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Catholic Life & Mission
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS INSPECTION
Following our recent RE inspection which was carried out by three senior CSI inspectors on the 1st-2nd March 2023, pupils’, staff, governors and myself are totally thrilled that external inspectors have seen and recognised the true spirit of our school. Our pupils shone and we could not have been prouder of all of them.
As part of the inspection process Catholic Life and Mission, Religious Education and Collective Worship were all explored in great detail by all three inspectors, and our pupils were our greatest asset, as they were able to talk about all of their learning and the wide amount of support they receive from all staff.
To read the full report, please click the CSI Report link on this page.
CATHOLIC LIFE & MISSION
St. John Vianney is a Catholic School, seeking to encourage the child's deeper love and understanding of our faith and foster a desire to follow Jesus.
The family, the school and the Catholic community of our parish are three main areas of development for our children. Religious Education, although part of the Curriculum, is far more than a subject to us at St. John Vianney school. It influences all aspects of school life and relationships. We hope that by developing this Catholic emphasis, we are building a caring attitude in school which will be evident in all our relationships between staff and children.
Example, instruction and practice within the context of family, school and parish create an all-pervading atmosphere of Catholic attitudes, values and ethos.
As a Catholic school, we feel that the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils is a major strength of our school. It underpins the education of our pupils and establishes a caring, orderly and self disciplined learning community. We seek to encourage the children to work together and to willingly take on responsibility. They learn to share and value the achievement of others. The moral development of our children flows from a firm spiritual base.
SCRIPTURE
Here are a selection of wonderful displays around our school. Scripture is at the heart of our school. It reminds us that the Bible is a book for everyone and can provide personal guidance and inspiration for all those that experience it.
As a school we started to make scripture a real focus during COVID when pupils and staff could not go to church in person. The pupils have engaged so positively and take such pride in their learning that it has continued to be the basis upon which we run our school.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
During Year 4, our children are given the opportunity to make the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is a major part in the life of a Catholic. Though no one can replace the role of the parent in preparing your child for this special moment, you are not alone in this task.
The parish and school will always be ready to help and support. Our school, in its Religious Education lessons, will teach your child about Jesus, the Church, the Sacraments and especially about Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Mr Bonnar, our First Holy Communion Lead, works in partnership with Father Martin, our Parish Priest, and our parish community to prepare our Year 4 pupils to celebrate and receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
FAITH IN ACTION AWARD
The children in Year Six work towards the 'Pin' level of the CYMFED 'Faith In Action Award'. The Faith in Action Award builds on what young people already experience in serving others, asking them to reflect upon it so that they may find new ways of living out and exploring their faith. There is an opportunity for both guided reflections, through group reflection points and personal reflection, through journaling.
As part of the award, the children have created beautiful illustrations based on their favourite scripture passages from the Bible, which they would like to share with the school community on our website in the hope that it inspires faith in others.
Pupils are now able to say why they should behave and make the choices they do and that they are following Christ's example to reach out to the most vulnerable. Our Year 6 pupils have positively engaged with this call to action and in turn are now starting to live out their faith in a meaningful way.
GOSPEL VALUES AWARD
At St. John Vianney, our mission statement is the absolute heartbeat of our school. We all understand our mission to live and work as a Christian community in accordance with the mission statement of our school. This is recognised and celebrated every Friday in our whole-school Golden Book celebration. Staff nominate those who they have witnessed being living examples of Gospel values and the whole school congratulate and celebrate those, often unseen, moments of compassion, love, kindness, forgiveness and mercy, which may have had a significant impact on a member of our school community.
SUPPORTING CHARITIES
Over recent years, we have supported a range of charities. We are actively involved in supporting a range of charities including: CAFOD, MacMillan, Marie Curie, SWAN, and we provide Harvest bags for our local community. We are very grateful for the great generosity that our families show when we are fundraising for a chosen charity.
TRIPS & RETREATS
Children have regular opportunities to go on trips. Teachers plan outings to enrich children’s learning and bring it to life. Our older children have the chance to take part in overnight trips.
Each year in the Summer term, Year 6 children take part in a retreat to Holy Island with Father Martin.
On Monday 24th May, Feast of Our Lady, Mother of the Church, is National Rosary Day of Prayer for our Schools and Young People.
On this day, we invite children to come to school dressed in blue to celebrate Mary. The Rosary is also prayed in school that day. Pupils and staff set up interactive prayer stations around school for different elements of the Rosary.
MALAWI PROJECT
We welcomed Mama Cath into school, an inspirational missionary from Malawi. She talked to the children about her work in Malawi and the school she is building for the children in a village out there. The children danced and sang many African songs and they enjoyed an Assembly and activities that they will never forget! We will be working alongside many other Catholic Primary schools in Newcastle will be fundraising this year to help Mama Cath raise the £20,000 she needs to build the school.
VIEWS OF OUR SCHOOL
Please see a sample of all stakeholders' opinions on the Catholic Life and Mission of St. John Vianney Catholic Primary school.
OUR PARISH | ST JOHN VIANNEY
Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney, known as John Vianney in English, was born in France in 1786 and was baptized the same day. John was raised in a Catholic home and the family often helped the poor. At 13-years-old, John made his first communion and prepared for his confirmation in secrecy. In 1802, the Catholic Church was reestablished in France and religious freedom and peace spread throughout the country. After being drafted into the army, he deserted and then returned home and entered the seminary in 1813.
In 1818, as pastor of Ars, John worked 16 to 18 hours a day working in the confessional, administering the Sacrament of Penance, or Reconciliation.
John died at Ars in 1859 and was canonized in 1925 and was made patron saint of parish priests. When he passed away, he left behind a legacy of faith and was viewed as the champion of the poor.
You are all welcome to attend Sunday Mass at St. John Vianney church at 11.00am.
There is also a Coffee Morning after Sunday Mass at 12.00pm.
All are welcome!
We extend a warm welcome to Father Damian and Father Paul as they take up their new role as Parish Priest here at St. John Vianney. We look forward to working them and we send them every good wish as they begin their ministry here with us.