At St. Mary’s, we take great pride in our ‘Shepherds and Sheep’ program, a unique approach designed to create a caring and supportive environment for our children. In this approach, our Year 6 children, known as the ‘Shepherds,’ take on the meaningful role of guiding and mentoring our youngest pupils, the Reception children, affectionately referred to as the ‘Sheep.’

The ‘Shepherds and Sheep’ approach is grounded in the belief that each child can thrive with encouragement and guidance. Our Year 6 Shepherds help the Sheep feel welcomed and supported in their first year at St. Mary’s, offering companionship, direction, and reassurance. This mentorship helps build confidence and a sense of belonging among our youngest students, while fostering responsibility and empathy in our older children.

Throughout the year, the Shepherds and Sheep engage in a variety of shared activities, whether it’s reading together, working on collaborative projects, or simply enjoying each other’s company. These interactions forge meaningful connections that reflect the values at the heart of our faith community.