a saint who embodies the values of faith, service, and hope. These houses—Aiden, Bede, Cuthbert, Oswald, and our newest house, Faustina—are more than just groups; they are communities of support, encouragement, and prayer where students come together to celebrate, compete, and grow in their faith.
Each house is named after a saint whose life serves as a model for our students to follow:
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Aiden: Named after St. Aiden of Lindisfarne, a missionary and bishop who worked to spread Christianity in England during the 7th century. Known for his kindness and dedication to the Gospel, St. Aiden’s example teaches our students the importance of compassion and outreach to others.
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Bede: St. Bede, known as the Venerable Bede, was an Anglo-Saxon monk and scholar who contributed greatly to the church and the development of Christian thought. His love for learning and his devotion to Scripture inspire our students to seek wisdom and understanding in all that they do.
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Cuthbert: St. Cuthbert was a 7th-century bishop and hermit, renowned for his deep faith, commitment to prayer, and care for the poor. His life exemplifies the importance of a life dedicated to God, service, and humility.
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Oswald: St. Oswald was a king of Northumbria who worked to unite his people under Christianity. Known for his leadership and charity, St. Oswald’s life encourages our students to be leaders who are strong in faith, service to others, and commitment to justice.
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Faustina: St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun and mystic, was devoted to the message of Divine Mercy. Her life teaches us about God’s unconditional love and mercy, and the importance of trusting in God's goodness, even in times of suffering. Faustina’s house was suggested by two of our current Year 6 students, who noticed that none of our previous house saints were female. This new addition reflects our commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of all saints, regardless of gender, as role models for our students.
Within their houses, students are awarded house points for their achievements, positive behavior, and contributions to the school community. These points are earned throughout the year, creating a spirit of friendly competition and encouraging students to embody the values of their patron saints.
In addition to house points, students come together in their houses for pastoral activities, including prayer services and celebrations of the Word, where they pray, reflect, and grow together in faith. Houses also compete in various activities, including sports, quizzes, and art competitions, where students collaborate to strengthen their house spirit and work as a team. These experiences foster a sense of belonging, encourage personal growth, and help our students live out the values of our school and the teachings of the saints who inspire them.
Through their involvement in these house activities, our students are reminded that, like their house saints, they are called to live lives of service, compassion, and faith, each one contributing to the greater good of the school and the world around them.