'Christ is our bridge to heaven the only Way across the gulf between earthly life and eternal glory, 2000 (oil on board) by Elizabeth Wang', Copyright Bridgeman Images. All Rights Reserved

St Michael’s RC Primary School is a Catholic family of faith, following the teaching of Christ.

We strive to create an environment where all members of our school community respect the values of: Church, Independence, Resilience, Caring, Learning and Enjoyment for all. Belief in these values will nurture all as individuals and instil in them the confidence to meet their full potential, providing them with the best grounding for their future place in an ever changing world.

St. Michael's RC Primary School and Nursery, is situated in the Archdiocese of Southwark (https://www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/)

Please follow the links to access more information about the Catholic life of St. Michael's...

Whole School Celebrations:

Religious Festivals 2024-2025

🎶 Interfaith Harmony in Music! 🎶

We had the joy of welcoming some of our wonderful parents into school to share their incredible talents in our Interfaith Harmony Concert! Through music and song, we came together to celebrate the beauty of our differences, the joy of community, and the passion we have for one another. A huge thank you to all the parents who took part and gave their time to make this event so special. Your performances truly inspired us!

Reflecting on Faith: Our Ash Wednesday Journey

We marked Ash Wednesday, a special day of prayer and reflection. We received ashes as a sign of our faith and commitment to Lent. Father Peter and Mrs. Vaz also visited the little children to bless them with ashes. It was a meaningful time for everyone as we prepared our hearts for this season of renewal.

A Path of Solidarity: Exploring the Big Lent Walk

Lee Paris from CAFOD visited us to discuss the Big Lent Walk, inspiring us to engage in this meaningful initiative that promotes solidarity and support for those in need during the Lenten season.

CAFOD Representative Visit

On February 3rd, we hosted CAFOD representative Lee Paris, who helped us celebrate the Jubilee of Hope journey. Lee shared insights about CAFOD's mission and the importance of working together to support those in need worldwide. Children engaged in discussions about various initiatives promoting social justice and sustainable development. This visit inspired us to reflect on our roles as stewards of hope and reinforced our commitment to spreading love and kindness. It was a meaningful experience that deepened our connection to CAFOD’s work and the impact we can make as a community.

Interfaith Harmony Day Celebration

During Interfaith Harmony Day, our Prayer Leaders led an inspiring assembly to celebrate our similarities and differences. This special day highlighted the importance of friendship, peace and respect among people of all faiths. Through engaging discussions, the pupils explored how we can share our love and joy with one another, fostering a spirit of unity within our diverse community. The assembly served as a reminder that even though we may hold different beliefs, we can live in harmony and learn from each other. By embracing our diversity, we enrich our lives and strengthen the bonds that connect us all. It was a great experience that encouraged everyone to promote understanding and acceptance in our school and beyond.

Candlemas Celebration

The children gathered for Candlemas, a beautiful tradition that symbolises the light of Christ entering our lives. Each year group received a candle, representing their individual call to share Christ's light with the world. As they held their candles, the pupils reflected on the significance of this moment, understanding that they are called to be beacons of hope and love in their communities. The ceremony fostered a spirit of unity and purpose, encouraging the children to carry the message of faith throughout the year and to shine brightly in all they do. It was a meaningful experience that deepened their connection to their faith and to one another.

Celebrating the Feast of Epiphany

We gathered to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany, uniting our school community in faith. Led by Father Peter, we reflected on the significance of this feast, which recognises the Magi's visit to Jesus. With prayers and uplifting hymns, our children engaged in discussions about the journey of the Magi and their gifts. 

Christmas Nativity

The children have recreated the story of Jesus' birth, bringing this cherished narrative to life through their creativity. They crafted scenes of the nativity and acted out key moments, deepening their understanding of this significant event. Their enthusiasm shines through in their work, showcasing the humble manger and the arrival of the shepherds and wise men. We invite everyone to come and witness their wonderful creations, reflecting the love and joy of the Christmas story.

