Our Gospel Values and Virtues
At St Philomena’s, our mission is at the heart of our life together. It is expressed through three core values rooted in scripture:
Excellence
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23
Excellence means encouraging every child to recognise and develop their God-given gifts. We teach our children to work with commitment, perseverance and pride, always striving to be the best that they can be, not simply for personal success, but so that their gifts can be used for the good of others and for the glory of God.
Respect
“Love your neighbour as yourself.”
Mark 12:31
Respect is rooted in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and therefore has unique dignity and worth. We teach our children to treat others with kindness, compassion and fairness, to value difference and to show respect through their words, choices and actions.
Community
“Serve one another humbly in love.”
Galatians 5:13
Community reminds us that we belong to one another. At St Philomena’s, we encourage children to build positive relationships, serve others generously and recognise their responsibility to contribute to the common good. Together, as a school, parish and family community, we seek to create a place where everyone is known, valued and supported.
Virtues to Live By
Our three school values of Excellence, Respect and Community provide the foundation for our school mission. Alongside these, our Virtues to Live By programme supports children in developing the Catholic virtues and qualities that help them to live out their faith.
Each month, children focus on a particular virtue, exploring its meaning through Scripture, the example of the saints, prayer, collective worship, Religious Education, Catholic Social Teaching and their experiences in school. The virtues help our children understand that our mission is not simply something we say, it is something we live. Through their thoughts, words and actions, children are encouraged to grow in faith and character and to use their God-given gifts in the service of others.
Our virtues are organised across a two-year cycle, allowing children to explore a rich range of qualities and understand how they can put them into practice at school, at home and in the wider community.
