St John Vianney Primary School

OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

The "Option for the Poor and Vulnerable" is a key principle in Catholic Social Teaching (CST). This principle develops a preferential concern and care for the less fortunate in society. It highlights our moral obligation to prioritise the needs of the poor and vulnerable, helping address issues of poverty, inequality and social injustice. At our school, we encourage the children to work towards a just and compassionate society.

ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

The principles underlying this strand are reflected in various aspects of the curriculum, particularly in subjects like Citizenship, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE). In Citizenship topics such as democracy, justice (including racial equity), and human rights all contribute to children's understanding. Discussions and activities highlight the importance of addressing poverty and supporting vulnerable individuals and communities. Specific units around British Values, with its focus on rights, respponsibilities, respect and tolerance all support teaching. PSHE supports children's developing values of euqality and fairness, while RHE support children in recognising and supporting their own and others' mental health challenges.

In addition, the History curriculum has a rich multi-ethnic lens which supports the chidlren's understanding and empathy - that we are all created equal.

Click below to see the slides we used to introduce the children to this theme (pause any time to read more fully):

harvest help for our community

This harvest, the children and families are holding out the hand of solidarity to those in the St. John Vianney parish that need our help. Not only are we keeping our work with the Felix Project, dedicated to ensuring 'left over' food does NOT go to waste, we also dedicated our Harvest appeal this year to St. John Vianney Church's Food Bank.

CAFod christmas gift appeal

The children are fundraising for CAFOD this Christmas and will support their Gift Voucher scheme which delivers much needed aid across the globe. Huge thanks to Julia fom CAFOD, who came in to share this wonderful work with the children and parents.