Advent art: Children's Carols for the church board

During this special time of preparing for the birth of Jesus, the children have created beautiful church pictures inspired by the theme of carols. They took their time to carefully design and craft their own class masterpieces, demonstrating creativity, dedication and a deep connection to the meaning behind the carols.

Advent Mass 

During the Advent Mass, we reflected on how Jesus encouraged us to stay strong in our faith, even during tough times. Fr. Peter reminded us to trust God and rely on His strength. This Advent season invited us to prepare our hearts, remaining hopeful and faithful as we awaited the joy of Jesus' coming. We sang songs to help us prepare for Advent and we thank Ava for beautifully singing "10,000 Reasons".

Remeberance Day 11th November

We gathered together for two minutes of silence to remember and reflect on the significance of this day. Thank you for taking this time to honour our shared memories.

All Saints Day- 1st November 

On All Saints' Day, Fr. Peter led our liturgy to remind us that we can all become saints by following in Jesus' footsteps. It was a meaningful reflection on our journey of faith and the call to holiness in our lives.

Join us for the rosary!

We are gathering daily to say prayers to Mary in our reflection area. These moments provide us with an opportunity to come together in reflection and deepen our spiritual connection. We invite everyone to join us as we seek peace and guidance through our prayers.

Harvest Mass Celebration 

We were truly blessed to have Fr. Baker lead our Harvest Mass. His thoughtful guidance and unwavering support greatly enriched our celebration, making it a meaningful experience for our school community. We sincerely appreciate his dedication and the inspiration he brings to us all.

Medway foodbank charity 

We were privileged to have Ruth from Medway foodbank visit us recently to discuss the incredible work her charity does. Ruth shared insightful information about the challenges faced by those in need within our community and the vital role that the foodbank plays in providing support and resources. Her passion for helping others was truly inspiring and she encouraged us to think about more ways for how we can contribute to this important cause.

St. Michael Feast Day 

On Monday, 30th September, we celebrated our St. Michael's Day by inviting Duggie Dug Dug to deliver the Crazy Science workshop. This engaging show inspired wonder and helped everyone better understand and appreciate the amazing world that God has created. It was a lively and interactive event designed to entertain and educate both children and adults about the wonders of science and faith. As a school, we had a fantastic time.

Feast of St. Michael Celebration Mass
On 2nd October, we celebrated the Feast of St. Michael with a special Mass led by our priest, Fr. Peter. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in organising this special event. Fr. Peter’s inspiring words guided us in reflecting on the significance of St. Michael, our patron, reminding us of the values of courage, protection and unwavering faith. His message encouraged us to embody these virtues in our lives, strengthening our commitment to one another and our community.

Beginning of Year Mass - St. George's Cathedral in London
We gathered together to celebrate the Beginning of Year Mass at St. George’s Cathedral in London, responding to the words of Archbishop John Wilson. Traveling alongside our friends from St. John Fisher School made our journey even more special, fostering a spirit of unity and togetherness. The Mass was filled with hymns and inspiring messages that encouraged us to embrace the new academic year with renewed purpose. Archbishop Wilson’s words reminded us of the importance of faith, hope and love in our lives. Leaving the cathedral, we felt grateful and committed to supporting one another in our endeavors. As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this celebration with us.

Beginning of Year Mass - Aylesford Priory
We were grateful to attend the Beginning of the Year Mass at Aylesford Priory on Tuesday 24th September 2024. Organised by the Kent Catholic Schools Partnership, the event brought together schools to celebrate the start of the new academic year and strengthen our faith. It was a meaningful experience that united us in prayer and reflection. The atmosphere of the Priory provided the perfect backdrop for our gathering, allowing us to focus on our spiritual journey ahead and the importance of community. A big thank you to Sophia-Maria for the beautiful artwork representing peace, presented at the Aylesford Priory Mass. The creation added a special touch to the event and inspired everyone who was present. The artwork served as a visual reminder of the harmony which we seek in our lives and the importance of fostering kindness and understanding in our interactions. Throughout the Mass, we felt a profound sense of connection, not only to our faith but also to one another. As we move forward into the year, let us carry the spirit of this gathering with us, encouraging each other to grow further in faith and compassion.

