What does it mean to be a Catholic School?

As a Catholic school, we seek to follow the teachings of Jesus; drawing wisdom and guidance from the Bible which anchors all we do at school. 

Prayer is foundational to the Catholic life of our school.  We pray regularly in a variety of ways, including pupil led prayers at lunchtime and the end of the day, weekly class worship, prayer within whole-school gatherings such as assemblies and celebration of the Word and at Mass.  We also use the Sanctus Locus (which means ‘holy place’), a special area within our library, as a place for children to pray quietly and individually at points throughout the school week. 

‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:35)

The principles, values and instructions of Jesus that we learn from the Bible underpin all that we do at school.  We ask children to ‘work hard, be kind’ because we see these qualities embodied in Jesus, who is our example and inspiration. Through the Bible, children learn that they are unique, special and precious to God, and in turn understand and embrace their responsibility to treat others with love and respect, playing their part in making our school community a happy, safe and welcoming family for both pupils and staff. 

We encourage children to take an active role in shaping and leading the Catholic life of our school.  Our team of Junior Chaplains meet weekly to plan and lead class worship for both their peers and for younger KS1 children.  Children are encouraged to share and action their own ideas as to how we can grow and develop our school community as we seek to follow Jesus and share God’s love with others.

We are proud to be a school in the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth https://portsmouthdiocese.org.uk/about-us/   

We have strong links with our three parishes of St Thomas More in Twyford, Our Lady of Peace in Earley and St John Bosco, which is located at the front of our school.

Parents are invited to celebrate our Masses at St John Bosco Church throughout the year.

What it Means to Be a Non-Catholic in Our Catholic School

At our Catholic school, we welcome and value children, families, and staff from all faiths and none. While we are a Catholic school rooted in Gospel values and the teachings of the Church, our ethos is one of inclusion, respect, and love for all. We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, can contribute to and thrive within our community.

Our non-Catholic staff and pupils are an integral part of our school family. They embody our values of compassion, service, and respect by participating fully in our mission to nurture each child’s unique potential. Through their kindness, dedication, and willingness to live out Gospel-inspired virtues, they help create a joyful and caring environment that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ.

All staff and children join us in our worship, prayers, and Religious Education (RE) lessons. This shared participation is a way for everyone to experience and celebrate our faith traditions together. It includes taking part in prayer, singing hymns and reflecting on the values that underpin our daily lives.

Our Catholic community is deeply enriched by the diversity of those who walk through our doors. Together, we grow in understanding, respect, and unity, living out our mission to be a place where everyone feels loved and valued as a child of God.

God our Father,

Thank you that you care about St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School.

We appreciate how you look after the children at our school.

We pray for the teachers and teaching assistants who work tirelessly day after day.

We pray for the lunchtime controllers who stand outside making sure everyone is safe and take care of anyone who might hurt themselves.

We pray for our caretakers who build us new equipment and fix what’s broken.

Thank you, God, that when times are tough, you help us to get through.

Amen. 

 Written by Ollie from the Junior Chaplaincy Team