R.E. Council
St. Paul’s is proud to be part of an inclusive, inviting and holistic community, which promotes the teachings of the Catholic faith, ensuring that we help our children to develop as individuals and prepare to go out into the world as good, Catholic citizens.
With the support of our local parishes, the wider group from the Arundel and Brighton Diocese and our school community, we truly feel that we have developed a positive ethos for the children and staff to live by within our school.
‘We journey together; loving learning; daring to discover;
caring for all; with Jesus as our guide.’
Our school mission statement is an integral part in helping the children in our school to uphold the values of our faith, which are championed and demonstrated with passion and dedication by our R.E. Council members.
Each year, the children in Key Stage 2 (KS2) have the opportunity to apply to become an R.E. Council member. The children are asked to conduct a presentation demonstrating their passion for our faith and what they hope to bring to the R.E. Council if they are successful in their application.
Should they be selected to become an R.E. Council member, the children are given an R.E. Council badge so that they can be recognised by everyone in the community as a champion of our religious beliefs and values. The children are also invited to attend weekly R.E. Council meetings and, in doing so, become a voice on behalf of all the pupils at St. Paul’s.
Some of the initiatives led by the R.E. Council in recent years include:
- The official opening of our Prayer Garden by Bishop Richard in 2021
- Delivering a weekly Gospel assembly for the whole school
- Lunchtime Rosary clubs during the ‘Months of Mary’ (May and October)
- Planning whole-school masses and collective worship
- Setting up a prayer club
- Maintaining the Mary’s Garden area
Some of the initiatives led by the R.E. Council in recent years include:
- The official opening of our Prayer Garden by Bishop Richard in 2021
- Delivering a weekly Gospel assembly for the whole school
- Lunchtime Rosary clubs during the ‘Months of Mary’ (May and October)
- Termly Christian meditation sessions for each class
- Planning whole-school masses and collective worship
- Organising and leading a surprise assembly for Father Rob’s 60th birthday
The R.E. Council were asked questions about how they view the importance of their role at St. Paul’s. Below is a selection of their responses:
‘R.E. council helps tell us how we can lean more about God and use his
example in our lives.’ Buddy, Year 5
‘Being an R.E. leader is my favourite thing and we can help others in the
school, the community and other countries too.’ Lara, Year 3
‘I want to help others to be able to reflect on how they can be better by
following Jesus’ example.’ Aoife Year 3
‘Through R.E. council you can share your own belief in Christ and him
being holy. You can be proud of your faith and share this with other
people.’ Jonny Year 4