Whole School Celebrations:

Religious Festivals 2023-2024

Lent 

Candlemas

All Faiths Week

Epiphany Mass

Christmas Nativity 

Christmas Gift Appeal

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the entire school community for their generous contributions to the Christmas Gift Appeal for the Catholic Children's Society. The spirit of giving during this festive season has truly shone through, creating a brighter Christmas for those less fortunate. Thank you for embodying the true meaning of Christmas and for making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Advent Mass- Wednesday 6th December 2023

On 6th December, the entire school gathered for a special Advent Mass led by our Fr Peter. During the ceremony, our priest incorporated the school intentions box, a vessel filled with the collective hopes and prayers of our community. This unique gesture brought unity as we collectively offered our intentions during the service. The atmosphere was reverent, providing a meaningful moment for reflection and connection within our school community.

The meaning of the Advent candles

Advent is a time of hope, a time of faith, a time of joy and a time of peace.

The first candle is the candle of hope sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets especially Isaiah who foretold the birth of Christ. The second candle is the candle of faith and it is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The third candle, the Rose one, is the candle of joy and it is called the “Shepherd’s candle and is rose because rose is the liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is “Gaudete Sunday” and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at birth of Jesus, as well as, the joy that we have reached in the midpoint of Advent. The fourth candle is called the Angel’s candle and symbolises peace. It reminds us about the message of the angels “Peace on Earth and Good Will towards all”. 

St. Michael's children bless the Earth in National Tree Week

During the National Tree Week, our students enthusiastically participated in a tree-planting initiative, turning a patch of their school grounds into a budding forest. The saplings, generously donated by the Woodland Trust  were lovingly planted by the children with guidance from Mrs Champ and blessings from our priest Fr Peter. This collaborative effort not only contributed to the local greenery but also instilled a sense of environmental responsibility in the young hearts of St. Michael's.

The Feast of Saint Cecilia 22nd November

The pupils joyfully celebrated the Feast of Saint Cecilia, immersing themselves in the beauty of music and hymns. Inspired by the courage of Saint Cecilia, they reflected beautifully about being courageous and how to use their talents to help each other out.

All Saints Mass

As a whole school, we cherished the moments when children attended All Saints Mass. It was a precious moment, seeing the pupils and staff embrace cherished traditions and allowing the hope of spirituality to shine brightly in the shared journey. During the Mass, Fr Peter reminded us of the beauty of faith through the eyes of the saints and why they are so important to admire. 

Harvest of Giving

As we unite to support our local Medway Food Bank during this year's Harvest season, it's heartwarming to witness the overwhelming generosity of our school community. The act of collecting donations from our students and staff reflects our collective commitment to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Each contribution, no matter how big or small, embodies the spirit of compassion and selflessness. Together, we are sowing the seeds of kindness, ensuring that our Harvest season is not only one of abundance but also of goodwill and empathy. 

Harvest Mass- Wednesday 11th October 2023

Today, our school hosted a heartwarming Harvest Mass presided over by a retired priest Fr Baker, who continues to be an integral part of our community. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and unity as students, teachers and staff gathered to celebrate the bountiful Harvest of the season. The priest delivered a touching sermon, emphasising the importance of sharing and giving thanks for the gifts of nature.

Following the Mass, Fr Baker blessed the food that would be donated to those in need, reinforcing the spirit of charity that our school stands for. It was a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear and a beautiful way to come together as a school family.

The Rosary Prayer 

Every day, the children at our school come together in the Reflection Area to say a prayer to Mary. This daily ritual is a beautiful and unifying tradition, fostering a sense of community and spirituality among the students. It's a moment of quiet reflection, where the children connect with their faith and with each other. This practice not only strengthens their spiritual values but also creates a sense of togetherness and peace in our school environment. We welcome parents and carers to come and join us every day at 3pm in our school Reflection Area.

Harvest Festival displays 

We decorated our school with the beauty of nature to set the festive mood. A positive atmosphere filled the air, knowing that our harvest would not only bring joy to our celebration but also provide for those in need through our food donations.

