Catholic Life at St Teresa's
At St Teresa's Catholic Primary School, Christ is at the heart of everything we do. Inspired by our patron saint, St Teresa of Lisieux, we strive to live out our mission each day:
"Do the Little Things Well"
St Teresa believed that great holiness is found in ordinary acts of love. She called this her "Little Way" – carrying out everyday tasks with kindness, care and generosity. At St Teresa's, this continues to shape our school community. We encourage our children to do the little things well through their learning, friendships, prayer, play and service to others.
We are proud to be a welcoming school community where every child is recognised as a unique gift from God. We welcome and value families of all faiths and none, working together to create an environment where everyone can flourish.
Living Our Faith Every Day
Catholic Life is woven throughout everything we do. Through prayer, worship, Religious Education, Catholic Social Teaching and charitable outreach, our children develop a deeper relationship with God and an understanding of their responsibility to care for others.
Each week, children reflect on our Trust virtues, Catholic Social Teaching principles and British Values, considering how they can put these into action in their daily lives and become agents of positive change in the world around them.
Prayer, Liturgy and Worship
Prayer is central to life at St Teresa's. Children participate in daily prayer, Celebration of the Word, whole-school liturgies, Masses and opportunities for reflection throughout the year.
Pupils play an active role in planning and leading worship, helping to create meaningful experiences that bring our school community together in faith.
Faith in Action
We believe that faith should be lived as well as learned.
Through our Mini Vinnies, Faith Leaders and class charity programme, children are encouraged to serve others and become courageous advocates for those in need.
Throughout the year, we support local, national and global charities through:
- CAFOD fundraising campaigns
- The Reverse Advent Calendar and food bank collections
- Class charity projects and fundraising initiatives
- Community outreach with local organisations
- Environmental and stewardship projects
- Acts of service inspired by Catholic Social Teaching
Our Social Outreach Journey helps children understand that they can make a difference, whether in Hartlepool, across the United Kingdom or around the world.
Pupil Leadership
Children are empowered to take an active role in shaping the Catholic Life of the school through leadership opportunities including:
- Mini Vinnies
- Faith Leaders
- Prayer and Liturgy Leaders
- Eco Team
- School Council
- Charity Ambassadors
These groups help pupils develop leadership, stewardship, compassion and a commitment to serving others.
Working Together in Faith
We recognise that parents are the first educators of their children in faith. Through Stay and Pray sessions, parish links, liturgical celebrations and community events, we work closely with families to nurture the spiritual development of every child.
Together, we seek to create a community where faith is encountered, celebrated and lived, enabling every child to grow in relationship with God and fulfil their God-given potential.
At St Teresa's, we believe that by doing the little things well, we can make a big difference in God's world.
All Catholic Schools are subject to a Diocesan Inspection under Section 48 of the Education Act 2005. View the report from the 2019 inspection below. The school was reported as Good.