R.E. News

Living Our Faith Through Catholic Social Teaching

This term, our Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 students have been deeply engaged in learning about Catholic Social Teaching (CST). At St Martin de Porres, CST is far more than a topic studied in Religious Education. It is at the heart of who we are. These principles guide how we treat one another, care for our community, and live out the Gospel in our everyday lives.

Throughout the term, students have explored the seven Catholic Social Teaching principles that help us put our faith into action.

The Seven Catholic Social Teaching Principles at SMDP

Human Dignity

Every person is created in the image and likeness of God and deserves love, respect, and care.

The Common Good

Working together to create a community where everyone can flourish and no one is left behind.

Subsidiarity and Participation

Recognising that every person has a voice and a responsibility to contribute to decisions that affect their lives.

Preferential Option for the Poor

Showing particular concern for those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, or in need.

Solidarity

Understanding that we are one human family and standing alongside others in support and compassion.

Stewardship of God's Creation

Caring for the environment and using Earth's resources responsibly and sustainably.

Promotion of Peace

Building relationships based on justice, understanding, reconciliation, and respect.

Year 5/6 Catholic Social Teaching Challenge

To deepen their understanding, our Year 5/6 students participated in a Catholic Social Teaching Challenge, applying their learning to real issues within our school community.

Using a religious lens, students selected a CST principle, focusing on Human Dignity, Stewardship of God's Creation, or a Preferential Option for the Poor, and explored relevant Scripture passages to strengthen their understanding. They then identified genuine challenges within our school, developed creative and practical solutions, and designed prototypes to bring their ideas to life. Their projects ranged from environmental initiatives and community building programs to awareness campaigns that promote inclusion and wellbeing.

As part of the challenge, students experienced a real world application process by formally presenting their proposals through email submissions to me.

I was impressed by the quality, empathy, and insight demonstrated in the proposals I received from our Year 5/6 students. Their ideas were thoughtful, innovative, and deeply grounded in Catholic values. Suggestions included introducing a school therapy dog, creating lunchtime clubs that support student wellbeing, and implementing strategies to reduce bullying and strengthen inclusion. It was inspiring to see our senior students leading with such compassion, creativity, and initiative.

We are incredibly proud of how our students have embraced Catholic Social Teaching this term. Their learning has shown that these principles are not simply ideas we discuss in the classroom. We look forward to exploring some of the students' suggestions and seeing how we can incorporate their ideas into our school.

Lucas Mangani

Deputy Principal | RE Leader