St James Catholic Primary School receives award for charitable work
St James Catholic Primary School in Hebburn has received the Oscar Romero Award at Participator level for its work supporting social justice and the local community.
The school, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, a Schools North East Partner Trust, has been recognised for the work pupils have undertaken to support others and make a positive difference in their local community.
The Oscar Romero Award is inspired by the life and example of Saint Oscar Romero, the Catholic Archbishop who spoke out for poor and oppressed people. The award encourages young people to develop their understanding of social justice, human dignity and solidarity with those who are most vulnerable.
As part of the award, pupils at St James have taken part in a range of activities, including gardening at a local cemetery and supporting their local food bank.
Year 6 pupil Emily, 10, said: “I enjoy helping the community such as gardening at the local cemetery. The award helped me to carry on the great work of Oscar Romero and Pope Francis.”
Fellow Year 6 pupil Thomas, 11, said: “I enjoyed the Oscar Romero Award process because I like helping the hungry people at the local food bank. This made me feel special as I was supporting the most vulnerable people in our society.”
Head Teacher Francesca Heslop said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud to receive the Oscar Romero Award. It shows that St James Catholic Primary School stands alongside vulnerable people and works for justice following in Oscar Romero’s footsteps.
“It is a wonderful recognition of the way our children and staff put their faith into action every day, showing kindness, compassion and a commitment to making a difference. This award belongs to our whole school community and is a very special achievement for us all.”
The award recognises the ongoing work of pupils and staff at St James Catholic Primary School to support their community and put their values into action.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Schools are at the heart of communities across the North East, and St James is showing what that means in practice. Whether pupils are supporting their local food bank or caring for a community space, they are seeing that they have the ability to make a difference to the place and the people around them.
“We talk a lot about the role our schools play in strengthening communities, often quietly and without recognition. This award shines a light on that work and, importantly, on a school giving its pupils a meaningful role within it.
“Congratulations to the pupils, staff and whole St James community on a thoroughly deserved achievement.”
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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