Feast of Saint Michael

The school buzzed with excitement as everyone came together to celebrate the Feast of Saint Michael. We had a mass to celebrate that special day of the year and reflected on how we can be like our patron. The day was filled with games, music, stories about Saint Michael and delicious ice creams fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for everything that has been given to us.

Deanery Mass at St. John Fisher School

On 20th September we gathered in one place, united by our faith and shared an educational journey with other Catholic schools. It was a positive tone for the year ahead, reminding us of the importance of community and spirituality in our academic pursuits.

Beginning of Year Mass at St. Michael's Church 

On Wednesday 13th September, we celebrated the start of the new school year together as a school community by sharing a beautiful Mass. With hearts filled with gratitude for the privilege of being followers of Jesus Christ, we thank Jesus for the light and guidance that He brings into our lives.

Prayer Liturgy (Collective Worship) and RSHE 

Upcoming Masses for 2024-2025

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3 

Term 4

Collective Worship

We believe that Christian worship in a Catholic school is concerned with giving glory, honour, praise and thanks to God. It is our loving response, in word and action to God’s invitation to enter into a relationship, made possible through the work of Jesus Christ and the witness of the Holy Spirit.

Click on the link below to look at each year group's collective worship

Religion Termly Newsletters 2024-2025

Termly newsletters are sent out to all parents to let them know what topics we are covering and special dates that you can celebrate at home whilst the children discuss them at school. Please see the below for all of our newsletters.

Circle Values

Our Catholic ethos is central to all that we do. We promote our school C.I.R.C.L.E values which are in keeping with our distinctive Catholic nature.

Diocesan Report

RE and Catholic Life Inspections (Section 48)

Every school in the Archdiocese of Southwark is inspected under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. These inspections evaluate the Catholic life of the school, the provision and quality of collective worship, as well as all areas of RE. This inspection process helps ensure that all Catholic schools continue to develop in order to fulfil their mission of making Christ know.

There are two types of School Inspection. Section 5 is the OFSTED whole school Inspection and Section 48 is the RE Inspection that is carried out in schools that have a religious character. OFSTED has no remit to inspect the RE provision in a school designated as having a religious character and do not pass judgement on this area of school life in their inspection process at St Michael's RC Primary and Nursery

Catholic life is judged against the following grade descriptors:

• The Catholic Life of the school
• Collective Worship

Leadership of Catholic life and collective worship is judged against the following grade descriptors:

• Leadership of Catholic life and collective worship

Religious Education is judged against the following grade descriptors:

• Leadership of Religious Education
• How well pupils achieve and enjoy their learning in Religious Education
• The quality of teaching and how purposeful learning is in Religious Education
• The Curriculum in Religious Education and the “Catholic Curriculum”

RE and Catholic Life Inspections take place every 5 years with an interim monitoring visit on the third year to ensure that all previous judgements are still sound and to review progress.

Please read our most recent Section 48 Report here

Policies

Visit our polices page to see our catholic life policies.

The Way the Truth and the Life

We follow 'The Way, The Truth and The Life' scheme as the main teaching resource to support the teaching of the RE curriculum. This scheme of work exposes the children to the full catholic teaching and allows the children to embed its teaching practices in their daily lives. Our teaching provides creative and cross-curricular links with Art, English, Geography and History. Children will also have a clear and a deeper understanding of the stories written in the Bible and how to reflect on the significance and the importance in their lives.

Life to the Full

In St. Michael's we use the “Ten Ten” programme, Life to the Full. Taught with a spiral approach to learning, the programme includes teaching about personal health, physical and emotional well-being, strong emotions, private parts of the body, personal relationships, family structures, trusted adults, growing bodies, puberty, periods, life cycles, the dangers of social media, where babies come from, an understanding of the Common Good and living in the wider world.

The entire teaching is underpinned with a Christian faith understanding that our deepest identity is as a child of God – created, chosen and loved by God. The programme is fully inclusive of all pupils and their families.